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Avionics

Garmin GTS 800 Traffic: TAS with Room to Grow

Around 1997, BF Goodrichs Skywatch TAS brought high-performance, active traffic interrogation to light aircraft. It was an accurate and reliable system that remains in the L-3 Avionics Systems product line today. Honeywell also has a proven TAS system and Avidynes affordable TAS600, which started life as the Ryan 9900 series, has been a lively seller and good performer. Now Garmin has a fresh TAS system of its own with the GTS800-series. Its available in three versions: The low-cost GTS800, mid-range GTS820 and flagship GTS850. The attention getter is the ability to display ADS-B traffic targets on screen. Is ADS-B an important functionality for future TAS systems? We think so. Avidyne has announced an ADS-B upgrade for their brisk-selling TAS-600. The Garmin GTS800-series system is currently undergoing certification and availability is expected by years end. Its engineered for sizeable growth potential as the FAA finalizes its ADS-B mandate.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Around 1997, BF Goodrichs Skywatch TAS brought high-performance, active traffic interrogation to light aircraft. It was an accurate and reliable system that remains in the L-3 Avionics Systems product line today. Honeywell also has a proven TAS system and Avidynes affordable TAS600, which started life as the Ryan 9900 series, has been a lively seller and good performer.

Now Garmin has a fresh TAS system of its own with the GTS800-series. Its available in three versions: The low-cost GTS800, mid-range GTS820 and flagship GTS850. The attention getter is the ability to display ADS-B traffic targets on

Garmin GTS 800

screen.

Is ADS-B an important functionality for future TAS systems? We think so. Avidyne has announced an ADS-B upgrade for their brisk-selling TAS-600. The Garmin GTS800-series system is currently undergoing certification and availability is expected by years end. Its engineered for sizeable growth potential as the FAA finalizes its ADS-B mandate.

Another blind box

The last thing most airplanes need is more remote boxes and more antennas. Matters are worse with TAS system antennas, since reliable performance is hugely reliant on noise-free placement of the antennas on the airframe. In a standard configuration, Garmin uses a top-mounted GA58 directional L-band antenna for the entry-level GTS800 and mid-range GTS820 processors. This is a twin-blade antenna that stands roughly three inches high and 5.6 inches wide. Garmin engineers call it the “napkin holder” because, well, thats what it resembles.

The flagship GTS850 is real-deal certified TCAS l and uses an official TCAS l antenna. Big airplanes (with 10 or more seats) requiring TCAS l will be covered.

While a single top-mounted directional antenna will work, Garmin recommends the optional bottom-mounted, L-band monopole, omni-directional antenna for aircraft sporting fixed landing gear. For retractable gear applications, they recommend an optional bottom-mount directional antenna. These directional antennas on the bottom of the airframe help battle the shading of target aircraft flying above the host aircraft.

Dual antennas have proven superior performers on Avidynes TAS system in our experience and we recommend this option on Garmins system, too. Weve flown enough of single- and dual-antenna TAS systems to know that dual antennas offer far greater performance. Were also aware of the increased complexity and costs for installation. See the sidebar for some pricey facts. For composite aircraft, the

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.