Boeing has received a contract worth about $450 million to develop and test a mission systems upgrade for Nato's fleet of 17 E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
Under the Nato Mid-Term engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract, which runs through 2001, Boeing - supported by subcontractors from participating Nato nations - will integrate major system-related enhancements to computers, displays, communications, navigation and target identification.
Retrofit of the entire AWACS fleet will be implemented during a follow-on contract.
"The Mid-Term programme is a model for international co-operation," says Garry Porter, Boeing Nato AWACS programme manager. "We've established a team of premier defence contractors from Europe, Canada and the United States to continue the modernisation of this critical NATO asset."
The E-3 fills the needs of both airborne surveillance, and command and control communications functions for Nato air and maritime forces. An "eye in the sky," the AWACS has a 360-degree view of the horizon, and can track air and sea targets simultaneously.
Source: Flight Daily News
