Rockwell Collins announced the successful completion of microwave landing system (MLS) Category IIIb approach tests in the U.S. and Europe, with the aim of obtaining TSO approval for its multi-mode receiver (MMR) in the first quarter of this year. The single-box MMR, which can typically contain ILS, GPS and MLS precision landing guidance modules, is based on the internationally standardized avionics unit, which will be the future same-size replacement for today’s airline ILS receiver. The new design reflects the fact that tomorrow’s airports will offer ILS, GPS or MLS approaches–but rarely all three serving the same runway. The MMR allows pilots to select the landing guidance system appropriate to the runway in use.
Flown in Rockwell’s Cessna 206 and Sabreliner 50, the flight tests included more than 100 manual and auto-coupled Cat IIIb MLS approaches at 13 civil and military airports in the U.S. and Europe. U.S. airports included Savannah, Ga.; Pope AFB, N.C.; Atlantic City, N.J.; Wilmington, Del.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Boise and Hailey, Idaho; North Bend, Ore.; and Wenatchee, Moses Lake and Pullman, Wash. European airports were Amsterdam Schiphol, The Netherlands; and Boscombe Down in England. The tests were witnessed by representatives from the FAA, the European JAA and the Netherlands National Aerospace Laboratory.
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