Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
L3Harris, MHI RJ Modernize CRJ Avionics
L3Harris and MHI RJ Aviation Group announced a joint program on October 16, 2025 to modernize CRJ avionics and cockpit systems for the CRJ700, CRJ900 and CRJ1000 family.
The new collaboration targets CRJ avionics upgrades that aim to improve situational awareness, reduce airline maintenance costs and support sustainability initiatives for North American and European operators. The project announced on October 16, 2025 will focus on modern cockpit displays, systems integration and aftermarket support across the regional-jet fleet.
Workstreams will include software and hardware refreshes tailored to the CRJ700, CRJ900 and CRJ1000 models, with an eye toward keeping these twinjet regional aircraft competitive for regional carriers and leasing companies. Operators currently flying Bombardier-built CRJs should see phased upgrades designed to minimize downtime and streamline certification paths.
What the CRJ avionics updates will target
The partnership promises modular upgrades enabling easier maintenance and enhanced flight-deck tools to aid pilots during complex regional operations. L3Harris brings avionics systems experience while MHI RJ Aviation Group contributes its legacy support and maintenance expertise for the CRJ family.
- Focus areas: CRJ avionics modernization for improved situational awareness, predictive maintenance and lower lifecycle costs.
Initial work will be centered on situational awareness improvements — think upgraded primary flight displays and integrated navigation aids — plus better diagnostics for predictive maintenance. The vendors say this approach supports sustainability by extending aircraft service life and allowing carriers to operate existing airframes more efficiently rather than accelerating fleet replacements.
For airlines and MROs (maintenance, repair and overhaul providers), modular avionics upgrades can translate to lower AOG (aircraft on ground) risk and reduced shop visits. While specific timelines, STC (supplemental type certificate) plans and rollout schedules were not detailed in the announcement, the October 16, 2025 statement frames the program as an industry-focused effort to keep CRJ operators competitive across North America and Europe.
