Garmin’s GFC 600H helicopter flight control system (HFCS) has been enhanced with the addition of a stability augmentation system (SAS), which qualifies it for IFR configuration. The first helicopter to incorporate the IFR-configured GFC 600H is Leonardo’s AW109 Trekker, which has received EASA approval—to be followed by FAA certification.
The GFC 600H IFR configuration adds collective control, making it a 4-axis HFCS and also the first time collective control has been available with that Garmin autopilot. The IFR GFC 600H includes GFS 83 smart servos in four axes and one GLA 85 smart linear actuator each for pitch, yaw, and roll. This eliminates the need for dual linear actuators in each axis and flight control computers, according to Garmin, “resulting in a digital system that is lightweight and cost-effective while still providing the redundancy required for IFR flight.” Control of the HFCS is with a console-mounted, NVG-compatible GMC 605H mode controller.
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