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Garmin announced Tuesday that there was an upcoming FAA Supplemental Type Certification for the Cessna Citation CJ2 to develop an all-Garmin integrated solution for the light jet. On Wednesday, Duncan Aviation shared that its satellite network would soon be installing full Garmin avionics upgrades in the CJ2.
Garmin's avionics solution will replace legacy systems, able to modernize planes and reduce the pilot workload with new capabilities and technologies to bolster safety. The all-Garmin retrofit will include the TXi flight displays, GTN Xi navigators, GFC 600 digital autopilot and additional optional upgrades.
"Garmin has decades of experience serving Citation aircraft and we are excited to bring a transformative Garmin cockpit experience to the CJ2, including fully coupled descent VNAV with the GFC 600, the GWX™ 8000 StormOptix weather radar and the PlaneSync™ connected aircraft management system," said Carl Wolf, Garmin VP of Aviation Sales and Marketing. "This all-Garmin avionics upgrade program for the CJ2 brings new technologies and unmatched capabilities, focused on reducing pilot workload and providing pilots of this high performance, single-pilot certified aircraft the safety benefits of automation found in today's modern cockpits."
Flight displays and navigation
The upgrade program is specifically tailored to the CJ2 airframe and operator, acting to transform the current fragmented avionics system into an integrated cockpit experience. The all-glass cockpit features two G600 TXi flight displays to provide advanced Primary Flight Display and Multi-Function Display capabilities with a touchscreen interface. The primary flight data is shown with a wide horizon view on Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology, providing optimal awareness in IFR, marginal VFR or nighttime conditions. The PFD offers pilots a map view within the Horizontal Situation Indicator, showing weather, traffic and airport diagrams without requiring a full MFD window.
The CJ2 upgrade includes the GI 275 standby flight instrument on the pilot side and an option for an additional instrument on the copilot side. The GI 275 is available with Garmin SVT and can easily integrate with the primary fight displays to sync heading, altimeter, airspeed and altitude selections. The upgrade brings with it an improvement to the availability of the pilot's side PFD and each GI 275 while operating on the aircraft's emergency electrical bus. The system gas situational awareness features specific to the CJ2, like Stabilized Approach monitoring and aural V-speed alerting during the takeoff. Stabilized Approach monitoring can provide another level of protection. During an approach the system will monitor the aircraft to ensure it is operated in a stabilized manner. Aural annunciations like speed, course, glide path and sink rate will notify the pilot if the plane is exceeding the predetermined speed, course of vertical descent rates.
The TXi Engine Indication System will be certified to replace the legacy EIS solution, featuring a new gauge layout and user interface. EIS-generated or user-selected N1 targets for takeoff, go-around and max continuous thrust settings are integrated and displayed on TXi EIS. The N1 reference bugs that factor in the engine and anti-ice status, along with outside air temperature, are computed automatically and integrated into the TXi EIS display. Additionally, pilot-defined N1 reference bugs are available in the system. CJ2 pilots can use the integrated timers on the display to help respect transient engine limitations during the engine start.
GFC 600 autopilot capabilities
GFC 600 digital autopilot brings CJ2 pilots a superior level of in-flight characteristics and new operational capabilities like VNAV descents and coupled go-around capability while executing a missed approach to allow automation to assist during higher workload procedures. The guidance from the GTN Xi will allow the GFC 600 to link the en route, terminal and approach procedures to allow for continuous descents and smoother VNAV transitions through the instrument approach, thus simplifying the pilot workload in the terminal environment. The new, CJ2 solution also features Emergency Descent Mode, which will automatically descend the aircraft to a present altitude without pilot intervention and help to avert hypoxic situations in the event of a loss of cabin pressurization. The color display and Flight Level Change mode round out new GFC 600 features on a modernized mode controller for the installation.RELATED STORY:Garmin expands StormOptix weather radar compatibility
GWX 8000 weather radar with Auto Mode
The GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar will simplify operations to alleviate stress for single-pilot and crewed aircraft operating in and around complex weather. The Auto Mode allows pilots to set the range while the radar will automatically adjust tilt and gain settings to accurately profile weather cells so pilots can analyze returns from serious storm activity. The system will display the weather with 16 colors while showcasing hail and lightning prediction, turbulence detection and advanced ground clutter suppression. The weather radar integrates with the TXi flight displays and GTN 750Xi navigators to display the radar returns. The display grouping will let the pilots operate in crewed environments while looking at individual tilts and returns on the side of the cockpit while in manual mode. The GWX 8000 weather radar upgrade is offered as an option.
Jet management with PlaneSync
With a 4G LTE cellular WiFi connection, provided through the optional GDL 60 datalink, the PlaneSync-connected aircraft management system will help to simplify the complexities of owning and operating the CJ2. PlaneSync will automatically download avionics database updates and use high-speed integration amongst the avionics to rapidly synchronize updates across displays. The system can operate with a dedicated battery so operators do not need to be present and conduct time-consuming manual updates with the data card. PlaneSync will also allow the pilot to remotely check fuel quantity, database status, GPS location and temperatures with the Garmin Pilot app to avoid surprise when arriving at the aircraft. The added capability is expected in 2025. PlaneSync will also automatically transmit flight and engine log data to secure cloud storage after landing.
Completing the CJ2 upgrade
CJ2 operators can enjoy other optional upgrades to bring new capabilities to their aircraft. The GMA 35C audio panel will add audio processing with advanced capabilities like auto squelch, 3D audio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity to allow music or telephone audio from mobile devices. The GTX 345R transponder can provide ADS-B "Out" capability with optional antenna diversity while additionally providing "ADS-B In" weather and traffic benefits. The other options include the GDL 69A SiriusXM datalink, GTS series traffic systems and GSR 56 datalink for weather, calling and messaging connectivity. The full CJ2 retrofit solution is expected to be available in Q2 of 2024 through Garmin Authorized Dealers.
Duncan installations
The Garmin STC will cover the installation of dual 10.6-inch G600 TXi displays, dual GTN 750Xi navigators, a 7-inch portrait TXi EIS display, a GFC 600 autopilot system, a GMA 350 audio panel and GI 275 Standby instruments. Customers will also have the option to install the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar with auto mode and the PlaneSync-connected aircraft management system.
"Upgrading the flight deck in your CitationJet with a complete Garmin avionics package is an investment that will pay dividends for years as you enjoy state-of-the-art avionics during flight while increasing the value of your aircraft," said Nate Klenke, Duncan Aviation Completions/Modifications Sales Manager.
Many of the Duncan satellite facilities have developed relationships with quality, local airframe service providers to complete the necessary inspections and maintenance to ensure the avionics and airframe technicians are working on the aircraft and trained specifically for the Citation Jet models.
"Duncan Aviation has an excellent relationship with Garmin, deep expertise in Garmin systems, and can rely on the engineering support and expertise available at the our full-service MRO facilities as we complete these upgrades within our Satellite network," Klenke said.