Garmin Announces Upcoming Retrofit Certification of GFC 600H Flight Control System for Airbus H130 Helicopters
Garmin has announced the forthcoming Supplemental Type Certificate STC approval for the GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System, allowing retrofit installation in Airbus H130 helicopters. This system is designed to reduce pilot workload while enhancing operational capabilities through advanced flight control features.
The GFC 600H includes attitude hold with speed stability, hover assist, Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection H-ESP, a dedicated return-to-level LVL mode, and overspeed and low-speed protection. The system is controlled through a console-mounted mode controller with push-button controls and a night vision goggle NVG-compatible display. Integrated smart servos provide pitch and roll inputs, while the collective sensor facilitates smoother flight control adjustments. Digitally controlled servos enable rapid and precise response, improving handling efficiency.
GFC 600H Flight Control System
Hover assist mode detects hover conditions and assists with maintaining position. The system also integrates yaw axis control, allowing the helicopter to maintain heading during hover operations. When paired with the G500H TXi and GTN Xi, the GFC 600H provides automated en route navigation, coupled approach procedures, missed approach procedures, and search and rescue patterns.
The system incorporates an advanced attitude and heading reference system AHRS and redundant sensors to support smooth flight handling. Attitude retention mode helps maintain a selected attitude, reducing pilot workload and enhancing stability. Cyclic-mounted trim controls allow for in-flight adjustments without the need to release the flight controls. Additional functionality includes altitude hold, altitude selection, vertical speed, indicated airspeed, and heading selection modes.
The GFC 600H includes safety-enhancing features such as overspeed and low-speed protection, as well as Garmin H-ESP, which helps maintain a safe flight envelope even when the system is not engaged. H-ESP can be manually disabled when maneuvering is required. The dedicated LVL button allows pilots to return to straight-and-level flight, assisting in situations where visibility or orientation is compromised. Low altitude protection alerts pilots and automatically adjusts pitch to support recovery to a safe altitude.
Retrofit availability for the Airbus H130 and EC130 T2 is expected in the second quarter of 2025. The system will also be available as a factory-installed option in new Airbus H130 helicopters.