The Boeing Company has received a 24 dollars million long-lead production contract to continue a major upgrade of NATO's fleet of 17 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. This upgrade includes the integration of state-of-the-art enhancements to the fleet's computers, displays, communications, navigation, and target identification systems. The contract was awarded by Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., acting as agent for the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Program Management Agency in Brunssum, The Netherlands.One modified aircraft already is undergoing flight testing. The rest of the fleet will be upgraded under a production and retrofit contract expected to be awarded in 2002. The enhancements include upgraded aircraft navigation that takes advantage of the new global positioning system (GPS) and digital communications systems to improve crew management and radio links. Satellite communications will be integrated into the mission system for over-the-horizon communications links. Broad-spectrum VHF radios will support improved inter-operability with Eastern European nations air and ground forces. Improved Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogators and transponders will offer compatibility with emerging international air traffic control systems.
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