Software integration is not always routine and generally not seamless, but in the case of Rockwell Collins’ recent integration of its ADS-B Out software, it was a smooth integration with the flight management systems on C-2A, E-2C, and P-3C aircraft. Flight tests passed on all three Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) platforms on their first attempts. Certification of the software brings these aircraft into compliance with the upcoming ADS-B Out mandates required by the end of 2019.
“The mandates are quickly approaching, and we’re enabling the P-3 community to achieve compliance,” observed Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “We have a long history of success with each of these platforms, lowering the risk associated with this type of upgrade.”
The initial software underwent flight testing and was confirmed production-ready without any adjustments required. It is an industry first for the implementation of ADS-B Out software on three different platforms within NAVAIR, and will also pave the way for other platform certifications with similar transponder types, such as the C-130 and C-5.
