July 28, 1999

Garmin® Unveils a Color Handheld GPS for the Airplane

Avionics leader makes reading map data easy on the eyes with this one-of-a-kind unit

OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin International, the GPS manufacturer that continues to break new ground in avionics technology, has done it again. Garmin has unveiled the GPSMAP® 295, a new color handheld GPS that is designed to feel right at home either in the cockpit or in your car.

"Garmin continues to offer products that can serve dual purposes," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "In the case of the GPSMAP 295, you can buy just one unit and have the ability to navigate your way in the air or down the highway. Even better, you get the clarity of a color display to help you find your way anywhere."

The GPSMAP 295 takes the best of two popular Garmin products -- the GPSMAP 195, an aviation handheld, and the StreetPilot® GPS ColorMap, a portable automotive GPS -- and combines them into a unit that will lead pilots to their destination accurately and in color. What sets the unit apart however, is the horizontal layout of the display and a unique split-screen feature. The split-screen makes it possible for pilots to view a color moving map page and an HSI graphic simultaneously. In the plane, the GPSMAP 295 can be mounted either on the glareshield or on the yoke. While in the car, the unit fits easily on the dashboard.

Fans of the Garmin GPSMAP 195 will find a similar basemap on the new GPSMAP 295. Contained within the map are miles of lakes, rivers, railroads, cities, coastlines, state and country boundaries, and U.S., state and interstate highways as well as local thoroughfares. The unit also includes a built-in Jeppesen® database. Within this database pilots will find airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, special use and controlled airspace, runway data and comm frequencies. Other significant features include an HSI with VNAV indicator, the ability to store 20 reversible flight plans of 30 waypoints each and five audible alarms that include arrival, CDI, clock, timer and SUA alerts.

When on the ground, the GPSMAP 295 has the ability to bring you even greater mapping detail. An optional CD-ROM feature allows you to download mapping information from Garmin's exclusive MapSource® line of CD-ROMs. When paired with the MetroGuide® U.S. CD, your GPSMAP 295 will provide you with street-level detail of major U.S. cities. Simply load the CD-ROM onto your computer, highlight the area you are interested in, and download the information onto a small blank cartridge that is inserted near the battery compartment on the GPSMAP 295.

Specific features of the GPSMAP 295 include:

• A 16 color high-resolution display, with 240 x 128 pixels
• Built-in Jeppesen database with worldwide airports, VORs, intersections, runway data, plus airports, FSS and ARTCC frequencies
• Detailed basemap with state/country boundaries, lakes, rivers, railroads, cities, coastlines, U.S. state and interstate highways, and local thoroughfares
• Storage of up to 250 waypoints and 20 reversible routes
• Ability to download additional data through optional MetroGuide U.S. CD-ROM
• Operates on just six AA batteries

The GPSMAP 295 will ship standard with a carrying case, dash mount, 12 volt adapter cable, owner's manual and quick reference guide. It will be available early in 2000 and will sell for around $1449.