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Joint Stars engines complete certification flights |
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Friday, 24 October 2008 |
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The engine upgrade programme for the USAF E-8C Joint Stars aircraft fleet has reached a major milestone.
The US Air Force (USAF) E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint Stars) engine upgrade programme has successfully completed certification flights for the FAA.
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) will now take the next step in the project by installing Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines onto the Joint Stars test bed aircraft in preparation for military certification testing in December.
Joint Stars, a modified commercial aircraft, is utilised by USAF for surveillance and reconnaissance. It is able to detect, locate, classify, track and target hostile ground movements, relaying information in real-time via secure data links.
Tom Vice, NGC Integrated Systems' vice-president for eastern regions, said: "The new engines bring tremendous benefits to the fleet including increased efficiencies and enhanced operational capability."
He explained that they are "more powerful, more fuel efficient and reduce costs and maintenance downtime", adding that the aircraft will be able to climb faster and fly higher - increasing surveillance capabilities.
This week, NGC also announced that it has been awarded a $36 million (£23 million) contract from the US Department of Defence to provide equipment and logistics services to the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance programme. |
