ADS-B for GA

Garmin International is adding automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capabilities to its general aviation transponders. Garmin said it is enabling its GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders with 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (ES) transmission capabilities. The 1090 MHz ES will be available as an optional upgrade for GTX 330 and GTX 33 transponders. ADS-B is a key component of the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation plan. “Providing a 1090 MHz ES to the general aviation market will increase situational awareness and safety of flight once the ADS-B system is fully implemented,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “ADS-B technology is a critical step toward realizing the FAA’s vision of NextGen, and our leading-edge ADS-B products are a building block for the future.” Garmin said the addition of 1090 MHz ES to the Mode S transponders will allow aircraft to automatically transmit position, velocity and heading information. The 1090 MHz ES capability is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2007, Garmin said.