Garmin announces upcoming retrofit certification of GFC 600H flight control system for Airbus H130 helicopters
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has announced upcoming Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for its GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System for Airbus H130 helicopters. The retrofit certification, expected in Q2 2025, will introduce advanced safety features and reduce pilot workload.
The system includes key features such as attitude hold with speed stability, hover assist mode, Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP), and return-to-level mode. The GFC 600H comes with console-mounted controls, NVG-compatible display, and integrated smart servos for pitch and roll control.
Notable capabilities include automatic hover detection, ground position maintenance, and heading hold in hover. The system integrates with G500H TXi and GTN Xi for automated approach flying and navigation guidance. Safety features include overspeed and low-speed protection, altitude hold, and low altitude protection with automatic pitch mode changes for recovery.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) ha annunciato l'imminente approvazione del Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) per il suo GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System per elicotteri Airbus H130. La certificazione del retrofit, prevista per il secondo trimestre del 2025, introdurrà avanzate caratteristiche di sicurezza e ridurrà il carico di lavoro del pilota.
Il sistema include caratteristiche chiave come il mantenimento dell'atteggiamento con stabilità della velocità, la modalità di assistenza al mantenimento dell'hover, la Stabilità Elettronica dell'Elicottero e Protezione (H-ESP), e la modalità di ritorno a livello. Il GFC 600H è dotato di controlli montati sulla console, display compatibile con NVG e servocomandi intelligenti integrati per il controllo dell'inclinazione e del rollio.
Tra le capacità notevoli ci sono il rilevamento automatico dell'hover, il mantenimento della posizione a terra e il mantenimento della direzione in hover. Il sistema si integra con G500H TXi e GTN Xi per il volo in avvicinamento automatizzato e la guida alla navigazione. Le caratteristiche di sicurezza includono la protezione da sovravelocità e bassa velocità, il mantenimento dell'altitudine e la protezione a bassa altitudine con cambi automatici della modalità di inclinazione per il recupero.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) ha anunciado la próxima aprobación del Certificado Suplementario de Tipo (STC) para su GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System para helicópteros Airbus H130. Se espera que la certificación de la modificación esté disponible en el segundo trimestre de 2025, lo que introducirá características avanzadas de seguridad y reducirá la carga de trabajo del piloto.
El sistema incluye características clave como el mantenimiento de la actitud con estabilidad de velocidad, modo de asistencia para el mantenimiento del vuelo en suspensión, Estabilidad Electrónica del Helicóptero y Protección (H-ESP) y modo de retorno al nivel. El GFC 600H cuenta con controles montados en la consola, pantalla compatible con NVG y servos inteligentes integrados para el control de inclinación y balanceo.
Entre las capacidades notables se incluyen la detección automática del vuelo en suspensión, el mantenimiento de la posición en el suelo y el mantenimiento de rumbo en vuelo en suspensión. El sistema se integra con G500H TXi y GTN Xi para el vuelo de aproximación automatizado y la guía de navegación. Las características de seguridad incluyen protección contra velocidad excesiva y baja velocidad, mantenimiento de altitud y protección a baja altitud con cambios automáticos en el modo de inclinación para la recuperación.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN)은 Airbus H130 헬리콥터를 위한 GFC 600H 헬리콥터 비행 제어 시스템의 보조 유형 인증서(STC) 승인을 발표했습니다. 2025년 2분기에 예상되는 이 리트로핏 인증은 고급 안전 기능을 도입하고 조종사의 작업 부담을 줄일 것입니다.
이 시스템은 속도 안정성을 갖춘 자세 유지, 호버 보조 모드, 헬리콥터 전자 안정성 및 보호(H-ESP), 수평 복귀 모드와 같은 주요 기능을 포함합니다. GFC 600H는 콘솔 장착 제어 장치, NVG 호환 디스플레이 및 피치 및 롤 제어를 위한 통합 스마트 서보를 갖추고 있습니다.
주요 기능으로는 자동 호버 감지, 지상 위치 유지 및 호버 상태에서의 방향 유지가 있습니다. 이 시스템은 G500H TXi 및 GTN Xi와 통합되어 자동 접근 비행 및 내비게이션 안내를 제공합니다. 안전 기능으로는 과속 및 저속 보호, 고도 유지, 회복을 위한 자동 피치 모드 변경이 포함됩니다.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) a annoncé l'approbation imminente du Certificat de Type Supplémentaire (STC) pour son GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System pour les hélicoptères Airbus H130. La certification de rétrofit, prévue pour le deuxième trimestre 2025, introduira des fonctionnalités de sécurité avancées et réduira la charge de travail du pilote.
Le système comprend des fonctionnalités clés telles que le maintien de l'attitude avec stabilité de vitesse, le mode d'assistance au maintien du vol stationnaire, la Stabilité Électronique de l'Hélicoptère et Protection (H-ESP), et le mode de retour à l'horizontale. Le GFC 600H est équipé de commandes montées sur console, d'un affichage compatible avec les NVG et de servos intelligents intégrés pour le contrôle de l'inclinaison et du roulis.
Parmi les capacités notables, on trouve la détection automatique du vol stationnaire, le maintien de la position au sol et le maintien de cap en vol stationnaire. Le système s'intègre avec G500H TXi et GTN Xi pour le vol d'approche automatisé et l'assistance à la navigation. Les fonctionnalités de sécurité comprennent la protection contre la sur-vitesse et la basse vitesse, le maintien d'altitude et la protection à basse altitude avec des changements automatiques de mode d'inclinaison pour la récupération.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) hat die bevorstehende Genehmigung des Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) für sein GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System für Airbus H130-Hubschrauber angekündigt. Die Nachrüst-Zertifizierung, die im zweiten Quartal 2025 erwartet wird, wird fortschrittliche Sicherheitsfunktionen einführen und die Arbeitslast des Piloten reduzieren.
Das System umfasst wichtige Funktionen wie die Haltungskontrolle mit Geschwindigkeitsstabilität, den Hover-Assistentenmodus, die elektronische Stabilität und Schutz des Hubschraubers (H-ESP) sowie den Rückkehr-zu-Niveau-Modus. Der GFC 600H verfügt über konzentrisch montierte Bedienelemente, ein NVG-kompatibles Display und integrierte intelligente Servos für die Steuerung von Nick- und Rollbewegungen.
Bemerkenswerte Fähigkeiten sind die automatische Hover-Erkennung, die Bodenpositionshaltung und die Richtungshaltung im Hover. Das System integriert sich mit G500H TXi und GTN Xi für automatisierte Anflugflüge und Navigationsanweisungen. Zu den Sicherheitsfunktionen gehören Übergeschwindigkeits- und Niedriggeschwindigkeitschutz, Höhenhaltung und Niedrigflughöhen-Schutz mit automatischen Änderungen des Nickmodus zur Wiederherstellung.
- New product expansion into Airbus H130 helicopter market
- System will be available both as retrofit and factory-installed option
- Advanced automation features enhance operational efficiency
- Integration with existing Garmin navigation systems
- Product launch delayed until Q2 2025
Insights
Garmin's upcoming STC approval for the GFC 600H flight control system retrofit in Airbus H130 helicopters represents a significant market expansion for their avionics portfolio. This certification, expected in Q2 2025, will enable Garmin to tap into the existing fleet of H130/EC130 T2 helicopters while also securing a factory-installed option on new H130 aircraft – creating dual revenue streams.
The system's sophisticated capabilities address critical safety challenges in helicopter operations. The hover assist mode with ground position and heading hold functionality solves one of the most demanding aspects of helicopter flight, potentially reducing accidents during this critical phase. Additional safety features like the return-to-level button and protection systems for degraded visual environments directly target scenarios responsible for numerous helicopter incidents.
This certification strengthens Garmin's position in the rotorcraft market, complementing their existing G500H TXi and GTN Xi navigation systems. By creating an integrated ecosystem of avionics products, Garmin increases the likelihood of capturing more comprehensive avionics upgrades beyond just the flight control system.
For Airbus, this partnership enhances the marketability of the H130 platform with advanced retrofit options that extend the operational capabilities of their aircraft without requiring new airframe development. The endorsement from Airbus Helicopters' Light Helicopters Program Head indicates strong manufacturer support, which typically accelerates market adoption.
Revolutionary helicopter flight control system will bring advanced safety features to H130 owners and operators
"We are very excited to bring the highly capable GFC 600H to Airbus H130 owners and operators. This flight control system can significantly reduce inflight workload while also providing many advanced and safety-minded capabilities to better assist pilots in conducting their missions."
–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. 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 GFC 600H to perform with smooth efficiency and advanced capability.
Innovative hover assist mode can automatically detect a hover condition and also allows for flight control inputs to help maintain position over the ground. In addition, with the yaw axis control, the GFC 600H can maintain position over the ground and hold heading in hover. With the GFC 600H in H130 helicopters, aircraft navigation works in conjunction with the G500H TXi™ and GTN™ Xi to automatically fly approaches, providing en route navigation guidance and fully coupled missed approach procedures including holds, as well as search and rescue patterns.
"This innovative autopilot further extends the outstanding operational capabilities of the H130, offering advanced stability and precise control for safer, more efficient and more productive missions."
–Jerome Ronssin, Head of Light Helicopters Program at Airbus Helicopters
The advanced attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) technology and redundant, cross-checking sensors of the GFC 600H support smooth handling throughout the flight envelope. Further, attitude retention mode reduces pilot workload by maintaining a specified attitude, while providing inputs to help stabilize the helicopter when hand-flying. Designed with the pilot in mind, the GFC 600H incorporates cyclic-mounted trim controls to allow for seamless control of the system without taking a hand off of the flight controls during basic operations. Additional modes include altitude hold, altitude select, vertical speed, indicated airspeed and heading select.
The GFC 600H offers safety-enhancing features, including overspeed protection and low-speed protection as well as Garmin H-ESP that can help the pilot remain within a safe flight envelope when hand-flying the helicopter. H-ESP works in all modes – even when the system is not engaged – and can be manually disabled to allow for maneuvering flight. 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.
Retrofit availability of GFC 600H for the Airbus H130 and EC130 T2 is expected in Q2 2025. The GFC 600H will also be available as the factory-installed option in new Airbus H130 helicopters. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com/GFC600H or www.garmin.com/aviation.
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.
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