Photo courtesy of Directorate-General of Armaments of France
Four airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) have been in operational service since 1992. According to French Defense, they should be able to remain in service until at least 2035, thanks to avionics modernization.
Last month, the Directorate-General of Armaments notified Air France Industries that it had been selected to modernize the systems. Analog indicators in the cockpit are to be replaced with a glass cockpit, equipped with five multi-function displays. French Defense said this would allow for a reduced crew of three or four people.
Air France Industries is set to work on this contract and maintain the fleet for seven years. Modernization work is to coincide with scheduled maintenance, to limit downtime. The first delivery is expected in 2022.