Garmin has filled out its lineup of modern panel-mount, IFR-approved GPS units with the GNC 355, which combines an approach-capable GPS with a comm radio for $6995. Earlier this year, Garmin introduced a standalone IFR GPS and a version with a built-in Mode S transponder and ADS-B Out capabilities.
The GNC 355 carries many of the same features of the GPS 175 and the GNX 375, including color touch display, WAAS GPS engine, full ARINC 429 data connections, Bluetooth (to display ADS-B In data from a suitable source) and autopilot connectivity. The new 355 adds a comm radio, either in the conventional 25 kHz spacing or 8.33 kHz spacing (this is the GNC 355A, $700 more). As on Garmin’s larger GNC boxes, the comm radio can leverage the nav database to populate the standby frequency window.
“The GNC 355 gives value-minded customers a simple upgrade path to a GPS navigator with a number of capabilities including WAAS/LPV approach guidance, wireless connectivity, a modern comm radio, and with its standard mark-width form factor, pilots can easily add the GNC 355 without overhauling the panel of their aircraft,” says Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing.
Garmin says the GNC 355 will be available in August along with a trainer app you can download for free. An STC for installation in certified aircraft is “imminent,” says Garmin.
But no USB charge port?
You want fries with that?
No, Raf … but I AM hearing that at SnF 2020, they’re coming out with a new paradigm shift in avionics … an all-in-one box containing GPS, Nav, comm, DG w/ HSI, horizon, diversity ADS-B transponder, intercom, 406 ELT, radar, Iridium sat phone, Wifi, Bluetooth, internal battery with sufficient excess energy to run six iPads, CO monitor, flight envelope protection, engine monitoring system and autopilot. Because it’ll be NORSEE approved, the introductory price will break the magic $100K barrier. For an extra $9,999, you can optionally order voice commands so you won’t even have to touch it. That model will also contain a quick detachable PLB. It’ll be called the GSAK 1001 … (swiss army knife). Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, all an installer will have to do is hook up power, antennas and pitot-static lines. I’m also hearing they’ll finally allow A&P installations, too. Wow ! Unfortunately, the STC’s to install it won’t be coming out until 2029 because … well … you know why.
I think I’m having Airventure withdrawal symptoms ? (AWS)
How is this product different from the GTN635?
It’s $4K less?