Successful test flight completed using end-to-end UAS integrated avionics solution

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 7, 2016) - Rockwell Collins, in collaboration with The University of Iowa's Operator Performance Lab (OPL), successfully controlled an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) using its end-to-end UAS integrated avionics solution. The test flight was a key milestone toward the successful operation of UAS beyond an operator's visual line of sight in the National Airspace System (NAS).

Key elements of Rockwell Collins' UAS integrated avionics solution, which is optimized for safe and secure integration of UAS into civil airspace, include:

  • A Ground Control Station based on Rockwell Collins' Pro Line Fusion-a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified integrated avionics solution

  • A Command and Control Network that utilizes Rockwell Collins' CNPC-1000 command and control data link, which is the first UAS data link to implement the recommended Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) Special Committee (SC)-228 UAS Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for UAS Command and Control (C2)
  • Rockwell Collins' Athena UAS avionics with integrated navigation and flight controls that have over a million hours of safe and reliable operation.

'A number of industries are very eager to use commercial UAS to make their operations much more efficient, especially those that need to monitor and inspect critical infrastructure such as railroads, pipelines and powerlines,' said John Borghese, vice president, Advanced Technology Center for Rockwell Collins. 'In order to do that beyond line of sight in the NAS, safe and secure avionics must be implemented. We have now proven that it can be done and we are one step closer to making it a reality for this market.'

'Collaboration between private and public sectors is critical to ensuring the success of commercial UAS in the NAS,' said Dr. Thomas Schnell, director, The University of Iowa's OPL, which provided two TBM-3M, aka 'Ferox', UAS for the flight testing.

In the coming weeks, Rockwell Collins plans to conduct its next UAS test flight, continuing to extend the range of safe beyond visual line of sight operations.

Rockwell Collins' end-to-end UAS integrated avionics solution is optimized to scale from small to large UAS.

About Rockwell Collins

Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative aviation and high-integrity solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management is delivered by a global workforce, and a service and support network that crosses more than 150 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

Rockwell Collins Inc. published this content on 07 July 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 07 July 2016 16:10:03 UTC.

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