Tiger Aircraft LLC displayed its newest enhancement, an
FAA-certified Garmin G1000 Advanced Integrated Avionics System, in
its AG-5B Tiger airplane at Oshkosh 2005.
“The FAA certification of this advanced avionics system is
the result of a lot of coordination and teamwork between Tiger,
Garmin, and the FAA New York Aircraft Certification Office”
stated Gene Criss, President of Tiger Aircraft LLC. “We are
pleased to offer this integrated system that will enhance safety
and provide additional information to pilots in the Tiger’s
luxurious full-leather standard interior.”
The twin-screen system features
10.4-inch glass displays for the PFD and MFD, both of which include
1024 x 768 resolution and wide-angle viewing, even in bright
sunlight. Covering the navigation functions, the system is
WAAS-capable; it contains IFR GPS; and it has VHF/ILS with VHF
output of 16 watts. There is a built-in attitude and heading
reference system (AHRS), traffic information service (TIS), and
terrain proximity alerting and a Mode S transponder. Crisp digital
audio comes courtesy of the GIA 63 dual integrated radio system
that runs through the GMA 1347 digital audio control panel.
S-TEC’s System 30 autopilot (with altitude hold) and
available GPSS further ease the pilot’s workload. Additional
options include Infotainment and weather information via the Garmin
GDL 69A with XM radio and satellite weather along with display of
the WX-500 Stormscope information on the MFD.
To keep track of the AG-5B Tiger’s 180 horsepower
Lycoming, the MFD can show current, trend, or maximum levels on
important powerplant parameters. Fuel quantity and pressure
information is also displayed with warning annunciations for any
“out-of-range” indications.
“Ease of operation and enhanced information systems help
pilots with navigation, weather, terrain, communication, and
situational awareness,” said Mat Goodman, Senior Vice
President, Sales and Marketing.
The Garmin G1000 system is designed for long life: it is easily
maintainable, repairable and upgradeable due to its rack design
with line-replaceable unit (LRU) convenience. A full compliment of
back-up flight information gauges, including full-size airspeed,
artificial horizon and altimeter are prominently located in the
center of the instrument panel.
“Keeping track of navigation and engine monitoring is a
great aid to the pilot,” Goodman noted, “and it thus
gives our pilots more time to look outside the cockpit, to enjoy
the flying experience that has made the Tiger famous.”
The upgraded Tiger, featuring the G1000 panel and many standard
items usually found on other airplanes’ option lists, carries
a price of $274,500. Customers’ aircraft are currently on the
production line with deliveries commencing in August,
2005.