Rockwell Collins next-generation avionics successfully complete first flight on Boeing’s 747-8 Freighter

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Rockwell Collins next-generation avionics successfully took flight on Boeing's 747-8 Freighter.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (February 09, 2010) - The new airplane features an entire suite of Rockwell Collins displays, autopilot, communication, navigation, surveillance, maintenance, emergency and data management systems.

"Rockwell Collins offers its sincere congratulations to Boeing for another successful first flight of a next-generation platform. The teamwork that has occurred on this program has been outstanding," said Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins. "Rockwell Collins collaborated with Boeing to create a very powerful airplane equipped for the next generation airspace - while keeping required pilot training to a minimum by maintaining an interface that is similar to the 747-400."

Key Rockwell Collins avionics onboard the 747-8 includes:

* The GLU-925 Multi-mode receiver with GPS Landing System (GLS) and ILS capability will enable the 747-8 to perform GPS-guided approaches using ground-based augmentation system (GBAS). The system will also enable Required Navigation Performance (RNP) as well as other performance-based procedures in the future.
* The MultiScan™ Hazard Detection System analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content to provide flight crews more accurate weather returns. The MultiScan system is derived from extensive operational experience to create a fully automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload, enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays.
* The airplane's display system features Rockwell Collins DU-7001 LCD displays. The system has been upgraded to include many of the advanced features found on the Boeing 787 such as electronic checklist, airport moving maps, navigation performance scales and a vertical situation display.

Other standard Rockwell Collins equipment includes: Communication Management Unit, Data Management Unit, Satellite Communications System, VHF and HF transceivers, VHF Omnidirectional Radio, Distance Measuring Equipment, Automatic Direction Finder, Mode S Transponder, TCAS II, Autopilot with Mode Control Panel, Cockpit Voice Recorder, Flight Data Recorder, Emergency Locator Transmitter, and the Flight Deck Printer.

About 747-8 Program
The 747-8 Program is a family of passenger and freighter airplanes. The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane is the only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat market. Stretched 5.6 m (18.3 ft) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a typical three-class configuration, the Intercontinental offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any passenger airplane. It provides operators a 14,815-km (8,000-nmi) range, 28 percent greater cargo volume and 10 percent lower seat-mile costs compared to the 747-400. The 747-8 Freighter will fly 8,287 km (4,475 nmi) with a maximum structural payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons). It offers 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than the 747-400F with slightly greater range. The 747-8 Freighter upholds its predecessor's legendary efficiency, with equivalent trip costs and 15 percent lower ton-mile costs than the 747-400F. The 747-8 Freighter will enjoy the lowest ton-mile costs of any freighter, giving operators unmatched profit potential. The first 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to launch customer Cargolux in late 2010.

About Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by nearly 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

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