Garmin® receives FAA installation approval for all-in-one ADS-B transponders in helicopters

GTX 345/335 transponders provide simple path to achieve ADS-B In/Out in over 60 helicopter models

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today
announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted
Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the installation of the GTX
345 ADS-B In/Out and GTX 335 ADS-B Out transponders in an Approved Model
List (AML) of Part 27 helicopters. The GTX 345/335 include Extended
Squitter (ES) ADS-B Out with options for built-in WAAS. Remote-mount
variants of these transponders are also available, which are compatible
with the GTN™ 650/750 touchscreen series. Available in an attractive
size and form factor, panel modifications are not required when
replacing the GTX 345/335 with some of the most popular transponders on
the market, such as the GTX 327 and many others. The GTX 345 adds more
utility to existing avionics configurations by displaying ADS-B traffic
and subscription-free weather on select installed displays in the
cockpit. Utilizing Bluetooth® and Connext®
technology, the GTX 345 also streams traffic and weather wirelessly to
select Garmin portables and the most popular apps in the industry,
including Garmin Pilot™ and ForeFlight Mobile.

“Based on the immense popularity of the GTX 345 all-in-one ADS-B
transponder for fixed-wing aircraft, we’re excited to extend
installation approval for this all-inclusive solution to over 60
helicopter models, providing these customers with the same integrated
and wireless experience that thousands of pilots are enjoying today,”
said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing.
“Helicopter pilots have depended on Garmin avionics for over two decades
and with more fielded ADS-B solutions than anyone else in the industry,
our leadership in ADS-B prevails as we continue to bring smart solutions
to a broad spectrum of the aviation industry that are simple, beneficial
and economical.”

All-in-One WAAS & ADS-B Helicopter Solutions

The GTX 345 and GTX 335 incorporate the popular 1.65-inch (4.2
centimeters) tall panel-mount transponder form factor and boast a
bright, sunlight readable digital display including pressure altitude
readout and dedicated buttons for numeric squawk code entry and a
built-in timer. For helicopters without a WAAS-enabled GPS such as the
GTN 650/750 series, an option for an integrated GPS/SBAS position source
provides owners and operators with an all-inclusive solution that meets
ADS-B Out requirements. Remote mount options are also available for
control and display within GTN 650/750-equipped helicopters. The GTX 345
pairs with compatible displays to add subscription-free Flight
Information Service-Broadcast (FIS-B) weather and ADS-B In traffic,
which also includes a dual-link ADS-B receiver that provides pilots with
a comprehensive traffic picture. The GTX 345 integrates with the audio
panel to provide ATC-like audible alerts, such as “Traffic: 10 O’Clock,
same altitude, two miles” to help pilots keep their eyes outside of the
cockpit when looking for traffic. Additionally, an optional altitude
encoder is available and conveniently mounts on the back of the
transponder for easy installation and service, precluding the need for
an external altitude encoder.

Industry-First Features Optimized for Helicopter Operations

The GTX 345/335 provide a rule-compliant ADS-B Out solution for
helicopter operators in the U.S., while offering state-of-the-art
traffic alerting capabilities tailored to these operators and their
unique operations. As part of Garmin’s Terminal Safety Solutions,
TerminalTraffic™ provides pilots with the most comprehensive picture of
ADS-B-equipped aircraft and ground vehicles in the airport environment.
ADS-B-equipped aircraft in-flight are easily distinguished from ground
vehicles and taxiing aircraft, which are displayed using distinct colors
and symbols. Specifically designed for helicopter operations, nuisance
alerts are minimized and abbreviated while performing unique helicopter
maneuvers such as hovering in the airport environment. When paired with
the GTN 650/750, the GTX 345 supports On Scene mode, which minimizes
nuisance traffic alerts in-flight when intentionally operating in close
proximity to other helicopters during operations such as Electronic News
Gathering.

Comprehensive display of ADS-B traffic and weather

The dual-link GTX 345 displays various ADS-B In benefits on the GTN
650/750 touchscreen series, G500H and GNS™ 430W/530W (software version
dependent). Pairing the transponder with a display overlays ADS-B
traffic and subscription-free FIS-B weather on top of colorful moving
maps with reference to airspace, terrain, flight plan information and
more. FIS-B weather products include NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, winds
and temperatures aloft, NOTAMs, AIRMETs and SIGMETs. With Connext
wireless technology, additional ADS-B In benefits can be streamed to a
Garmin portable such as the aera® 660 and aera 796/795 and to
the most popular apps in the industry, including Garmin Pilot and
ForeFlight Mobile. Display capabilities vary, visit the Garmin website
for full compatibility details.

The GTX 345/335 have received approval for installation in over 60
helicopter models. The GTX 345 transponder provides ADS-B In/Out
capabilities and is available starting at $4,995*, while the GTX 335
ADS-B Out transponder is available starting at $2,995*. WAAS-enabled
versions of the GTX 345/335 are available for an additional $800.
Remote-mount derivatives of the GTX 345/335 share pricing equivalent to
the panel-mount transponders. For additional information regarding the
industry’s most comprehensive line of ADS-B solutions, visit: www.garmin.com/ads-b.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to
OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio
includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an
expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that
are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information
about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless
devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active
lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including
automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more
information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom,
contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin,
twitter.com/garmin,
or youtube.com/garmin.

About Garmin

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN).
Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal
subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United
Kingdom. Garmin, Connext and aera are registered trademarks and GTN,
TerminalTraffic, TargetTrend, GNS and Garmin Pilot are trademarks of
Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service
marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd.
and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current
expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in
this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as
a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting
Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2015, filed
by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file
number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html.
No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events, or otherwise.

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

 

Contacts

Garmin International Inc.Jessica Koss, 913-397-8200 [email protected]