Collins Aerospace to upgrade radio altimeters for new FAA standards
Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), announced upgrades to its family of radio altimeters to help business aviation operators comply with new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operational standards, according to a company press release.
The upgrades are designed to meet new FAA requirements and address resilience to 5G interference without requiring operators to replace existing systems. Collins service centers are scheduled to begin providing the upgrades in 2027 as part of a multi-year compliance effort.
"Business aviation operators are navigating important regulatory requirements that touch every aircraft flying in U.S. airspace," said Craig Bries, vice president and general manager of Airborne Electronics at Collins Aerospace. "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."

Collins noted that tens of thousands of aircraft will require updates, and the company is encouraging operators to schedule early to avoid potential delays ahead of upcoming compliance deadlines.
Radio altimeters measure an aircraft's height above terrain and support functions including automatic flight control, cockpit instrument displays, and warning systems. The systems are also designed to filter out false altitude readings caused by structures, nearby aircraft, or ground features.

