The U.S. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright Patterson Air Force base was recently awarded a Rockwell Collins a sustainment contract for KC-10 avionics systems integration. The contract provides maintenance and sustainment of KC-10 avionics systems and engineering services over the next nine years.
Rockwell Collins recently completed upgrades for the full communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management systems (CNS/ATM) for the 59 aircraft in the KC-10 fleet, and will now be providing ongoing engineering support for the KC-10 Flight2 integrated avionics system (see photo). The open-architecture system employs a modular design approach that allows operators to customize their operating systems. For example, pilots have options of installing 5 × 5, 6 × 8, or 9 × 12 in. large-format liquid-crystal-display (LCD) primary flight displays (PFDs) and multifunction displays (MFDs) for mission-critical data.
“This agreement establishes an efficient path for the Air Force to keep KC-10 avionics updated as defense requirements and operations continue to change,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “As a key provider for avionics support on the KC-10, we’ll be able to help reduce costs associated with keeping these aircraft operational and mission capable.” Rockwell Collins has completed more than 800 avionics flight deck modifications to meet the mandate, including more than 190 upgrades on C-130 aircraft.
