Rockwell Collins Avionics to Support SkyGuardian UAS

Rockwell Collins has announced that its avionics technologies have been selected for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Rockwell Collins will support GA-ASI to efficiently upgrade the proven Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system to simplify civil airspace access.

GA-ASI has selected the capabilities of the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system for this unmanned aerial system (UAS) ground control station to support customers and missions that require operations in civil airspace. The solution will feature interactive touch-control displays and a proven Flight Management System to support Instrument Flight Rules flight in today’s airspace. The operator interface and interactive touchscreen map will minimize the workload of the UAS operators while allowing them to access civil airspace features integrated with the graphical presentation of the existing ground control station.

“Our Pro Line Fusion avionics bring a proven, civil-certified pedigree from manned aviation to unmanned systems. The flexibility of the system enables its application for UAS,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager, Airborne Solutions, for Government Systems at Rockwell Collins. “This program with GA-ASI will help pave the way and set the standards for UAS platforms accessing controlled civil airspace.”