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System flight testing of Block 40/45 completed by Boeing |
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Monday, 15 September 2008 |
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A 15-month testing period of its US AWACS Block 40/45 upgrade has been completed by Boeing.
Boeing has successfully completed the 15-month testing period of its US AWACS Block 40/45 upgrade.
Between April 2007 and July 2008, the manufacturer trialled the new programme, which will update the aircraft's legacy mainframe computers with user-friendly open system architecture using networking servers.
One of the new program's main benefits is its multi-source integration capability, which allows for automatic detection and identification of targets to provide a single-target/single-track resolution.
Stu Oliason, 40/45 system design and development program manager for Boeing, said: "The success of this flght-test program is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of 40/45 employees."
The user-friendliness of the Block 40/45 system is also a huge improvement, with traditional operating panel buttons and switches being replaced with an easy-to-use point-and-click interface.
"We're all very excited about bringing this new capability to the warfighter," Mr Oliason added.
The US air force is expected to make a decision on the production contract of Block 40/45 later on in the year. |
