Rockwell Collins receives $85 million Air Force air traffic control subcontract

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. - Rockwell Collins has been selected to provide the SMART Blade Radio to upgrade the U.S. Air Force worldwide air traffic control (ATC) radio communication network. The subcontract, potentially valued at more than $85 million, was awarded by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI], the prime integrator for the U.S. Air Force’s ATC Radio Upgrade program. The subcontract is for the First Article System to be installed at Wright-Patterson AFB.

“With this award, Rockwell Collins is providing a new, modernized form-factor radio concept for the U.S. Air Force, replacing the GRC-171, GRC-211, GRT-21/22, and GRR-23/-24 radios installed in the 1960s and 1970s,” said Bruce King, vice president and general manager of Surface Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “With its high reliability, IP-based interface, remote diagnostics and repair, ease of maintenance and smaller size, the SMART Blade Radio provides the Air Force a cost-effective and tailorable system solution that frees up much needed space while significantly lowering their operating costs.”

The SMART Blade Radio is a scalable, low-risk radio that provides Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency (VHF/UHF) coverage with a design that allows for easy future upgrading capabilities. The integration cost to the U. S. Air Force is significantly less compared to integrating legacy systems and the system is considerably smaller and lighter than its predecessor.