Initial operating capability (IOC) of the modernized French Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet has been achieved with Boeing’s delivery of the second of four upgraded aircraft and completion of the operational tests and evaluations. The upgrade is part of a Foreign Military Sale between the French Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (Direction générale de l’armement – DGA) and the U.S. government.
“With the declaration of IOC, the French Air Force is able to utilize the new capabilities of the Mid-life Upgrade to protect our national and international interests. This improvement will contribute to maintaining high operational performance and reinforce interoperability capability for at least the next twenty years,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Olivier Duplessy, French Air Force AWACS Program Officer.
France has four AWACS to monitor national airspace, national interests, and support allied missions. The aircraft are receiving modifications through a Mid-life Upgrade (MLU) to increase the fleet’s surveillance, communications and battle management capabilities. AWACS crew members will experience reduced workload, receive more actionable information and have better situational awareness thanks to these enhancements.
“The exemplary teamwork between Boeing and Air France Industries was key in delivering the first two upgraded AWACS on schedule,” said Yves Galland, president Boeing France. “We’re looking forward to pursue our successful partnership with Air France Industries to deliver the last two aircraft on time and meet the French Air Force requirements on this strategic program.”
Boeing, as prime contractor, provides hardware, software, engineering and quality assurance support. Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, a Boeing subcontractor on the project, is upgrading the electrical, mechanical and structural systems and mission hardware on the aircraft.
The first MLU AWACS was delivered in July of 2014.
SEATTLE, May 18, 2015
This post was published on 20 May 2015 20:13
An American Airlines Boeing 787-8 registered N806AA arriving from Barcelona suffered a tyre failure after…
Norwegian will launch four European routes in 2027, connecting Oslo and Copenhagen with Seville, Copenhagen…
Qatar Airways plans to launch three weekly flights between Doha and Western Sydney International Airport…
Norwegian will launch several new European routes for summer 2027, including direct flights from Oslo…
The failed drone attack targeting a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport has taken…
Lufthansa Group launched its first group-level consumer advertising campaign on 21 October, seeking to raise…