New Rockwell Collins avionics on NATO AWACS successful test flight

The Boeing Company recently 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 2020 Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) mandates. Rockwell Collins is providing large displays and controls, Flight Management System (FMS) and new communication and navigation equipment under the program.

"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. The upgrades will allow NATO and U.S. aircraft to meet current and future CNS/ATM airspace requirements.