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011-04631-01 – Garmin GTN 650Xi WAAS/GPS/NAV/COMM
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The Garmin 011-04631-01 is the part number for the GTN 650Xi, the next-generation upgrade to the industry-standard GTN 650 touchscreen navigator. Engineered for seamless integration into a wide variety of Part 23 and Part 25 airframes, the 650Xi series features a significantly faster dual-core processor and a high-resolution flight display that enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload. This all-in-one "stack" solution combines high-precision WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) GPS navigation, a 200-channel VHF communication radio, and a full VOR/ILS navigation suite into a compact, 2.65-inch tall unit.
The GTN 650Xi is designed with a "Growth-Oriented" architecture, providing the processing power necessary for advanced features like Smart Glide™, graphical flight planning, and high-fidelity terrain mapping. Its vivid, sunlight-readable touchscreen interface allows for rapid data entry, while dedicated concentric knobs provide tactile control during turbulence. As a TSO-certified primary navigation source, the 650Xi is the cornerstone of modern glass-cockpit retrofits, interfacing directly with G5/G3X displays, GFC 500/600 autopilots, and ADS-B "In/Out" transponders.
Key Features
Enhanced Dual-Core Processor: Delivers lightning-fast map rendering, instantaneous boot times, and a smooth "pinch-to-zoom" interface that mirrors modern smartphone responsiveness.
WAAS/LPV Precision: Enables pilots to fly GPS-guided approaches down to 200-foot minimums, providing ILS-like accuracy at thousands of airports without ground-based localizers.
Graphical Flight Planning: Allows for "rubber-band" flight plan edits directly on the moving map, making it easy to deviate around weather or TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions).
Connext® Wireless Connectivity: Pairs with the Flight Stream 510 (optional) to allow wireless flight plan transfers and database updates from an iPad running Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight.
Smart Glide™ Technology: In the event of an engine failure, the GTN 650Xi can automatically recommend the best airport within gliding distance and provide automated guidance to reach it.
VHF Comm & Nav Radio: Includes a 10W (or optional 16W) COMM radio with 8.33 kHz channel spacing and a full VOR/Localizer/Glideslope receiver.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 011-04631-01 (Standard Unit)
Manufacturer: Garmin
Model: GTN 650Xi
Display Size: 4.9" diagonal (600 x 266 pixels)
Operating Voltage: 14V or 28V DC (11V to 33V range)
GPS Type: 15-channel, Gamma 3 WAAS
COMM Radio: 10 Watts (standard), 8.33/25 kHz spacing
Bezel Height: 2.65 Inches (Fits standard radio stack width)
Weight: 7.0 lbs (3.2 kg)
Certification: TSO-C146e (Primary Navigation Source)
Aircraft Compatibility
General Aviation (Part 23): Primary retrofit for Cessna 172/182, Piper PA-28/32, Beechcraft Bonanza, and Mooney M20.
Business Aviation (Part 25): Often used as a secondary or "backup" navigator in Citation and King Air flight decks.
Experimental Aircraft: A high-end navigation solution for RV-series, Glasair, and Lancair builds.
Note: The 011-04631-01 requires a high-speed data bus (HSDB) for communication with Garmin glass displays. Check the Garmin STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) for your specific airframe's eligibility.
Applications
The GTN 650Xi is utilized for Integrated Flight Management. Its primary roles include:
IFR Navigation: Executing complex GPS approaches, SIDs, STARs, and Victor airway routing.
Situational Awareness: Displaying NEXRAD weather, ADS-B traffic (TargetTrend™), and terrain alerts (TAWS-B).
Communication Management: Storing and recalling frequencies from the internal database based on the flight plan location.
Why Choose the GTN 650Xi?
Choosing the GTN 650Xi over the legacy 650 ensures long-term database and software support. As the FAA transitions toward more complex GPS procedures, the extra processing "headroom" of the Xi series ensures the unit won't become obsolete. Furthermore, the high-resolution display of the 650Xi significantly reduces the "screen door effect" seen on older units, making it much easier to read small text and terrain contours during high-workload IFR transitions.
The GTN 650Xi functions as an Integrated Avionics Controller utilizing a dual-core architecture to separate display processing from safety-critical GPS calculations. The GPS engine calculates position using trilateration of satellite signals, with accuracy improved to within 3 meters via the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). This system corrects for ionospheric delay and satellite clock errors, allowing the unit to provide Vertical Guidance (Glideslope) on GPS approaches. The Xi's higher pixel density allows for the display of SafeTaxi® diagrams with greater detail, ensuring that taxiway labels and runway hold-short lines are clear, reducing the risk of runway incursions.
Note: This is a complex, TSO-certified avionics unit. Installation requires a Garmin-authorized dealer to maintain warranty and ensure the STC remains valid. The unit must be interfaced with a certified WAAS antenna (e.g., GA 35) and requires a comprehensive "ring-out" and FAA Form 337 for aircraft certification. Databases must be updated every 28 days for IFR flight.
