Rockwell Collins lands 9-year USAF contract for KC-10 fleet support.

Having recently completed the full Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management Systems (CNS/ATM) upgrade for the 59 aircraft KC-10 fleet, Rockwell Collins will now also be providing ongoing engineering support for the KC-10 Flight2 integrated avionics system.

“This agreement establishes an efficient path for the Air Force to keep KC-10 avionics updated as defense requirements and operations continue to change,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager of Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “As a key provider for avionics support on the KC-10, we’ll be able to help reduce costs associated with keeping these aircraft operational and mission capable.”

As a leader in CNS/ATM upgrades for mobility aircraft, Rockwell Collins has completed over 800 avionics flight deck modifications to meet the mandate. This expertise spans the globe and includes over 190 upgrades on C-130 aircraft.

The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. The KC-10 can transport up to 75 people and nearly 76,560 kilograms of cargo a distance of about 7,040 kilometers unrefueled.

In addition to the three main DC-10 wing fuel tanks, the KC-10 has three large fuel tanks under the cargo floor, one under the forward lower cargo compartment, one in the center wing area and one under the rear compartment. Combined, the capacity of the six tanks carries more than 160,200 kilograms of fuel - almost twice as much as the KC-135 Stratotanker.