Aerospace Industry to Pursue KC-10 Upgrade Program

Rockwell Collins, CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Rockwell Collins, Boeing and Honeywell have signed an agreement to jointly pursue the KC-10 Aircraft Modernization Program (AMP). The KC-10 AMP program calls for upgrading the fleet's avionics to meet Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements and will also include other airframe related upgrades. 
 
Under the terms of the teaming agreement, Rockwell Collins will serve as the prime contractor and will have Total Integration System Performance Responsibility (TISPR). Boeing will be responsible for non-avionics Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) and installation of the systems, which will be completed at the Boeing facility at Kelly USA in San Antonio, Texas. Honeywell will support the evaluation of upgrade alternatives for the autopilot/autothrottle systems. 
 
On July 6, 2006, the United States Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Center awarded the Rockwell Collins team with a $3.5 million contract for a Concept Refinement Study for KC-10 AMP. Results of the study will provide industry's perspective on potential acquisition approaches, strategies and diverse technical options for execution of the program. 
 
The KC-10 AMP contract award is expected in March 2008. 
 
The combination of Rockwell Collins' experience as an avionics leader and integrator, Boeing's knowledge and installation expertise and Honeywell's unique knowledge of DC-10/KC-10 AutoFlight systems will enable this team to address the Air Force's needs. 
 
Rockwell Collins and Boeing are currently teamed on the KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) program under a similar agreement, with Honeywell providing product support. It is the only U.S. Air Force GATM upgrade program that is in full-rate production with more than 140 aircraft delivered. 
 
“Rockwell Collins and Boeing have delivered on our promises for the KC-135 program and we're confident we will bring that same performance to the KC-10 program if selected,” said Woody Hogle, vice president and general manager of Integrated Systems for Rockwell Collins. 
 
“The enhanced digital avionics that a KC-10 AMP program provides will increase situational awareness for the warfighter tenfold over old analog cockpits, dramatically increasing information available to aircrews at a glance, simplifying tasks and decreasing workload,” said Michael Wright, KC-10 program manager for Boeing. “Boeing Support Systems in San Antonio is home to the KC-10 program office which manages and performs complex depot-level maintenance, repair and modification work worldwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. We believe that the KC-10 AMP would benefit from our highly trained work force, lean initiatives and extensive experience in this area.” 
 
“Honeywell brings to the team its extensive flight controls experience, our proven record of success on avionics upgrade programs, and our intimate understanding of the platform” said Dan Ryan, Honeywell Director of Boeing Military Programs.  
 
Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronics solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications and information management is strengthened by 17,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries.