Touch Screen Flight Deck Chosen As Launch Avionics Platform

Kestrel Aircraft announced at EAA’s AirVenture 2013, that the GARMIN G3000 avionics suite has been chosen as the launch avionics platform for the Kestrel Aircraft, currently in development. The Garmin G3000 is the first touchscreen-controlled integrated flightdeck for light turbine aircraft and is designed specifically for Part 23 turbine aircraft.

Kestrel’s COO and Executive Vice President of Product Development, Steve Serfling, stated, “The Kestrel/Garmin team is focused on offering the full Garmin G3000 feature set into the Kestrel, while integrating the display and control of several aircraft systems into the already impressive G3000. I am excited to work with Garmin to bring our customers the most integrated cockpit in its class."

“Garmin is honored to be selected as the avionics provider for the Kestrel aircraft”, says Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our companies share similar visions of designing products that aim to exceed our customers’ expectations. We’re thrilled to partner with Kestrel and look forward to serving them in the years to come.” The Kestrel team is dedicated to developing an aircraft that offers the best possible flying experience.

Alan Klapmeier, Kestrel Aircraft CEO and President, states, “I have a passion for avionics; it is the critical aspect for the pilot-vehicle interface. So we are pleased to announce the Garmin G3000 as the launch avionics platform. The G3000’s wide aspect ratio screen provides great real estate for a very user-friendly interface with the pilot.” The G3000 builds upon G1000, offering the pilot a more intuitive way of interacting with the avionics. Pilot interface to the system is primarily through two touchscreen controllers that use intuitive icons. Put simply – just touch what you want to change.

Specifications for G3000 Kestrel Aircraft:

• Widescreen 14” PFD and MFD
• PFD capable of “60/40 mode”. Allows a MFD window to be displayed on the PFD
• MFD capable of 2 independent MFD panes or a single large one
• 3 Axis Autopilot
• Garmin ESP (Electronic Stability and Protection) 
• Graphical System Synoptics
• Dual GPS with WAAS (Capable of LPV approaches)
• Dual AHARS
• Mode S Transponder
• Electronic Charts
• Electronic Checklists
• Safetaxi

Klapmeier said during his news conference that there will options for avionics for the production Kestrel.

FMI: www.kestrel.aero