Collins Aerospace Awarded Risk Reduction Contract for E-XX Programme

Collins Aerospace has been awarded development of a Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication system for the E-6B Recapitalisation Programme (E-XX) as part of Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) Weapons System.

The contract provides developmental design and risk reduction engineering efforts for airborne VLF system modernisation in support of Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Programme Office (PMA-271) capability requirements. The development efforts and resulting system features enhanced security measures to address advanced and emerging threats. This risk reduction effort is to meet SWaP-C requirements for VLF system integration into a C-130J-30 aircraft, as part of initial platform testing.

This award is the first award of a series for the new E-XX test programme. The open systems approach ensures that the terminal and remaining portions of the Weapons Systems can be easily integrated on the platform. Additionally, the new systems are easier to maintain and upgrade over the life of the aircraft making it a potential long-term solution for the Navy. This critical communications path will continue to provide senior leaders with assured communications to the strategic forces.

“This sole-source award underscores the recognised technical expertise that Collins brings to the TACAMO community,” said Heather Robertson, vice president and general manager, Integrated Solutions for Collins Aerospace. “As we are seeing the accelerated need for command, control and communication capabilities, our DoD Partners can rely on Collins to deliver ready-now, comprehensive, integrated and durable solutions.”

The work will be completed at Collins’ Richardson, Texas and Cedar Rapids, Iowa facilities. With 60 years of working within the TACAMO community, Collins Aerospace continues to deliver integrated solutions that ensure the utmost performance for the Navy’s critical no-fail missions.—adj/nal/mgm (Image: Collins Aerospace)