The GTN series for helicopters incorporates three
helicopter-specific databases including an obstacle
database that adds nearly 30,000 additional low-altitude
obstacles. A new terrain database has been enhanced to
show up to 2.5 arc second terrain resolution, among the
highest resolution terrain available in the industry.
This high-resolution data improves terrain alerting by
reducing nuisance alerts when operating at low levels.
Finally, the helicopter navigation database lets
operators navigate to over 7,000 additional heliports
without having to create user waypoints at these
locations.
Built-in HTAWS is optionally available to provide
operators with visual and audible alerts of potential
terrain and obstacle conflicts along the flight path.
Garmin HTAWS incorporates a high-resolution, five-color
terrain scale (red, orange, yellow, green and black) and
also gives voice callouts when descending below 500
feet. Voice callouts operate in all HTAWS modes, and
Garmin’s technology allows the pilot to select multiple
callouts, in one hundred foot intervals, descending from
500 to 100 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). There is also
an optional radar altimeter input to bring even greater
accuracy to those alerts. In addition, Garmin’s HTAWS
offers a Reduced Protection (RP) mode that allows
low-level operations with minimal alerting while
continuing to provide terrain and obstacle protection.
Because many helicopter missions require the use of
night vision goggles, the GTN series is optionally
available with NVG compatibility straight from the
factory, reducing the need for aftermarket NVG
modifications. To
further help reduce pilot workload, the GTN supports the
installation of remote switches on the cyclic or the
collective allowing the pilot to create fly-over Mark on
Target waypoints or remotely tune frequencies, all
without letting go of the controls. The GTNs can also
integrate with Garmin’s G500H™ flight display system for
optimal situational awareness. The
helicopter-specific optimizations for the GTN series
have received the FAA’s Technical Standard Order (TSO)
authorization, and deliveries are expected later this
month starting at $10,935. Garmin is currently pursuing
Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the
installation of the GTN series in several popular
helicopter models.
|