PILOT’S GUIDE
Terrain Awareness and
Warning Systems—TAWS
Buyer’s Guide
B Y P A U L N O V A C E K See TAWS COMPARISONS CHART on pages 36, 37 & 39
C
ontrolled Flight Into Terrain These “terrain depiction” systems TAWS computer also receives
(CFIT) describes an acci- show the terrain in color codes aircraft configuration and air-data
dent where a completely just as sectional charts. The col- information to then create a 4-D
airworthy aircraft is flown into ors depict elevations above sea position of latitude, longitude, alti-
the terrain. These accidents only level and itʼs up to the pilot to tude and time. It then compares
occur during poor visual condi- determine if sufficient clearance this position with the on-board
tions; but other factors besides exists. A little bit of mental gym- database of terrain, obstacles
visibility usually contribute, such nastics are required to correctly and runways to determine any
as a cockpit distraction, malfunc- interpret these moving maps. conflicts. If the TAWS com-
tioning equipment, an ATC error The terrain mapping systems are puter detects a possible conflict
or a pilot/controller miscommuni- only capable of giving the pilot between the future flight path
cation. To reduce the occurrence the general awareness of the ter- of the aircraft and terrain, visual
of Controlled Flight Into Terrain rain, no audio or visual warnings and audible warnings are given
accidents, Terrain Awareness are given. to the pilot.
and Warning Systems (TAWS) A true TAWS system on the
were developed to provide a other hand, can look ahead of Class-A TAWS
warning of a possible terrain con- the aircraft and warn the pilot For those airplanes that
flict. The purpose of a TAWS is of impending impact with the require Class-A TAWS, the sys-
to provide a warning with enough ground; thus monitoring the tems include a minimum of five
time for the flight crew to take pilotʼs actions and providing an basic functions:
appropriate action. audible and visual alert if the air- 1. Forward looking terrain
There are various types of craft is about to have a date with avoidance
TAWS systems, whether they fall the ground. Hopefully, the pilot This function looks ahead and
into the definition of TAWS or not. of a TAWS-equipped aircraft will below the aircraft flight path to
The three general categories pro- never hear a terrain or obstacle provide a suitable alert if a poten-
vide increasing levels of protec- warning, but the safety margins tial threat exists.
tion—from the basic Terrain Map are there just in case. 2. Premature descent alert
to TAWS-B through the highest The TAWS computer receives This function uses the predict-
level of protection—TAWS-A. position information from a GPS ed flight path information (deter-
Many moving maps contain receiver, and compares that mined from an approach naviga-
databases of terrain elevations position with the internal ter- tion source) and its own airport
gained from government charts. rain or obstacle database. The database to determine if the
aircraft is below the normal (typi-
Federal Aviation Regulations Require: cally 3 degree) approach path for
TAWS Class-A equipment is required for turbine-powered airplanes operated the nearest runway. If a conflict is
under part 121 (airline) and part 135 (charter) of 10 or more passenger seats. detected, a warning is given.
TAWS Class-B equipment is required for turbine-powered airplanes operated 3. Attention alerts
under part 91 with six or more passenger seats and for turbine-powered airplanes The system provides appropri-
operated under part 135 with six to nine passenger seats. ate visual and audio alerts for
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both cautions and warnings. 4. Indications of imminent tion airplanes to the largest air
4. Terrain awareness display contact with the ground transports. They even have two
The TAWS equipment provides The TAWS equipment provides models specifically designed for
terrain information to a suitable indications of possible terrain the special needs of helicopters,
display system—radar or multi- conflicts for the following condi- who routinely fly eye-level with
function display. tions: the obstacles theyʼre trying to
5. Indications of imminent • Excessive rates of descent avoid.
contact with the ground • Negative climb rate or alti- The TAWS-A Mark series
The TAWS equipment provides tude loss after takeoff (Mark V-VIII) of EGPWS are
indications of possible terrain • Voice callout “five hundred” intended for corporate jet and
conflicts for the following condi- when the aircraft descends to air transport installations. As an
tions: 500 feet above the terrain or option, they contain software
• Excessive rates of descent nearest runway elevation to detect windshear conditions
• Excessive closure rate to terrain and alert the flight crew when
• Negative climb rate or altitude NOTE: A Class-B TAWS instal- to take evasive maneuvers to
loss after takeoff lation does not require a terrain escape a microburst. A recent
• Flight into terrain when not in display (as does Class-A), but addition to the Mark series is
landing configuration the awareness of terrain around the software upgrade for RAAS,
• Excessive downward deviation the aircraft is severely lacking. Honeywellʼs Runway Awareness
from an ILS glideslope The TAWS equipment is either and Advisory System. The field-
• Voice callout “five hundred,” contained in a remote avionics updatable software enhancement
when the aircraft descends to box that feeds a multi-function uses GPS position data and the
500 feet above the terrain or display, or contained entirely in EGPWS database to provide
nearest runway elevation the display unit. The larger air- audio advisories that supplement
craft generally use the remote flight crew awareness of position
Class-B TAWS box configuration, while the during ground operations and on
For those aircraft that require smaller aircraft use combined approach to landing. Honeywell
Class-B TAWS, the systems units. The following are short is the only TAWS manufacturer
include a minimum of four basic descriptions of each TAWS man- offering this enhanced safety
functions: ufacturer. The comparison chart feature.
1. Forward looking terrain that accompanies this article lists The Mark XXI (TAWS-B) and
avoidance the particulars of each TAWS Mark XXII (TAWS-A) offer ter-
This function looks ahead and unit. rain awareness functions tailored
below the aircraft flight path to uniquely to helicopter flight pro-
provide a suitable alert if a poten- Honeywell files. For the light jet, turboprop
tial threat exists. Honeywellʼs EGPWS, or and piston crowd, Honeywellʼs
2. Premature descent alert Enhanced Ground Proximity general aviation line of EGPWS
This function uses the pre- Warning System, was the pio- offer TAWS-B awareness and
dicted flight path information neer TAWS system that com- alerting of potential terrain or
(determined from an approach bined an exhaustive terrain and obstacles. The EGPWS is even
navigation source) and its own obstacle database with the tra- bundled with traffic alerting sen-
airport database to determine if ditional Ground-Prox systems to sors, either TAS or TCAS-I,
the aircraft is below the normal offer look-ahead alerting. There to provide total awareness of
(typically 3 degree) approach are 10 EGPWS systems cur- ground-based and air-based
path for the nearest runway. If a rently available from Honeywell threats.
conflict is detected, a warning is that can be installed as remote Even though the mandated
given to the pilot. computers in over 250 types of TAWS-B installations donʼt
3. Attention alerts aircraft. Since the EGPWS was require a cockpit display, the
The system provides appropri- first introduced, 30,000 have graphic depiction of terrain sur-
ate visual and audio alerts for been installed in aircraft ranging rounding the aircraft greatly
both cautions and warnings. in size from small general avia- Continued on page 38…
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TAWS COMPARISONS
TAWS REMOTE COMPUTERS
Model Description Price
Honeywell www.egpws.com, www.bendixking.com
TAWS-A, w/windshear detection, vertical situation
$74,710 without internal GPS
EGPWS – display (VSD), radar AutoTilt T, worldwide Terrain/Ob-
$77,630 w/internal GPS
Mark V stacle/Airport database, optional RAAS.
RAAS add $18,932
Remote Computer - Digital Interface
TAWS-A, w/windshear detection, vertical situation $74,710 without internal GPS
EGPWS –
display (VSD), radar AutoTilt T, worldwide database, $77,630 w/internal GPS
Mark VII
optional RAAS. Remote Computer - Analog Interface RAAS add $18,932
TAWS-A, regional Terrain/Obstacle/Airport databases.
EGPWS– $26,168 without internal GPS
Remote Computer designed for Turboprop aircraft
Mark VI $28,358 w/internal GPS
- Limited Analog/Digital Interfaces
TAWS-A, worldwide Terrain/Obstacle/Airport database.
EGPWS – $39,358 without internal GPS
Remote Computer designed for Turbofan and Turbo-
Mark VIII $40,402 w/internal GPS
prop aircraft - Limited Analog/Digital Interfaces
EGPWS – TAWS-A, w/internal GPS, regional Terrain/Obstacle/
Mark XXI Airport/Oil Rig databases. Remote Computer - All $41,614
Helicopter Displays
KGP-560 TAWS-B, w/internal GPS, regional Terrain/
Obstacle/Airport databases. Remote Computer - $10,090
EGPWS
Limited Displays
TAWS-B, w/internal GPS, enhanced alerting, regional
KGP-860
Terrain/Obstacle/Airport $13,090
EGPWS
databases. Remote Computer - All Displays
EGPWS - TAWS-B, w/internal GPS, regional Terrain/
Mark XXI Obstacle/Airport databases. Remote Computer - All $12,900
Helicopter Displays
TAWS-B & TAS (traffic). Remote TAWS $29,990 Includes Install kit
KMH-880
Computer / Traffic Sensor and antenna
TAWS-B & TCAS-I (traffic). Remote TAWS $38,280 Includes Install kit
KMH-980
Computer / Traffic Sensor and antenna
L-3 Avionics Systems www.as.l-3com.com/products/taws.asp
TAWS-B, worldwide database. Remote Computer
LandMark 8000 $11,550
TAWS-B w/internal WAAS-GPS, worldwide
LandMark 8100 $13,925
database, enhanced positioning. Remote Computer
Universal Avionics www.universalavionics.com
TAWS-A TAWS-A. Remote Computer $36,500
TAWS-B TAWS-B. Remote Computer $22,000
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TAWS REMOTE COMPUTERS continued…
Model Description Price
ACSS (L-3/Thales) www.acssonboard.com/
TW-950/951 $77,500 no/GPS
TAWS-A, optional GPS. Remote Computer
TAWS+ $89,250 w/GPS
TT-950/951/ TAWS-A with TCAS II, windshear, optional GPS. TT 950/951 - $217,385
952 Remote TAWS Computer / Traffic Sensor TT 952 (w/GPS) - $230,135
TERRAIN DISPLAYS
Model Description Price
Honeywell www.bendixking.com
Rudimentary Terrain Moving Map—
Skymap IIIC $2,470
Panel or pedestal-mount
Terrain Map - Combination moving map display with $3,870 no/GPS
KMD-150
GPS navigation $4,570 w/GPS
Terrain Map with Relative Elevation mode.
$4,140 no/GPS
KMD-250 Combination moving map display with GPS navigation,
$4,630 w/GPS
traffic & weather
Display only for Honeywell EGPWS. Multi-
Additional circuit board to in-
KMD-550 Function Display – TAWS, Traffic, Datalink
terface with EGPWS - $2,100
& Stormscope
Display only for Honeywell EGPWS. Multi-
Additional circuit board to in-
KMD-850 Function Display – TAWS, Traffic, Datalink, Storm-
terface with EGPWS - $2,100
scope & Radar
Primarily Radar Indicator. Display for any
MFRD Honeywell EGPWS. Multi-Function Display— $42,590
radar, TAWS, traffic, FMS & checklist
Radio Altitude and EGPWS. Display for any Honeywell
TRA-45 $14,500
EGPWS. Replaces existing 3 inch Radio Altimeter
Avidyne www.avidyne.com
Dedicated page for EGPWS display. Multi-
Additional software to inter-
FlightMax EX500 Function Display—TAWS, Traffic, Datalink, Storm-
face with EGPWS - $2000
scope & Radar
Dedicated page for EGPWS display. Multi-
Additional software to inter-
FlightMax EX5000 Function Display – TAWS, Traffic, Datalink, Storm-
face with EGPWS - $2000
scope & Radar
All prices are subject to change. Please contact the individual manufacturer or authorized dealer for current pricing.
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TAWS BUYER'S GUIDE or “Godʼs eye” view) it can also on the TAWS+ capabilities, the
Continued from page 35 display a complete profile (side TAWS+Performance package
enhances the pilotʼs ability to view) of the terrain in relation is a step beyond conventional
plan escape maneuvers when to the entire flight plan, even TAWS offering the higher level of
a turn may be more appropriate before the aircraft is airborne. safety afforded by basing alerts
than just a pull-up. Honeywell It differs from EGPWS in that it on the actual ability to climb.
offers many options to display uses inputs from an FMS to proj- Sophisticated modeling of air-
TAWS, as well as offering a few ect an aircraftʼs flight path onto craft climb capabilities provides
moving-map displays that just the terrain display. The result- the most complete picture for
depict a colored terrain map. ing unprecedented “look-ahead” improved situational awareness.
capability can provide warnings In addition to audio and
L-3 Avionics Systems and alerts well in advance of visual alerts, TAWS+ provides
L-3 Communications recently potential hazards, allowing time enhanced situational awareness
bought the entire BFGoodrich for the pilot to make the neces- with the unique Terrain Advisory
line of avionics, including the sary maneuvers or waypoint cor- Line (TAL) feature. Extending the
Stormscope and LandMark rections for terrain avoidance. conventional TAWS cautionary
TAWS products. The LandMark If that isnʼt enough, the terrain segment, the TAL reaches
8000 and 8100 are Class-B Universal system also depicts out to 30 degrees on either side
TAWS remote-mounted units a 3-D perspective view on of the aircraft flight path and out
that display terrain information video-capable devices such as as far as two minutes in front of
on a variety of Multi-Function Universalʼs Flat Panel Integrated the aircraft, providing the crew
Displays. The LandMark 8100 Display, FMS Display Control with an enhanced indication of
is the first stand-alone Class-B Unit and Cockpit Display. On the potential hazards in the current
TAWS to offer an optional WAAS- display, a blinking star-shaped flight path. ACSS can supply the
GPS sensor. Thus eliminating symbol shows the position of the TAWS+ or TAWS+Performance
the need for multiple inputs from hazard based on the aircraftʼs capability in a single remote-
other aircraft sensors, and sim- predicted flight path. This graphic mounted box or combined with a
plifying the installation process. is colored white, yellow or red TCAS-II traffic sensor. The com-
By operating autonomously, the corresponding to Advisory, bined T2CAS is a form fit for the
LandMark 8100 provides terrain Caution and Warning alert levels TCAS-2000 remote sensor and
data without complicated GPS, respectively. adds TAWS capability without the
air-data or temperature inputs. In addition of a second box.
addition, the LandMark system ACSS
offers greater terrain resolution, The TAWS+ Terrain Awareness Avidyne
providing an accurate lay of the Warning System from ACSS Avidyne offers two multi-
land with crisper imaging, and brings advanced terrain predic- function displays that interface
more distinct runway and obsta- tion and avoidance technology to to any Honeywell EGPWS,
cle depictions. Whether depict- the cockpit with their capable line either Class-A or Class-B. Their
ing terrain on an MFD, EFIS or of remote-mount units. TAWS+ FlightMax EX-500 is a six-inch
Radar Indicator, the LandMark has the patented Terrain Advisory display intended to be mounted
TAWS easily integrates with Line (TAL), “Avoid Terrain” and within the existing radio rack of
existing cockpits. Engine Out features. These small aircraft or in place of the
advanced functions encompass radar display in larger aircraft.
Universal Avionics terrain and airport databases. The multi-function display (MFD)
Universal Avionics is generally Available with standard aircraft comes standard with a database
known for their excellent FMS climb rate, TAWS+ offers a of terrain elevations, obstacles
line, and just recently received unique set of enhanced features and waterways, which then
approval for their TAWS Class-A in a line-replaceable unit (LRU). requires the pilot to interpret
and Class-B remote-mounted An optional GPS card can be any terrain threats. The addition
units. Their system is unique in installed in the same unit, pro- of a remote-mounted EGPWS
that besides displaying the ter- viding even greater situational computer provides full TAWS
rain in a plan view (looking down awareness capability. Building Continued on page 40…
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TERRAIN DISPLAYS continued…
Model Description Price
Garmin www.garmin.com
Software & hardware
GNS-400 TAWS-like, Terrain Map. GPS Navigator (factory) upgrade—$500
TAWS-like, Terrain Map. Software & hardware
GNS-420
GPS Navigator / Moving Map (factory) upgrade—$500
TAWS-like, Terrain Map. Software & hardware
GNS-430
GPS Navigator / Moving Map / Nav/Com (factory) upgrade—$500
Software & hardware
GNS-500 TAWS-B. GPS Navigator / Moving Map
(factory) upgrade—$8,000
TAWS-B. GPS Navigator / Moving Map / Software & hardware
GNS 530
Nav/Com (factory) upgrade—$8,000
$7,295
MFD moving map with optional traffic and
w/ I/O Traffic: $8,495
MX20 weather interface capability,
w/ I/O Traffic & Radar
radar and TAWS-B
(TAWS-B): $14,495
Chelton www.cheltonflightsystems.com
TAWS-C – included
TAWS-A, B or C. Complete PFD/MFD EFIS with TAWS-B – additional
FlightLogic EFIS Synthetic Vision, TAWS-C included TAWS-B or A $10,000
optional TAWS-A – additional
$25,000
Sandel www.sandel.com
TAWS and RMI. TAWS-A or B. TAWS Computer TAWS-A – $34,500
ST3400
and Display – can replace existing 3 inch RMI TAWS-B – $20,950
Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com
TAWS & Vertical Speed Indicator. Terrain Map.
Combination moving map display with GPS $3,995 – certified
AT-300 $3,495 – non certified
navigation – can replace existing 3 inch VSI
(certification mid-2005)
PANEL-MOUNTED SWITCH / ANNUNCIATOR UNITS
Model Description Price
Mid-Continent Instruments www.mcico.com
Terrain Awareness Control Unit. Panel-mounted,
MD-41 $984 - $1,140
Mode Switch and Alert Lights
All prices are subject to change. Please contact the individual manufacturer or authorized dealer for current pricing.
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TAWS BUYER'S GUIDE Garmin purchased the entire edge display with a built-in RMI
Continued from page 38 line of avionics from UPS function. The ST-3400 is a self-
capability including visual and Aviation Technologies, includ- contained TAWS that replaces
audible alerting. If the EGPWS ing the MX20 moving map. This an existing RMI, therefore saving
detects a terrain conflict, a mes- fully-capable moving map/MFD substantial costs because new
sage is posted that directs the comes standard with a database panels do not need to be fabri-
pilot to access the TAWS page, of terrain elevations and obsta- cated. Sandelʼs patented edge-
but the audio callout and remote cles displayed in much the same to-edge display technology pro-
annunciators are always active. manner as a sectional chart. It vides a large viewing area equal
Avidyneʼs bigger brother MFD, is not a true TAWS and there- in size to a 4 inch display.
the FlightMax EX-5000, is 10 fore does not qualify for the FAA
inches wide and part of the TAWS mandate, but it does offer Aspen Avionics
Entegra system being installed a unique relative terrain mode The AT-300 display combines
in many factory aircraft (Cirrus, that color codes any terrain near moving terrain mapping func-
Lancair, Piper, etc.), although it the aircraft altitude. As an option, tions with GPS navigation depic-
is also available for retrofit into the MX20 can interface to the tions. This 3 inches display also
existing aircraft. Honeywell or LandMark Class-B contains a graphical indication
TAWS computers. of aircraft vertical speeds, up
Garmin to 2,000 feet per minute. The
Garmin offers three options Chelton unit uses the same mechanical
of terrain awareness, software The FlightLogic Synthetic mounting as a standard 3 inches
upgrades for their popular GNS- Vision EFIS is a complete flight/ VSI, allowing it to easily replace
430 and 530, and a terrain navigation instrumentation sys- that instrument. It is compatible
display with their MX20 moving tem that provides information to with virtually all panel mounted
map display. Customers of exist- a pilot via computer-generated GPS navigation systems, pro-
ing GNS-530s or GPS-500s can screen displays on panel-mount- viding an easy upgrade to add
have the units upgraded by the ed hardware. The hardware is color moving map technology
Garmin factory for TAWS Class- comprised of a high-brightness to older GPS systems. The unit
B capability for $8,000, which LCD screen, menu buttons, con- offers a high-resolution sunlight
doesnʼt include the aircraft modi- trol knob and slip indicator, all of readable color LCD moving map
fications necessary for remote which are backlit. The FlightLogic display that includes both top-
warning annunciators or audio EFIS system uses terrain, airport view and side-view terrain pre-
interface. This is most likely the and runway databases to warn sentations. Instantaneous height
easiest upgrade path for the of hazardous terrain within the above ground is also displayed
FAA TAWS-B mandate in those search envelope in front of the whenever the aircraft is below
aircraft that already have the aircraft. The FlightLogic system 10,000 feet AGL. Aspen Avionics
GNS-530, although a separate comes standard with a Class-C projects FAA certification in mid-
and continuous display of terrain TAWS, which may be upgraded 2005.
(MFD) is much better when flying to Class-B or Class-A TAWS. A
in mountainous terrain. unique feature of the FlightLogic
For those aircraft that have Primary Flight Display (PFD) is SWITCH / ANNUNCIATOR
the Garmin 400 series naviga- a color-coded, wireframe, 3-D UNITS
tors (400, 420 & 430) a TAWS- Synthetic Vision display that Some installations require
like software field upgrade is depicts terrain ahead of the air- external switching to disable
available for $500. The addition craft. certain functions or initiate the
enables the depiction of sur- built-in testing functions. Many of
rounding terrain and obstacles Sandel the corporate jet and air trans-
in bright yellow and red, relative The Sandel ST-3400 TAWS/ port installations use individual
to the current altitude, but is not RMI was the first self-contained switch/annunciators. The specific
certified for full TAWS-B capabil- Class-A or Class-B TAWS sys- STC will list the required switch-
ity and does not satisfy the FAA tem that includes an integrated es and their placement in front of
TAWS mandate. full-color, multi-screen, edge-to- the pilots. To simplify the instal-
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lation, two units are available that
combine the necessary switching
and pilot alert functions into a
simple panel-mounted unit.
Mid-Continent Instruments
Mid-Continent Instrumentsʼ
MD-41 Terrain Awareness
Control Units provide annuncia-
tion, mode selection and auto-
matic dimming capability. The
fully integrated, compact control
units do away with the need for
a myriad of switches, relays and
annunciators making installation
fast and easy. Both the MD41-
1308 and the more compact
MD41-1208 present primary or
secondary visual alert of TAWS/
EGPWS within the pilotʼs direct
field-of-view. Mounted through
a single cutout in the panel, the
MD-41 reduces typical installa-
tion costs. ■
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