Garmin has introduced two new retro-fit autopilots for general aviation aircraft that it has described as revolutionary and cost-effective.
The Garmin GFC 500 and GFC 600 were unveiled in the USA yesterday ahead of Airventure at Oshkosh at the end of the month. Both are solid-state units with attitude derived from an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), and include electronic stability protection (ESP).
“As a long time disruptor in the industry, we are excited to bring two game-changing autopilots to the market and redefine the benchmark that aircraft owners should expect from an autopilot,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing.
“The GFC 600 and GFC 500 bring an affordable, cutting-edge design, a feature set and performance not currently available from mechanical attitude or rate-based autopilot systems.
"By incorporating unique benefits such as solid state attitude with robust self-monitoring capabilities, ESP, underspeed/overspeed protection, Level Mode, airspeed climb and decent modes, and many more, the GFC 600 and GFC 500 truly set themselves apart from any other autopilot on the market.”
The GFC 600 was designed for high-speed singles, twins and turbine aircraft. It boasts integration potential with G500 and G600 glass flight displays, Garmin navigators, as well as a variety of third-party flight displays, instruments and navigation sources. The self-contained autopilot controller incorporates backlit keys and a bright, sunlight readable display that depicts autopilot status and mode selection. A built-in control wheel also provides adjustment of aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed modes.
Suitable for certified single-engine pistons, the GFC 500 integrates with Garmin's G5 avionics. The autopilot mode controller contains large dedicated keys and knobs, a control wheel that allows for adjustments to aircraft pitch, airspeed and vertical speed and a level button that returns the aircraft to straight-and-level flight. An optional adapter enables the GFC 500 and G5 to interface with select Garmin GPS or VHF navigators. Initial STC for the GFC 500 is expected to be completed on the Cessna 172 towards the end of 2017 with the Cessna 182 and Piper PA-28 aircraft series to follow.
The GFC 600 STC in the A36 Bonanza and B55 Baron is expected to sell at $US19,995 and $US23,995 respectively for a 2-axis autopilot with electric pitch trim. For customers who already have a G5 electronic flight instrument, the GFC 500 for the Cessna 172 starts at a suggested retail price of $US6995 for a 2-axis autopilot. The GFC 500 can be bought with the G5 electronic flight instrument for less than $US10,000.
More information is on the Garmin website.