RADAR UPGRADE FOR SAUDI ARABIA’S AWACS FLEET

Boeing has completed a series of upgrades that substantially enhance the technological capabilities of Saudi Arabia’s E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Among the enhancements to improve radar capabilities and reduce repair time for the airborne surveillance fleet, are systems that increase the original equipment’s radar sensitivity and expand the range for tracking targets. The upgrades, called the Radar System Improvement Programme (RSIP), comprise a new radar computer, a radar control maintenance panel and electrical and mechanical software and hardware. Boeing engineers and technicians performed the installation and checkout of the first upgraded aircraft in the United States. The remaining aircraft were modified in Saudi Arabia with support of Boeing engineers, technicians and a test and evaluation team. The RSIP kit is built by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems and has been installed on US, UK, NATO and French AWACS fleets.