Collins launches advanced flight computer
Perigon will deliver 20 times the processing power of existing flight control computers, claims Collins Aerospace. (Photo: Collins Aerospace)
Collins Aerospace on 20 July unveiled a new flight control and vehicle management computer called Perigon.
Based on open architecture and flexible configurability, Perigon is designed to support autonomous flight. Since 2018, when work the computer was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, Collins built a working prototype and is now performing detailed development and integration testing, with an eye on qualification testing in 2022.
Kim Kinsley, VP and GM of Environmental and Airframe Control Systems at Collins Aerospace, described ‘broad opportunities’ for Perigon in defence programmes such as sixth-generation fighter aircraft and the US Army Future Vertical Lift programme.
She added: ‘From autonomy to cybersecurity, customers want their platforms to do more than ever before. Yet more capabilities require a commensurate increase in processing power.’
The company believes Perigon will deliver 20 times the processing power of its existing flight control computers, allowing customers to load various complex software applications including autonomous and fly-by-wire flight control, cybersecurity, vehicle management and predictive health maintenance.
In addition, Collins argued, Perigon will be capable of replacing functions previously performed by multiple onboard computers, thereby delivering space, weight and cost savings.
More from Defence Notes
-
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.