Garmin’s new GTN 650/750Xi GPS navcoms have received FAA supplemental type certification and are now available for immediate shipping. The Xi units replace the original GTN 650/750, which entered service in 2011, bringing touchscreen control to panel-mounted avionics and replacing the GNS 430/530.
The new GTNs are slide-in replacements for the previous versions. Prices are $12,495 for the GTN 650Xi and $17,995 for the GTN 750Xi. Pilots can learn how to use the new units with Garmin’s free GTN Xi trainer app for the iPad.
The main upgrade to the GTN Xi is faster dual-core processors, which allow for quicker startup, faster map rendering, a “more vibrant display and vivid colors,” and smoother touchscreen map panning. Advanced navigation features include LPV approaches and Garmin’s visual approach plus support for radius-to-fix approaches. The Xi series also adds terrain alerting, with audible and visual terrain proximity alerts and optional helicopter terrain awareness and warning system, TAWS-A, and TAWS-B.
Like the earlier GTN, the Xi series can integrate with remote audio controls or transponders and display that information on the GTN screen. Fully coupled IFR approaches and VNAV profiles can be flown when the GTN is paired with Garmin’s GFC 500 or 600 autopilot. Other available features include using Garmin’s Telligence voice control when the GTN is connected to a GMA 35c audio panel, global voice calling and texting on the GTN display with a GSR 56 Iridium datalink, and wireless connection to mobile devices with the optional Flight Stream 510.