Garmin Introduces Its First Radar Altimeter

Stephen Pope

Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 11:14 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Garmin has introduced the GRA 5500, an all-digital radar altimeter designed for general aviation that delivers extremely high altitude accuracy previously seen only in air transport and military systems.
Utilizing advanced digital filters and patent-pending self-test monitors, it processes hundreds of altitude measurements per second, mitigates false returns, and ensures data integrity.
The GRA 5500 features simpler installation by eliminating the need for long antenna cables and is compatible with all Garmin integrated flight decks, third-party products, and fulfills requirements for Class A TAWS and CAT II ILS operations.
It has been selected as standard equipment for new aircraft, including several Cessna Citation models and the Bell Helicopter 525 Relentless.

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Garmin has introduced its first radar altimeter, the GRA 5500, an all-digital design intended to bring extremely high altitude accuracy to general aviation aircraft.

The GRA 5500 is able to process hundreds of altitude measurements per second and apply advanced digital filters to help detect and mitigate false altitude returns, Garmin notes. The result is a radar altimeter with accuracy previously seen only in air transport and military radar altimeters, the company says.