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NATO's E-3As get state-of-the-art systems
By Karl Schwarz
Nine years after contracts were signed, NATO has taken delivery of its first E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft to have been upgraded under the Mid-Term Modernisation Programme. The aircraft with tail code 79-0458 set off on its home journey to the AWACS base in Geilenkirchen after a ceremony in the EADS Manching plant on 21 November. In Geilenkirchen, technicians from prime contractor Boeing and EADS were meanwhile working to bring the prototype up to production standard. Further upgraded E-3A's are expected to follow in mid-February and April. Work on all 17 aircraft must be completed by November 2008.
The plan is to attain initial operational readiness a year earlier with the new model which, thanks to new systems, is probably the most advanced air surveillance aircraft in the world at the present time. At any rate, according to Brigadier General Dartanian Warr, the US Air Force is rightly jealous of its European colleagues who are now able to enjoy a whole series of advantages.
For example, the display consoles have been replaced by large flat screens and a normal keyboard, offering a Windows-like environment which is much easier for the controllers to work with. They also now have direct access to the radio systems. But best of all is the software developed by EADS which now integrates data from multiple sources (own radar, information from other AWACS, fighter aircraft or ground stations) into a single target track. Five additional consoles in the central area of the cabin mean that extra crew can be accommodated if required.
A lot has also changed on the improved consoles, based on modern computers. Five radio sets have been equipped for the upper and lower VHF bands. UHF communication via satellite is now feasible all over the world. And finally, the navigation equipment has been boosted with GPS receiver and laser inertial system, while the identification friend or foe (IFF) unit has been replaced by a system that is also Mode S compatible.
Integration of all these systems has proved somewhat difficult and time-consuming. Boeing had to be paid a top-up of around 50% on the original development budget of $452 million in 2002. Together with the $524 million production contract signed in April 2004, the costs have spiralled to $1.32 billion (around Euro1 billion).
As is normally the case on NATO programmes, many companies have benefited from this. As well as EADS, which can boost utilisation of its Manching facilities, the other companies involved include General Dynamics Canada, Indra, Kongsberg, OGMA, Terma, Thales (Belgium) and TAI.
While the Mid-Term Modernisation Programme is under way, the next enhancement to the E-3A is already on the horizon. On 3 November 2006, Northrop Grumman was awarded the contract to install the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system which warns of the approach of guided weapons with IR seeker heads and engages them with a laser beam. First deliveries under the LAIRCM programme, which has been allocated a budget of $104.6 million (Euro 78 million), are expected later this year. Two aircraft will serve as test platforms.
From FLUG REVUE 2/2007
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