The GTN series for helicopters incorporates three helicopter-specific databases including an obstacle database that adds nearly 30,000 additional low-altitude obstacles. A new terrain database has been enhanced to show up to 2.5 arc second terrain resolution, among the highest resolution terrain available in the industry. This high-resolution data improves terrain alerting by reducing nuisance alerts when operating at low levels. Finally, the helicopter navigation database lets operators navigate to over 7,000 additional heliports without having to create user waypoints at these locations. 

Built-in HTAWS is optionally available to provide operators with visual and audible alerts of potential terrain and obstacle conflicts along the flight path. Garmin HTAWS incorporates a high-resolution, five-color terrain scale (red, orange, yellow, green and black) and also gives voice callouts when descending below 500 feet. Voice callouts operate in all HTAWS modes, and Garmin’s technology allows the pilot to select multiple callouts, in one hundred foot intervals, descending from 500 to 100 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). There is also an optional radar altimeter input to bring even greater accuracy to those alerts. In addition, Garmin’s HTAWS offers a Reduced Protection (RP) mode that allows low-level operations with minimal alerting while continuing to provide terrain and obstacle protection. 

Because many helicopter missions require the use of night vision goggles, the GTN series is optionally available with NVG compatibility straight from the factory, reducing the need for aftermarket NVG modifications. To further help reduce pilot workload, the GTN supports the installation of remote switches on the cyclic or the collective allowing the pilot to create fly-over Mark on Target waypoints or remotely tune frequencies, all without letting go of the controls. The GTNs can also integrate with Garmin’s G500H™ flight display system for optimal situational awareness. The helicopter-specific optimizations for the GTN series have received the FAA’s Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization, and deliveries are expected later this month starting at $10,935. Garmin is currently pursuing Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the installation of the GTN series in several popular helicopter models.