Collins Aerospace
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace and defense |
| Founded | November 26, 2018 |
| Headquarters | Charlotte, North Carolina , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Aerospace systems and components for commercial, business aviation, military, defense, helicopters, space exploration, airports |
Number of employees | 68000 (2019) |
| Parent | RTX Corporation |
Collins Aerospace stands as a prominent American company specializing in aerospace and defense technologies, established in 2018 following the combination of Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, it functions as a division of RTX Corporation.
History
The formation of Collins Aerospace occurred on November 26, 2018, when United Technologies finalized its purchase of Rockwell Collins and integrated it with UTC Aerospace Systems. This merger led to several class action lawsuits concerning allegations of shareholder misinformation. In 2019, the unified entity generated $26 billion in revenue and employed approximately 68,000 individuals. Subsequently, in 2020, United Technologies merged with Raytheon Company, resulting in the creation of Raytheon Technologies, currently operating under the name RTX Corporation.
In a strategic move during July 2023, Collins agreed to divest its actuation and flight controls division to the French multinational corporation Safran for a cash sum of $1.8 billion.
On January 24, 2024, Collins declared an investment of £16 million at its facility in Kilkeel, Co Down, aimed at advancing passenger seating solutions for wide-body and twin-aisle aircraft. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and expanding its presence in international markets.
Products
Collins Aerospace is engaged in the design, production, and maintenance of systems and components serving commercial and business aviation, military and defense sectors, helicopters, space exploration, airports, and allied industries.
The enterprise is organized into six core business divisions: Aerostructures, Avionics, Interiors, Mission Systems, Connected Aviation Solutions, and Power & Controls.
Ithaco Space Systems, Inc.
Previously under Collins Aerospace ownership was Ithaco Space Systems, Inc., which had origins within Goodrich Company and UTC Aerospace Systems. In September 2020, Raytheon Technologies completed the divestiture of its electro-optics segment located in Danbury, Connecticut to AMERGINT Technologies Holdings, Inc., rebranding it as Danbury Mission Technologies. At the time of sale, this unit employed roughly 530 personnel.
Ithaco’s products have been incorporated into more than 100 satellites from the U.S. and other countries including Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Argentina. Among its notable contributions were reaction wheels utilized on missions such as Kepler, Hayabusa, TIMED satellite, and Dawn spacecraft—although some experienced operational difficulties.
FlightAware
On August 20, 2021, Collins Aerospace expanded its capabilities by acquiring FlightAware, a company specializing in real-time and predictive flight tracking data solutions. This acquisition strengthens Collins’ offerings within connected aviation services.