Fri, Dec 14, 2012
Rockwell Collins Awarded $295 Million Full Rate Production Contract for Block I Modernization
The U.S. Navy has awarded $54 million full rate production contract, with unexercised options valued at an additional $241 million, to Rockwell Collins for the upgrade of eleven aircraft as part of the E-6B Block I Modification program.
The Navy E-6B aircraft is used to conduct the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) and the United States Strategic Command Airborne Command Post missions. The open system solution provided by the Block I modification addresses immediate modernization requirements and enables system expansion in the future. The initial $54 million award covers the procurement of the material, installation and associated activities for the next three aircraft. The total program includes production engineering support, field service support, operator and maintenance crew training classes and maintenance trainer updates.
“This upgrade brings many new capabilities to the Navy, including better communication and mission capabilities, and plays a key role in providing reliable and survivable communications between our nation’s leadership and U.S. strategic forces,” said Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “This award is especially meaningful to Rockwell Collins as it signifies the continuation of a 40-year relationship supporting the Navy TACAMO mission.”
The Block I Modification being completed by Rockwell Collins features an open system approach for mission avionics, a Voice over Internet Protocol Intercommunications System and an on-aircraft, multi-level secure network for message processing, radio control/monitoring and other mission applications. The program also improves the reliability and availability of the Ultra High Frequency Command, Control and Communication system and enhances the electrical power and cooling systems.
The Block I Modification solution modernizes the aircraft’s communication infrastructure to support moving data onto, off of and throughout the aircraft. This infrastructure will support the ever increasing bandwidth demands in this emerging age of the digital battlespace.
(E-6 image provided by the U.S. Navy)
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