Finalist: Rockwell Avionics & Communications, Collins Air Transport division
Location Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
Achievement A multi-mode receiver combining both existing and future landing-aid technology
One of the most enduring technical issues for the world airline industry over the past decade has been over how to make an orderly transition from the existing instrument-landing system (ILS) operations to new forms of satellite-based landing and approach aids.
At worst, the prospect has been to have to equip each aircraft with the full range of systems, including ILS and microwave-landing systems (MLS), as well as newer satellite technologies based around the global-positioning system (GPS).
To help bridge this gap between existing and future technology, Rockwell's Collins Air Transport division has developed the multi-mode receiver (MMR), which brings together the ILS, MLS and a high-integrity satellite-based positioning sensor into a single unit. The system offers simultaneous monitoring of ILS or MLS operations.
Flight testing of the receiver is already under way, and certification is expected to be awarded by September. Over the past year, the unit has been selected as a fleet standard by Air France, British Airways, United Airlines and others. The receiver is also being offered by all of the major airliner manufacturers on new-production aircraft.
Source: Flight International
