New Garmin Axis replacing G3X

[johnhansen]

Phew that was close! I was just getting ready to place the order for my Garmin G3X-based IFR panel. A little birdie told me to wait until Oshkosh, but the news dropped this morning with a YouTube presentation. A new fully integrated replacement called Axis. It includes the radios, IFR nav, audio panel for 4 places, engine monitor. No word yet on pricing and availability, but Garmin is saying that it'll ship later this month. The big price question for me is the GTN 650xi replacement. It'll be fun to see at Oshkosh.

My little birdie said that there will be a bunch of nearly new G3X upgraded displays and GTN 650xi / 750xi's that'll be hitting the market as well. So depending on price, it'll be either Axis or a nearly new G3X panel for me.

[jaredyates]

Having learned this today and about Dynon's new IFR GPS yesterday, Dynon should name their system "Allies" I guess.

[Dpearson]

I see what you did there!!!

[Astro John]

I took the other approach, and I locked in on the pricing for now. I just picked up my panel yesterday. I knew there was something new coming from Garmin, and a few of the specifics, but elected to go with the old stuff anyway. Upgrading the G3X panels would still be an option in the future. I would expect the direct G3X replacement, with just a VFR GPS won't break the bank.

[johnhansen]

Midwest Panel Builders has the pricing up for Garmin Axis 11" GDUs:
GDU 116NC which is the flagship model with IFR NAV/COM replacing the GTN 650xi, radio, audio panel is $20,780
GDU 116C which is the same as NC but IFR GPS only, so replacing the GNX 375 is $16,340
GDU 116BX is the base model that is equivalent to the G3X touch GDU and mostly targeted for G3X upgrades is $4,980, which is the old price for a G3X

The total cost of the Garmin Axis system compared to my recent quote for the G3X with GTN 650xi and everything associated saves me about $10,000, so that is substantial. And that is not counting the elimination of the center radio stack and clean panel. The 3 11" GDU's are shipping end of July.

8" GDU's will be available Q1 2027.

[jj128s]

Here is a link to VAF forum where they have a Garmin rep answering all kinds of questions from RV builders and owners about the new Garmin Axis https://vansairforce.net/threads/gar...isplay.244714/

[500AGL]

The new displays are nice but be careful thinking you'll save money. You need to add transponder if you replace a GNX, and the display audio panel is only 4-place.
The 116C has a gps nav for LPV/Rnav, but you need the 116NC for ILS approaches.

The 116NC offers a good choice for our Hard IFR panel, and the 116Bx offers a good choice for a base panel, but our Light IFR panel will retain the GNX375 with base displays. The 116C costs more in a model 5.

We will have them at osh.

[johnhansen]

Peter, will you have them in a Bearhawk at the booth? Also you mention it costs more in a BH5 - is that because of the need for a 6 place intercom? I was planning on just doing a 4 place intercom.

Now that the major Garmin dealers have the prices up on their websites, it helps mapping it out. Of course, a big cost beyond the display units are all of the connectors, sensors, still required LRUs, and the LRU kits.

[johnhansen]

And Peter, you are absolutely right about the pricing. Of course Garmin wouldn't leave any money on the table. The Vansairforce link above has some great price comparison of the exact system I was comparing and it comes in $2,200 more that the equivalent G3X pricing and that's without current G3X / GTN 650xi discount pricing, so it's closer to $4,000 more. And that's before a bunch of nearly new G3X's flood the market.

[Dpearson]

This will be my path. Garmin AP servos are already in. But I’ve promised myself that I won’t order anything for the panel until I’ve got the engine hung. And I’m a long way away from that!

[johnhansen]

For the price, it looks like simply replacing the G3X Touch 10.6" screen with Axis 11.6" GDU 1160BX makes a lot of sense, and then use the other standard LRU's that are supported will be the most economical. Sadly the new 8" GDU 80Px won't be available until Q1 2027, since I was going with a 7" G3X for primary engine monitor. No mixing G3X and Axis screens allowed. I might just put a holding spot for it in the panel for now. I'm 5 months from finishing in any case.

Good news is that all of of the airframe components and engine sensors, AP servos, pitot / AOA tube, are the same so that can be purchased and installed now.

[500AGL]

John,
yes, the Five of Erin & Paul’s will be on display in front of the Garmin booth lit up and working again, which is a pair of base Axis displays in the existing GTN750 equipped panel. We ran out of time to bring the Five we wanted with the 116NC display and no 750, but are putting a pair of base Axis displays in the Five we are bringing, to show everyone in the Bearhawk Booth.
And yes if you settle for a 4 place audio in a six place airframe than you don’t need a stand-alone audio panel, but changing down the road will hurt in time and money.

[johnhansen]

Wait! Erin and Paul upgraded their BH5 to Axis??? Did you do it for them?

Man, I can't believe how Garmin kept this such a secret when all the dealers not only knew about it but were actually doing installs with them over the past month. I'm guessing they threatened your dealership status if it leaked out, but even then it always leaks out.

[500AGL]

John, not the last month. End of last week. And yes, Garmin was on lockdown with info until released. We didn’t know much first hand until Thursday.

[rodsmith]

This is why you delay your avionics purchase until the last minute. When I bought my G3X system, the G3X touch was already 12 years old, ancient in electronics. For several years I had expected an update. Two years late for me, those getting the Axis displays enjoy!

[svyolo]

I think there will be smokin' deals on late model G3x's.

[jaredyates]

Lots have been popping up on VAF.