
Rockwell Collins has been selected as avionics solution provider for the US Air Force (USAF) EC-130H Compass Call aircraft’s communication, navigation and surveillance / air traffic management (CNS/ATM) avionics upgrade programme.
Working together with L-3 Platform Integration, the company will supply its combat proven avionics system for cost-effective modernisation of the air force’s traditional EC-130H Compass Call aircraft fleet.
The avionics suite will be fully designed to provide compliance with international CNS/ATM airspace standards that address necessary calendar year 2020 navigation performance mandates.
Rockwell Collins Airborne Solutions vice president and general manager Troy Brunk said: ”Our avionics solution provides the EC-130H aircraft with cost-effective CNS/ATM avionics upgrades that meet present and future civil airspace requirements.”
As well as addressing issues related to declining manufacturing sources and reducing lifecycle costs in the next 20 years, the EC-130H CNS/ATM avionics suite will enhance pilots’ battlefield awareness ensuring mission success.
A global provider of cost-effective C-130 avionics upgrades, Rockwell Collins has successfully completed over 125 C-130 upgrade programmes worldwide in the past decade.
Using a heavily modified version of the C-130 Hercules airframe, the EC-130H Compass Call is an airborne tactical weapon system widely used by USAF for disruption of enemy command and control (C2) communications and to limit adversary coordination essential for enemy force management.
Powered by four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines, the aircraft is also capable of employing offensive counter information and electronic attack capabilities in support of the US and Coalition tactical air, surface, and special operations forces worldwide.
The aircraft has extensively been used to exert powerful effect on enemy C2 networks during multiple military operations in Kosovo, Haiti, Panama, Iraq, Serbia and Afghanistan.
Image: The EC-130H Compass Call CNS/ATM upgrade programme will enhance pilots’ situational awareness. Photo: Copyright © 2012 Rockwell Collins.