OLATHE, Kan., 4 Nov. 2005. Garmin International Inc. today announced that Columbia Aircraft has selected Garmin's G1000 integrated avionics suite as the new avionics package for the Columbia 350 and Columbia 400 aircraft.
The G1000 system is incorporated into an instrument panel designed by Garmin which provides elegant automotive styling and enhanced ergonomics for the pilot. In addition, Columbia will be the first manufacturer to integrate Garmin's new GCU 476 full alpha-numeric keypad that allows pilots to perform virtually all MFD functions from a convenient pedestal-mounted keypad.
The GCU 476 is a pedestal-mounted, alpha-numeric keypad that allows pilots to complete FMS, navigation, and communication functions from the keypad, in addition to the bezels around the PFD and MFD. The keypad's ergonomic and straight-forward design assists to decrease pilot workload by offering a faster way to plan flights and manage communication & navigation frequencies. In addition, pilots may use the GCU 476's joystick to pan and select information on the PFD or MFD.
"Garmin has provided Columbia with an avionics suite that offers total integration, proven reliability, and high-performance," said Randy S. Bolinger, Columbia's vice president of marketing and sales. "The integration between the panel, READY Pad, and autopilot is a significant advancement for personal aviation aircraft. It provides performance, convenience and safety features that, until now, you could only find on business aircraft."
The G1000 is the only general aviation cockpit system that can provide all essential cockpit technologies in a single, highly integrated system, including all primary flight, navigation, autopilot, terrain avoidance, communication, engine, and aircraft sensor data on the dual 10-inch, XGA-resolution (1,024x768-pixel) displays. The physical architecture of the system lends itself to easy installation and service, which lowers ownership costs. The system is also expandable, making it possible to add new technologies and capabilities as they become available. Further, the avionics suite offers outstanding situational awareness for flight management, aircraft control, traffic, terrain and weather.
Installations of the G1000 on the Columbia 350 and 400 models include the following components:
* The primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) present traditional cockpit information in an integrated fashion on a large-format display, and puts all aircraft-systems monitoring and flight-planning functions at the pilot's fingertips
* Garmin's revolutionary new GFC 700 automatic flight control system featuring roll, pitch and pitch trim control and additional features not found in other general aviation autopilots
* Integrated solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System, which can align while in motion, including in-flight dynamic restarts
* Integrated digital air-data computer
* Integrated engine-monitoring display with full screen engine graphics
* Integrated Mode S transponder with Traffic Information Service
* Dual integrated radio modules that provide WAAS-upgradeable IFR oceanic-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers and 8.33-kHz channel spacing
* Optional integrated Class-B Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) with worldwide terrain and obstacle database, which does not require an external LRU as with other TAWS systems
* Integrated satellite weather datalink and digital-quality audio via XM Satellite Radio
* Integrated digital audio control system
* Integrated design with reversionary capabilities, allowing all flight-critical data to transfer seamlessly to a single display for added safety during flight
"The G1000 will bring a new level of integration to the Columbia pilot's flying experience," said Gary Kelley, Garmin's vice president for marketing. "From its fully integrated autopilot to alpha-numeric keypad, the G1000 delivers a range of capabilities that are simply unmatched. The new instrument panel provides the elegant look of a premium luxury car and enhances the usability of the avionics thanks to the addition of the all-new GCU 476 controller. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Columbia and are committed to providing them with the most innovative, highest quality fully-integrated cockpit on today's market."
Columbia Aircraft manufactures two certified aircraft models. The Columbia 350 is a normally aspirated, four-place aircraft with a cruise speed of 191 knots. The Columbia 400 is an intercooled twin-turbocharged, four-place aircraft certified to FL250 with a cruise speed of 235 knots. In addition to providing legendary performance, both models are renowned for their high level of standard equipment, quality and safety features, including dual electrical systems, dual wing spars, spin resistant/spin recovery features and Utility Category certification.
Garmin International Inc. is a member of the Garmin Ltd. group of companies, which designs and manufactures navigation, communication and information devices -- most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin is a leader in the general aviation and consumer GPS markets and its products serve aviation, marine, outdoor recreation, automotive, wireless and OEM applications. Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, see www.garmin.com.
