PARIS (June 20, 2011) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) and Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) today announced that the modular, integrated Cockpit 4000 has been enhanced for HBC’s AT-6 Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) aircraft. CMC’s Cockpit 4000 integrated avionics suite provides a cost-effective, advanced military aviator training solution. The CMC Cockpit 4000 includes an Integrated Avionics Computer, a Heads-Up Display, Up Front Control Panel (UFCP) and Multifunction Displays.
The enhancements to the AT-6 include breakthrough Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) Localizer Performance with Vertical (LPV) Guidance approach capability. CMC’s IntegriFlight™ GPS Landing System is certified for GPS LPV Guidance approach operations. The addition of completely self-contained LPV approach capability to the AT-6 allows the aircraft to operate in the absence of traditional ground-based approach aids at remote airfields. CMC's LPV solution provides a clean, straightforward interface that behaves exactly like an instrument landing system, but with the exceptional WAAS performance and availability.
“CMC’s record of routinely delivering tremendous capability on our very aggressive timeline is truly remarkable and is a great credit to the entire AT-6 team,” said Jim Maslowski, HBC president, U.S. and International Government Business. “The WAAS and UFCP integration are prime examples of how the AT-6 integrates proven off-the-shelf capabilities to perform new missions efficiently.”
In addition, CMC’s UFCP provides the AT-6 with seamless integration of Lockheed Martin’s A-10C-based mission systems, delivering the complex combat communication, sensor and weapons capabilities required for the LAAR mission. It also greatly reduces pilot workload and increases mission effectiveness.
“CMC’s Cockpit 4000 is a proven solution for military trainer and LAAR aircraft,” said Jean-Michel Comtois, Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Government and Public Affairs, CMC. “Our flexible, scalable avionics are at the core of this integrated glass cockpit. Cockpit 4000 provides a cost-effective, advanced military aviator training solution to air forces around the world.”
Leveraging its successes as a supplier to militaries around the globe, HBC has developed the AT-6, which is designed and built to provide close air support and light attack capabilities required to meet the Department of Defense’s Building Partnership Capacity needs. The AT-6 is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment such as Pratt and Whitney Canada’s PTA-68D powerplant, Esterline CMC Electronics’ mission modified Cockpit 4000, Lockheed Martin’s A-10C-based mission system and L-3 WESCAM’s MX-15Di EO/IR sensor pod. The aircraft is also equipped with an ALQ-213 EW Management System, ARC-210 radios with secure voice/data and SATCOM capabilities, and a wide variety of weapons capability required to excel in meeting irregular warfare mission requirements.
Esterline CMC Electronics (www.cmcelectronics.ca) has achieved an international reputation for innovation and excellence in the design and manufacture of electronics products for the military and commercial aviation markets. CMC’s focus is on delivering innovative cockpit systems integration and avionics solutions to its customers worldwide. Its principal locations are in Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; and Chicago, Illinois. CMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Esterline Corporation (NYSE:ESL, www.esterline.com), a specialized aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bellevue, WA, that employs over 9,000 people worldwide.Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
