Includes WXR-2100 'Smart' Weather Radar System
Boeing tells ANN is has
chosen Rockwell Collins to supply an entire suite of displays,
autopilot, communication, navigation, surveillance, maintenance,
emergency and data management systems for its new 747-8 family
scheduled to enter service in late 2009.
"This program win is a testament to the successful teamwork
approach that we've developed with Boeing," said Kelly Ortberg,
executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial
Systems for Rockwell Collins. "The avionics, which have been
selected as standard equipment for all future 747-8 airplanes, will
provide advanced technology while maximizing commonality with
existing 747-400 fleets."
A key feature of the avionics suite is Rockwell Collins'
WXR-2100 MultiScan Hazard Detection System, the same system slated
for installation on Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. The system is touted
as the first and only radar that analyzes and determines actual
weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content.
According to Rockwell, the radar uses multiple radar scans at
different tilt angles -- hence MultiScan -- to observe the
prevailing weather and store the information into computer memory.
The system's processor filters the stored information through a
ground clutter suppression algorithm providing pilots with a
view of all significant weather from directly in front of the
aircraft to 320 nm, essentially free of ground clutter.
In the images above you can see a radar display with and without
ground clutter suppression. The display on the right clearly shows
all significant weather that was hidden by the clutter.
"We are excited to have Rockwell Collins on the 747-8 team,"
said Corky Townsend, chief project engineer, 747 Program. "Rockwell
Collins has a long-standing relationship with Boeing and we know
they will help us create an airplane that airlines love to
operate."
The display system, featuring Rockwell Collins DU-7001 LCD
displays, will be upgraded to include many of the advanced features
found on the Boeing 777, such as an electronic checklist with
cursor control panel, navigation performance scales and vertical
situation displays.
Rockwell Collins will add GPS Landing System functionality to
the autopilot and navigation systems for Boeing's 747-8
aircraft.
Other equipment Rockwell Collins will provide includes:
Communication Management Unit, Satellite Communications System, VHF
and HF transceivers, VHF Omnidirectional Radio, Distance Measuring
Equipment, Automatic Direction Finder, Multi Mode Receiver, Mode S
Transponder, Cockpit Voice Recorder, Flight Data Recorder,
Emergency Locator Transmitter, Flight Deck Printer and the Data
Management Unit.
Boeing launched the new 747-8 Intercontinental passenger
airplane and the 747-8 Freighter on November 14, 2005. Since
launch, the program has secured firm orders for 24 747-8
Intercontinentals and 54 747-8 Freighters.
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