Garmin introduces Doppler-capable weather radar for business jets and other general aviation aircraft
OLATHE, Kan., 22 July 2012. Garmin International Inc. in Olathe, Kan., is introducing the GWX 70 solid-state weather radar for general aviation aircraft. The GWX 70 has advanced Doppler-enabled features affordable enough to appeal to operators of business jets and propeller-driven aircraft, Garmin officials say.
The GWX 70 combines range and adjustable scanning profiles with precision target definition for real-time weather analysis in the cockpit.
The GWX 70 is packaged in an all-in-one antenna/receiver/transmitter for installation in a wide variety of aircraft. Available antenna sizes include 10, 12, and 18 inches. The altitude compensated tilt (ACT) feature helps reduce pilot workload by eliminating the need to reset the antenna tilt with changes in aircraft altitude.
The pilot adjusts the GWX 70 once to the desired tilt angle, and the radar will adjust automatically to that level during any change in altitude to enable the pilot to focus on other important tasks in the cockpit.
Garmin’s weather attenuated color highlight feature (WATCH) helps identify the shadowing effects of storm cells by highlighting areas where radar signals are weakened and may not fully reflect the storm behind the storm, Garmin officials say.
The GWX 70 offers horizontal scan angles as wide as 120 degrees. To focus radar scanning on a specific area of interest, the GWX 70 offers pilot-adjustable sector scanning from 20 degrees to 120 degrees. Ground mapping mode helps the pilot use the GWX 70 to scan terrain features for visual navigation.
The weather radar also includes a vertical scanning function to aid in analyzing storm tops, gradients and cell buildup activity at various altitudes. Optional Doppler-enabled advanced features include turbulence detection out to 40 nautical miles; and ground clutter suppression.
The GWX 70 is compatible with Garmin multifunction displays including the GTN series touchscreen avionics; the G1000, G2000, G3000, and G5000 integrated flight decks; the G500/G600; the MX 20; and the GMX 200.
The GWX 70 will be standard equipment on Cessna Citation 10, Citation Latitude, and Citation Longitude business jets, as well as Bombardier Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 business jet.
Garmin officials say they expect to receive technical standard orders (TSO) certification of the GWX 70 in August. For more information contact Garmin online at www.garmin.com.
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John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
