Amid product announcements in early March hailing the arrival of various devices that provide Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) compliance, Garmin International Inc. offered a new brand name, if not a new device. The Garmin Vantage product line groups various ADS-B devices made for both certified and experimental aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotorcraft.
The GDL 84 and GDL 88 (both priced at $3,995, plus installation) offer solutions for aircraft with or without existing avionics capable of displaying traffic and weather information. Transponders now in the Vantage line, the GTX 330 and GTX 33, can both transmit ADS-B Out via extended squitter, and satisfy the Jan. 1, 2020, mandate when paired with an approved wide area augmentation system (WAAS) GPS source. A GTX 330 installed without extended squitter capability can be upgraded for $1,200 (excluding installation), Garmin noted in the March 12 announcement.
Garmin created a new website to go with the Vantage brand, including features that allow aircraft owners to find the right upgrade path for a given aircraft using Garmin products.
Garmin also announced this month new versions of the GDL 84 and GDL 88 made for helicopters, priced somewhat higher than their fixed-wing counterparts.
The Garmin Vantage lineup also includes devices made for business and transport aircraft, which must also meet a Jan. 1, 2020, deadline to satisfy ADS-B Out requirements when operating in airspace where a Mode C transponder is currently required.
