Iowa avionics maker Rockwell-Collins has bought part of another company that offers services like laser projectors and planetarium displays. Rockwell spokeswoman Nancy Welch says it’s part of an expansion of the Cedar Rapids company’s training programs.
A year ago Rockwell Collins bought a business that develops simulators for military and commercial piloting skills and she says this new acquisition “rounds out” that part of the business. “Simulators are used to train pilots, to train maintenance workers, to train crewmembers on the various systems onboard the aircraft,” she says.
Welch says the simulator is a “very important training element” to help pilots or a crew member to master the systems that make the plane fly but it’s all done “in a safe, simulated environment” rather than in the air. She says the training is more thorough because it’s a more accurate simulation of what their flight experience will really feel and look like.
The latest acquisition could expand Rockwell’s business offerings in a new direction. She says Rockwell Collins been given “exclusive rights” to offer laser projectors for such flight simulation and may find opportunities to do that for many of the company’s customers. In addition to guidance, control, and entertainment systems for airliners and military planes, Rockwell Collins already offers training services including some simulation programs.
