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A major upgrade for the mission systems of the first Airborne Warning
and Control System (AWACS) aircraft operated by NATO was recently
completed by EADS, Boeing. The upgrade is part of a $1.32 billion
Mid-Term Modernization Program. The entire fleet of 17 AWACS aircraft,
based in Geilenkirchen, Germany, are scheduled to complete the upgrade
program in 2008.
 The
enhancements provide the AWACS crew to receive and integrate data from
various sensors on board, as well as from remote sources. Multi-sensor
integration also improves the reliability and accuracy of target
tracks and identification and eases operator workload. New situation
display consoles with flat-panel displays offering a Windows-like
environment, a new mission computing system based on open
architecture, which offers more economical and frequent upgrades to
the hardware and software. The enhanced system can handle more
targets, and offers improved interoperability with other AWACS
platforms as well as with fighter aircraft, ground stations, ships and
satellites.
The aircraft is equipped with new digital communications systems,
improving operator's access and utilization of radio links. The
aircraft is fitted with an improved over-the-horizon communication via
satellite links. To improve connectivity with Eastern European
nations' air and ground forces, broad-spectrum VHF radios and modified
identification friend or foe (IFF) system compatible are used, to meet
emerging international air traffic control systems requirements. The
upgraded NATO AWACS aircraft will be able to receive mission orders
from remote locations and updates via satellite data links and
electronically integrate them via the mission computing system.
NATO's fleet of NE-3A AWACS aircraft will be
equipped with Northrop Grumman's AN/AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft
Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) laser based missile protection
system, under a US$104 million program recently awarded by the US Air
Force. (November
2006) |
