Garmin unveils new Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) solutions for aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has introduced two new distance measuring equipment (DME) solutions - the GDM 4500 and GDM 450R. These digital remote-mount DME radios enable pilots to track multiple DME stations simultaneously and provide slant-distance information on select Garmin flight decks.

The GDM 450R is designed for Part 23 general aviation aircraft, while the GDM 4500 features enhanced environmental hardening for turbine aircraft and helicopters. Both products offer cost-effective DME capability upgrades and support DME-DME Area Navigation. The solutions are expected to be available in Q3 2025.

Positive

• Introduction of modern DME solutions that can replace aging equipment
• Capability to track two DME stations simultaneously with additional scanning of three frequencies
• Cost-effective upgrade path for aircraft owners
• Compatibility with both Garmin and select third-party systems

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aviation Technology Analyst

Garmin's new DME solutions modernize essential navigation technology, strengthening their aviation product lineup while addressing growing demand for ground-based navigation alternatives.

Garmin's introduction of the GDM 4500 and GDM 450R represents a strategic expansion of their aviation navigation portfolio. These digital DME radios address a critical market need as pilots increasingly seek ground-based alternatives to satellite navigation systems. The timing is particularly relevant given the aviation industry's renewed focus on navigation redundancy and resilience.

The technical differentiation between the two models is noteworthy - the GDM 450R targets the Part 23 general aviation segment (typically smaller private aircraft), while the environmentally hardened GDM 4500 serves higher-performance turbine aircraft and helicopters. This segmentation allows Garmin to capture multiple aviation market tiers with tailored solutions.

The multi-channel capability enabling simultaneous tracking of two DME stations while scanning three additional frequencies represents a significant advancement over legacy systems. This functionality facilitates DME-DME Area Navigation (RNAV), allowing position determination without requiring GPS - essentially creating a ground-based positioning network that functions as a backup navigation system.

For Garmin, these products complement their existing avionics ecosystem while offering compatibility with legacy systems, potentially opening retrofit opportunities across the global aircraft fleet. The Q3 2025 release timeline gives the company a near-term product launch to drive aviation segment growth while reinforcing their position as an innovation leader in flight navigation technology.

• GDM 4500 and GDM450R can replace aging DME solutions and provide modern Garmin features
• State-of-the-art products offer cost-effective way to upgrade DME capabilities on many aircraft
• New solutions allow pilots to receive multiple DME stations with compatible avionics

OLATHE, Kan., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced its new distance measuring equipment (DME) products – the GDM 4500 and GDM 450R. These digital, state-of-the-art, remote-mount DME radios are designed to provide slant-distance information on select Garmin flight decks and displays. Both products can allow pilots to track two separate DME's simultaneously. Compatible Garmin avionics can also automatically scan up to three additional DME frequencies¹. The GDM 450R is designed for Part 23 general aviation aircraft, while the GDM 4500 includes additional environmental hardening and interfaces for turbine aircraft and helicopters. Either product offers a cost-effective way to add or upgrade DME capabilities on many popular aircraft.

"Given the increased interest among aircraft owners for alternative navigation sources, we are excited to now offer a ground-based DME solution. While DME technology has been available for decades, these new Garmin solutions will help modernize the capabilities on many aircraft, and we look forward to seeing pilots leverage these features around the world."
–Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales, Marketing, Programs & Support

GDM 450R for Part 23 General Aviation aircraft

The GDM 450R can display distance information on select Garmin integrated flight decks, as well as TXi^™ flight displays. Up to two separate DME frequencies can be tuned by the pilot via the navigation radios, providing slant-range distance relative to DME ground stations. For additional flexibility, the DME hold capability maintains the active DME distance indication when tuning the associated NAV radio to a different frequency. With an optional enablement, compatible Garmin avionics can automatically scan and tune up to three additional DME frequencies. Pilots can leverage this multi-channel capability for DME-DME Area Navigation (RNAV), using distance calculations from two or more DME ground stations to determine the aircraft's position for RNAV routes¹. Additionally, the Free Scan Capability¹ allows the system to search for DMEs in range. For integration with legacy distance indicators and navigation radios, GDM 450R also supports legacy databus connections.

GDM 4500 for turbine aircraft and helicopters

Designed specifically for turbine aircraft and helicopters, the GDM 4500 meets higher qualification levels and is environmentally hardened. Along with Garmin integrated flight decks and TXi displays, it is also compatible with select third party systems, enabled by ARINC 429 support. The Free Scan capability and DME-DME navigation capability come standard with the GDM 4500 as supported by compatible FMS.

The GDM 4500 and GDM 450R DME radios are expected to be available in Q3 2025. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com/aviation.

Garmin products and services have revolutionized flight and become essential to the lives of pilots and aircraft owners and operators around the world. A leading provider of solutions to general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carrier customers, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate. Recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, Garmin developed the world's first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminaviation on social, or follow our blog.

1	Requires a compatible Garmin system; feature availability varies by product. Enablement required for GDM 450R.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark and TXi is a trademark 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 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. 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.

Media Contact:
Mikayla Minnick
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com 

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key features of Garmin's new GDM 4500 and GDM 450R DME solutions?

The new DME solutions can track two DME stations simultaneously, offer DME-DME Area Navigation capability, and provide slant-distance information on select Garmin flight decks. The GDM 4500 includes additional environmental hardening for turbine aircraft.

When will Garmin's new DME solutions be available?

Both the GDM 4500 and GDM 450R DME radios are expected to be available in Q3 2025.

What is the difference between Garmin's GDM 4500 and GDM 450R?

The GDM 450R is designed for Part 23 general aviation aircraft, while the GDM 4500 is specifically designed for turbine aircraft and helicopters with higher qualification levels and environmental hardening.

Which aircraft displays are compatible with Garmin's new DME solutions?

The DME solutions are compatible with select Garmin integrated flight decks, TXi flight displays, and the GDM 4500 also supports select third-party systems through ARINC 429.

What navigation capabilities do Garmin's new DME solutions offer?

The solutions offer DME-DME Area Navigation (RNAV), using distance calculations from multiple DME ground stations, DME hold capability, and Free Scan Capability to search for DMEs in range.