رد: قدرات الأواكس السعودية
SAUDI E-3 AWACS FRENCH E-3 AWACS
U.K. E-3 AWACS NATO E-3 AWACS
SAUDI E-3 AWACS
The Peace Sentinel program for Saudi Arabia began in
1981. It included five AWACS aircraft and six E-3 derivative (KE-3) inflight refueling tanker aircraft, along with spare parts, trainers and support equipment. In 1984, the Saudi government exercised an option to increase the tanker order to eight.
The first Saudi E-3 was delivered in June 1986, with deliveries of the remaining E-3s and tankers completed by September 1987. In addition to building the aircraft, Boeing assists in operating and maintaining the AWACS and tankers in Saudi Arabia. Boeing has issued subcontracts to three Saudi companies to assist in this support work.
In August 2001, Boeing began installing new mission computers and other hardware and software on the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) AWACS fleet, as part of a contract worth $60 million. Under the contract, Boeing upgraded the aircraft's mission computer and software to the same level currently in use by the U.S. AWACS fleet and provide RSAF operator training. Upgrading the five AWACS aircraft was completed in 2003.
In 2008, Boeing completed a major communications upgrade on the first of five Saudi E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft as part of a $49.2 million contract.
Installation and checkout of the aircraft were performed at the Boeing Military Flight Center in Seattle. The enhancement, known as Link 16, is a secure, jam-resistant, digital data link that allows military aircraft, ships and ground units to exchange tactical pictures in near real time.
Link 16 also supports the exchange of text messages and imagery data and provides additional channels for digital voice. The Link 16 AWACS upgrade is the first in a series of anticipated technology upgrades to the Saudi AWACS fleet.
This powerful capability provides the Saudi fleet with a secure data and voice link, allowing direct communication between their AWACS aircraft and forward-positioned fighter aircraft, Boeing partner Alsalam Aircraft Co. will upgrade the remaining four aircraft in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Boeing on-site support. The fleet upgrade is scheduled to be completed in December 2009.
The Royal Saudi Air Force is also pursuing a multi phase Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) similar to other AWACS users. Phase 1 is the design and long lead parts initiative with Phase 2 as the production program. The Phase 1 contract was awarded in 2008. A Phase 2 contract will be awarded in the 3rd quarter of 2009. This will bring the Saudi AWACS configuration in line with the rest of the world-wide AWACS fleets for secure data links and radar enhancements.
FRENCH E-3 AWACS
The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) was selected to meet the primary airborne early warning requirements of the Republic of France. Regarded as the world's standard for airborne early warning, the E-3 was designed and delivered by Boeing Defense & Space Group, with headquarters in Kent, Wash. The four French Air Force E-3s perform both airborne surveillance and command and control (C2) functions.
The first French AWACS left the factory early in 1990. Deliveries began in May 1991 and ended in February 1992.
BackgroundFrance's selection of the E-3 began with initial discussions with Boeing concerning system capabilities in the late 1970s. In June 1982, an extensive E-3 demonstration was successfully conducted in France. It led to the E-3's selection as the candidate system for the French AEW mission.
The French Ministry of Defence participated in the United Kingdom's 1986 AEW competition, and in February 1987 awarded Boeing a direct contract to provide three E-3s. In August 1987, the French MOD exercised a contract option for a fourth aircraft.
The French E-3s were produced in the AWACS standard configuration, with some system improvements, and are powered by GE/SNECMA CFM-56-2 high-efficiency, turbofan engines. Enhancements added to meet Franceís unique mission requirements include a probe refueling system to augment the existing boom receptacle for inflight refueling, a digital recorder for mission audio transmissions and improved radio equipment.
The French adopted the U.S. (Boeing) electronic support measures (ESM) system as their first major E-3 upgrade. Boeing was awarded a contract to install ESM in March 1998. The first kit was delivered later that year and the entire fleet was upgraded with ESM by December 2000.
ESM is a passive listening and detection system, which enables the AWACS to detect, identify and track electronic transmissions from ground, airborne and maritime sources. Using the ESM system, mission operators can determine radar and weapons system type.
In February 2002, Boeing received a contract to upgrade the French AWACS fleet with Radar System Improvement Program ( RSIP) kits. RSIP improves the AWACS radar by increasing its sensitivity, boosting the electronic counter-countermeasures capability and improving its reliability.
Boeing, as prime contractor and systems integrator, shipped the modification kits to Air France Industries beginning in the spring of 2004. AFI, under a contract to Boeing, performed the installation and checkout at its facility in Le Bourget, France. Installation was completed in 2006. Boeing flight-tested the upgraded aircraft at the French AWACS main operating base in Avord, France.
Since delivery of their aircraft, France has maintained engineering services contracts with Boeing to ensure timely fleet support. These include service letters, technical publication updates and technical problem resolution
U.K. E-3 AWACS
The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) was selected to meet the primary airborne early warning requirements of the United Kingdom. Regarded as the world's standard for airborne early warning, the E-3 was designed and delivered by Boeing Information, Space & Defense Systems, with headquarters in Kent, Washington.
The seven U.K. Royal Air Force E-3s perform both airborne surveillance and command and control (C2) functions.
The first AWACS for the United Kingdom rolled out of Boeing facilities in July 1989 and began an extensive test program, which led to the first delivery in March 1991. U.K. deliveries were completed in May 1992.
BackgroundSelection of E-3 AWACS for the United Kingdom's airborne early warning (AEW) mission requirement emerged from a 1986 competition conducted by the country's Ministry of Defence (MOD). The E-3 and the British-built AEW Nimrod were selected for final consideration from a field of seven candidates.
The competition ended in December 1986, when the MOD decided to purchase directly from Boeing a minimum of six AWACS, along with spares, system trainers and support equipment. In 1987, the MOD exercised a contract option for one additional aircraft, increasing the fleet to seven.
The U.K. E-3s were produced in the AWACS standard configuration, with some system improvements, and are powered by GE/SNECMA CFM-56-2 high-efficiency, turbofan engines. Enhancements added to meet the United Kingdomís unique mission requirements include enhanced maritime radar capability, a proberefueling system to augment the existing boom receptacle for inflight refueling, a digital recorder for mission audio transmissions, improved radio equipment and United Kingdom-provided ElectronicSupport Measures (ESM) for passive listening and detection capability.
Additionally, the United Kingdom has joined the United States in initiating a plan to furtherupgrade their radar under a program known as Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP). In February 1996 the USAF issued a contract to Boeing on behalf of the United Kingdom to upgrade the fleet with enhanced radar capability, which will improve AWACS ability to detect smaller targets. The first kit was delivered to the U.K. in mid-1998.Retrofit of the entire fleet was completed in December 2000. Along with the RSIP upgrade was installation of the Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GINS) which dramatically improve positioning accuracy.
Since delivery, the United Kingdom has maintained post-design services contracts with Boeing to ensure timely fleet support. The United Kingdom continues to review potential enhancements to their fleet to maintain interoperability with other AWACS fleets in the United States, NATO, France and Saudi Arabia
NATO E-3 AWACS
The NATO E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is a highly mobile, survivable surveillance system designed to strengthen and significantly improve air defense systems in Europe.
Boeing, as prime contractor, teamed with subcontractors in the Federal Republic of Germany, Canada and the United States to provide the NATO alliance with 18 E-3 systems as part of the largest commonly funded acquisition program ever undertaken by the alliance.
MissionIn the late 1960s, NATO commanders recognized the need to provide an improved early warning and detection capability against the emerging low-altitude penetration threat posed by the Warsaw Pact.
The most effective way to solve this air-defense problem is to use an airborne early warning (AEW) system that possesses radar with long-range and "look down" capability. The latter provides the ability to detect and track targets amidst the ground-clutter returns that degrade and confuse other air-defense radars.
After a series of NATO-sponsored studies from 1971 through 1975, the Conference of National Armaments Directors selected the U.S. Air Force E-3 from the candidate AEW systems as offering the best operational solution. This led to establishment of a multinational provisional Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Program Office by the NATO defense ministers in 1975.
NATO then carried out a series of configuration, cost and performance studies that included the E-3 and its integration with the air-defense ground-environment systems. The intent was to maximize the "force-enhancing" effect inherent in these air-defense elements.
The European environment required several modifications to the U.S. Air Force E-3, and these were combined with planned U.S. Air Force enhancements to form the basis of the "standard" configuration. The program featured a single development program, with both the U.S. Air Force and NATO utilizing the same basic configuration.
This provided economies of production and met the objectives of industrial collaboration, standardization and interoperability.
In 1978, development was initiated on the standard-configuration E-3 by the alliance, while the national governments performed an in-depth review of the proposal and came to an agreement on acquisition and cost-sharing arrangements. The defense ministers met in December 1978 and signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding to acquire a NATO-owned Airborne Early Warning and Control System.
The NATO AEW&C Program Management Organization (NAPMO) was established to manage the acquisition program of the 18 aircraft and supporting equipment and trainers. Additional NAPMO responsibilities included modifying the NATO air-defense ground-environment system necessary to provide data exchange and interoperability; activating the Main Operating Base at Geilenkirchen, Germany, and other operating facilities in northern- and southern-flank nations; constructing maintenance and repair facilities at the MOB; and establishing a training center to assist the multinational force that operates the NATO E-3 fleet. This office continues to manage the modernization of the NATO aircraft and supporting elements.
