Rockwell Collins will activate a depot capability for radio systems onboard the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft under a $27 million contract announced on 18 November.
The depot will enable the navy to service its own equipment on the P-8A, including the HF-121C airborne high frequency (HF) communication system, to reduce the repair pipeline and increase aircraft availability.
Under a three-phased approach, an assessment to determine requirements for the P-8A Poseidon radio component depot has already been carried out. Now on the second stage, the knowledge and tools to support the equipment will be transferred to the navy. This will be followed by a sustainment plan, likely to be delivered under a public-private partnership.
The HF-121C airborne HF communication system is designed for HF applications requiring voice and data operations at 400W transmit power. Along with other radio components, the HF-121C provides fast and secure data transfer.
The contract will run through 2020.
P-8 Poseidon