Article Posted on : - Dec 16, 2011

The E-8C Joint STARS aircraft. A Northrop photo

MELBOURNE (BNS): The US Air Force has awarded a $540 million contract to Northrop Grumman for total system support responsibility (TSSR) of the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) fleet.

Under the TSSR programme, Northrop along with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center will provide integrated logistics support to the 116th Air Control Wing for all facets of base and depot level maintenance of the long-range surveillance, battle management and command and control aircraft.

The TSSR programme which began May 1, 2011, will conclude on Oct 31, 2013, Northrop, the prime contractor for the E-8C Joint STARS, said.

The US Air Force operates 17 E-8 J-STARS aircraft which is based on the Boeing 707-300 platform.

The aircraft, equipped with advanced ground-looking radars and sensors, is capable of tracking ground vehicles, aircraft and provide tactical images to ground and air theatre commanders.

The first E-8C Joint STARS was delivered to the US Air Force on March 4, 1996, and the last fully configured aircraft was delivered on March 22, 2005.

On Dec 20, 2008, the programmes' T-3 testbed aircraft flew with new engines for the first time and the company is currently testing additional radar and sensor capabilities on its aircraft in Melbourne, Florida.

The upgraded aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next few years, Northrop said.