Rockwell Collins to upgrade the avionics of the USAF T-1A Jayhawk trainer fleet
NewsApril 06, 2018
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. Rockwell Collins will upgrade the U.S. Air Force's T-1A Jayhawk trainer fleet with the company's Pro Line 21 avionics suite as part of a contract awarded to Field Aerospace. Rockwell Collins, working with Field Aerospace, Nextant Aerospace, Flight Safety International and others, will supply the avionics system, which best satisfies the Air Force?s Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) requirements and sets the stage for growth as missions evolve.
The contract includes upgrading 178 Air Force T-1A aircraft with the new flight deck, along with developing 16 operational flight trainers and 14 part task trainers that match the new avionics configuration. The first prototypes will be delivered within the next year.
The T-1A Jayhawk is a commercial derivative of the Beechjet/Hawker 400A, which is used to train future pilots of the Air Force’s airlift and tanker aircraft including the KC-135, KC-10, KC-46 and C-130. Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21 has been widely fielded on more than 5,000 aircraft, providing operators with extensive functionality and greater situational awareness. This “glass cockpit” system is designed for continuous improvement as operating requirements evolve, which was an important factor for this contract award.
