Garmin’s GWX 8000 StormOptix Weather Radar with Auto Mode Expands Interface Potential to GTN Xi Navigators and TXi Flight Displays

Garmin’s GWX 8000 StormOptix Weather Radar with Auto Mode is set to receive approval for integration with GTN Xi navigators and TXi flight displays, expanding its interface capabilities beyond Garmin’s integrated flight decks, the company has announced.

The GWX 8000, known for simplifying weather radar operation for pilots by automating adjustments, provides a comprehensive weather depiction with enhanced features such as 3D volumetric scanning and advanced ground clutter suppression.

StormOptix, a key feature of the GWX 8000 radar, enables pilots to activate the system mid-flight without the need for manual configuration, offering a seamless experience for weather-related navigation decisions. Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of aviation sales and marketing, highlighted the benefits of the system’s automation technology.

Utilizing 3D volumetric scanning, the GWX 8000 offers improved weather depiction, including hail and lightning prediction, turbulence detection, and advanced ground clutter suppression. The radar’s Auto Mode adjusts tilt and gain settings automatically, reducing pilot workload and ensuring an accurate representation of weather hazards in real-time.

Featuring a high-definition color palette with 16 colors, four times more than standard weather radars, the GWX 8000 enhances pilots’ ability to interpret the severity of storms and navigate through challenging weather conditions with clarity and precision.

With the expansion of compatibility to GTN Xi navigators and TXi flight displays, the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar is expected to be available for installation in the second quarter of 2024. Aircraft currently equipped with the GWX 75 weather radar can upgrade to the GWX 8000 with a software enhancement for their GTN Xi and/or TXi systems, according to Garmin.