Mercury Systems has secured a $12.3-million contract from an unnamed defense prime to develop next-generation avionics technology for new US military aircraft. The three-year agreement will see the company deliver a Communication Management Unit (CMU) control head, a key subsystem designed to integrate and manage multiple cockpit communication functions.
The CMU will replace several existing control heads with a single, streamlined system, simplifying operations and reducing cockpit clutter. Built on a software-defined architecture, the unit can consolidate up to eight radios alongside tactical air navigation, transponders, and GPS receivers from different vendors. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of aircraft communication systems.
Designed with pilot usability in mind, the CMU includes backlit keys, ergonomic knobs, and a high-resolution display that supports night vision operations. It enables seamless switching between radio systems, channel adjustments, and frequency changes, even in adverse weather or turbulent flight conditions.
By adopting an open architecture framework, Mercury’s CMU supports future upgrades through software patches rather than costly hardware replacements. This reduces lifecycle costs, accelerates the introduction of new capabilities, and simplifies training for operators—making the system both future-proof and mission-ready.
