See EVERYTHING!!!

Diamond Aircraft Industries has JUST introduced the new Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) for new DA40 Diamond Stars. Garmin’s SVT presents a 3D depiction of terrain, obstacles and traffic on the G1000’s primary flightdisplay (PFD) so that the avionics panel replicates what pilots would see outside the cockpit on a clear day.

“With Diamond having been the launch platform for the Industry Standard G1000, it is only appropriate that we continue to lead by introducing this most modern of safety enhancements to general aviation,” said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft. “The technology is incredible, but what is really sensational is the price. Until now, Synthetic Vision of this quality was reserved for military or large jets, and cost several hundred thousand dollars. Garmin truly deserves credit for pioneering such affordable safety enhancements.”

The foundation of SVT is the depiction of 3D terrain, which is displayed on the PFD. Land, water and sky are clearly differentiated with shading and textures that are similar to the topographical colors found on the multi-function display (MFD) moving map. SVT works seamlessly to alert pilots of potential ground hazards by displaying terrain and obstacles which pose a threat to the aircraft with appropriate TAWS alert coloring. Other SVT features include a display of traffic on the PFD, obstacle displays which enlarge intuitively as the aircraft approaches them, and other useful tools like Pathways’ ‘flying rectangles’ which help the pilot stay on course whether flying en route legs or on arrivals, departures and approaches.

“Garmin’s SVT brings an unprecedented level of integration and awareness to pilots of G1000-equipped aircraft," says Gary Kelley, Garmin’s Vice President of Marketing. “SVT transforms the cockpit by accurately displaying synthetic terrain, flight hazards, flight path marker and highway-in-the-sky on the PFD so that the pilot maintains excellent airborne situational awareness even when flying in conditions of reduced visibility or darkness. This results in reduced pilot workload and safer flying.”

All new DA40’s delivered from the factory will be able to be equipped with Garmin SVT as an option, priced at $9,995. Retrofit eligibility and information for delivered aircraft will be released later in the year. Diamond is displaying the new SVT on its DA40 XLS at Sun ’n Fun, booth MD-023B, MD-024C.

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com