Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics system has been selected by the U.S. government to upgrade six Beech King Air 300 special use aircraft (file photo below), with an option for 12 additional aircraft. The first installation will begin in January 2006 with subsequent upgrades starting in August 2006.

"Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 system will provide reduced pilot workload while enhancing safety, efficiency and situational awareness for the government's King Air 300 fleet," said Denny Helgeson, vice president and general manager of Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins.

"This system can be easily upgraded to address future needs, which will significantly extend the usable life of these aircraft."

Under the terms of the agreement, the Pro Line 21 integrated avionics package for the Beech King Air 300 aircraft will include a Rockwell Collins dual-channel digital flight control system, a fully integrated digital autopilot providing CAT II capabilities and a growth path for future RNP airspace. The upgrade also includes three 10x8-inch high-resolution, liquid crystal adaptive flight displays with engine indication.

In addition, the system features: Rockwell Collins Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) featuring electronic charts, Chart Link capability, XM graphical weather and enhanced maps which include airways, airspace, geopolitical boundaries and water; Rockwell Collins dual integrated FMS-3000 Flight Management System, which provides advanced flight planning and navigation capabilities, including synchronized lateral and vertical flight plans, Nav to ILS transfer, and the capability to support WAAS/LPV shortly after certification.

Other supporting system upgrades include:

• GPS-4000S WAAS Global Positioning System
• Pro Line 21 Communication, Navigation and Surveillance sensors
• Turbulence Detection Weather Radar
• Dual AHS-3000 Attitude Heading Reference Systems
• Dual ADS-3000 Air Data Systems
• MDC-3110 Maintenance Diagnostic System

Rockwell Collins will retain ownership of the King Air 300 Pro Line 21 supplemental type certification and plans to offer the avionics package to current corporate operators as well.

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com