Helicopter autopilot GRC™ 4000

Overview
The Genesys IFR-certified rotorcraft autopilots provide rugged, redundant flight control systems designed for larger helicopters and demanding operational environments. Available models include the GRC™ 3000 (3-axis: pitch, roll, yaw) and the GRC™ 4000 (4-axis: adds collective/hover hold). These systems integrate with Stability Augmentation Systems (SAS) and support IFR lateral and vertical guidance.

• GRC™ 3000 — 3-Axis Autopilot (Pitch, Roll, Yaw)
• GRC™ 4000 — 4-Axis Autopilot (Pitch, Roll, Yaw, Collective/Hover Hold)

Features
The integrated Stability Augmentation System (SAS) is designed for continuous operation to assist recovery to near-level flight from unusual attitudes and to reduce pilot workload in degraded visual conditions. Navigation coupling supports GPS, VOR and Localizer laterally, and GPS VNAV, ILS glide slope (VRT/GS), altitude and speed modes vertically. On approved platforms the GRC™ 4000 enables automatic take-off, hover, approach and landing.

• SAS — continuous attitude stabilization across the flight envelope
• Lateral modes — GPS, VOR and Localizer coupling (VOR/LOC requires HSI)
• Vertical modes — GPS VNAV, VRT/GS (ILS glide slope), ALT hold, SPD

Key Benefits

• Automatic recovery to near-level attitude at all airspeeds
• Altitude-command and altitude-hold functions
• Engageable through all flight phases from startup to shutdown
• Redundant, ruggedized flight control computers with fail-operable architecture
• Full-authority control with parallel actuators
• No series actuators, feel springs, or magnetic brakes required — simplified installation
• Installed weight typically under 35 pounds
• Collective control and hover-hold available with 4th axis installations

Certifications / Certified Platforms
The IFR rotorcraft autopilot is certified on selected aircraft platforms, examples include:

• Airbus EC-145e
• Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

Resources
Product literature and the autopilot brochure (PDF) are available for download.

Technical Specifications

• Product line: Genesys Rotorcraft Controls (GRC™)
• Available models: GRC™ 3000 (3-axis), GRC™ 4000 (4-axis with Hover Hold)
• Axes controlled: Pitch, Roll, Yaw (plus Collective/Hover Hold on 4th axis)
• SAS integration: Continuous stability augmentation and automatic recovery to near-level flight
• Lateral guidance: GPS, VOR, Localizer (VOR/LOC coupling requires HSI)
• Vertical guidance: GPS VNAV, VRT/GS (ILS glide slope), ALT hold, SPD (SPD on selected models)
• Architecture: Redundant, ruggedized flight control computers; fail-operable
• Actuation: Full-authority with parallel actuators
• Installation: Designed for simplified installation without series actuators, feel springs, or magnetic brakes
• Installed weight: Typically fewer than 35 pounds
• Operational capability: Automatic take-off, hover, approach and landing hands-free on approved aircraft