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Rockwell Collins

From Alfawiki
Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Company typePublic
IndustryAvionics, Information technology
PredecessorCollins Radio Company
Founded2001
FounderArthur A. Collins (as Collins Radio Company)
Defunct2018
FateAcquired by United Technologies Corporation; merged into Collins Aerospace (part of RTX Corporation)
Headquarters
Cedar Rapids
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Kelly Ortberg (CEO from 2013), Anthony Carbone (nonexecutive chairman)
ProductsAvionics and IT systems for government and aircraft manufacturers; in-flight entertainment systems
Number of employees
31,200 (2018)

Rockwell Collins, Inc. was a multinational corporation based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, specializing in the provision of avionics and information technology systems and solutions for government entities and aircraft manufacturers. The company originated from the Collins Radio Company, which faced financial difficulties and was purchased by Rockwell International in 1973. In 2001, the avionics segment was separated to establish Rockwell Collins, Inc. as an independent entity.

In 2017, the firm reported revenues totaling US$6.822 billion alongside an operating profit of US$1.102 billion, employing roughly 31,200 individuals by 2018. On November 27, 2018, United Technologies Corporation acquired Rockwell Collins, incorporating it into Collins Aerospace, which is currently part of the RTX Corporation (formerly known as Raytheon Technologies).

History

Arthur A. Collins founded Collins Radio Company in 1933 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, initially focusing on shortwave and AM radio broadcasting equipment. The firm supplied communication devices to military forces, scientific institutions, and prominent AM broadcasters, including outfitting Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd's 1933 expedition to the South Pole with essential communication gear.

By 1936, Collins had developed significant products such as the 12H audio console and 300E/F broadcast transmitters. During World War II, the company became a leading provider of military radio and navigation instruments, introducing advanced models like the 212A1 and 212B1 to replace earlier versions.

Following the war, Collins diversified into flight-control instrumentation, radio communication systems, and satellite voice transmission technologies that supported U.S. initiatives during the Space Race. Its equipment played a critical role in Projects Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, facilitating communication between astronauts and ground control as well as spacecraft tracking. In 1973, Collins technology was utilized in the Skylab program to maintain astronaut-to-Earth communications.

Rockwell Collins

Due to financial setbacks, Collins Radio was acquired by Rockwell International in 1973. Subsequently, in 2001, Rockwell separated its avionics division to form Rockwell Collins, Inc., concentrating on defense and commercial avionics sectors without offering receivers to consumers.

On April 28, 2000, Rockwell International alongside Rockwell Collins purchased Sony Trans Com (located in Irvine, California), broadening their aviation communications offerings. Sony had acquired this business from Sundstrand Corporation back in 1989. Later that year, Rockwell Collins expanded its services into commercial and executive aviation markets within Mercosur countries.

The company pursued expansion through numerous acquisitions: Hughes-Avicom's in-flight entertainment division (1998), Sony Trans Com (2000), Intertrade Ltd., Flight Dynamics, K Systems Inc., Communication Solutions Inc., Airshow Inc. (2002), NLX simulation operations (2003), segments of Evans & Sutherland, TELDIX GmbH, IP Unwired, Anzus Inc. (2006), Information Technology and Applications Corp (2007), Athena Technologies, SEOS Displays Ltd., Air Routing International (2010), Computing Technologies for Aviation (2011), ARINC (2014), and B/E Aerospace (2017).

As a prominent provider of in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, Rockwell Collins competed against Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Thales Group, and JetBlue's IFE subsidiary LiveTV—which Thales acquired in 2014 for $400 million.

By 2010, Rockwell Collins had a workforce exceeding 20,000 employees with annual revenues near US$4.665 billion. Following the retirement of Clayton M. Jones, Anthony Carbone served as nonexecutive chairman. Kelly Ortberg was named president in September 2012 before assuming the role of CEO in August 2013.

Acquisition by United Technologies

On September 4, 2017, United Technologies, headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, announced its intention to purchase the company for $30 billion. The acquisition was finalized on November 26, 2018.

Broadcast transmitters

Beginning in the mid-1930s, Collins Radio Company specialized in manufacturing transmitters and audio mixing consoles tailored for the broadcasting sector. In 1939, the model 12 Speech Input Console along with the 26C limiter amplifier were licensed to Canadian Marconi Co. for distribution within Canada and wartime applications. Prior to World War II, Collins had sold more than a thousand broadcast transmitters and during the conflict developed high-power transmitters capable of exceeding 15 kW RF output. Following the war, the 300G AM transmitter gained recognition for its superior performance in low-power AM broadcasting at 300 watts. Throughout the cost-sensitive market environment of the 1960s and 1970s, Collins remained a significant manufacturer of AM/FM transmitters before divesting this product line to Continental Electronics, which gradually discontinued Collins designs by the 1980s.

Shortwave transmitters

Collins produced shortwave transmitters aimed at commercial clients including state highway patrols and the Department of Commerce’s aviation division. During World War II, it developed powerful aircraft transmitters such as the ART-13, which incorporated automatic tuning circuits—an important innovation in airborne communication technology. Postwar efforts included support for both broadcast and amateur radio sectors; notably, two Collins 207B-1 transmitters were installed aboard the USCGC Courier, serving as a maritime relay station for Voice of America broadcasts. Among amateur radio offerings were models like the 32V series, KWS-1, and rack-mountable KW-1 units.

Receivers

Around 1947, Collins introduced its inaugural amateur radio receiver, the 75A-1 (75A), distinguished by exceptional frequency stability achieved through high manufacturing standards and a permeability-tuned oscillator employed in its second conversion stage. This model was one of the few double-conversion superheterodyne receivers available at that time, designed exclusively for amateur frequency bands.

Expanding on the 75A-1 framework, Collins released the 51J-1, a general-coverage HF receiver with a frequency range spanning to . Updated variants (51J-2 through 51J-4) were produced over roughly ten years; this series was also designated as the R-388 and utilized within various receiver diversity radioteletype configurations.

The evolution of the 75A series continued into the early , culminating with the release of the 75A-4 in 1955. The introduction of Collins’ mechanical filter occurred with the 75A-3 model, while the 75A-4 became one of the earliest receivers specifically marketed for single sideband reception.

Circa 1950, Collins engineered the R-390 (–) receiver for military use, focusing on exceptional performance combined with durability and ease of maintenance. It featured a direct mechanical digital frequency readout and modular design facilitating field repairs. Approximately 16,000 units were manufactured at an estimated cost of each (in 1951 dollars).

Alongside this model, Collins developed variants including the R-389 long-wave version (fewer than 1,000 units produced) and the R-391 which provided eight autotuned channels.

Three years later, production commenced on the R-390A, totaling around 54,000 units. This receiver served as a military staple until well into the , surpassing many contemporary radios in capability and remaining under top secret classification until late .

In 1958, Collins phased out the 75A series in favor of the more compact 75S series introduced as part of its S/Line lineup. These models incorporated mechanical filters, accurate frequency displays, and enhanced stability. At government request, Collins also developed the commercially available 51S-1 general coverage receiver as a smaller alternative to the earlier 51J series; unlike the R-390A, it was sold on the open market.

During the , Collins produced multiple high-performance solid-state receivers such as the 651S-1. These units remain highly regarded among collectors today.

Transceivers and Systems

The introduction of the S/Line in 1958 marked Collins' transition from producing individual devices to offering integrated communication systems, establishing a novel business approach within the sector. A year earlier, the company had released the compact HF transceiver KWM-1, which positioned Collins as a frontrunner among competitors and influenced the design of subsequent amateur and military HF radio products.

At the heart of the S/Line were the 75S-1 receiver and 32S-1 transmitter, capable of operating separately or as a combined unit. These featured crystal band-pass filters and a streamlined design with stable, linear tuning over 200 kHz frequency ranges. The system’s distinctive concentric dial mechanism enabled tuning precision finer than 1 kHz.

Collins later broadened the S/Line portfolio by adding components such as the 30S-1 kilowatt amplifier, 30L-1 desktop amplifier, and the 62S-1 transverter for amateur bands at 6 meters and 2 meters. The KWM-2 transceiver followed the KWM-1, incorporating design elements and aesthetics consistent with the S/Line. Additional accessories included speakers, microphones, and control consoles.

Marketing efforts highlighted not only the S/Line’s technical capabilities but also its compact form factor, emphasizing its competitive edge in design during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Further enhancements brought forth models like the S-2 and S-3 series, including versions such as the 75S-3 receivers and 32S-3 transmitters. The -3A and -3C variants featured additional heterodyne oscillator crystals to extend band coverage, serving military, amateur radio operators, and MARS users.

The S/Line gained recognition among amateur radio enthusiasts for its sophisticated engineering paired with a premium price point. Its robust construction and high quality have maintained strong demand from collectors restoring these units today.

Manufacturing persisted into the late 1970s under Rockwell’s ownership. The shift to solid-state electronics culminated in the discontinuation of the S/Line in 1978, succeeded by the transistorized KWM-380 transceiver in 1979. This new model introduced digital technology alongside updated styling but was phased out by the mid-1980s, marking Collins’ exit from the amateur radio market.

Computers

During the 1960s, Collins developed computerized message-switching systems known as C-System, established an internal network, and began digitizing design data for circuit boards and assemblies. Their objective was to automate processes ranging from parts procurement and inventory management to factory scheduling and maintenance planning. Despite achieving technical innovation, ongoing substantial investments amid declining sales resulted in financial strain.

Network Transmission Systems

In 1991, Rockwell divested its Network Transmission Systems division located in Richardson, Texas, selling it to Alcatel.

Acquisitions

In 2008, Rockwell Collins acquired Athena Technologies for million.

ARINC Acquisition

In August 2013, Rockwell Collins announced a definitive agreement to acquire ARINC, finalizing the transaction for billion by December of that year. This acquisition strategically bolstered Rockwell Collins’ footprint within commercial aviation sectors.

B/E Aerospace Acquisition

In April 2017, Rockwell Collins ventured into aircraft cabin interiors by purchasing B/E Aerospace for billion. Headquartered in Wellington, Florida, B/E Aerospace specialized in aircraft seating, food and beverage preparation and storage systems, lighting and oxygen equipment, as well as modular galley and lavatory solutions for commercial aircraft and business jets. This acquisition capitalized on retrofit opportunities stemming from B/E's $12 billion installed base while leveraging challenges faced by competitor Zodiac Aerospace in deliveries. B/E shareholders received a 20% stake in the merged entity, which reported $8.1 billion in revenue and $1.9 billion in pretax earnings with nearly 30,000 employees.

Regulatory clearance was obtained from the Philippine Competition Commission due to B/E’s manufacturing facilities in Tanauan, Batangas. The transaction was executed via a merger with Rockwell’s subsidiary Quarterback Merger Sub Corp., rendering B/E Aerospace a direct or indirect subsidiary of Rockwell Collins.

Organizational structure

Rockwell Collins is organized into five principal divisions:

  • Commercial Systems (CS)
  • Government Systems (GS)
  • International and Service Solutions (I&SS)
  • Information Management Services (IMS)
  • Interior Systems (IS)

The Commercial Systems division focuses on commercial airlines and business jets, delivering products such as navigation and communication systems, synthetic vision, autopilot technologies including autoland capabilities, and cabin amenities like in-flight entertainment. Government Systems primarily caters to the U.S. military and government agencies, while also providing support to allied foreign governments with initiatives such as the Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR), and Future Combat Systems programs. Established in 2010, the International and Service Solutions division integrates international sales, engineering, human resources outside North America, along with service offerings including customer support, simulation, training, and technical documentation—serving both the CS and GS sectors.

Donald R. Beall Advanced Technology Center

The Donald R. Beall Advanced Technology Center serves as Rockwell Collins’ innovation and research facility, concentrating on developing technologies that foster business growth. It manages a balance between immediate projects in core and related markets and long-term innovation initiatives aimed at future expansion. The center is divided into three specialized units: Advanced Radio Systems, Communications and Navigation Systems, and Embedded Information Systems.

Collector community

A vibrant community of enthusiasts dedicated to Collins radio equipment actively preserves vintage Collins products through clubs, websites, and online forums. Prominent organizations include the Collins Collectors Association and the Collins Radio Association. These groups coordinate events such as meetings, hamfests, and regular on-air gatherings known as nets.

Tax avoidance

In December 2019, CNBC revealed that Rockwell Collins was among 92 Fortune 500 companies that effectively paid a federal tax rate of zero percent or less, a situation linked to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017.

See also

Further reading

External links

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