The US Navy has signed a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with Rockwell Collins for required navigation performance-area navigation (RNP-RNAV) flight management system.
The new development is in conjunction with the navy’s effort to support more software reuse in naval flight systems.
Under this agreement with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA209), Rockwell Collins will demonstrate RNP-RNAV technologies aligned with the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) standard later this year.
Rockwell Collins Airborne Solutions vice-president and general manager Troy Brunk said: "Our proven and affordable RNP-RNAV FMS solution already enables multiple tactical aircraft types to safely interoperate within civil airspace.
"A version of the RNP-RNAV FMS aligned to the FACE Technical Standard allows tactical aircraft that support a FACE operating environment to easily integrate advanced navigation performance standards and meet current mandates."
This RNP-RNAV application features innovative commercial technologies, which are currently operational on both commercial and tactical aircraft.
Rockwell recently received an order from Boeing to upgrade a low-frequency transmission system for the E-4B programme.
Boeing’s E-4B programme is designed to support US command authorities to connect with strategic launch control centres and strike assets during a national emergency.
The National Command Authority will be able to use the E-4B advanced airborne command post as a survivable command post for control of US forces.
