Embraer buying Rockwell Collins gear for KC-390 transport aircraft

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Embraer Defense and Security has agreed to purchase Rockwell Collins high-frequency radios and direction finders for its KC-390 transport aircraft.

Tuesday's announcement follows the May 2011 selection of Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion-based avionics for the same Embraer aircraft.

The Rockwell Collins DF-430 direction finder gives rescuers the ability to home in on a signal from greater distances than any other system, enabling  rescuers to pinpoint the location of distressed vessels from as far away as 200 nautical miles. Before the introduction of the Rockwell Collins unit, search and rescue aircraft had to be within a few miles of vessels before they could detect the older distress signals.

The Rockwell Collins HF-9000 high-frequency radio system is designed for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. A pressurized antenna coupler allows it to be operated at full capability at extreme altitudes and temperatures, while making maximum use of its high-frequency radio signal.

The HF-9000 system stores 50 manually-tuned frequencies and can learn and store 99 preset channels.

Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins, said the company's history of providing leading communications and navigation equipment was key to winning the Embraer contract.

"The DF-430 direction finder's performance in search and rescue operations is unmatched, helping the U.S. Coast Guard perform more than 100 rescues at sea since being installed on all of its aircraft over the last four years," Nieuwsma said.

Embraer, with headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil, is the world's largest manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 120 seats. The company designs, develops, manufactures and sells aircraft and systems for the commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defense and security segments.