Collins Aerospace Updates Radio Altimeters

New Equipment Upgrades Target FAA Compliance And 5G Resilience Across Business Aviation

Business aviation operators face a new avionics requirement, and Collins Aerospace is preparing a way to meet it without replacing entire systems. The company has announced upgrades for its existing radio altimeter family designed to address new Federal Aviation Administration standards. Service center availability is expected to begin in 2027, giving operators a reason to start planning well before compliance deadlines arrive.

Radio altimeters do far more than display a number in the cockpit. By measuring an aircraft’s height above the terrain, they support automatic flight controls, instrument displays and warning systems, particularly during critical phases of flight. Their reliability has taken on added importance as expanding wireless spectrum use raises concerns about interference from 5G transmissions.

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, says its upgrade options will allow operators to retain existing equipment while meeting the new requirements. The systems have demonstrated resilience to 5G interference, according to the company, offering an alternative to wholesale replacement.

“By updating existing equipment, we’re making compliance simple while delivering upgrades that enhance safety, strengthen connectivity and support precise navigation in the years ahead,” said Craig Bries, vice president and general manager of Airborne Electronics at Collins Aerospace.

The rollout will span multiple years, with tens of thousands of aircraft potentially requiring updates. Early scheduling could help operators manage maintenance planning and avoid bottlenecks as demand grows.

The broader challenge extends beyond regulatory compliance. As aviation shares more spectrum with increasingly connected technologies, protecting the accuracy of essential onboard equipment will remain critical. Modernizing proven systems rather than replacing them outright could help the industry adapt while preserving the technology pilots rely on every day.

FMI: www.rtx.com/news/campaigns/airspace-modernization