Garmin has officially announced that its industry-leading G3000® PRIME integrated flight deck is selected by Pilatus for the latter’s new PC-12 PRO aircraft.
In case you weren’t aware, G3000 PRIME arrives on the bearing an ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies that, on their part, can enhance safety potential and efficiency, as well as minimize pilot workload in every phase of flight. Complementing that would be a modern user interface design and advanced connectivity.
Talk about this technology in the context of PC-12 PRO, it will likely feature expansive 14-inch touchscreen primary display units (PDU) with edge-to-edge, sunlight-readable, and fingerprint-resistant glass so to set whole new standards for cockpit aesthetics and functionality.
The vibrant displays in play include multiple performance enhancements, such as quadruple the memory and gigabit system connectivity that is up to 100 times faster. Alongside the same, we have newer faster multi-core processors boasting more than double the processing power.
Further building upon Garmin’s experience in certifying multi-core technology for civil and military aviation markets, the technology’s higher display refresh rates should also be able to provide crisp, smooth animations, while simultaneously empowering users to enjoy an impressively responsive and fluid experience.
Next up, we must dig into the availability of secondary display units (SDU) that will provide data entry and system control, with the added capability to display multi-function applications. In essence, these high-resolution, 7-inch SDUs are expected to deliver a 40% increase in screen area over prior Garmin touch controllers.
“We have greatly enjoyed collaborating with Garmin to bring the G3000 PRIME flight deck to the new PC-12 PRO. This trusted relationship has developed an incredible airplane and cockpit that will set a new standard in business aviation,” said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Another detail worth a mention here is rooted in G3000 PRIME’s new advanced multi-touch touchscreen interface, which is capable of recognizing up to 10 touchscreen inputs at once. You see, this interface treads up a long distance to help both pilot and copilot interact with a single display at the same time.
On top of that, the enhanced multi-touch technology also seamlessly facilitates on-screen hand stabilization, propelling pilots to give precise touchscreen inputs. Pilots may also opt to use the cursor control device (CCD) for physical control of commonly used functions. This involves adapting to the Pilatus-designed user interface and further demonstrating PRIME’s flexibility.
Moving on, the technology markedly scales up your experience through enhanced fonts and iconography to ensure clarity and familiarity. Its smartly organized and shallow application menus will also provide quick access of critical functions.
Joining that would be Primary Flight Windows (PFW) and Multi-Function Windows (MFW) that will maximize situational awareness for PC-12 PRO operators with full-screen or split-screen options.
Hold on, we still have a few bits left to unpack, considering we haven’t yet touched upon how new quick access bars make it possible for pilots to open common apps such as maps, traffic, weather and charts with one touch. In fact, while viewing maps, pilots can touch anywhere to open a radial menu with options for accessing more airports, weather and airspace information, or quickly adjusting a flight plan via graphical editing.
To top that, interactive engine and electrical indications come in handy to help pilots quickly access systems controls and information like cabin environmental controls, and synoptics etc.
We also haven’t touched upon the fact that a dedicated Window Manager feature is there to let pilots configure app display, window sizing, and more across the entire flight deck from one SDU. This Window Manager provides multiple preset options, as well.
All in all, these options can effectively configure all displays with one command, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure each window for various phases of flight.
“We are honored to be able to bring this extraordinary flight deck to the popular PC-12 aircraft. G3000 PRIME will significantly modernize the cockpit experience in the PC-12 PRO, and we are confident Pilatus customers will enjoy the state-of-the-art system with all of the safety tool features it includes,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs & Support.
