Rockwell Collins selected to install Real Time Information in the Cockpit system in USAF legacy KC-135R.

Rockwell Collins has been selected by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to advance communications capabilities for its KC-135R fleet with the implementation of a Real Time Information in the Cockpit (RTIC) system. This marks the first time that this solution with Link 16 communications will be permanently integrated on legacy tanker aircraft.

Rockwell Collins will implement a Real Time Information in the Cockpit (RTIC) system for U.S. Air Force KC-135R legacy tankers, providing crews with improved situational awareness during missions
(Credit: Rockwell Collins)

“Pilots and boom operators will now be able to view intelligence feeds on the new avionics displays we’re providing as part of their Block 45 upgrade,” said Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager, Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “With information such as enemy threats, target data, and blue force locations at their fingertips, crews will gain real-time situational awareness to more effectively carry out their missions.” 

Rockwell Collins will be responsible for system integration and testing to relay, control, and display information onto the existing avionics and other stand-alone displays. The system to be implemented on the KC-135R leverages the successful Block 40 and Block 45 avionics architectures and many components from the USAF C-130 RTIC program.

The US Air Force currently has 153 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in duty, plus 72 within the Air Force Reserve. The "R" version is a KC-135A/E re-engined with CFM-56 engines.