Chris Jasper/LONDON
US avionics giant Rockwell Collins and United Technologies' aerospace equipment subsidiary Hamilton Sundstrand have formed a strategic alliance to provide joint solutions in the areas of avionics, instrumentation and utility systems.
The alliance is a logical response to the takeover of Honeywell by AlliedSignal - itself the world's biggest aerospace industry supplier - in a move that brought together Collins' two big avionics rivals.
By teaming, Collins and Hamilton Sundstrand will be better able to combat the new Honeywell's ability to offer total aircraft systems to primary manufacturers. Collins Aviation Services vice-president and general manager Harry Gregory says the alliance will provide customers with "the convenience and confidence of single-stop-shop solutions".
Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Rockwell Collins employs 14,000 people and specialises in the design, production and marketing of avionics and communications systems, including in-flight entertainment systems, and offers a global maintenance network for both Collins and non-Collins equipment.
Hamilton Sundstrand, based in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, offers a range of utility systems, including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and environmental control systems and auxiliary power units, for commercial and military aircraft and space programmes.
Hamilton vice-president, customer services, Jim Peterson says the pair have "complementary product offerings" which will position the alliance "to address evolving customer needs".
Source: Flight International
