Aviation Report:
Boeing delivered the final Airborne Warning and Control System AWACS aircraft modernized with avionics and a digital cockpit to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – NATO in Manching, Germany. This delivery is the final of 14 and ensures NATO AWACS compliance with current and future air traffic control and navigation requirements.
Upgrades include five full-color digital displays in each aircraft, replacing 1970’s-era dials and provides crewmembers with customizable engine, navigation and radar data. These digital capabilities also allow NATO to consolidate crew responsibilities. The E-3 Sentry AWACS are based in Germany on the NATO Air Base (NAB) Geilenkirchen and are operated by the NATO Air Force AEW & C Force E-3A Component.
“The Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) modernization project enables the NATO E-3A fleet to meet current and foreseen European air traffic management requirements,” said Brig. Gen. Mike Hain, general manager, NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency.
