Eclipse Aviation Adds Dual Garmin GPS 400W Units

Eclipse Aviation is incorporating dual integrated Garmin GPS 400W units into Avio NG, providing state-of-the-art GPS navigation to the Eclipse 500.
“The addition of the Garmin GPS units provides Eclipse 500 customers with a comprehensive GPS navigation solution,” said Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation president and CEO. “Garmin’s industry leading GPS systems will allow us to deliver updated Avio NG capabilities this summer, with all functionality commitments delivered to our customers by the end of this year.”
The dual GPS 400W units provide functionality including:
Enroute and terminal navigational guidance with Avio NG autopilot coupling; Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability for coupled autopilot Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approaches; flight path overlay integrated on Avio NG’s navigational displays; and integrated navigational source selection.
Coupled with the Eclipse 500’s integrated performance computer, weight and balance tools, and moving map, the GPS 400W units enable delivery of Flight Management System (FMS) functionality. The integrated GPS 400W units also provide the navigational capability for private and commercial operations worldwide.
An Eclipse 500 flight test aircraft outfitted with the Garmin GPS 400W units is currently undergoing in-flight developmental testing. Eclipse expects certification of the configuration this summer, with production incorporation occurring in late summer. All in-service customer aircraft will be retrofitted with dual GPS 400W units at Eclipse’s expense. The GPS 400W units will be mounted below both Primary Flight Displays (PFD) on the Eclipse 500 and will replace the pilot and co-pilot keyboards. Eclipse Aviation received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of Avio NG on December 20, 2007.