Garmin’s Smart Rudder Bias is now available for installation on Beechcraft B55/B55A Baron piston twins. The avionics manufacturer also announced fully coupled VNAV capability for B55s when equipped with GTN or GTN Xi touchscreen navigators and the G5 or GI 275 instruments or G500 TXi/G600 TXi or G500/G600 display.
Smart Rudder Bias adjusts rudder force to help control sideslip after failure of one engine. It also works with Garmin’s Electronic Stability and Protection envelope protection system to help the pilot control bank and avoid flying too slow. Part of Garmin’s Autonomi family, Smart Rudder Bias is designed to reduce the pilot’s workload and give the pilot more time during an engine-failure event while the airplane remains fully in control. That time can be used to identify the failed engine, shut it down safely, run the emergency checklist, and plan for landing at a suitable airport.
To add Smart Rudder Bias, the airplane must have a G500 TXi or G600 TXi configured as a primary flight display with engine indication system and a GFC 600 autopilot with the yaw axis option.
Garmin also announced that its GFC 500 autopilot has been certified for the American Champion Scout. The autopilot integrates with the G5 or GI 275 instruments, a GI 275 or G5 interfaced with a G500 display, or a G3X Touch system.