Garmin has announced the upcoming supplemental type certificate (STC) approval of the GFC 600H helicopter flight control system for retrofit in Airbus H130 helicopters. Expected in Q2 2025, the system will also be available as a factory-installed option in new H130 aircraft.

“We are very excited to bring the highly capable GFC 600H to Airbus H130 owners and operators,” says Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “This flight control system can significantly reduce inflight workload while also providing many advanced and safety-minded capabilities.”

The GFC 600H features attitude hold with speed stability, hover assist, Garmin Helicopter Electronic Stability and Protection (H-ESP), return-to-level (LVL) mode, overspeed and low-speed protection. It integrates with the G500H TXi and GTN Xi to fly approaches, execute missed approach procedures and perform search and rescue patterns.

The system includes smart servos for pitch and roll control, a collective sensor for smoother flight adjustments and cyclic-mounted trim controls for seamless operation. It also features a night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible display and safety-enhancing protections to maintain a stable flight envelope.

“This innovative autopilot further extends the outstanding operational capabilities of the H130,” says Jerome Ronssin, head of light helicopters programme at Airbus Helicopters. “It offers advanced stability and precise control for safer, more efficient and more productive missions.”