Mooney
Unveils Product Enhancements at 2004 AirVenture
Garmin G1000T heads list of upgrades on new GX series
July 27 - With a reputation for providing fast, personal travel,
Mooney Airplane Company will unveil two new models - Ovation 2 GX and
Bravo
GX - featuring its top-line Garmin G1000T panel plus comfort and
performance
upgrades, at the 2004 AirVenture Oshkosh, July 27 through August 2. The
new
GX series offers enhanced pilot information, improved situational
awareness,
increased performance and added comfort.
New Panel Showcases Garmin's G1000T
The twin-screen system features 10-inch glass for the Primary Flight
Display
and Multi-Function Display, both of which incorporate wide-viewing angle
screen technology and 1024 x 768 resolution. A pilot in a Mooney GX can
rely
on sunlight-readable navigation that is full of features. From a
navigational standpoint, it is WAAS-capable, contains IFR oceanic GPS,
and
has VHF/ILS with VHF spacing at 8.33 kHz. Instrumentation includes a
built-in attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), and GTX 33 Mode S
transponder with traffic information service (TIS). Terrain awareness
and
warning system (TAWS) will be an additional option available in late
2004/early 2005. The pilot can also access Garmin's GDL69 satellite data
link for graphic and textorial weather data. Infotainment links and
digital
audio are available in the dual integrated radio system.
"The new Garmin avionics suite afford easy and intuitive transition from
the
popular G430/530 systems that have become so popular in past years, and
it
offers a level of ease and integration that should help pilots on all
fronts: navigation, weather, terrain, communication, and control and
feedback," said David Copeland, vice president of sales and marketing
for
Mooney Airplane Company.
To keep track of the TCM 550's 280 horses or the Lycoming T10-540's 270
(depending on model), the MFD can show current, trend, or maximum levels
while monitoring important parameters inside the cowl, while satellite
weather data link (via Weather Works and XM Radio) and
lightning-detection
interfaces help reveal unknown conditions.
Offered on both the Ovation 2 GX and Bravo GX aircraft, the Garmin
G1000T
cockpit is designed for long life. It is easily maintainable,
repairable
and upgradeable due to its rack design with line-replaceable unit (LRU)
convenience.
More Comfort, Convenience.and Performance
Pilots will also rely on the STEC 55X autopilot, standard in the GX
models,
for roll and pitch control. Traditional full-size airspeed, artificial
horizon and altimeter are also included on the panel.
"Electronics' monitoring can be stressful for the pilot," Copeland said.
"This system helps relieve a lot of that stress. Coupled with our other
amenities, there isn't a more competent piston single in the sky."
The G1000T joins other aircraft features, including supple, six-way
adjustable leather seats with comfortable lumbar support, standard
Precise
Flight speedbrakes, TKS Known Ice System, a 115.7 cubic foot oxygen
system
(standard on the higher-flying Bravo) and an optional 25,000 BTU air
conditioning system to help reduce other worries and discomforts, at
altitude and on the taxiway.
Additionally, the Ovation 2 GX will feature a new, 3-blade Hartzell
propeller, specifically designed for this application. The new prop,
with a
scimitar blade profile and redesigned tips, provides much-enhanced
takeoff
and climb performance and a quieter cruise.
The entire GX upgrade adds $20,000 to the base price of either the
Ovation 2
or Bravo. While FAA certification and deliveries are expected in
September,
Mooney officials say preliminary customer acceptance is high.
Mooney Airplane Company is a general aviation manufacturer headquartered
in
Kerrville, Texas. Mooney currently sells five models of the M20, the
highest performing four-place, single-engine, piston-powered aircraft --
the
Bravo DX and GX; the Ovation2 DX and GX, and the Ovation. Since its
inception in 1954, the company has manufactured and delivered more than
10,000 aircraft worldwide. Today, 7,000 customers in the United States
and
1,000 more overseas fly these proven, high-performance airplanes. For
more
information, visit www.mooney.com.
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