Rockwell and AlliedSignal Join Forces in Aircraft Bid

Units of Rockwell International Corp. and AlliedSignal announced Thursday that they will join forces to compete for contracts to build the avionics integration program for the Czech Republic’s L-159 aircraft.

The agreement between Rockwell’s North American Aircraft Modification Division and AlliedSignal’s Government Electronic Systems forms the only U.S. team competing in the L-159 program.

Rockwell would be the prime contractor for the integrated navigation and weapon delivery system, while AlliedSignal would provide avionics subsystems and services, according to the companies.

The Czech Republic is expected to select its L-159 avionics contractor later this year. AlliedSignal was awarded a contract for its F124-GA-100 engine for the aircraft earlier this year.

The L-159 is a new light-attack, multi-role/training aircraft designed and developed by Aero Vodochody for the Czech Republic Air Force and other international customers. The Czech Air Force is expected to place an initial order for 72 aircraft late this year.

Rockwell’s role would include integration of an avionics and weapons delivery system. AlliedSignal could provide multi-function liquid crystal displays, identification-friend-or-foe technology and an air data computer.