Rockwell Collins has been awarded a contract by Boeing to provide its next-generation, large-format flight displays, integrated surveillance...
This contract is in addition to Rockwell Collins’ previously announced award to provide the Flight Control Module for the 777X Integrated Flight Control Electronics fly-by-wire system.
The Boeing 777X is a new improved version of the current Boeing 777 family, under development, featuring new GE9X engines, new composite wings, and technologies from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The new 777X flight deck will feature five configurable 15.1-inch landscape LCD displays―four across the console and one in the control stand―that will increase situational awareness and efficiency. The displays are also featured on the Boeing 787 and 737 MAX.
The integrated surveillance system (ISS), which first debuted on the 787, brings together Rockwell Collins’ MultiScan™ weather radar, traffic collision and avoidance, Mode S surveillance, and terrain awareness and warning capabilities into a single system, delivering valuable savings in size, weight and power requirements. The ISS also is compliant with the upcoming ADS-B Out mandate and includes ADS-B In traffic applications.
In addition, Rockwell Collins’ Head-up Guidance System (HGS) will be available for the first time on a 777 airplane. The HGS, which is standard on the 787 and an airline-selectable system on the 737 MAX, projects an image onto a glass combiner mounted in front of pilots’ eyes that displays essential flight information while they simultaneously look outside the flight deck, scanning for traffic or flying an approach.
Additional Rockwell Collins flight controls systems selected for the 777X include the control stand, digital audio system, mode control panel and primary control damper.
The 777X will be the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition. The 777X will have two variants; the 777-8X and the 777-9X.
The 777-9X will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane. It will offer a range of 8,200 nautical miles (15,185 km) and seat more than 400 passengers. The 777-8X will compete directly with the A350-1000 and will boast an incredible range of up to 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km) with seating for 350 passengers.
Production of the 777X is scheduled to begin in 2017 and first delivery is targeted for 2020.
Major airlines including All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways altogether has placed 300 orders and commitments for the 777X, after Boeing official launched the program at 2013 Dubai Airshow.
Photo: subscale 777X model wind tunnel testing
