FARNBOROUGH, UK (July 19, 2010) - Rockwell Collins has been selected by The Boeing Company to provide an avionics upgrade solution to be developed for 33 U.S. Air Force E-3B/C and 17 NATO E-3A Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft. As part of the Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Replacement of Avionics for Global Operations and Navigation (DRAGON) program, the upgrades will allow these aircraft to meet current and future Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) airspace requirements.

“The Air Force and NATO operate the largest AWACS fleets in the world. After completion of the development program and fleet upgrades their pilots will benefit from having the most advanced avionics to help them accomplish their missions,” said Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Rotary Wing Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Rockwell Collins has consistently delivered on our promises to our customers and we look forward to doing the same for this program.” 

The initial contract for the engineering and manufacturing development phase includes design, development, integration and testing of the Flight Management System Suite (FMSS) for the AWACS aircraft. Boeing will install and integrate the system into the E-3 aircraft. The upgrade provides an integrated avionics system, including cockpit controls and displays, Flight Management System (FMS) and a suite of communication and navigation equipment to support current and future airspace requirements. The Rockwell Collins system features an open system architecture, simplifying future upgrades to the aircraft’s capabilities. 

Source: Rockwell Collins