ARINC Engineering Services, LLC has been awarded a contract by Rockwell Collins to install new navigation systems and communications equipment on the nation’s two OC-135B observation aircraft. Under this contract, ARINC will initially develop the installation plan and strategy for the OC-135B, then install Rockwell’s Block 40 Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) navigational upgrade kit and additional communications systems. The work will be done at ARINC’s Aircraft Integration and Modification (AIM) facility, the largest commercial hangar in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

GATM navigation makes use of multiple satellite aids and will allow the aircraft to meet worldwide Communications, Navigation and Air Traffic Management mandates. The OC-135B is a highly modified KC-135 airframe, used for short-notice aerial observation flyovers of nations who are signatories to the international Open Skies Treaty. ARINC’s work timetable is phased to ensure one of the special observation aircraft will always be available for service on short notice. Installation is scheduled to start on the first OC-135B in June 2010 and on the second by January 2011.