Rockwell Collins Avionics System Goes Unmanned at University of Iowa

Software engineer uses the Pro Line Fusion. Photo courtesy Rockwell Collins.

by Scott Kesselman



The University of Iowa College of Engineering’s Operator Performance Laboratory completed a successful test, in collaboration with Rockwell Collins, of Rockwell’s Pro Line Fusion commercial avionics system to control an OPL experimental unmanned aircraft.



Testing of the avionics system, which has been selected for 17 military, rotary wing and business jet aircrafts, shows the potential for its use in the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace.  



“Our vast experience in certifying avionics for manned vehicles gives us the expertise to apply the same principles to UAS,” says John Borghese, vice president of the Advanced Technology Center at Rockwell Collins. “The purpose of these tests was to show how certified production systems may be used to meet the certification requirements being formulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.”



Officials at Rockwell Collins note that the company and the University of Iowa have had a unique relationship for the past 10 years propelling research and tests of unmanned systems.



“The current project is another example of a successful teaming arrangement between OPL and Rockwell Collins to successfully accomplish a difficult goal in a short amount of time,” says OPL Director, Thomas Schnell.



For safety purposes, a pilot remained on board the aircraft during testing.