Rockwell Collins To Install Avionics On 10 New Aircraft

Rockwell Collins has been selected by Virgin Blue to provide avionics and in-flight entertainment (IFE) equipment for 10 new Boeing 737 aircraft with an option for 40 additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2004.

The avionics package selected by Virgin Blue includes Rockwell Collins communication, navigation and surveillance sensors, including the Collins GLU-920 multi-mode receiver (MMR) and Collins WXR-2100 MultiScan weather radar.

The GLU-920 multi-mode receiver (MMR) provides the aircraft's primary position, velocity and time reference and enables precision landing capability. It offers instrument landing system (ILS) capability and high-integrity, satellite-based positioning for navigation and future landing functions, and offers growth to support microwave landing system (MLS) capability.

The MultiScan radar optimizes short- and long-range weather detection at all times without requiring pilot adjustment of the radar tilt control, and alerts flight crews during takeoff and approach of potentially dangerous wind shear. In addition to the new aircraft installations, Virgin Blue will retrofit MultiScan into 27 existing Boeing 737 aircraft, upgrading them from their current Collins weather radar to the WXR-2100.

Other flight deck equipment includes the VHF and HF communication radios as well as traffic alert and collision avoidance systems (TCAS), ADF, VOR, DME, radio altimeters and transponders.

The cabins of the new Virgin Blue Boeing 737s will feature Rockwell Collins' Programmable Audio Video Entertainment System (PAVES™), offering overhead video on 10.4-inch retractable monitors and 24 channels of high-fidelity digital in-seat audio programming. The monitors offer passengers wide viewing angles with crisp and bright picture quality.

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com