Robinson moves to digital controls on updated R66 helicopter

Robinson Helicopter Company has received FAA approval to install the Garmin GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System (HFCS) on all future Robinson R66 turbine helicopters as a standard item.

“This change marks an advancement in R66 avionics, by introducing a cost-effective digital flight control solution made to increase both ease of operation and safety of the R66,” said the Californian company.

Garmin GFC 600H Helicopter Flight Control System (HFCS) is standard on all future Robinson R66 helicopters. Photo: Robinson

Key features include:

• Enhanced Safety (Garmin H-ESP): Assists pilots in staying within safe operational limits with features like limit cueing, LVL mode, low-G protection, and low altitude protection.
• Seamless Garmin Integration: Fully integrates with Garmin flight displays and navigators for streamlined operation.
• High Reliability: Features smart servos and redundant sensors for dependable performance.
• Cyclic-Mounted Controls: Allows pilots to manage autopilot functions without removing their hands from the primary controls.
• Comprehensive Autopilot Modes: Offers altitude capture and hold, vertical speed hold, airspeed hold, heading select, navigation, and approach modes.
• Workload Reduction: Includes hover assist (GPS-based position hold), airspeed stabilization, and heading hold.
• Optional Yaw Axis Control: Improves ride quality, automates pedal input with power changes, and controls heading at low speeds.

Updated Robinson R66 NxG

“Receiving FAA certification of the Garmin GFC 600H reflects our commitment to providing our operators with the most advanced and reliable safety technology available,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.

“We’ve listened to our customers, and by choosing Garmin and making the system standard equipment on the R66, we are delivering a helicopter that sets the benchmark in safety and reliability for the light helicopter industry.”

A two-axis GFC 600H system will be standard on all R66 NxG aircraft, with the option to add yaw axis control. Customers who have placed an R66 order with serial number 1510 or later may amend their order to add or switch to the GFC 600H.

The R66 NxG update was announced at the annual helicopter trade show, now called Verticon, in March.

Robinson Helicopter Company