Rockwell Collins, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based manufacturer of systems for civilian and military flight-deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation, was assigned a new contract by Airbus to produce and supply rudder/brake pedal assemblies for the A350 XWB commercial aircraft program.
Without detailing the terms of the contract, Rockwell Collins noted it adds to a list of products and systems it will supply for the A350 XWB, including the aircraft’s communications, information management, landing and navigation systems.
It said these assignments would have a total value of $2.5-billion over the length of the program.
“This win tops off a comprehensive suite of offerings for the A350 XWB, which represents the most content we’ve ever had on an Airbus platform,” stated Kent Statler, Rockwell Collins’ exec. vice president and COO for Commercial Systems.
“Airbus’s confidence in us to design, produce and implement innovative solutions for this new-generation aircraft was a key factor in this latest award,” he added.
The Airbus A350 is a series of long-range, wide-body jets that the OEM has in the final stages of development, with the first deliveries due later this year.
The XWB (extra wide body) is a variation of the original jet design, which is meant to compete for business with Boeing’s 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets in the market of long-distance, fuel-efficient commercial aircraft. Airlines and jet leasing agencies have ordered more than 600 A350 XWBs to date.
In the jet structure, the rudder/brake pedal assembly is part of the cockpit steering control mechanism. It is installed below the instrument panel.
