Steve Nichols
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Rockwell Collins (UK) a firm price contract of approximately £10 million for the Replacement HF Radio System for the RAF E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft.
The contract requires the replacement of existing HF radio systems in seven RAF E-3D AWACS, with modern digital signal processing HF radios capable of simultaneous operation aboard this complex platform.
Each aircraft will be fitted with a system comprising three 400W HF radio transceivers controlled over a 1553 databus using control display units.
The aggressive programme requires the first trial installation to be completed in the last quarter of 2000, with all aircraft modified and accepted into service by mid-2001, providing the RAF with one of the most advanced airborne HF systems world-wide.
Logistics
Included in the contract is ten years of contractor logistics support with guaranteed availability to meet RAF's requirements.
"We are excited about this opportunity to be the prime contractor for the UK Ministry of Defence on an airborne communications programme," says Steve Banham, managing director Rockwell-Collins (UK).
"We believe that the RAF will see significant benefits from the enhanced communications performance."
As prime contractor, Rockwell Collins (UK) will manage the programme, with Rockwell Collins Government Systems supplying the ARC-22XX triple fit radios; Marshall Aerospace designing and supplying the aircraft installation kits; and DERA Boscombe Down acting as the trials coordinator and providing recommendations for military aircraft release. Boeing will provide aircraft data and recommendations as the aircraft design authority.
Enhanced
The replacement HF radios will provide the RAF AWACS with enhanced performance, including automatic link establishment, and will feature an embedded multi-mode modem with advanced waveforms. Rockwell Collins will develop frequency management/conflict software enhancing mission performance and reducing operator tasks.
Source: Flight Daily News
