Boeing to upgrade Saudi E-3A AWACS fleet

French E-3F AWACS Photo credit: Vincent Guisiano, French Air Force U.S State Department has approved a $2 billion AWACS modernization pro...

French E-3F AWACS Photo credit: Vincent Guisiano, French Air Force

U.S State Department has approved a $2 billion AWACS modernization program to upgrade Royal Saudi Airforce Boeing E-3A AWACS fleet.

The program will upgrade the Saudi AWACS fleet to the latest Block 40/45 configuration, featuring new mission computing hardware and software with open architecture, including computers, servers, and mission interactive displays.

The deal through Foreign Military Sale, include 5 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Block 40/45 Mission Computing Upgrade systems, 20 Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe (NG IFF) AN/UPX-40, communication equipment and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
Based on a modified Boeing 707 airliner airframe, the E-3A provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications. It is also flown by the US Air Force, NATO, Royal Air Force and French Air Force.

The primary Northrop Grummam AN/APY-1 and AN/APY-2 radar is housed in a rotating radar dome above the fuselage.

The radar transmitters, computers and display stations are housed within the fuselage.

The dome is 30 feet (9.1 meters) in diameter, six feet (1.8 meters) thick at centre, and is held 11 feet (3.33 meters) above the fuselage by two struts. The radar can detect targets at more than 250 miles (375.5 kilometers).

Boeing delivered five AWACS aircraft to Saudi between June 1986 and September 1987.

The Boeing E-3 production ran from 1977 to 1992, with a total 68 aircraft built.