GSX 70

Solid-state Weather Radar Solutions for Special Applications

• Selected by Northrop Grumman for U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS)
• Standard Ethernet interface for easy integration with custom applications
• Doppler-enabled turbulence detection and ground clutter suppression allow for easier, more precise weather interpretation
• Several antenna sizes available: 10-, 12- and 18-inch options
• 9.5-pound R/T unit provides significant weight savings over other commercial, off-the-shelf radars

Based on the proven GWX? 70 weather radar for general and business aviation, the GSX 70 is an adaptable, all solid-state radar system designed for a variety of special-use applications.

The Doppler-enabled GSX 70 radar system provides exceptional range and adjustable scanning profiles (both horizontal and vertical) with precision target definition for high-altitude and long-endurance surveillance applications. GSX 70 offers horizontal scan angles of up to 120 degrees to locate and evaluate convective weather activity, plus a vertical scanning mode to aid operators in analyzing storm tops, gradients and cell buildups at various altitudes.

A Better Weather WATCH

In addition, Garmin WATCH? (Weather Attenuated Color Highlight) technology uses algorithms to identify the shadowing effects of short-range cell activity, highlighting areas where radar signals may be weakened or attenuated by intense precipitation returns in the foreground. Along with this technology, an Altitude Compensated Tilt feature helps minimize operator workload by automatically adjusting radar tilt angle to maintain the desired scan with any change in altitude. Given these capabilities, the GSX 70 radar system enables operators to scan large geographic areas and make sound weather-related decisions.

Advanced Radar Features

The GSX 70 radar system is a robust, all-inclusive weather solution built to withstand the harsh environmental conditions and temperatures often encountered at the higher altitudes. Advanced features such as Doppler-enabled turbulence detection and ground clutter suppression work to take much of the guesswork out of interpreting the overall radar picture. Turbulence detection technology is used to determine areas of rough air or microbursts that may contain particulates such as rain or hail. And for easier reading of relevant targets on ground station radar screens, ground clutter suppression serves to identify and remove antenna site radar ground returns from the display, so operators can focus on the weather that matters.

All Solid-state Reliability

With its all-digital design, the GSX 70 radar system offers reduced power consumption and extended service life as compared to previous generations of magnetron-based radars. While magnetron tubes degrade or burn out over time, the solid-state technology in the GSX 70 radar system maintains a consistent weather picture over its entire lifecycle — all while using only 40 W of power. As one of the lightest weather radars in the industry, the 9.5-lb GSX 70 radar system provides heavy-duty capability while helping to optimize mission fuel and payload capabilities on weight-sensitive aircraft platforms.

Application-specific Software Configurability

As a software-defined radar system, GSX 70 provides considerable flexibility for use in a wide range of unique radar applications. A standard RJ45 Ethernet connection allows for the high-speed transfer of raw I and Q data returns to a desktop computer or laptop. User configuration, via the same Ethernet connection, includes pulse widths, pulse compression ratios and other transmitter setup functions.

General

Operational mode:Weather (WX): Green, Yellow, Red (Magenta is reserved for display of the optional turbulence detection function); Ground Mapping (MAP): Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Blue

Display ranges:Selectable 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 nm (MX 20; GMX 200). Selectable 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 160, 240 and 320 nm (G1000, G600/G500, GTN 750 series). NOTE: Software updates for radar display are required to take advantage of all the advanced capabilities of the GWX 70 – such as Doppler turbulence detection and ground clutter suppression. These features may not be available or supported on all products. Check with your Garmin dealer for compatibility options.

Performance index:

• 18-Inch Antenna: 227 dB
• 12-Inch Antenna: 221 dB
• 10-Inch Antenna: 218 dB

Weather avoidance:

• 18-Inch Antenna: 320 nm max.
• 12-Inch Antenna: 320 nm max.
• 10-Inch Antenna: 285 nm max.

RX sensitivity:-126 dBm MDS

Manual gain:+12 to - 64 dB (G1000; G600/G500; GTN 750 series); +3.5 to - 28 dB (MX 20; GMX 200)

Antenna bandwidth:

• 18-Inch Antenna: 5.3 degrees
• 12-Inch Antenna: 7.8 degrees
• 10-Inch Antenna: 9.0 degrees

Horizontal scan angle:Pilot adjustable; 20, 40, 60 or 120 degrees (G1000; G600/G500; GTN 750 series); 20 or 120 degrees (MX 20; GMX 200)

Scan centerline:Pilot adjustable

Scan rate:12 looks per minute

Manual tilt:+/- 15 degrees

Vertical scan angle:60 degrees (G1000; G600/G500; GTN 750 series); 10 – 60 degrees (MX 20, GMX 200)

Antenna/Receiver/Transmitter

Mechanical Size:Width: 8.0 in. (20.3 cm.) diameter at base; Depth: 6.3 in. (16.0 cm.); Antenna: 10 in. or 12 in. diameter flat-plate

Unit Weight:

• 18-Inch Antenna: 12.7 lbs. (4.31 kg)
• 12-Inch Antenna: 9.5 lbs. (4.31 kg)
• 10-Inch Antenna: 9.3 lbs. (4.22 kg)

Environmental:Operating temperature range: -55 Degrees C to +70 Degrees C; Humidity: 95% non-condensing Altitude Range: -1,500 feet to 55,000 feet; TSO Compliance: C63d, Class 7 Environmental Category: RTCA DO-160F

Electrical:Power Requirements:
14/28 Vdc; 2.0amps
Transmitter Power: 40 Watts nominal, 36 Watts minimum
Output Frequency Range: X-Band (9.3 to 9.5 GHz)
Pulse Width: 1.6, 3.2, 6.4 or 13.6 Microseconds
STC Logic: Effective to 80 nm
Extended STC: 80 nm to 320 nm
(Modifies targets from end of STC to maximum range)
Stabilization: +/- 30 degrees
combined pitch, roll and manual tilt
Max. Altitude: 55,000 feet (unpressurized)
Target Alert: (G1000, G600/ G500 and GTN 750 series only) Annunciates targets (between 80 and 320 nm) that are beyond displayed range on radar screen
Interface: Garmin HSDB (G1000, G600/G500 and GTN 750 installations); ARINC 429/453 (MX 20, GMX 200 installations)