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Collins' Large Flat-Panels Used for Cockpit Retrofit
The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Continuum, a state-of-the-art retrofit
avionics system featuring large format LCD flat-panel displays,
is breathing new life into older business aircraft, potentially
extending their useful lives for decades.
A Pro Line 21 Continuum package with four 10 x 8-inch displays,
for example, currently is being fitted to a Dassault Falcon 50.
The system also includes dual FMS-6000 FMSs, solid-state AHRS, TCAS-4000,
a TWR-850 solid-state Doppler weather radar and Pro Line 21 CNS
radios.
Similar programs are underway for Bombardier Challenger 600 and
Cessna Citation III aircraft. These systems use 5-ATI FDS-2000 LCDs
and other manufacturers' FMS boxes. The Pro Line 21 Continuum retrofit
concept first was installed and certified aboard Gulfstream II/IIBs
and IIIs, but there have been few takers as these aircraft don't
meet Stage III noise requirements, so their days are numbered.
Pro Line 21 Continuum, similar to the Pro Line 21 systems flying
aboard the Bombardier Continental, Cessna CJ1 and CJ2, and Raytheon
Premier, enhance situational awareness, reduce pilot workload and
prepare these aircraft for the CNS/ATN environment of the future.
-Fred George
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Collins: Aftermarket a Key Revenue
Source
Rockwell Collins, a publicly traded
company since June 29, expects to earn 56% of this year's
projected $2.9 billion in revenues--or about $1.6 billion--from
aftermarket sales.
Rockwell Collins has a network of 65
service centers that support its aftermarket effort, the fastest-growing
segment of its business, says president and CEO Clay Jones.
He expects "a 10% to 15% growth in service for yearend
and years to come." The company reported a 10% increase
in service revenue for its quarter ending June 30.
Jones recently told reporters that
Rockwell Collins derives 61% of its revenue from the commercial
side--including business and regional aircraft--and 39% from
government sales. He says the U.S. military services do most
of their own maintenance, so aftermarket sales there are low.
However, this segment shows the strongest potential for avionics
upgrades, he notes.
Rockwell Collins' largest customer
is the U.S. government, which generates 27% of the company's
revenue, followed by 9% from Boeing and 5% from Bombardier.
The rest represent less than 5% each.
"We are positioned for consistent
and sustainable growth," Jones says.
One of the company's keys to success,
says Jones, is that Rockwell Collins tapped synergies between
its military and commercial markets between 1996 and 2001
and developed common core avionics platforms that are used
across all markets.
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