Boeing delivers major upgrade

Boeing has completed a major mission system production upgrade for the first Nato Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, under the $1.32 billion Mid-Term Modernisation Programme.

Boeing delivered the aircraft to Nato during a ceremony at the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) facility in Manching, Germany. EADS, as an industry partner and subcontractor to Boeing, completed the modification on schedule.

The enhancements provide a superior view of the battle space by integrating data from various AWACS sensors, as well as from other sources, and an increased capacity in the number of targets it can manage. This highly capable mission system provides Nato AWACS aircraft with the ability to receive mission orders from remote locations and updates via satellite data links and electronically integrate them via the mission computing system.

Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has received a modification to the Flight School XXI contract, signed in 2003, to provide rotary wing simulator-based flight training and related aviation training support to the US Air Force.

CSC estimates the value of this contract modification, which has a one-year base period and 12 one-year options, to be $46 million if all options are exercised.

Under this modification, CSC will provide rotary wing training support for TH-1H helicopter aircrews using hi-tech training methodologies and virtual flight simulators to enhance training effectiveness and significantly reduce costs. CSC will provide, operate, and maintain TH-1 virtual flight simulators.