Boeing delivers upgraded E-3A to NATO
Delivery to NATO of E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft with cockpit upgrades has now begun with the first of 14 aircraft now delivered, Boeing announced on 13 December.
The aircraft cockpits are being upgraded with the Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) digital flight deck and avionics enhancements that ensure compliance with current and future air traffic control and navigation requirements.
The upgraded cockpits include five full-colour glass displays which provide crew with customisable engine, navigation and radar data. Digital capabilities will allow flight crew to be reduced by one crew member.
The upgrades are being conducted as part of a $257 million modification effort. Work on the second aircraft has now begun and all work is scheduled to be complete on all 14 aircraft by 2018.
NATO’s AWACS fleet is an integrated, multi-national flying unit, providing rapid deployment, airborne surveillance and communication for NATO operations.
The modernisation has also been installed on a US Air Force AWACS, which will be delivered in 2017 following extensive flight testing.
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