Garmin is offering three new products including one to aid owners of experimental amateur-built and light sport aircraft to comply with coming Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out requirements.
The GPS 20A, an ADS-B Out compliant WAAS GPS position source, is aimed at experimental amateur-built and light sport aircraft. For experimental aircraft owners that already have a Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder such as the GTX 23ES, the noncertified GSP 20A provides aircraft owners with a rule-compliant WAAS position source which meets FAA requirements.
The unit is compatible with a wide range of Mode S transponders, representing a shift for Garmin, which typically designs products to work only with other Garmin equipment.
Other products include a more capable GMC 307 autopilot control panel that provides autopilot mode control including heading- and altitude-select knobs.
Finally, the GSU 25B ADAHRS provides high-performance aircraft with accurate air data, attitude, and heading information for display on G3X and G3X Touch units.
“We continue to be aggressive in this market by developing innovative products that our customers are asking for and are excited about,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing, in a media release. “We’re also thrilled to take advantage of our heritage in developing rule-compliant WAAS GPS systems to bring the GPS 20A to this market. This simple, cost-effective solution is ideal for thousands of VFR pilots who own experimental and LSA aircraft that need to meet ADS-B Out requirements.”
The GPS 20A may also be paired with compatible third-party Mode S transponders. Additionally, a secondary interface can optionally provide industry standard GPS data to third-party systems, which can be utilized as a highly accurate WAAS GPS data source.
The GPS 20A is not an FAA-approved product and thus is not eligible for installation in certified aircraft.
The GPS 20A WAAS GPS is expected to be available for $845. The GPS 20A, GA 35 WAAS antenna, and install kit is available for $1,225. The GMC 307 is expected to be available for $1,099 and the GSU 25B is expected to be available for $1,499. All three new products are anticipated to become available later this year.
