Collins launches advanced flight computer
Collins Aerospace on 20 July unveiled a new flight control and vehicle management computer called Perigon.
Based on open architecture and flexible configurability, Perigon is designed to support autonomous flight. Since 2018, when work the computer was announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, Collins built a working prototype and is now performing detailed development and integration testing, with an eye on qualification testing in 2022.
Kim Kinsley, VP and GM of Environmental and Airframe Control Systems at Collins Aerospace, described ‘broad opportunities’ for Perigon in defence programmes such as sixth-generation fighter aircraft and the US Army Future Vertical Lift programme.
She added: ‘From autonomy to cybersecurity, customers want their platforms to do more than ever before. Yet more capabilities require a commensurate increase in processing power.’
The company believes Perigon will deliver 20 times the processing power of its existing flight control computers, allowing customers to load various complex software applications including autonomous and fly-by-wire flight control, cybersecurity, vehicle management and predictive health maintenance.
In addition, Collins argued, Perigon will be capable of replacing functions previously performed by multiple onboard computers, thereby delivering space, weight and cost savings.
More from Defence Notes
-
Russia is evading sanctions and purchasing US components for its arsenal, warns US Senate
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has claimed that Russian bombs, missiles and drones “supported by American technologies” have been fatally used on Ukrainians soldiers and civilians.
-
Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
The 17th package provided by Sweden to Ukraine has seen the Scandinavian country provide SEK48.1 billion (US$4.6 billion) in military support since February 2022, having provided a total of SEK25 billion in 2024.
-
Dutch MoD targets two more frigates as part of future defence plans
The latest defence memorandum from the Dutch government has suggested that funding would be increased, with the procurement of more frigates, F-35s and Leopard 2A8s expected.
-
UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine passes £1 billion milestone
Ukraine’s defence secretary met his UK opposite number in London to mark the milestone and push forward with new defence deals.
-
UK defence funding rocked by budget restrictions
Defence spending cuts are implied by UK ministers’ commitments to help plug a public finance “black hole”.
-
RTX’s unauthorised exports result in $200 million fine
According to the US Department of State, 750 company violations were recorded from 2017 to 2023.