Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] today announced the U.S. Air Force has exercised options for 13 Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) kits and support services to complete installation of RSIP on the U.S. AWACS fleet.

These options, worth nearly $98 million, were exercised by Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.

The RSIP kit, built principally by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, consists of a new radar computer, radar control maintenance panel, electrical and mechanical software and hardware.

Boeing, as prime contractor and systems integrator, will deliver the RSIP kits to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., where they will be installed by depot maintenance personnel. Kit production and delivery are expected to be completed in 2004.

RSIP improves the E-3's radar by increasing the sensitivity of the pulse Doppler radar so the aircraft can detect and track smaller targets. It also improves the radar's electronic counter-countermeasures capability. RSIP upgrades the radar's existing computer with a new high-reliability multi-processor and rewrites the software to make it easier to maintain and enhance in the future.

Mark Pittenger, Boeing RSIP program manager, said, "Achieving this significant milestone is a testament to the outstanding teamwork among Boeing, Northrop Grumman and the Air Force."

In addition to the U.S. fleet, RSIP kits have been installed on the NATO and United Kingdom AWACS fleets.

AWACS is the world's standard for airborne early warning & control systems. Currently carried on-board militarized 707 and 767 aircraft, it fills the need for both airborne surveillance and command and control functions for tactical and air defense forces.