CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa 12 Feb. 2010. Rockwell Collins next-generation avionics , that enable required navigation performance (RNP), flew on Boeing's 747-8 Freighter's first flight. The new airplane features Rockwell Collins avionics displays, autopilot, communication, navigation, surveillance, maintenance, emergency, and data management systems.
The airplane's display system features Rockwell Collins DU-7001 LCD displays. The system has been upgraded to include many of the advanced features found on the Boeing 787 such as electronic checklist, airport moving maps, navigation performance scales, and a vertical situation display.
Other key Rockwell Collins avionics onboard the 747-8 include GLU-925 Multi-mode receiver and the MultiScan Hazard Detection System.
Rockwell Collins' GLU-925 Multi-mode receiver with GPS Landing System (GLS) and ILS capability will enable the 747-8 to perform GPS-guided approaches using ground-based augmentation system (GBAS). The system will also enable required navigation performance (RNP) as well as other performance-based procedures in the future.
The MultiScan Hazard Detection System analyzes and determines actual weather hazards, not simply atmospheric moisture content to provide flight crews more accurate weather returns. The MultiScan system is an automatic, hands-free airborne radar system that reduces pilot workload, enhances safety and passenger comfort by minimizing unexpected turbulence encounters, and provides optimal clutter-free weather displays, Rockwell Collins officials say.
"Rockwell Collins collaborated with Boeing to create a very powerful airplane equipped for the next generation airspace - while keeping required pilot training to a minimum by maintaining an interface that is similar to the 747-400," says Kelly Ortberg, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Commercial Systems for Rockwell Collins.
Other standard Rockwell Collins systems included on the airplane are: a communication management unit, data management unit, satellite communications system, VHF and HF transceivers, VHF omnidirectional radio, distance measuring equipment, automatic direction finder, Mode S transponder, TCAS II, autopilot with mode control panel, cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, emergency locator transmitter, and the flight deck printer.
The 747-8 Program is a family of passenger and freighter airplanes. The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane is the only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat market. Stretched 18.3 ft from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a typical three-class configuration, the Intercontinental offers the lowest seat-mile cost of any passenger airplane. It provides operators 28 percent greater cargo volume and 10 percent lower seat-mile costs compared to the 747-400.
The first 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to launch customer Cargolux later this year.
