Boeing taps Intellisense for C-17 flight deck replacement effort

Under the program, the company will provide a MOSA-compliant data concentrator unit built around a high-performance multicore single-board computer architecture and advanced video interfaces designed to connect the aircraft mission computer with primary flight displays.

Key Highlights

  • Intellisense Systems will supply MOSA-compliant data concentrator units with multicore architecture for the C-17 fleet modernization.
  • The company’s 15-inch multifunction display features the highest resolution available for military applications, with touchscreen and tactile controls.
  • The program emphasizes open-architecture avionics to facilitate future upgrades and reduce lifecycle costs.

TORRANCE, Calif. - Intellisense Systems has been selected by Boeing to provide data concentrator units and multifunction displays for the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Flight Deck Replacement program, a modernization effort intended to address avionics obsolescence and upgrade cockpit capabilities across the global C-17 fleet. Intellisense Systems says the lifetime value of the award could exceed $400 million.

Under the program, the company will provide a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-compliant data concentrator unit built around a high-performance multicore single-board computer architecture and advanced video interfaces designed to connect the aircraft mission computer with primary flight displays.

Related: Air Force asks Lockheed Martin for multifunction displays avionics upgrades for C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft

The effort also includes delivery of the company’s 15-inch multifunction display, which Intellisense says offers the highest display resolution currently available for military applications. The display incorporates advanced video and data-processing capabilities together with both touchscreen and tactile bezel controls for pilot interaction.

The broader Flight Deck Replacement effort is intended to replace aging cockpit display and processing hardware affected by long-term component obsolescence issues. Air Force modernization plans for the C-17 have emphasized open-architecture avionics, improved sustainment, enhanced cybersecurity, and long-term fleet supportability as the aircraft is expected to remain operational for decades.

The U.S. Air Force operates more than 220 C-17 aircraft worldwide for strategic airlift, humanitarian relief, and rapid deployment missions.

"By delivering ruggedized, modular computing together with our flagship primary flight displays, we are ensuring the long-term readiness of a platform that is indispensable to global logistics," said Dr. Robert Waldo, CEO of Intellisense Systems.

The program reflects the continuing DoD emphasis on open-architecture avionics and modular computing approaches intended to simplify future upgrades, reduce lifecycle sustainment risk, and address component obsolescence in long-service military aircraft fleets.

Intellisense Systems, headquartered in Torrance, Calif., develops sensing, display, and avionics technologies for aerospace and defense applications, including systems integration, embedded computing, electronics manufacturing, and qualification testing.

About the Author

Jamie Whitney

Senior Editor

Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics in 2018 and oversees editorial content and produces news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attends industry events, produces Webcasts, and oversees print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics.

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