Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the selection of the G950 Integrated Flight Deck for the United States Forest Service (USFS) fleet of Sherpa aircraft (Shorts SD3-60). The G950 provides the USFS with an advanced avionics suite to increase mission effectiveness, while also providing an added cost-savings that solves avionics obsolescence, exceeds regulatory requirements and expands the operational life of these versatile aircraft.

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Sherpa Aircraft (Photo: Business Wire)

Sherpa Aircraft (Photo: Business Wire)

“In cooperation with Field Aerospace in Oklahoma City, Garmin is excited to have been selected as the Sherpa upgrade avionics provider with the G950 and to further expand our relationship with Field Aerospace,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation marketing and sales. “This modernization program brings next generation avionics capability, expanded utility and NextGen compliance to the Sherpa fleet, providing the United States Forest Service with the best information available while in-flight as they support critical wildland fire operations.”

“Field Aerospace is pleased with the selection of the Garmin G950 avionics suite for this program,” said John Taylor, Field Aerospace vice president and general manager. “It is a very capable and cost-effective solution that is a great choice for the Sherpa aircraft and the Forest Service’s needs.”

The G950 encompasses all of the features of Garmin’s renowned G1000® Integrated Flight Deck, while integrating with the Sherpa’s existing autopilot, reducing cost and installation complexity. Three 12-inch liquid crystal displays (LCD) combine navigation, communication, terrain, traffic, weather and more within the G950 integrated avionics suite, providing the flight crew with easier access to the information they need. Flight plan information is overlaid on a rich, dynamic map displaying airspace, rivers, lakes, parks and woodland areas that are pertinent to the missions executed by the USFS. Increased situational awareness provided by Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT™), presents a 3D depiction of virtual terrain, obstacles, traffic and the runway environment. SVT works seamlessly with the Class-A Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) by providing alerts such as excessive closure rate and large glideslope deviations. Additional features of the G950 include WAAS/LPV approach capability, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) and more, providing pilots with more safety enhancing technology to aid in mission effectiveness.

NextGen regulatory requirements are met with the ADS-B Out-compliant GTX 3000 Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) remote transponder. The GDL® 88 ADS-B datalink provides flight crew with the additional benefit of ADS-B In traffic and weather. Replacement of the existing avionics with the G950 is estimated to provide a weight savings of up to 250 pounds, allowing the option to carry additional cargo, personnel or fuel. In addition to increased utility, the G950 offers greater reliability, increased dispatch rates and delivers tangible operational cost benefits.

The G950-equipped Sherpa aircraft will be utilized to support wildland fire operations, including smokejumper, passenger and cargo missions. Delivery of the first G950-equipped Sherpa aircraft for the United States Forest Service is anticipated to take place in Q3 2016. For additional information regarding the G950 upgrade program, visit: www.garmin.com/aviation.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.

About Garmin

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, GDL and G1000 are registered trademarks and G950 and SVT are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2014, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.