Garmin G1000 Heads List Of Upgrades On New GX Series
With a reputation for
providing fast, personal travel, Mooney Airplane Company will
unveil two new models – Ovation 2 GX and Bravo GX –
featuring its top-line Garmin G1000™ panel plus comfort and
performance upgrades, at the 2004 AirVenture Oshkosh, July 27
through August 2. The new GX series offers enhanced pilot
information, improved situational awareness, increased performance
and added comfort.
New Panel Showcases Garmin’s G1000
The twin-screen system features 10-inch glass for the Primary
Flight Display and Multi-Function Display, both of which
incorporate wide-viewing angle screen technology and 1024 x 768
resolution. A pilot in a Mooney GX can rely on sunlight-readable
navigation that is full of features. From a navigational
standpoint, it is WAAS-capable, contains IFR oceanic GPS, and has
VHF/ILS with VHF spacing at 8.33 kHz. Instrumentation includes a
built-in attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), and GTX 33
Mode S transponder with traffic information service (TIS). Terrain
awareness and warning system (TAWS) will be an additional option
available in late 2004/early 2005. The pilot can also access
Garmin’s GDL69 satellite data link for graphic and textorial
weather data. Infotainment links and digital audio are available in
the dual integrated radio system.
“The new Garmin avionics suite afford easy and intuitive
transition from the popular G430/530 systems that have become so
popular in past years, and it offers a level of ease and
integration that should help pilots on all fronts: navigation,
weather, terrain, communication, and control and feedback,”
said David Copeland, vice president of sales and marketing for
Mooney Airplane Company.
To keep track of the TCM 550’s 280 horses or the Lycoming
T10-540’s 270 (depending on model), the MFD can show current,
trend, or maximum levels while monitoring important parameters
inside the cowl, while satellite weather data link (via Weather
Works and XM Radio) and lightning-detection interfaces help reveal
unknown conditions.
Offered on both the Ovation 2 GX and Bravo GX aircraft, the
Garmin G1000™ cockpit is designed for long life. It is easily
maintainable, repairable and upgradeable due to its rack design
with line-replaceable unit (LRU) convenience.
More Comfort, Convenience…and Performance Pilots will
also rely on the STEC 55X autopilot, standard in the GX models, for
roll and pitch control. Traditional full-size airspeed, artificial
horizon and altimeter are also included on the panel.
“Electronics’ monitoring can be stressful for the
pilot,” Copeland said.
“This system helps relieve a lot of that stress. Coupled
with our other amenities, there isn’t a more competent piston
single in the sky.”
The G1000™ joins other aircraft features, including
supple, six-way adjustable leather seats with comfortable lumbar
support, standard Precise Flight speedbrakes, TKS Known Ice System,
a 115.7 cubic foot oxygen system (standard on the higher-flying
Bravo) and an optional 25,000 BTU air conditioning system to help
reduce other worries and discomforts, at altitude and on the
taxiway.
Additionally, the Ovation 2 GX will feature a new, 3-blade
Hartzell propeller, specifically designed for this application. The
new prop, with a scimitar blade profile and redesigned tips,
provides much-enhanced takeoff and climb performance and a quieter
cruise.
The entire GX upgrade adds $20,000 to the base price of either
the Ovation 2 or Bravo. While FAA certification and deliveries are
expected in September, Mooney officials say preliminary customer
acceptance is high.
Mooney Airplane Company is a general aviation manufacturer
headquartered in Kerrville, Texas. Mooney currently sells five
models of the M20, the highest performing four-place,
single-engine, piston-powered aircraft -- the Bravo DX and GX; the
Ovation2 DX and GX, and the Ovation. Since its inception in 1954,
the company has manufactured and delivered more than 10,000
aircraft worldwide. Today, 7,000 customers in the United States and
1,000 more overseas fly these proven, high-performance
airplanes.