Garmin introduces safety-enhancing Smart Rudder Bias technology for select twin-engine piston aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin International, a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), announced enhancements to the GFC 600 autopilot system, adding Smart Rudder Bias for select piston twin-engine aircraft. This feature assists pilots during one-engine inoperative (OEI) events, reducing workload and enhancing control. The GFC 600 also received STC approval for the Piper PA-31, broadening its compatible aircraft. These upgrades improve aircraft safety and performance, allowing for quicker identification of engine issues and better handling in critical flight situations.

Positive

• Introduction of Smart Rudder Bias enhances safety for twin-engine piston aircraft.
• STC approval expands GFC 600 compatibility to Piper PA-31, increasing market reach.
• Smart Rudder Bias technology aids in quicker identification of inoperative engines.

Negative

• None.

Garmin^® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today announced upgrades to the GFC^™ 600 digital autopilot including the addition of Smart Rudder Bias for select piston twin-engine aircraft. Smart Rudder Bias provides additional assistance against hazardous effects of a one-engine inoperative (OEI) event when appropriately equipped. The addition of Smart Rudder Bias to the Garmin Autonomi^™ family of automated flight technologies provides pilots assistance in maintaining control of the aircraft while determining the next course of action, simultaneously reducing workload in a high-stress and time-critical flight environment. Additionally, the GFC 600 autopilot recently received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval on the Piper PA-31, further growing the list of GFC 600 compatible aircraft.

Smart Rudder Bias provides pilots assistance in one-engine inoperative events and is available on the GFC 600 digital autopilot. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are proud to be able to offer a new safety tool for twin-engine piston aircraft with the introduction of Smart Rudder Bias, making the GFC 600 digital autopilot the most advanced solution for this class of aircraft on the market today,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “With the introduction of Smart Rudder Bias technology, working together with the other Garmin systems onboard, pilots can react to an engine failure by quickly and accurately detecting the issue while simultaneously receiving automatic assistance applying the correct flight control input – providing an additional safety tool not seen before in twin-engine piston aircraft.”

Help manage aerodynamic performance with Smart Rudder Bias

Twin-engine aircraft inherently have aircraft controllability concerns in the event of an engine failure and pilots can expect a significant yaw toward the inoperative engine, resulting in an unstable aircraft state. In addition, due to a sideslip condition and a windmilling propeller, there can be decreased lift on the wing associated with the inoperative engine and simultaneously an increase in drag, all factors contributing to degraded performance and a critical loss in airspeed. Through close integration with multiple onboard Garmin systems, Smart Rudder Bias helps address these major concerns and immediately assists with controllability issues. This gives the pilot time to take the correct action required in order to better maintain positive aircraft control and help keep the aircraft in a safe flight condition.

Positively identify inoperative engine quicker

When the aircraft reaches the manufacturer’s published minimum control speed (VMC) during the takeoff roll, Smart Rudder Bias is automatically armed. Smart Rudder Bias continuously monitors engine parameters using Engine Indication System (EIS) data displayed on a G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display and activates when the system detects a predetermined power differential between each engine. Once activated, rudder force is dynamically adjusted to aid a pilot in providing enough force to the rudder to help control a sideslip. A yellow annunciator for the associated inoperative engine is conveniently displayed along with autopilot annunciations on the G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display, helping the pilot identify the issue quicker. Smart Rudder Bias can be deactivated via a panel-mounted switch.

Smart Rudder Bias enhances ESP settings for OEI condition

Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP^™) functions independently of the autopilot, working in the background to help pilots avoid inadvertent flight attitudes or bank angles and provides airspeed protection while the pilot is hand-flying the aircraft. Smart Rudder Bias applies enhanced ESP settings tailored to engine-out flight. Roll protection is modified to help correct for the roll tendency caused by the inoperative engine, while underspeed protection activates at a higher airspeed to help keep the aircraft away from the critical VMC speed and the associated loss of positive aircraft control.

PA-31 certified with GFC 600 – optional yaw trim also available

The GFC 600 is now certified on select Piper PA-31 aircraft, and an automatic yaw trim option is available. Similar to pitch trim, yaw trim allows for manual rudder trim control with the press of a button, and automatic control of the rudder trim when the GFC 600 autopilot or yaw damper is engaged.

Smart Rudder Bias requires a G500 TXi or G600 TXi configured as a primary flight display (PFD) with EIS, which can be shown as a strip on the G500 TXi or G600 TXi, or on a separate TXi display. Additionally, a GFC 600 digital autopilot with the yaw axis option must be installed. Initial certified aircraft with Smart Rudder Bias capability include the Beechcraft Baron 58 and 58A, as well as the Piper PA-31-300, PA-31-310, PA-31-325, and PA-31-325CR. Additional certifications of Smart Rudder Bias will be forthcoming.

For additional information about Smart Rudder Bias and the Garmin Autonomi family of automated flight technologies, visit www.Garmin.com/SmartRudderBias.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary markets, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garminaviation, twitter.com/garminaviation, instagram.com/garminaviation or youtube.com/garminaviation.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark and Autonomi, GTN, TXi, GFC, ESP are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2019, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201215005205/en/

FAQ

What is Smart Rudder Bias in the Garmin GFC 600 autopilot system?

Smart Rudder Bias is a feature that assists pilots with aircraft control during one-engine inoperative (OEI) events, improving safety and reducing workload.

When was the GFC 600 autopilot system upgraded?

The GFC 600 autopilot system upgrades were announced recently, focusing on enhancing safety for piston twin-engine aircraft.

Which aircraft models are compatible with the GFC 600 autopilot after recent updates?

The GFC 600 autopilot now has STC approval for select Piper PA-31 aircraft.

How does Smart Rudder Bias improve pilot control during engine failure?

Smart Rudder Bias adjusts rudder force dynamically to help pilots manage controllability issues during engine failures.

What are the benefits of the GFC 600 autopilot with Smart Rudder Bias technology?

The GFC 600 with Smart Rudder Bias provides improved safety, quicker engine failure identification, and reduced pilot workload in critical flight situations.