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Textron Aviation announced today an important avionics upgrade to the popular Cessna Caravan family, the Cessna Caravan and Cessna Grand Caravan EX. The latest Garmin avionics suite will be available for the Cessna Caravan family in 2024, bringing with it an enhanced performance and user experience.
"We strive to provide excellent flying experiences for pilots, and this update for the Caravan demonstrates our commitment to incorporating the latest technology and innovation based on customer feedback," said Lannie O'Bannion, senior vice president, Sales andamp; Flight Operations.
The Caravan aircraft family will be equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, giving operators an opportunity to experience its new advanced features and technology. Other additions that will become standard include the GDL 60 datalink, the GTX 345DR diversity transponder and the GI 275 electronic standby.
The GDL 60 offers high-bandwidth data exchange connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE networks. The datalink will provide personal electronic device and cockpit connectivity. The external Wi-Fi and LTE networks will provide external connectivity while the aircraft is on the ground. The system offers the ability to complete automatic wireless database downloads using network connections.
ADS-B Out/In will be standard offerings with the GTX 345DR as well as diverse antenna coverage. ADS-B In applications currently available have been expanded with the GTX 345DRnow including CAVS (CDTI Assisted Visual Separation) and ROA (Runway Occupancy Awareness). The GI 275 electronic standby gives users an updated glass touchscreen display.
Operators will have new optional features including Garmin GWX 8000 weather radar to add Automode and Lightning and Hail Prediction. Taxiway Routing will be another optional feature, adding visual guidance to operators when maneuvering around the airport environment. Other previous options will have an update. The Synthetic Vision Technology refresh included enhanced terrain, runway depictions and airport signs. The SVT refresh also welcomes numerous viewpoints for the first time, integrated with the new Taxiway Routing feature to display the routing guidance. The Sirius XM Weather in the GDL 69A SXM has also been enhanced to include new products.
"We're invested in the future of this legendary turboprop and the future of flight," O'Bannion said.