The "EFIS Wars" Begin, In Earnest

Garmin, fresh from shocking the aero-world with their announcement of an impending buy-out of Uber-Competitor UPS AT, did some crowing in the final hours before oshkosh got started... in earnest.

Garmin International Inc., formally introduced their G1000 integrated avionics system at the AirVenture Fly-In located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The G1000 is a "revolutionary avionics suite" that provides important flight data -- flight instrumentation, navigation, communication, weather, terrain, traffic, and identification -- and presents it digitally to the pilot on two or three large, high-resolution displays.

While many of these components are not unique to cockpit systems currently in the field, the manner in which Garmin seamlessly integrates them into a single aircraft/flight management system is truly innovative.

"Our design goal with the G1000 is to transform the general aviation cockpit by providing our OEM partners with a completely integrated, all-glass avionics system that can be tailored to a broad range of aircraft," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's director of marketing. "Aircraft manufacturers have been attracted to the advanced technology and highly integrated architecture on the G1000 that allows them to provide their customers with a system that makes flying easier and delivers enhanced situational awareness on big, beautiful displays."

So far, the G1000 has been selected for Cessna's Citation Mustang and Diamond's DA42 Twin Star and other, pending, announcements were hinted at.

Major System Components Include...

• A flightdeck that boasts a 10-inch primary flight display (PFD) and 10- or 15-inch multi-function display (MFD) with XGA (1024x768) resolution, wide viewing angles and clear sunlight readability
• Dual integrated radio modules that provide WAAS-capable, IFR oceanic-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing -- built on the proven platform of the Garmin 400/500 avionics series
• Digital audio systems
• Integrated Mode S transponders with Traffic Information Service (TIS)
• Integrated solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS)
• Integrated RVSM-compatible digital air data computers
• Integrated four-color digital weather radar
• Integrated Class-B Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) with worldwide terrain and obstacle database
• Integrated Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS)

Garmin Touts "Scalability"

A three-display configuration of the G1000 system is also available by adding another PFD. In this case, most OEMs will offer dual transponders, dual air data computers, dual AHRS and dual audio systems. These optional configurations speak to the flexible design of the G1000. It can be scaled up to comply with the requirements of twin-turbine business jets or scaled down for installation in single- or twin-engine pistons, meeting the needs of many aircraft manufacturers.

Advanced Integration

Garmin demonstrates the intelligent design of the G1000 in the physical architecture of the avionics system and extensive use of modern data-bus technology, which combined reduces wire count and overall weight and simplifies installation and maintenance. The major system components can be inserted into a unique system rack and fitted for the aircraft. These line- replaceable units (LRUs) are architecturally integrated with sensors throughout the aircraft and transfer data seamlessly from these sensors to the PFD/MFD to deliver real-time information to the pilot regarding the aircraft and its environment.

Enhanced Situational Awareness

The G1000 system increases situational awareness by presenting aircraft performance, navigation, weather, terrain, and traffic information digitally on the large-format displays -- literally putting all flight-critical data at the pilot's fingertips. Garmin provides this data intuitively on the G1000 in a variety of ways, including the following:

• Flight instrumentation - Wide horizons; three-axis flight dynamics; air speed; altitude; vertical speed; Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) with 360-degree, arc and perspective modes
• Engine performance - All engine operational parameters for piston, turboprop and turbofan engines; engine trend data; exceedance monitoring
• Weather - Weather radar; satellite weather data link (via Weather Works and XM Radio); lightning-detection interfaces
• Terrain - Class-B TAWS; detailed topographic mapping
• Traffic - TIS data, using Garmin's Mode S technology; Traffic Avoidance System (TAS) interfaces; future expansion to accommodate emerging traffic-awareness technologies

The digital presentation of data "eliminates the need to scan multiple instruments, freeing the pilot to devote more time to flying the aircraft in heavy air traffic and reduced vertical spacing that is becoming increasingly prevalent."

Garmin expects to certify the G1000 system later this year for first OEM deliveries in early 2004.

FMI; www.garmin.com