New GPS 20A Provides Cost-Effective Path For Meeting ADS-B Requirements In EAB/LSA
OLATHE, Kan. July 16, 2015 — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the GPS 20A, an ADS-B Out compliant WAAS GPS position source for experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA). For experimental aircraft owners that already have a Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder such as the GTX 23ES, the non-certified GSP 20A provides aircraft owners with a simple, rule-compliant WAAS position source, which meets the TSO performance requirements set forth by the FAA. Additionally, the new, more capable GMC 307 autopilot control panel provides complete autopilot mode control, now including heading and altitude select knobs, while the GSU 25B ADAHRS provides high-performance aircraft with highly accurate air data, attitude and heading information for display on G3X™ and G3X Touch. In addition to these three new products, new software for the GTN™ 650/750 touchscreen series products also enables pilots to tune the GTN COMM/NAV radio(s) from the G3X Touch display.
“We continue to be aggressive in this market by developing innovative products that our customers are asking for and are excited about,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “We’re also thrilled to take advantage of our heritage in developing rule-compliant WAAS GPS systems to bring the GPS 20A to this market. This simple, cost-effective solution is ideal for thousands of VFR pilots who own experimental and LSA aircraft that need to meet ADS-B Out requirements.”
GPS 20A ADS-B WAAS Position Source
The GPS 20A provides thousands of experimental amateur-built and LSA customers with a simple, low-cost ADS-B Out position source. Highly accurate WAAS/SBAS position information is provided by the GPS 20A and is compatible with a wide range of 1090 ES transponders, so customers have an economical path to meet the ADS-B Out position requirements of 14 CFR 91.227. Aircraft owners looking for a simple path to 2020 compliance are provided a timely solution that meets the necessary performance requirements.
Garmin and G3X Touch customers who have incorporated the GTX 23ES Mode S transponder or a GTX 330ES transponder in their EAB/LSA aircraft, can easily install the GPS 20A by connecting a single RS-232 interface to provide Garmin ADS-B data to the transponder to make their system ADS-B Out compliant. The GPS 20A communicates with all installed G3X and G3X Touch displays to provide a source of high quality WAAS GPS data to the system.
The GPS 20A may also be paired with compatible third-party Mode S transponders. Additionally, a secondary interface can optionally provide industry standard GPS data to third-party systems, which can be utilized as a highly accurate WAAS GPS data source.
The GPS 20A is not an FAA-approved product and thus is not eligible for installation in certified aircraft.
GMC 307 Autopilot Control Panel
Expanding upon the popular GMC 305, the new GMC 307 autopilot control panel gives pilots additional features most-requested by customers. The addition of heading and altitude select knobs combines all of the autopilot controls into one efficient control panel to reduce pilot workload. Similar to the GMC 305, a built-in control wheel also supports pitch, vertical speed, altitude and airspeed adjustments. Standard functions with the autopilot control panel include airspeed hold, yaw damper, independent flight director and an advanced Level (LVL) mode button, which helps restore the aircraft to straight and level flight. Contributing to an easy upgrade path, the GMC 307 connector and wiring is identical to a GMC 305, so customers who have provisioned for the GMC 305 can easily upgrade to the new GMC 307 autopilot control panel. Because the autopilot servos interface directly with the ADAHRS, the GMC 307 allows for standalone operation of the autopilot as part of the G3X and G3X Touch system.
GSU 25B High-Performance ADAHRS
For high-performance aircraft that exceed 300 knots indicated airspeed, the new GSU 25B provides highly accurate air data, attitude, heading and angle of attack information for display on G3X and G3X Touch systems. Airspeed up to 465 knots indicated is supported by the GSU 25B. For added redundancy, G3X customers may optionally install up to three ADAHRS systems.
Additional G3X Touch Functionality
In addition to these new products, pilots receive added functionality between G3X Touch and the GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigators. The latest GTN software provides G3X Touch owners the option to tune the COMM/NAV frequency, control radio volume and swap active/standby COM frequencies of the GTN, from the G3X Touch display.
Team X is committed to offering industry leading avionics and ADS-B solutions to the experimental market, which are backed by Garmin’s award-winning aviation product support team. The GPS 20A WAAS GPS is expected to be available for $845*. The GPS 20A, GA 35 WAAS antenna and install kit is available for $1,225*. Additionally the GMC 307 is expected to be available for $1,099* and the GSU 25B is expected to be available for $1,499*. All three new products are anticipated to become available Q3 2015. For additional information, visit: www.garmin.com/experimental.
