Rockwell Collins has completed the installation of new avionics on the US Air Force’s (USAF) KC-10 aerial refuelling tanker aircraft fleet.

The installation of the Flight2 integrated avionics system was carried out under a six-year contract to bring the KC-10 fleet into compliance with new communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems (CNS/ATM) mandates for accessing global airspace.

The Flight2 suite of communications, navigation and surveillance equipment is said to integrate new-generation avionics with sensors, radios, autopilot and aircraft systems.

It also has advanced displays and integrated military and civil flight management operations.

The latest cockpit upgrade is the 59th and final update made on the aircraft, Rockwell stated.

Rockwell Collins Airborne Solutions vice-president and general manager Dave Schreck said: “With our new avionics onboard, KC-10 pilots enjoy situational awareness and communications improvements as well as more direct routeing and reduced fuel consumption.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"The completion of this programme adds to our long history of successful, low-risk CNS/ATM upgrades to keep airforce aircraft in service longer."

“The completion of this programme adds to our long history of successful, low-risk CNS/ATM upgrades to keep airforce aircraft in service longer.”

During the KC-10 upgrade programme, Rockwell maintained the required FAA and military aircraft certifications and performed flights tests for the Air Force with reserve KC-10 pilots and contract crews.

The company said dual certification and flight testing were also performed to reduce costs and improve scheduling time.

The Flight2 integrated avionics system is already installed on more than 900 fixed-wing aircraft, including the KC-135, KC-10, C-130 P-3, C-2A, E-2C, and E-3.


Image: The USAF KC-10 tanker. Photo: courtesy of Rockwell Collins.