Garmin International has released the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar, which delivers an extensive weather threat analysis and depiction to the cockpit. The system reduces pilot workload by providing an automated clear representation of weather by using an enhanced colour palette now offering 16 colours, 3D volumetric scanning, hail and lightning prediction, advanced ground clutter suppression and optional predictive wind shear detection. The GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar provides pilots with a complete picture of weather while eliminating the requirement to manually adjust the radar, resulting in easier weather interpretation and a more simplified operation.

The development process for the GWX 8000 StormOptix involved complex research and flight test programmes, including five years of development to optimise the StormOptix autoscan technology and enable simplified operation. Garmin thoroughly flight tested the technology in the most challenging operational conditions including strati-form rain, mild rain, severe thunderstorms, hail, lightning and windshear conditions to verify performance. Further, Garmin tested the technology in environments conducive to producing ground clutter in order to verify that the GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar can consistently eliminate non-weather returns, ultimately offering pilots a cleaner, clear image that allows them to focus on navigating challenging weather conditions. The tireless effort of developing and rigorously testing the GWX 8000 StormOptix results in a solution that brings an easy to use weather radar solution to a broader array of aircraft, from turbine-powered Part 25 platforms to high-performance Part 23 aircraft.

“We are excited and proud to offer owners and operators an advanced weather radar solution that provides a comprehensive and clear depiction of weather with virtually no effort from the pilot,” says Carl Wolf, Garmin VP of aviation sales and marketing. “The StormOptix weather radar can go beyond many popular weather radar systems by leveraging its autoscan technology to display severe storm cells in unparalleled detail in addition to depicting storms which may contain wind shear and turbulence, as well as lightning and hail prediction. With these advanced technologies, pilots can reduce workload while making timely decisions to more confidently navigate around significant weather.”

The system features an advanced automation technology that allows the pilot to more easily manage the weather radar while in flight. StormOptix merges 3D volumetric scanning with advanced ground clutter suppression and automatically adjusts the tilt of the weather radar to simplify operation and create the most representative depiction of flight hazards near or along the flight path of the aircraft.

The GWX 8000 StormOptix will be available on select G5000 platforms in Q2, with compatibility for other Garmin avionics systems expected to follow later this year.