Garmin Casting Its Net A LOT Wider

Continuing its major product announcements Sunday at AirVenture 2006, Garmin filled ANN in on its new G900X avionics suite, which will be available on a number of leading homebuilt aircraft -- including Lancair's IV/IV-P and ES/ES-P, and Van's RV-10, RV-9/9A, and RV-7/7A.

This is the first time Garmin has offered an all-glass panel for homebuilt airframes.

"The G900X is a highly reliable system that dramatically increases safety of flight and situational awareness," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president of marketing. "We are confident that our industry-leading technology and core principles -- commitment to quality, reliability, service, and value -- will make the G900X an extremely popular avionics suite with kitplane owners."

The G900X integrates all primary flight, navigation, communication, terrain, traffic, surveillance, weather, and engine sensor data into two 10.4-inch, high-definition LCDs.  The color TFT displays on the G900X suite boast XGA (1,024x768-pixel) resolution with wide viewing angles. Customized brackets will help simplify the assembly process and allow homebuilders to install sensitive instruments with the assurance that the Garmin G900X certified distributor will approve the installation. The G900X distributor-supplied installation package also includes the wiring harness and installation drawings.

The following G900X system components will be available for Lancair and Van's owners and builders:

• The primary flight display (PFD) to replace many of the traditional cockpit instruments. The G900X presents this information in an integrated fashion on a large-format display, and the multi-function display (MFD) puts all aircraft-systems monitoring and flight-planning functions at the pilot's fingertips
• Designed with reversionary capabilities, allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display for added safety during flight
• Solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts
• Digital Air Data Computer
• Engine-monitoring display
• Mode S transponder with Traffic Information Service (TIS)
• Dual integrated radio modules that provide WAAS-certified IFR oceanic-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing
• Digital audio control system
• Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams that help pilots navigate unfamiliar airports
• Optional integrated satellite weather datalink and digital-quality audio via XM Satellite Radio
• Optional remote Flight Management System (FMS) controller for simplified waypoint, navigation, and communication tuning and selection
• Optional integrated Class-B Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) with worldwide terrain and U.S. obstacle database, which does not require and external LRU as with other TAWS systems

The G900X will be available in the first quarter of 2007 at a suggested retail price of $66,745 through Garmin G900X qualified distributors.

FMI: www.garmin.com