ST. LOUIS, April 05, 2005 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today the completion of the final Radar System Improvement Program, or RSIP, kit installation on the U.S. Air Force's fleet of 32 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
Production and delivery of the RSIP kits began in 1998 and the retrofit was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The contract was issued by Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
"With the RSIP improvement, AWACS crews can now detect and track smaller targets," said Nigel Lo, Boeing RSIP Program manager.
RSIP kits, built by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, upgrade the surveillance radar's existing computer with a new high-reliability multi-processor and rewrites to the software making it easier to maintain and enhance in the future. The RSIP modification also upgrades the radar's antenna and receivers.
Boeing, as prime contractor and systems integrator, delivered the kits to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., where the USAF depot maintenance personnel performed the installation. Boeing also provided technical support to the depot maintenance personnel installing the modification. Boeing engineers assisted in proactively resolving hardware and software incorporation issues.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.5 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.