Rockwell Collins has been selected to provide avionics and pilot controls for the new MC-21 family of single-aisle aircraft being developed by Russian-based Irkut Corporation, part of United Aircraft Corporation. The first of three aircraft variants is due to enter service in 2016.

"The MC-21 represents an excellent opportunity and important strategic win for us as we aim to further strengthen our relationships with customers in this region," said Bruno Rambaud, vice president and managing director, Europe, Middle East & Africa at Rockwell Collins.

"This win also marks our involvement with another important next-generation platform that features some of our most advanced avionics," said Jeff Standerski, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems at Rockwell Collins. "Additionally, it reinforces our strong offering for the very competitive, high volume single aisle market."

Rockwell Collins won these packages together with Russian partner companies Concern Avionica for avionics components and Aviapribor for the aircraft's pilot controls. Rockwell Collins will provide engineering support and a suite of complimentary avionics and pilot controls, including:

·          Communication, navigation, surveillance systems including the Rockwell Collins MultiScan™ Hazard Detection System

·          Information Management infrastructure including electronic flight bags and docking stations

·          ARINC 664 hardware (avionics ethernet switch) and configuration tools

·          Side-sticks controls, rudder/brake pedal system, flap/slat and speed-brake control lever modules, and trim control panel

Aircraft development will begin in early 2010. Aircraft manufacturing will take place at Irkut Corporation's plant in Irkutsk, Russia. Avionics development will take place in both Russia and the U.S.