Dunno if we’ll see this one available at your local big box electronics store, outfitter, or on Amazon, but it sounds as if we will, and it sure sounds cool.  The Military Times’ Gear Scout blog is reporting that Garmin is set to release an updated version of the old Garmin Foretrex, its original wrist-mounted GPS unit, with the 401 military spec’ced and ready for airborne troops.

To quote Gear Scout:

Geared specifically for the military, the new Foretrex 401 is about 20 percent smaller than the 101 and comes with the same size backlit display. New to the Foretrex line, though, is the 401’s ability to clone itself wirelessly with another 401, handy for quickly sharing mission waypoints and routes among team members. It also sports a 2-axis digital compass, a barometric altimeter and a USB jack to swap data to and from a PC or Mac.

There’s even a ‘jump master’ function for static, HAHO and HALO jumping that will let you set data points for under-canopy guidance to an LZ. It’s got options for forward throw, windspeeds at altitude and HARP to get you to the right place. Garmin also improved the GPS sensitivity so it will pick up a signal faster once out of the aircraft, but it’s still best as a backup to your backup altimeter.

Gear Scout also says that while the Foretrex 401, like its predecessors, runs on two AAA batteries, its updated electronics keep it operating for up to 24 hours. It also reports there will be an optional pouch designed with the help of Navy SEALS that will mount the unit to a rifle or other gear.

While I don’t make it a habit to jump out of airplanes — would like to try it someday though — I can see the waypoint sharing coming in handy. And having a digital compass and altimeter on your wrist would certainly come in handy as well.

The 401 weighs in at just under 3 ounces, and will retail for $250 when it is released June 16, according to Gear Scout.

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