Rockwell Collins Awarded Communication, Data Network, Landing Systems Packages for All New A350

Airbus has awarded Rockwell Collins three significant avionics packages for the all new A350 XWB aircraft. The awards include the fully integrated Communication Global Work package, the Avionics Data Network, and landing systems. These awards come in addition to Airbus’ previous selection of Rockwell Collins’ Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA).

“We’re very pleased with these awards, which represent, on average, the most content per plane that we’ve ever had on an Airbus aircraft,” said Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Commercial Systems at Rockwell Collins. “We’re honored by the trust that Airbus has demonstrated in selecting us as a major system integrator and supplier on the A350.”

Work on the A350 contract will take place at Rockwell Collins’ locations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Irvine, Calif.; Melbourne, Fla.; and Toulouse, France.

Communication Global Work

The Communication Global Work package represents the consolidation of five separate packages into one, and encompasses system integration responsibilities. The package includes: the supply of next generation VHF and HF systems with improved size, weight and power requirements; ARINC 781 satellite communications system with low profile antenna and dual Swift Broadband capabilities; the avionics communications router (ACR) for datalink with Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) and Future Air Navigation System (FANS-B) capabilities; the Audio system and a Gatelink, based on cellular technology, that links airplanes to ground crews after the plane has landed.

In line with its policy of giving larger equipment packages to suppliers, Airbus has selected Rockwell Collins for the supply of those five functions, merged into one integrated package.

Avionics Data Network

Rockwell Collins’ Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) network, which is also featured on the Airbus A380 and A400M, will represent the backbone of flight avionics data communications by connecting aircraft systems and applications together, such as displays and Integrated Modular Avionics-based applications.

Landing Systems

Airbus’ selection of Rockwell Collins’ Multi-Mode Receiver (MMR) and the Digital Low Range Altimeter (D-LRA) confirms Rockwell Collins’ leadership in flight landing avionics.

The MMR will provide Instrument Landing System (ILS) and GPS Landing System (GLS) capabilities, as well as the aircraft's position, velocity and time reference. It will implement the latest satellite navigation features, and is prepared for future airspace requirements such as Space Based Augmentation System and Galileo.

The D-LRA will provide accurate height measurements above terrain during aircraft approach, landing and climb-out phases of flight. This information is provided to the automatic flight control system, instrument system, and terrain awareness and warning system. This digital system represents a step forward compared to traditional analog Radio Altimeters installed on previous aircraft.