The U.S. Navy has selected the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system for its fleet of 55 T-44A trainers in a major upgrade program anticipated to last four years. Under terms of the deal, Arinc will serve as the purchasing and installation agency for the program and L-3 Communications the prime contractor. The T-44A is the military version of the Beech King Air twin turboprop.

The Pro Line 21 package for the Navy airplanes will include a pair of 8- by 10-inch displays, FMS-3000 flight management system, GPS-4000A satellite navigation receiver, Pro Line 21 CNS communication, navigation and surveillance sensors, dual AHS-3000 attitude heading reference systems, dual-channel automatic flight control system and dual ADS-3000 air data systems.

The Navy has also selected Collins to provide replacement high-frequency radios and tactical digital datalink converters for its P-3C fleet. The upgrade program will include a dual transceiver package based on the HF-121C radio and known as the AN/ARC-230.

In other military-related news from Rockwell Collins, the company announced it has been selected by the South African Air Force to provide VHF Tacan radios for 28 new Saab Gripens that will begin deliveries in 2008. Collins has also been selected by NATO to provide datalink terminals for the Air Command and Control System. This contract was awarded to Data Link Solutions, a joint Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems company.