CAAS (Common Avionics Architecture System) is a modular, open-systems digital cockpit avionics suite developed by Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace, part of RTX) for U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft. It integrates communications, navigation, flight management, mission subsystems, and sensors into a unified, glass-cockpit environment featuring multifunction displays (MFDs), control display units, and advanced processing.
Key features include:
- Open architecture (based on Flight2™ MOSA design) for flexibility, future upgrades, and reduced lifecycle costs through common components across platforms.
- Combat-proven, off-the-shelf hardware to lower risk and enhance reliability.
- Enhanced situational awareness via integrated sensors (e.g., FLIRForward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) is an airborne or vehicle-mounted thermal imaging system that detects infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and... More, multi-mode radar, GPSGPS (Global Positioning System): A satellite-based navigation system that provides precise location, velocity, and timing information to military airc... More/INS) and reduced pilot workload through automated decision aiding.
CAAS is standard on the CH-47F Chinook, MH-47G (special operations variant), MH-60M Black Hawk, and other Army helicopters, including those operated by the 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers). It supports demanding night/low-level/tactical missions with superior interoperability and survivability.