Rockwell Collins guidance and navigation systems exceed 1 million hours flying unmanned systems

Rockwell Collins’ Athena family of flight control and navigation systems recently exceeded 1 million flight hours on several Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) performing surveillance operations primarily in the Middle East. “Due to the high quality of these guidance systems, Rockwell Collins’ control and navigation solutions are on more UAV platforms than any other, enabling coalition forces to successfully fly reconnaissance missions in theater,” said David Vos, senior director of UAS and Rockwell Collins Control Technologies. “When in redundant configurations, and using add-on software such as Damage Tolerance Control, these systems ensure UAVs are reliable enough to fly in shared airspace.”
Rockwell Collins Athena systems include solid-state gyros and accelerometers, magnetometer, GPS receiver, air data sensors and optional flight control software integrated into units ranging from as small as four ounces to nine pounds. These highly reliable, strap-down systems provide navigation, attitude and heading measurements with superior accuracy. With low size, weight, power and cost advantages, multiple Athena systems can be used in redundant configuration to increase automation and reliability in manned, unmanned and optionally manned aircraft.
The Athena systems provide guidance and navigation for UAVs produced in the United States and Europe

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