Garmin adds IFR and 4-axis capability to GFC 600H helicopter flight control system
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Insights
The announcement of Garmin's GFC™ 600H Helicopter Flight Control System with an IFR configuration and Stability Augmentation System (SAS) represents a significant technological advancement in the aerospace industry. The integration of a 4-axis control system, including collective control, marks a notable enhancement in helicopter flight control technology. The system's ability to reduce pilot workload and improve mission effectiveness through advanced automated flight capabilities is particularly relevant for IFR operations, which are inherently more challenging due to the reliance on instruments for navigation and flight in poor visibility or weather conditions.
From an engineering perspective, the inclusion of smart servos and linear actuators for crisp and powerful responses, along with the system's capability to perform various autopilot modes, indicates a high level of precision and reliability. The collective control feature, which manages the helicopter's lift, is critical for tasks such as transitioning to hover and hovering, which are essential in operations like search and rescue or medical evacuations. The low height protection and power limiting are safety features that can prevent accidents, thus potentially reducing insurance costs and improving overall flight safety records for operators.
Garmin's GFC 600H system with the IFR and SAS capabilities offers significant safety enhancements for helicopter operations. The Stability Augmentation System improves basic flying characteristics, which is crucial for maintaining control and stability in a range of flight conditions. The system's ability to dampen rates without moving the cyclic contributes to a smoother and safer flying experience, which is particularly beneficial in challenging environments.
Moreover, the enhanced safety tools, such as the Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP™) and the dedicated LVL button, are designed to assist pilots in maintaining a safe flight envelope and in recovering from disorientation in degraded visual environments. These features are critical for preventing accidents related to spatial disorientation, a common cause of aviation incidents. The EASA approval of the IFR configuration on the AW109 Trekker helicopter is a testament to the system's robust capabilities and adherence to stringent safety standards, which are likely to be well-received by regulatory bodies, including the FAA.
The introduction of the GFC 600H IFR configuration could have a positive impact on Garmin's market position in the aviation sector. The advanced features and capabilities of the system address a growing demand for enhanced automation and safety in helicopter operations. Garmin's reputation for innovation, as evidenced by their receipt of the Robert J. Collier Trophy for the Garmin Autoland system, positions the company as a leader in aviation technology.
The system's potential to reduce pilot workload and enhance safety could lead to increased adoption rates among helicopter operators, particularly in sectors that require precise and reliable flight control, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement and offshore operations. Garmin's expansion into the IFR helicopter flight control market could also diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its competitive edge. As the system receives regulatory approvals, such as the recent EASA certification and the anticipated FAA approval, the market could see an uptick in orders, which would positively influence Garmin's financial performance and stock value.
Modern flight control system supports IFR flying with Stability Augmentation System
"We are very excited to now offer a 4-axis, IFR flight control system for the helicopter market. This technology will provide IFR operators with advanced automated flight capabilities and bring added protections to one of the most challenging flight categories in aviation. We're confident AW109 Trekker operators will be impressed with the performance of GFC 600H." –Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing
The GFC 600H features a console-mounted mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. Digitally controlled, high-performance servos and new Garmin developed linear actuators allow for faster, crisper, more powerful responses – enabling the GFC 600H to perform with smooth handling throughout the flight envelope. Autopilot modes supported include altitude acquire, altitude hold, approach auto-level, radar height hold, as well as vertical speed, indicated airspeed, heading select, attitude hold, and more. Using navigation system inputs, GFC 600H can also fly various approach types.
IFR capable with Stability Augmentation
The IFR configuration of the GFC 600H consists of a GMC 605H mode controller, GFS 83 smart servos in each of the four axes, and three GLA 85 smart linear actuators (pitch/roll/yaw) resulting in a reliable digital system that is lightweight, yet rich in features. Unlike traditional IFR helicopter flight control systems, the GFC 600H uniquely leverages its smart servos to eliminate the need for dual linear actuators in each axis along with flight control computers – resulting in a digital system that is lightweight and cost-effective while still the providing redundancy required for IFR flight.
The GFC 600H SAS functionality improves the helicopter's basic flying characteristics throughout the flight envelope, as well as enhancing pilot handling and precision. Using the smart linear actuators, the GFC 600H provides rate damping without moving the cyclic, providing a highly capable SAS solution for operators.
Collective control
In addition to pitch, roll and yaw axis control, the GFC 600H can now control the collective. Power management enables additional functions that can enhance safety and reduce pilot workload. For example, GFC 600H can allow a pilot to cruise, transition to hover, and hover, all completely hands-off. New safety features available with 4th axis include low height protection and power limiting. Low height protection can help prevent controlled descent into terrain by automatically raising the collective to reduce descending vertical speed. Power limiting can keep engine parameters below maximum limits by lowering the collective, in order to prevent engine exceedances.
Proven, robust capabilities
The new capabilities in the IFR configuration of GFC 600H expand a portfolio of previously certified features in the VFR configuration of GFC 600H available for AS350 and Bell 505 helicopters1. Safety tools such as Garmin's Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP™) to help the pilot remain within a safe flight envelope when hand-flying the helicopter. A dedicated LVL button can be engaged by the pilot to return to straight-and-level flight, helping to avoid potential disorientation in degraded visual environments (DVE) or inadvertent entry into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
The IFR configuration of the GFC 600H flight control system has received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval on the AW109 Trekker helicopter. FAA approval is expected later. To learn more, visit garmin.com/GFC600H.
Garmin products and services have revolutionized flight and become essential to the lives of pilots and aircraft owners and operators around the world. A leading provider of solutions to general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carrier customers, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate. Recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, Garmin developed the world's first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminaviation on social, or follow our blog.
1Features may vary by specific aircraft configuration.
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FAQ
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