[Avionics Today Feb. 18, 2014] Boeing has completed the Mid-Life Upgrade on the first of four E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft for the French Air Force.
The upgrade was completed as part of a 2010 Foreign Military Sale between the U.S. government and the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA). Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) participated in the upgrade as a subcontractor.
According to Boeing the Mid Life Upgrade is the largest ever for the French AWACS fleet and provides improvements to the aircraft electrical, mechanical and structural systems and mission hardware to provide improved battle space awareness, more actionable information and to reduce aircrew workload.
The first upgraded aircraft is scheduled to undergo ground and flight-tests at Avord Air Base before being delivered to the French Air Force later this year.