Boeing: Products-French E-3 AWACS

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.

French E-3 AWACS French Background
France'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 have adopted the U.S. (Boeing) ESM system as their first major E-3 upgrade, and in January 1997 made arrangements with Boeing to upgrade their fleet with ESM. The first kit will be delivered in late 1998 followed by installation on the aircraft in 1999 through 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.

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.

AWACS History
The first E-3 entered U.S. Air Force service in March 1977, preceded by more than 10 years of competitive flyoffs, prototype design and development.

French E-3 AWACS Delivery By 1981, 24 of the 34 AWACS on order had been delivered to the U.S. inventory and were designated "core" aircraft. The remaining U.S. aircraft, as well as 18 NATO E-3s, were delivered in the "standard" configuration.

Enhancements leading to the standard configuration include the maritime surveillance radar mode and the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Additionally, the AWACS computer was enhanced to increase its capacity and speed.

The last of the 34 U.S. AWACS was delivered in June 1984. (One aircraft was lost in September 1995, reducing the U.S. fleet to 33 and the worldwide fleet to 67.)

Since their introductions of the E-3, both the United States and international AWACS operators have pursued system enhancements to improve performance and respond to emerging threats and requirements.

Under a 1987 U.S. Air Force integration contract (ICON), Boeing developed and integrated enhancements to the E-3's detection, communications, data processing and navigation capabilities, including ESM.

In March 1989, Boeing received authorization to begin production of Have Quick A-NETS, an improved communication system which provides secure, anti-jam contact with other AWACS, friendly aircraft and ground stations to a degree not previously available. This equipment also is included in the French and United Kingdom systems.

In May 1993, Boeing received a contract to produce six ESM kits, and a supplemental agreement was reached in January 1995 exercising an option for nine additional kits.

While current and planned improvement programs are aimed at maintaining the E-3's status as the world's most advanced AEW system, AWACS aircraft are busy maintaining their reputation as an international keeper of the peace.

The E-3 played a major role in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf conflict, conducting surveillance and command-and-control activities for coalition forces. AWACS aircraft from the air forces of the United States, Saudi Arabia and NATO were involved in the action, and the multi-national fleet was credited with coordinating most of the 120,000 sorties flown by coalition aircraft.

AWACS' role in the Gulf climaxed a series of assignments that included deployment to Saudi Arabia during the Iran-Iraq war, dispatch to Korea following the assassination of President Park and deployment to Egypt in response to the Libyan bombing of the Sudan. AWACS also has played an important interdiction role in America's war on drugs.

Industrial Cooperation
Boeing headed an international team of U.S., German and Canadian firms in the development and production of 18 NATO E-3 systems. Industrial involvement also is a key element of the AWACS purchases by France.

A major element of direct support was French installation and checkout (I&CO) of the E-3 mission equipment. Boeing delivered the aircraft empty to Franceís selected I&CO contractor, which installed the mission equipment and supported the aircraft through final delivery. The designated French I&CO contractor, UTA Industries (now Air France), performed the work at its LeBourget location near Paris.

French E-3 AWACS While the French aerospace industry was an active participant in AWACS production, such activity represented only a small part of the considerable offset program that accompanied each purchase.

In 1987, Boeing established a European-based organization, Boeing Operations International (BOI), to administer the AWACS offset program. BOI's role was to coordinate the efforts made by Boeing's major divisions and AWACS subcontractors to provide competitive opportunities under the offset plan, and was a point of contact for potential French suppliers.

Along with the benefit of near-term opportunities to French industry, the long-range objective of the AWACS offset program was to forge new and mutually beneficial associations with European industry in various areas of high technology.

Characteristics
The E-3 system is carried on board a militarized version of the Boeing 707-320B commercial jetliner airframe. It is distinguished by the addition of a large, rotating rotodome that houses its radar antenna and identification friend-or-foe (IFF) and data-link fighter-control (TADIL-C) antennas.

The E-3 offers superior surveillance capabilities. AWACS radar can separate airborne targets from the ground clutter returns that limit other present-day radars. Its radar ìeyeî has a 360-degree view of the horizon, and at operating altitudes can observe targets more than 320 kilometers (200 miles) away. It also can detect and track both air and sea targets simultaneously.

Its avionics equipment includes surveillance radar, navigation, communications, data processing, identification and displays. The heart of the information processing network is an advanced airborne version of the IBM command and control multiprocessing computer.

The aircraft were produced on Boeing's Renton, Wash., military 707 assembly line, which closed in May 1991.

E-3 Drawing

	French, UK, and Saudi E-3 Specifications
	Primary function	Airborne surveillance and command, control and communications
	Powerplant	Four CFM-56-2 turbofan engines, 24,000-lb thrust
	Dimensions	Airframe -- span 44.43 meters (145 feet 9 inches); length 46.62 meters (152 feet 11 inches); height 12.5 meters (41 feet 9 inches); Rotodome -- 9.1 meters (30 feet) diameter; 1.8 meters (6 feet) thick; 3.35 meters (11 feet) mounted above fuselage
	Speed	More than 800 kilometers per hour (500 miles per hour)
	Aircraft ceiling	More than 10,670 meters (35,000 feet)
	Endurance	More than 11 hours (unrefueled)
	Armament	None
	Range	More than 9,250 kilometers (5,000 nautical miles)
	Crew	17 (four flight crew, 13 AWACS specialists)
	Maximum takeoff weight	151,955 kilograms (335,000 pounds)
AWACS Home \| U.S. E-3 AWACS \| 767 AWACS \| U.K. E-3 AWACS \| French E-3 AWACS \| NATO E-3 AWACS \| Saudi E-3 AWACS

	French Background France'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 have adopted the U.S. (Boeing) ESM system as their first major E-3 upgrade, and in January 1997 made arrangements with Boeing to upgrade their fleet with ESM. The first kit will be delivered in late 1998 followed by installation on the aircraft in 1999 through 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. 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.
	AWACS History The first E-3 entered U.S. Air Force service in March 1977, preceded by more than 10 years of competitive flyoffs, prototype design and development. By 1981, 24 of the 34 AWACS on order had been delivered to the U.S. inventory and were designated "core" aircraft. The remaining U.S. aircraft, as well as 18 NATO E-3s, were delivered in the "standard" configuration. Enhancements leading to the standard configuration include the maritime surveillance radar mode and the JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Distribution System). Additionally, the AWACS computer was enhanced to increase its capacity and speed. The last of the 34 U.S. AWACS was delivered in June 1984. (One aircraft was lost in September 1995, reducing the U.S. fleet to 33 and the worldwide fleet to 67.) Since their introductions of the E-3, both the United States and international AWACS operators have pursued system enhancements to improve performance and respond to emerging threats and requirements. Under a 1987 U.S. Air Force integration contract (ICON), Boeing developed and integrated enhancements to the E-3's detection, communications, data processing and navigation capabilities, including ESM. In March 1989, Boeing received authorization to begin production of Have Quick A-NETS, an improved communication system which provides secure, anti-jam contact with other AWACS, friendly aircraft and ground stations to a degree not previously available. This equipment also is included in the French and United Kingdom systems. In May 1993, Boeing received a contract to produce six ESM kits, and a supplemental agreement was reached in January 1995 exercising an option for nine additional kits. While current and planned improvement programs are aimed at maintaining the E-3's status as the world's most advanced AEW system, AWACS aircraft are busy maintaining their reputation as an international keeper of the peace. The E-3 played a major role in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf conflict, conducting surveillance and command-and-control activities for coalition forces. AWACS aircraft from the air forces of the United States, Saudi Arabia and NATO were involved in the action, and the multi-national fleet was credited with coordinating most of the 120,000 sorties flown by coalition aircraft. AWACS' role in the Gulf climaxed a series of assignments that included deployment to Saudi Arabia during the Iran-Iraq war, dispatch to Korea following the assassination of President Park and deployment to Egypt in response to the Libyan bombing of the Sudan. AWACS also has played an important interdiction role in America's war on drugs.
	Industrial Cooperation Boeing headed an international team of U.S., German and Canadian firms in the development and production of 18 NATO E-3 systems. Industrial involvement also is a key element of the AWACS purchases by France. A major element of direct support was French installation and checkout (I&CO) of the E-3 mission equipment. Boeing delivered the aircraft empty to Franceís selected I&CO contractor, which installed the mission equipment and supported the aircraft through final delivery. The designated French I&CO contractor, UTA Industries (now Air France), performed the work at its LeBourget location near Paris. While the French aerospace industry was an active participant in AWACS production, such activity represented only a small part of the considerable offset program that accompanied each purchase. In 1987, Boeing established a European-based organization, Boeing Operations International (BOI), to administer the AWACS offset program. BOI's role was to coordinate the efforts made by Boeing's major divisions and AWACS subcontractors to provide competitive opportunities under the offset plan, and was a point of contact for potential French suppliers. Along with the benefit of near-term opportunities to French industry, the long-range objective of the AWACS offset program was to forge new and mutually beneficial associations with European industry in various areas of high technology. Characteristics The E-3 system is carried on board a militarized version of the Boeing 707-320B commercial jetliner airframe. It is distinguished by the addition of a large, rotating rotodome that houses its radar antenna and identification friend-or-foe (IFF) and data-link fighter-control (TADIL-C) antennas. The E-3 offers superior surveillance capabilities. AWACS radar can separate airborne targets from the ground clutter returns that limit other present-day radars. Its radar ìeyeî has a 360-degree view of the horizon, and at operating altitudes can observe targets more than 320 kilometers (200 miles) away. It also can detect and track both air and sea targets simultaneously. Its avionics equipment includes surveillance radar, navigation, communications, data processing, identification and displays. The heart of the information processing network is an advanced airborne version of the IBM command and control multiprocessing computer. The aircraft were produced on Boeing's Renton, Wash., military 707 assembly line, which closed in May 1991.