CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, July 26 (UPI) -- Rockwell Collins has been chosen by the U.S. Air Force to provide systems integration and new avionics for KC-10 aircraft.
The work will be part of the service's Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Cockpit Modernization Program, valued at more than $160 million over the life of the program.
"This program provides technology that ensures the KC-10 meets current and future CNS/ATM requirements, allowing it to operate in commercial airspace throughout the world," said Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Rotary Wing Solutions for Rockwell Collins.
"These new capabilities will allow the aircraft to arrive at its destination quicker, enhancing mission effectiveness while saving fuel."
With this award, Rockwell Collins is the primary avionics provider for all Air Force tankers.
By leveraging key avionics and communications developments across the company's commercial and military businesses and applying commercial-off-the-shelf technology along with an open systems approach, Rockwell Collins is able to provide its customers with best-value solutions.
The KC-10 aircraft is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. The aircraft's primary mission is aerial refueling but it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carrying fighter support personnel and equipment on overseas deployments.
