Rockwell Collins delivered its 419th avionics system for the C/KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management Program to the U.S. Air Force, marking the conclusion of the aircraft upgrade program.
The company and Air Force marked the delivery with a ceremony at Kelly Field in San Antonio.
“This program set a new performance standard for Air Force procurements with 100 percent of the upgraded aircraft delivered on time and within budget," said Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Rotary Wing Solutions for Rockwell Collins. "The key to the program’s success was a close working relationship with the Air Force to make sure their requirements were well understood up front and then validated through rigorous testing as the new capability was introduced to the fleet."
As the prime contractor and flight deck systems integrator, Rockwell Collins provided technology through an open systems approach that upgrades the aircraft with a variety of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) products.
The C/KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 50 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force’s capability to accomplish its primary missions, while providing aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft.