Article Posted on : - Jul 29, 2011

US Air Force's KC-10 Extender aerial refueling tanker. Photo: Boeing Image - Lance Cheung.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (BNS): The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded a $160 million worth contract to Rockwell Collins for the KC-10 cockpit upgrade programme.

Under the contract, the company will provide systems integration and avionics for the KC-10 Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Cockpit Modernisation Program.

"This programme provides technology that ensures the KC-10 meets current and future CNS/ATM requirements, allowing it to operate in commercial airspace throughout the world," Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Rotary Wing Solutions for Rockwell Collins, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

These new capabilities will allow the aircraft to arrive at its destination quicker, enhancing mission effectiveness while saving fuel.

The KC-10 aircraft is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for US armed forces. Although the aircraft’s primary mission is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carrying fighter support personnel and equipment on overseas deployments.