Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval of the GFC™ 600H Helicopter Flight Control System which will allow it to be retrofitted to Airbus H130s and EC130 T2s.
The GFC 600H provides a number of helicopter-tailored features, including attitude hold with speed stability, a hover assist mode which detects when the aircraft is in a hover and will assist in holding the aircraft over the ground was well as holding heading. The system also has the Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP™), which includes dedicated return-to-level (LVL) mode, as well as overspeed and low-speed protection.
The GFC 600H features a console-mounted mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. Integrated smart servos provide pitch and roll inputs as commanded by the system, while the collective sensor adds proactive commands to provide smoother, more predictable flight control adjustments when the pilot moves the collective. Digitally controlled, high-performance servos allow for faster, crisper, more powerful response, which enables the
Used in conjunction with the G500H Txi and GTN Xi avionics systems the GFC600H can also automatically fly approaches, carry out fully coupled missed approach procedures including holds, as well as search and rescue patterns and provide en route navigation guidance.
A dedicated LVL button is included on the GFC 600H and can be engaged by the pilot to return to straight-and-level flight, helping to avoid potential disorientation in degraded visual environments (DVE), such as inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). With low altitude protection, the GFC 600H provides alerting and an automatic pitch mode change to assist the pilot in recovery to safe altitude.
The GFC 600H for the Airbus H130 and EC130 T2 is now available through the Garmin Authorised Dealer Network. The GFC 600H will also be available as the factory-installed option in new Airbus H130 helicopters. Garmin says that it is working on STC approvals in other jurisdictions but the spokesperson declined to expand on which or the likely timescales for approval.
Image: Garmin
