Rockwell Collins is a major supplier to the programme and is designing, developing, testing and producing the subsystems for navigation and communication. The company is also providing significant systems engineering support, as well as integrated logistics.
JPALS is a Navy-certified, ship-based precision approach and landing system that supports all-weather carrier-based operations day or night across the spectrum from training to combat. JPALS utilises Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and a secure two-way data link to provide surveillance, ship relative navigation and precision approach landing in and around the carrier-controlled airspace.
Rockwell Collins has been a major supplier to the programme since it began in 2008. This latest contract phase will help JPALS complete development and prepare for production of the Navy’s current and future fleet, including the F-35.
“The JPALS system provides a new level of safety for carrier-based pilots that will help them accomplish their challenging missions,” said Troy Brunk, Vice President and General Manager for Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Solutions at Rockwell Collins. “The accuracy provided by the system — supported by our datalink and GPS subsystems — was proven during carrier trials using combat aircraft.
“JPALS is clearly a safety and readiness enhancing, game-changing capability which will extend the life of carrier-based aircraft, as well as allow the Navy to focus training on warfighting, rather than take-offs and landings.”
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Mark Lane is a defence writer for defenceonline.co.uk and the MoD’s Defence Contracts Bulletin. He is also editor of Global Trader, sub-editor of Insider Scotland and a former editor of Business Today.