February 11, 2020

Our GFC 600H helicopter flight control system has achieved FAA Supplemental Type Certification in the AS350 B2/B3. This attitude-based flight control system boasts a number of helicopter-tailored safety features, including attitude hold, Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection, dedicated return-to-level mode, hover assist, as well as overspeed and low speed protection. The GFC 600H requires the Garmin G500H¹ or G500H TXi flight display and offers integration with compatible instruments and navigation sources.

With advanced AHRS technology and redundant, cross-checking sensors, GFC 600H was designed for smooth handling, providing inputs to help stabilize the helicopter while hand-flying. The stability provided by the system offers significant workload reduction and great benefits to helicopter operators by maintaining a commanded attitude. Designed with the pilot in mind, its cyclic-mounted trim controls allow for seamless interactions without taking a hand off of the helicopter flight controls during basic operations, including system initialization of attitude hold mode, adjustments of the pitch and roll trim, and much more. While flying in attitude hold mode, pilots can easily “fly through” the flight control inputs for smooth maneuvers beyond the preset trim condition.

Hover Assist

Hover assist mode is capable of automatically detecting a hover condition, and provides flight control inputs to help maintain position over the ground. With the optional yaw axis control, the GFC 600H will also hold heading while in a hover. In addition to hover assist mode, groundspeed hold² is also available, allowing the pilot to input a forward or sideways command, which can be particularly useful during taxi and take-off.

Garmin H-ESP

Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP) helps 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. The GFC 600H also features a dedicated level mode that can be engaged by the pilot to return to straight-and-level flight, helping to avoid a potential loss-of-control scenario.

For
enroute and approach navigation, the system uses guidance from a compatible
Garmin navigator, such as the GTN 750/650 series, to automatically fly
approaches and search and rescue patterns. Additional vertical and lateral
modes include altitude hold, altitude select, vertical speed, indicated
airspeed and heading select.   

The
GFC 600H features a stack-width mode controller with push-button controls and a
night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display. Its robust architecture supports a
3-axis configuration to provide the features and handling characteristics
needed for a helicopter. Integrated “smart” servos provide pitch and roll
inputs as commanded by the system, and the available third servo and collective
sensor provide yaw axis control capability and smooth flight control
adjustments when the pilot moves the collective. Digitally controlled,
high-torque servos allow for faster, crisper, more powerful response, which
enables the GFC 600H to perform with smooth efficiency and advanced capability.

With its extensive features and advanced technology, the GFC 600H offers unprecedented value at a competitive price. It is supported by our award-winning aviation product support team, which provides 24/7 worldwide technical and warranty support.

^{1.Requires additional sensors.}

^{2.Requires a GTN 650/750 or GTN 650Xi/750Xi touchscreen navigator.}