ROCKWELL COLLINS: US Air Force awards Rockwell contract for KC-135 interphone system integration

MAR 9, 1999, M2 Communications - CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Rockwell Collins, a business of Rockwell International Corporation (NYSE:ROK), has begun delivery of a new digital interphone system for the U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker aircraft. The USAF will install the systems into the entire fleet of over 600 aircraft.

The award follows successful completion of the engineering, manufacturing and development phase, as well as operational testing of the system on board both active USAF and Air National Guard aircraft. The award of $17.8 million represents the execution of the first production option.

The new digital system replacing the aircraft's aging system provides the growth required for future enhancements to the aircraft's avionics suite, such as Global Air Traffic Management (GATM)-related upgrades.

The interphone system allows the pilot and crew to communicate with each other and provides connectivity with on-board radios that communicate with other aircraft and personnel on the ground. The interphone system will also handle the aural alerts the crew will receive from safety and surveillance equipment currently being integrated as part of the Pacer CRAG (Compass, Radar and GPS) upgrade.

This procurement follows the continued utilization of commercial avionics technology adapted to military applications, initiated by the USAF and Rockwell Collins over the life of the KC-135 Pacer CRAG program. Along with the new interphone system, other cockpit enhancements being integrated by Rockwell Collins include the Collins FMS-800 Flight Management System (FMS), the Collins FDS-255 flat panel multifunction Flight Display System and the Collins WXR-700X forward-looking Weather Radar Replacement System.

The USAF plans all KC-135 aircraft to be outfitted with the new digital interphones by mid-2001.

Rockwell Collins, with headquarters in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, designs, produces, markets and supports communication and aviation electronics for commercial, military and government customers. The business employs approximately 14,000 people worldwide.

Rockwell is a $7 billion electronic controls and communications company with global leadership market positions in industrial automation, avionics and communications, and electronic commerce. The company employs about 40,000 people at more than 450 locations in 40 countries.

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