Rockwell Collins completes first Pro Line 21 retrofit on FAA’s King Air 300 fleet

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently unveiled the first of 18 Beech King Air 300 special use aircraft updated with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.

“With Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21 avionics, the FAA will see a reduction in pilot workload with enhancements in safety, efficiency and situational awareness,” said Denny Helgeson, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins. “We are excited to witness how these upgrades will improve the FAA’s fleet performance.”

The Pro Line 21 retrofit solution will reduce size, weight and power requirements in the King Air 300, while extending the life of the aircraft. The FAA’s decision to incorporate Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21 retrofit package over purchasing new aircraft will yield a $58 million dollar savings.

The Pro Line 21 retrofit package for the Beech King Air 300 fleet includes three eight-inch by 10-inch active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) with engine indication. The system includes Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) radio suite, digital autopilot with coupled VNAV, Dual Flight Management Systems with GPS WAAS receivers, air data sensors, integrated maintenance diagnostics, weather radar and the Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS).

Rockwell Collins IFIS enables such advanced capabilities as enhanced map overlays, graphical weather (XM satellite broadcast as well as interactive request/reply from Universal Weather), electronics charts with Chart Link capability to reduce pilot workload and with the own-ship position symbol overlaid to enhance situational awareness on approach and while taxiing.

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.

Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronics 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 20,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.