Garmin revolutionised the general aviation market with its G500 and 600 – now, there’s a new updated series to replace them. Trevor Pegrum, Manager, Aviation Sales, EMEA, Garmin, told us more.

Pegrum calls the new TXi series “a real revolution.” It includes G500 TXi, G600 TXi and G700 TXi flight displays, as well as the engine information system (EIS) TXi.

He says: “We are really taking it to the next generation now. It’s one of the first all-touchscreen flight display products and the G500 TXi and G600 TXi very much replace the G500 and G600.”

Three displays are available, including a large 10.6-inch display, and two versions of 7-inch displays, in portrait and landscape orientations. Real-time engine indications are also displayed.

It’s not like an iPad

When people think about a touchscreen cockpit, they often worry about issues such as grip during turbulence.

Pegrum says: “You have to be careful not to draw the [comparison with] iPads or other touchscreen products that haven’t been optimised for use in an aeroplane. Garmin has invested a significant amount of R&D to optimise for touchscreen use.”

Features include raised bezels, icon-driven menu systems and optimised software.

Watch this space

The new product family is also focused on helping Garmin reach new markets.

“The G700 TXi is really moving us into the larger aircraft business business jets, maybe commercial applications,” Pegrum explains. “It has the correct design assurance levels. It has the correct software support. It’s very much a family of products with a roadmap towards moving into the bigger systems.”

And helicopters?

Pegrum says: “The G500H continues as a product…I think it’s obvious the way that the market is going for Garmin. We have this brand new family of products now, so watch this space.”