U.S. Air Force to modernize T-1A Jayhawk trainer fleet with Rockwell Collins avionics

The U.S. Air Force’s entire T-1A Jayhawk trainer fleet will be upgraded with Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21™ avionics suite as part of a contract awarded to Field Aerospace. Rockwell Collins, working with Field Aerospace, Nextant Aerospace, Flight Safety International and others, will supply the proven avionics system, which best satisfies the Air Force’s Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) requirements and sets the stage for growth as missions evolve. 

The contract includes upgrading 178 Air Force T-1A aircraft with the new flight deck, along with developing 16 operational flight trainers and 14 part task trainers that match the new avionics configuration. The first prototypes will be delivered within the next year.

“Pro Line 21 is the workhorse of business aviation and many military platforms, bringing all the capabilities pilots want for operating in next-generation airspace, along with growth capabilities for advanced features such as integrated electronic charts and data link communications,” said Craig Olson, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins.

Dave Schreck, vice president and general manager, Airborne Solutions for Rockwell Collins’ Government Systems business added, “We have a great track record of providing avionics systems which modernize large fleets of military and special mission aircraft. We look forward to working with Field Aerospace, Nextant and Flight Safety to enable training for the next generation of U.S. Air Force pilots.”

Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21 has been widely fielded on more than 5,000 aircraft, providing operators with extensive functionality and greater situational awareness. This “glass cockpit” system is designed for continuous improvement as operating requirements evolve, which was an important factor for this contract award.

The T-1A Jayhawk is a commercial derivative of the Beechjet/Hawker 400A, which is used to train future pilots of the Air Force’s airlift and tanker aircraft including the KC-135, KC-10, KC-46 and C-130.