Rockwell Collins to modernize U.S. Navy E-6B avionics

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, 13 Dec. 2012.Rockwell Collins won a U.S. Navy contract to upgrade 11 aircraft under the E-6B Block IModification program.

The Block I modification addresses immediate modernization requirements and enables system expansion in the future. It features an open-system approach for mission avionics, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Intercommunications System, and an on-aircraft, multi-level secure network for message processing, radio control/monitoring, and other mission applications.

Rockwell Collins’ Block I modification solution modernizes the aircraft’s communication infrastructure to support moving data onto, off ofm and throughout the aircraft. This infrastructure will support the ever increasing bandwidth demands in this emerging age of the digital battlespace, says a spokesperson.

“This upgrade brings many new capabilities to the Navy, including better communication and mission capabilities, and plays a key role in providing reliable and survivable communications between our nation’s leadership and U.S. strategic forces,” says Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

The $54 million full-rate production contract with options valued at an additional $241 million. The initial $54 million award covers the material procurement, installation, and associated activities for the next three aircraft. The total program includes production engineering and field service support, operator and maintenance crew training classes, and maintenance trainer updates.

The Navy E-6B aircraft is used to conduct the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) and the United States Strategic Command Airborne Command Post missions.

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