Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] hosted a two-day E-X airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) program supplier conference in Seoul, South Korea Aug. 23-24 for major Korean companies and other industry partners.

"Cooperation between Boeing and our industry partners will ensure the E-X program succeeds," said Randy Price, Boeing E-X program manager. "We believe in an open, collaborative environment for the early detection and resolution of any issues. The conference allowed us to reaffirm our commitment to working together to produce, maintain and deliver a world-class AEW&C system to the Republic of Korea."

Boeing signed a $1.59 billion contract with the Republic of Korea in 2006 to supply four AEW&C systems along with ground support segments for flight and mission crew training, mission support, and aircraft and system modification support.

Boeing is scheduled to deliver the first 737 AEW&C aircraft in 2011. Korea Aerospace Industries will deliver the remaining three aircraft in 2012.

Korean suppliers bring a wealth of experience and technical know-how to the EX program. Korea Aerospace Industries will provide aircraft modification, equipment installation, testing and delivery. LIG Nex1 will provide VHF/UHF radio equipment. Korean Airlines will develop training for airborne mission system field representatives and maintenance crew. Samsung Thales will conduct and evaluate mission crew training. Huneed Technologies will establish a technical publishing system, and in a program option, integrate, test and deliver a ground-based commercial-off-the-shelf data link system.

Other E-X industry partners also will play key roles. Alteon Training Asia will conduct and evaluate flight crew training. Boeing Australia Limited will provide airborne mission system logistical support. BAE Systems will deliver an operational mission simulator, a mission support segment and AEW&C support facilities. It also will provide electronic support measures and an electronic warfare self-protection system.