Open Systems Architecture Enables Future Cockpit Capabilities

Collins Aerospace announced a contract to upgrade the avionics systems in U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters for the H-60M MOSA Avionics Architecture Solution program, and will feature Collins’ series of Modular Open Systems Approach, or MOSA-compliant products known as Mosarc. This approach streamlines technology integration and enables soldiers to update technology rapidly and in real-time.

Mosarc is engineered to make upgrades more efficient and reduce sustainment costs over the life cycle of the helicopter. Through the incorporation of Mosarc into the Black Hawks, Collins will create commonality across the Army’s fleet of manned and unmanned aircraft now and into the future.

The Mosarc approach is based on display, network, computing, and software building blocks that are friendly to customization and allow the integration of the best-in-class technologies from across the industry without the need for proprietary components or systems.

Jenny Miller, Vice President and General Manager of Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace explained, "Mosarc will provide U.S. Army Black Hawk cockpits with an open systems architecture, enabling swift integration of new capabilities to keep pace with modern operational demands.

“Not only is the system's interoperability vital for joint and coalition operations, but Mosarc will also allow the rapid deployment of technology to respond in quickly changing environments and help keep these aircraft relevant for decades to come."

The contract is worth an estimated $80 million, and the work will be carried out at Collins facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Huntsville, Alabama.

FMI:  www.collinsaerospace.com/