Rockwell Collins selected for DARPA programme
Rockwell Collins has announced that it has been selected by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop the synthetic vision avionics backbone for next generation helicopter operations under the Multi-Function Radio Frequency (MFRF) programme. The company announced the news 6 June, 2012.
Rockwell Collins is teamed with BAE Systems on the first two phases of the $5.1 million contract. An optional third phase would bring the contract value to $6 million.
Under the contract, Rockwell Collins will develop a 3D synthetic vision-based imagery system that will be used with multifunction radar. Rockwell Collins will fuse radar data with terrain and obstacle data to produce an integrated 3D view of the operational environment.
The company said that in conjunction with the army, it has ‘flight tested the technology on a Black Hawk helicopter and [is] looking forward to working with DARPA to further develop this capability’.
The US Army Black Hawk synthetic vision flight tests were conducted in conjunction with a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between Rockwell Collins and the US Army’s Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, the company said. The agreement calls for Rockwell Collins to provide its CAAS cockpit as a test bed, enabling the army to 'quickly develop and demonstrate new technology for the warfighter in a cost-effective manner'.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first]()
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
![Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme]()
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
![Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters]()
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
![Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo]()
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
![Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters]()
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
![Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters]()
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.
