Garmin announces GDL 50 ADS-B receiver

The GDL 50/50R’s wireless and hardwired compatibility includes the G3XTouch glass flight display, the aera 660, and aera 795/796 aviation portables, Garmin said in a news release. Wireless connectivity with the Garmin Pilot app is available for Apple and Android mobile devices.

“The GDL series is yet another example of how we’re committed to delivering a variety of ADS-B and SiriusXM solutions that provide unique benefits and capabilities beyond what is available on the market today,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “With the GDL series, we’re excited to bring modern, all-inclusive portable solutions that have superior battery life and exceptional features so pilots can easily access the benefits of ADS-B traffic and weather.”

The GDL 50, successor to the GDL 39 3D, combines dual-link ADS-B traffic, a wide range of Flight Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather products, GPS, and backup aircraft attitude information displayed on compatible Connext products using Bluetooth wireless technology or hardwired connections. The GDL 50 can receive FIS-B weather products including Nexrad imagery, METARs, TAFs, wind and temperatures aloft, pireps, notams, and more, the company said.

The GDL 50 continually downloads traffic and weather information in the background, even while the display is sleeping, giving pilots access to the most recent information, Garmin said. The ADS-B traffic picture is enhanced by TargetTrend and TerminalTraffic features, unique to Garmin products.

The GDL 50 also provides audible alerts to help pilots identify potential traffic conflicts while in flight. The GDL 50 features dual-link technology, receiving ADS-B In traffic on both 978 MHz and 1090 MHz frequencies for superior situational awareness.

“For aircraft that are properly equipped to meet ADS-B Out with a certified solution, the portable GDL 50 ADS-B In receiver provides an even better traffic picture by also receiving TIS-B traffic data from ground stations,” Garmin said.

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows the GDL 50 to receive ADS-B traffic, FIS-B weather, GPS, and backup aircraft attitude information for up to eight hours on a charge. On applicable devices, backup attitude information can be displayed within the synthetic vision or aircraft panel pages for use in VFR conditions, the company said.

The GDL 50 offers quick and convenient access to essential information throughout the cockpit with its capability to stream data to two additional devices simultaneously.

The GDL 50 and GDL 50R are available immediately for $849. For additional information and offer details, visit the Garmin website.

Garmin added that the GDL 51/51R, a portable SiriusXM receiver, and the GDL 52/52R, which combines SiriusXM and ADS-B receiving capabilities, also are available and being shipped.

“The introduction of the new GDL series completes the industry’s most comprehensive line-up of portable ADS-B In and SiriusXM aviation receivers,” Garmin said.