KC-10 GATM avionics upgrade question.

[skyward80]

I have read a number of articles regarding the GATM avionics upgrade on the KC-10 Extender. I think I am a little confused. Although some instruments will be replaced by glass, most of the current cockpit will be left intact, correct? One news article I read left me with the impression that Boeing & KellyUSA were performing a full MD-10 conversion on this aircraft. Can anybody clarify the details of the avionics package upgrade for this aircraft?

Skyward80

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Skyward,

Congrats on your OTS selection! Sorry I haven't responded to your email -- I've been pretty busy since I got activated (currently TDY to Rota, Spain for 6 weeks -- lots of sun and sangria on the beach)!

Anyway, to answer your question...

About a year ago, I went TDY for a month to Albuquerque to the Honeywell Engineering Plant where the KC-10 GATM software was being developed. I was asked to become a "subject matter expert" on the mod, and was also tasked to provide user input to the Honeywell engineers on the operational requirements of the system.

Basiclally, the GATM mod will replace the conventional instrument panel with four CRT displays, two on each side of the cockpit. These CRTs will only replace the flight instruments. The center engine instrument panel will remain as is -- round dials.

The cockpit modification will also replace the three existing FMS-800 FMS's. The new FMS's will be based on the Pegasus FMS, with some major modifications to accomodate mission requirements.

Of the two new CRT's on each side, one will be designated a Primary Flight Display (PFD), the other a Navigation Display (ND).

The PFD will have all flight instruments combined into one -- similar to most modern EFIS screens (similar to my other aircraft, the A320). Specifically, it will have the ADI as the central part of the display, with an airspeed tape on the left side, altitude and VSI on the right side, and a compass on the bottom. Other information will also be displayed (such as precision approach guidance, navigation guidance, vertical path guidance, flight director commands, TCAS commands, etc).

The ND will be a standard moving map display with the ability to present terrain information, waypoint and airport information, TCAS data, course information, etc. The one bit of data that the GATM mod will not incorporpate onto the ND is WX radar information. Unfortunately, the existing radar on the KC-10 will not integrate with the ND display, and the Air Force is not willing to pay for a new radar for the KC-10.

As I mentioned, the software is being developed by Honeywell, and the first aircraft was delivered last year to Boeing in Wichita for the mod. When the flight testing is complete and the FAA gives the green light, the remaining aircraft will be modified.

The GATM mod is definitely NOT an MD-10 mod. The flight engineer will remain, and the aircraft will not be given a new model designation. It will remain a KC-10A. The GATM mod will, however, require crew certification. Crew members currently qualified on the FMS-800 will require training and a check ride on GATM.

Hope that answers your questions.

 

[skyward80]

That answers it!

KC-10 Driver:

Thanks for your detailed answer. As you can tell, I'm spending a lot of my free time reading about the KC-10 and looking for images on the net (I've worn out the airliners.net website). Good to hear that you're safe and out of the Sandbox. Fly safe!

Skyward80