On the heels of the introduction of a new line of avionics for the experimental and LSA market, Garmin has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for two new active traffic systems for the general aviation market, the GTS 825 Traffic Advisory System (TAS) and the GTS 855 Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS I).
Both systems provide 400 watts of transmit power and are capable of detecting ADS-B targets in a 360 degree zone around the airplane. The data comes from Garmin’s patented CLEAR CAS (Correlated Location Enhanced ADS-B Receiver Collision Avoidance System), which melds active and passive traffic surveillance. Up to 75 targets can be tracked by the system simultaneously and up to 30 targets can be displayed using TAS/TCAS symbology on the map page or traffic page of most of Garmin’s panel-mount systems and some third-party displays. ADS-B Out information comes from a separate unit, such as Garmin’s GDL 88 datalink or GTX 330 ES transponder.
The target’s range, bearing, relative altitude and closure rate are computed by the system, and when the target poses a threat there is an automatic audio alert that includes its range and relative position.
The difference between the two systems is that the GTS 825 TAS offers 40 nm of interrogation range while the GTS 855 TCAS I reaches twice that distance. And the longer range comes at a cost. The GTS 825 retails for $19,995, while the GTS 855 costs $24,995.
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