Article Posted on : - Jul 22, 2010

An E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System. Photo: USAF

FARNBOROUGH (BNS): Rockwell Collins will provide avionics upgrade solution to 33 US Air Force E-3B/C and 17 NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, manufactured by Boeing.

As part of the Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Replacement of Avionics for Global Operations and Navigation (DRAGON) programme, the upgrades will allow these aircraft to meet the current and future communication, navigation, surveillance, air traffic management (CNS/ATM) airspace requirements.

"The Air Force and NATO operate the largest AWACS fleets in the world. After the completion of the developed programme and fleet upgrades, their pilots will benefit from having the most advanced avionics, which will help them to accomplish their missions," Dave Nieuwsma, vice president and general manager of Mobility and Rotary Wing Solutions for Rockwell Collins, said in a company news release.

In the contract, the engineering and manufacturing phase includes designing, developing, integrating and testing of the Flight Management System Suite (FMSS) for the AWACS aircraft.

The system will be installed and integrated into the E-3 aircraft by Boeing.

The upgrade will provide an integrated avionics system, including cockpit controls and displays, Flight Management System (FMS) and a suite of communication and navigation equipment to support current and future airspace requirements.