Garmin unveils new IFR flight control system

Garmin has announced that its GFC 600H helicopter flight control system is now available in an instrument flight rules (IFR) configuration with a stability augmentation system (SAS).

The IFR configuration includes collective control, offering four-axis capabilities on the system for the first time.

The configuration consists of a “GMC 605H mode controller, GFS 83 smart servos in each of the four axes, and three GLA 85 smart linear actuators”.

Garmin stated that Leonardo’s AW109 Trekker will be the first helicopter type to be fitted with the new version of the GFC 600H. The IFR configuration has already received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for that model, while US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval is expected at a later date.

The flight control system features a “console-mounted mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display”, as well as a range of autopilot modes including “altitude acquire, altitude hold, approach auto-level, radar height hold, as well as vertical speed, indicated airspeed, heading select, [and] attitude hold”.

“We are very excited to now offer a four-axis, IFR flight control system for the helicopter market,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing. “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.”

Aerial firefighting and aviation services company Neptune Aviation announced that it had become an authorized Garmin avionics dealer in October.