Garmin launched two new products this week designed for the sport and recreational markets.
The Garmin G5 89 mm primary flight display and the GMA 245 audio panel were both released on Thursday, designed especially to fit in amateur-built experimental (AB[E]) and light sport aircraft.
The G5 is a compact PFD that can serve as either a back-up instrument to G3X or other EFIS systems or as a stand-alone instrument. It has a sunlight-readable LCD with built-in GPS and displays attitude, ground track, altitude, airspeed, groundspeed, vertical speed, slip/skid, course (lateral) deviation, vertical deviation and incorporates a dedicated HSI page.
More capabilities are available when integrated with G3X glass flight display, and when paired with Garmin’s compatible autopilot mode controllers and autopilot servos.
“With the G5 flight instrument, installation is quick and easy and the integration potential is limitless, which is key when it comes to designing an aircraft panel," said Garmin VP Carl Wolf.
"We’re excited to bring this innovative and safety promoting product to the experimental and light sport aircraft market and look forward to seeing how our customers uniquely incorporate it into the panels of their aircraft.”
The GMA 245 is a panel-mount audio panel with convenient and simple-to-use controls, while the GMA 245R is a remote-mount audio panel. Both are designed to interface with the G3X Touch flight display.
These Bluetooth-enabled audio panels contain advanced auto squelch, music bass boost, advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing and wireless integration with the VIRB XE camera.
“Team X, our dedicated experimental engineering team, continues to expand the unique feature set of G3X Touch with the GMA 245/245R by bringing home theater sound quality to the cockpit,” said Wolf.
“When selecting an audio panel for their homebuilt aircraft, pilots no longer have to settle for a minimal feature set due to price or lack of integration. With the new GMA 245/245R, pilots can take advantage of advanced audio capabilities with optimal integration and an intuitive user interface - all for a great price.”
The Garmin G5 is expected to retail for around $US1200 with the GMA 245 coming in at $US1325 and the remote-mount GMA 245R also at $US1200.
More info on both systems is on the Garmin website.