The U.S. Air Force awarded the $86.2 million Blue Devil Block II development contract to MAV6, of Alexandria, Va., a defense technology company, who chose Rockwell Collins to equip the airship with a flight control system, vehicle control system and radios. In addition, Rockwell Collins’ networking system will provide real-time, ad hoc communications capability for the program. Rockwell Collins will also provide the ground control station leveraging capabilities from the company’s Simulation & Training Solutions business for the Blue Devil Block II program.
“The Blue Devil Block II provides a surveillance network that will coordinate with other airships and UAVs for full continuous coverage over a large area,” said Dave Vos, senior director of UAS and Control Technologies for Rockwell Collins. “We are combining solutions from our broad portfolio of communication and navigation and control systems offerings for this program.”