PETER LA FRANCHI / ULM, GERMANY
Test flights of mission computing and multi-sensor integration system completed
EADS has confirmed it is developing a key component of NATO's E-3A Boeing 707 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet as final approval is imminent for a crucial element of the mid-term modernisation programme.
The green light for upgrades to the AEW&C airborne mission computing and multi-sensor integration (MSI) system will follow test flights of prototype systems developed by EADS Systems & Defence Electronics.
The trials were completed in mid-November after a four-month demonstration programme carried out in European airspace, which followed extensive testing in North American airspace.
EADS says approval of the system for acquisition would see full-scale production of MSI systems beginning in early 2004. The lead aircraft would be modified in 2006, with the remainder of the fleet to be completed by 2008. It adds that it expects to sign a contract with Boeing early in 2004 to supply the MSI system for Turkey's four Boeing 737 Peace Eagle AEW&C aircraft.
The MSI system has already been ordered by Australia as part of its Project Wedgetail 737 AEW&C aircraft programme, with acceptance testing of the final software to begin in January 2004. Qualification testing is to be completed by September 2004, with EADS targeting final deliveries of Australian systems in the same month. EADS says the Australian variant will have around 70% commonality with the systems that are expected to be ordered by NATO.
The key difference between the two variants is the Australian requirement that MSI operates with Northrop Grumman's MESA active phased-array radar, requiring faster track integration speeds and integration of maritime track data into the recognised battlespace picture.
The Peace Eagle version will include modifications required to support the MESAradar but will be more closely aligned with the build planned for the NATO E-3A fleet.
Source: Flight International
