Modern flight control system supports IFR
flying with Stability Augmentation System
OLATHE,
Kan., Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin
(NYSE: GRMN) today announced the GFC™ 600H Helicopter Flight
Control System is now available in an IFR configuration with a
Stability Augmentation System (SAS). This configuration includes
collective control, bringing 4-axis capability to the GFC 600H
system for the first time. Leonardo Helicopters' AW109 Trekker is
the first platform to incorporate the GFC 600H with IFR and
collective axis capabilities, providing operators with an advanced
flight control solution that reduces pilot workload and improves
mission effectiveness.
"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.
About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin
International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: 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 GFC and H-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 31, 2022, filed by
Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file
number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. 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.
Media Contact:
Mikayla
Minnick
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.