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| NATO’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Photo: Rockwell Collins |
[Avionics Today 03-25-2015] Boeing has completed the first test flight of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft with Rockwell Collins’ Flight2 integrated avionics system. The flight deck upgrade includes replacing the existing analog instruments with a modern integrated avionics system that meets the upcoming 2020 Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) and Air Traffic Management (ATM) mandates. Under the program, Rockwell Collins is providing large displays and controls, a Flight Management System (FMS) and new communication and navigation equipment.
“NATO and the U.S. Air Force operate the largest AWACS fleets in the world. After completion of the fleet upgrades, their pilots will benefit from having the most advanced avionics to help them accomplish their missions,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager of airborne solutions for Rockwell Collins.
NATO has contracted with Boeing to have an additional 13 AWACS aircraft upgraded with the same integrated avionics system. The U.S. Air Force has also contracted with Boeing for an upgraded AWACS with first flight of the U.S. AWACS planned for 2016 in order to meet current and future airspace requirements.