Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, has been awarded an $80 million contract to upgrade the avionics systems of U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters under the H-60M MOSA Avionics Architecture Solution programme.
The upgrade will utilise Mosarc®, Collins' family of Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-compliant products, designed to simplify the integration of new technology on the battlefield. This modular system will allow soldiers to update avionics technology in real time, supporting operational flexibility in rapidly changing environments.
Jenny Miller, Vice President and General Manager of Military Avionics and Helicopters at Collins Aerospace, explained: “Mosarc will provide U.S. Army Black Hawk cockpits with an open systems architecture, enabling swift integration of new capabilities to keep pace with modern operational demands. Not only is the system's interoperability vital for joint and coalition operations, but Mosarc will also allow the rapid deployment of technology to respond in quickly changing environments and help keep these aircraft relevant for decades to come.”
The Mosarc system is specifically designed to improve efficiency in system upgrades and reduce long-term sustainment costs throughout the helicopter's service life. Its implementation will also enhance commonality across the U.S. Army's current and future fleet of both manned and unmanned aircraft, streamlining maintenance and operational processes.
Work on the contract will be carried out at Collins Aerospace facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Huntsville, Alabama. The programme reflects a significant step towards modernising the U.S. Army's Black Hawk fleet, ensuring the helicopters remain capable and adaptable for future missions.
