About this book:

"Rockwell Collins: The Story of An American Company" chronicles the remarkable journey of a pivotal aerospace and defense giant, tracing its origins from the humble Collins Radio Company in 1933 to its modern form as Collins Aerospace, a vital unit of RTX Corporation. This comprehensive narrative highlights how Arthur A. Collins's visionary pursuit of radio perfection, beginning with groundbreaking amateur radio links and vital support for Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expedition, laid the foundation for an enterprise that would redefine global communication and aviation. The book details the company's critical contributions during World War II, its pioneering role in the Space Race, enabling every American voice from space through the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, and its relentless innovation in developing the first airborne computer and revolutionizing navigation with the first aviation GPS receiver.

The story also delves into Rockwell Collins's resilience and adaptability, from its financial struggles and subsequent acquisition by Rockwell International in 1973—a period that solidified its focus on avionics and introduced the "glass cockpit"—to its strategic spin-off in 2001, which paved the way for ambitious global expansion and transformative acquisitions like B/E Aerospace. With a strong emphasis on continuous innovation in both cockpit and cabin solutions, the company consistently pushed boundaries in flight safety, operational efficiency, and passenger experience, earning widespread industry recognition for its ethical conduct and technological prowess. Ultimately, the book culminates in Rockwell Collins's 2018 acquisition by United Technologies Corporation, leading to the formation of Collins Aerospace, a "super supplier" poised to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, from sustainable aviation to advanced military systems, cementing its enduring legacy as a driving force in the future of flight.

What You'll Find Inside:

• **Pioneering Innovations in Radio and Avionics:** Explore how Collins Radio Company, founded by Arthur A. Collins, revolutionized radio technology with breakthroughs like the Autotune system and developed the first airborne computers and GPS receivers for aviation, setting industry standards.
• **Crucial Role in Historic Expeditions and Space Exploration:** Discover the company's vital contributions to Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expeditions, ensuring critical communication, and its indispensable role in NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, connecting astronauts to Earth.
• **Transformation through Strategic Acquisitions:** Understand how the company evolved from an independent entity to being acquired by Rockwell International, and later, its own strategic acquisitions like B/E Aerospace, diversifying its portfolio from cockpit to cabin solutions.
• **Leadership in Military and Defense Technology:** Learn about Rockwell Collins's enduring partnerships with the U.S. military, providing advanced communication, navigation, and display systems for iconic aircraft and playing a key role in programs like JTRS and CAAS.
• **Commitment to Innovation and Ethical Practices:** Gain insight into the company's sustained culture of engineering excellence, continuous research and development, and its consistent recognition for ethical business conduct and positive work environment.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone interested in the history of American innovation, particularly in aerospace and defense technology. It will appeal to aviation enthusiasts, engineers, business historians, and those curious about how a company adapted through major economic and technological shifts, from the Great Depression to the digital age. Readers will gain a deep understanding of the pivotal role Rockwell Collins played in shaping modern flight, communication, and space exploration.