Boeing selects BAE, Rockwell Collins for 777X

Boeing on Tuesday announced the selection of a BAE Systems-led team that includes Rockwell Collins to provide the flight control system electronics for its new 777X passenger aircraft.

The system, known as the Integrated Flight Control Electronics and the Air Data Reference Function, will control the flight surfaces of the aircraft.

BAE Systems and Cedar Rapids-based Rockwell Collins also are suppliers of the primary flight control electronics and Autoland systems for the Boeing 777 jet. The Boeing 777X was launched in November 2013 with 259 orders and commitments from four customers.

'The flight controls we're providing for this innovative new aircraft will efficiently and smoothly maneuver the aircraft through the most complex procedures and challenging environments,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Flight Controls and Information Systems for Rockwell Collins. 'This supports Boeing's goal of bringing advanced technologies to the 777X that save fuel and optimize performance.”

The Boeing 777X is the latest version of Boeing's best-selling widebody jet, a so-called mini-jumbo, which carries a list price of up to $320 million. Production of the aircraft is expected to begin in 2018 with first delivery on track for 2020.