Rockwell Collins next-generation avionics successfully complete first flight on Boeing's 747-8 Freighter

Rockwell Collins next-generation avionics successfully took flight on Boeing's 747-8 Freighter earlier today. The new airplane features an entire suite of Rockwell Collins displays, autopilot, communication, navigation, surveillance, maintenance, emergency and data management systems.

"Rockwell Collins offers its sincere congratulations to Boeing for another successful first flight of a next-generation platform. The teamwork that has occurred on this program has been outstanding," said Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins. "Rockwell Collins collaborated with Boeing to create a very powerful airplane equipped for the next generation airspace – while keeping required pilot training to a minimum by maintaining an interface that is similar to the 747-400."

Key Rockwell Collins avionics onboard the 747-8 includes:

·          The GLU-925 Multi-mode receiver with GPS Landing System (GLS) and ILS capability will enable the 747-8 to perform GPS-guided approaches using ground-based augmentation system (GBAS). The system will also enable Required Navigation Performance (RNP) as well as other performance-based procedures in the future.

·          The MultiScan™ Hazard Detection System analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content to provide flight crews more accurate weather returns. The MultiScan system is derived from extensive operational experience to create a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload, enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays.

·          The airplane's display system features Rockwell Collins DU-7001 LCD displays. The system has been upgraded to include many of the advanced features found on the Boeing 787 such as electronic checklist, airport moving maps, navigation performance scales and a vertical situation display.

Other standard Rockwell Collins equipment includes: Communication Management Unit, Data Management Unit, Satellite Communications System, VHF and HF transceivers, VHF Omnidirectional Radio, Distance Measuring Equipment, Automatic Direction Finder, Mode S Transponder, TCAS II, Autopilot with Mode Control Panel, Cockpit Voice Recorder, Flight Data Recorder, Emergency Locator Transmitter, and the Flight Deck Printer.