Rockwell Collins' role on new Air Force tanker detailed

Rockwell Collins' key technological role in the United States Air Force's KC-46 tanker was outlined publicly for the first time this week.

A recently signed contract calls for Rockwell Collins to provide the flight deck, aircraft networks, surveillance/air traffic management equipment, communications and navigation gear, the Cedar Rapids-based company announced this week. Rockwell Collins will also provide the advanced situational awareness and vision systems required for aerial refueling.

The Boeing Company was awarded a contact worth about $35 billion in February to replace the fleet of 179 KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft that date back to the years of the Eisenhower presidency.

Rockwell Collins' role in the program is important to the local economy. The majority of Rockwell Collins' content will be manufactured locally, company spokesman Dave Gosch said.

Boeing has estimated the project will support 200 jobs at Rockwell Collins, 800 jobs in Iowa, and a total of 50,000 jobs in the United States.

The Rockwell Collins-supplied flight deck will utilitize the same technology Rockwell Collins is providing for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

"It's based on the 787 Dreamliner, so it's definitely advanced technology," Gosch said.

The remote vision system that Rockwell Collins will supply is not on the Dreamliner. A Rockwell Collins systement said it uses a combination of 3-D and 2-D technology in both normal and long-wave infraredu spectrum to provide the aerial refuleling officer with the ability to refuel aircraft night or day under any lighting conditions.

Rockwell Collins Executive Vice President Kelly Ortberg said in a prepared statement that the company's unique ability to leverage flight deck technology across both commercial and military markets ensures that Air Force pilots receive the most advanced capabilities.

The list of major suppliers released by Boeing includes only one other Iowa company. Davenport-based Cobham will supply refueling systems.

Based on the Boeing 767-200ER commercial aircraft, the KC-46 will be flown by three aircrew members with additional seating for 12 air crew. It will have a maximum fuel capacity of 212,000 pounds.

Chicago-based Boeing plans to deliver the first 18 combat-ready tankers to the Air Force in 78 months.

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