Story ID: 
Garmin Unveils Next Avionics Suite: G5000 Prime
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: New avionics join G3000 Prime to serve transport-category market
Word Count: 385
Garmin today unveiled G5000 Prime for Part 25 transport-category aircraft, following the announcement in October that it is moving to touchscreen-controlled flight decks starting with G3000 Prime. Although much of the functionality is similar to G3000 Prime, the G5000 version features “a crew-centered user interface that is designed to streamline workflows and help crews quickly assess information,” the Olathe, Kansas company said.
Like G3000 Prime, G5000 Prime has more memory and faster processing speeds with multi-core processors, as well as gigabit system connectivity. Touchscreen primary display units have higher refresh rates and are edge-to-edge sunlight-readable with fingerprint-resistant glass. Secondary display units (SDUs) are used for data and system control and can also host multifunction applications. SDUs have 40% more screen area compared to G3000 and G5000 touch controllers.
Aircraft equipped with G5000 Prime will have integrated autothrottles and emergency descent mode, and pilots will be able to set up an emergency return to help deal with problems after takeoff. Performance will include takeoff and landing data, and Garmin will make load-planning applications available from its AeroData portfolio, “allowing for a seamless operational integration and reducing crew workload during preflight and initialization,” according to the company.
Two-crew operations are facilitated by Prime’s multi-touchscreen interface, which can recognize up to 10 touchscreen inputs at a time, so both pilots can interact with a display simultaneously. The displays also enable on-screen hand stabilization so pilots can more precisely touch elements on the screen while resting their fingers on the display. Additionally, Garmin will allow OEMs to choose physical controls, such as cursor-control devices for data input and manipulation of the displays.
Other G5000 Prime features, which are also available with G3000 Prime, include the modified flight plan, where pilots can view a graphical preview of flight plan changes and do what-if scenarios and performance calculation comparisons on the SDUs and PDUs. G5000 Prime offers Garmin’s runway overrun awareness and alerting system, 3D SafeTaxi, and SurfaceWatch plus Taxiway Routing that shows the ground path on 2D maps or 3D synthetic vision.
G5000 Prime supports FAA Data Comm and Link 2000+ controller-pilot datalink communications, FANS 1/A+, ACARS, and advanced performance-based navigation.
Aircraft OEMs are expected to announce their selection of the G5000 Prime avionics suite shortly.