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First NAVAIR E-6 Goes to Cecil Field for Upgrade

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030509-13

Release Date: 5/9/2003 11:47:00 PM

By Renee Hatcher, Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The Naval Air Systems Command's (NAVAIR) E-6 Mercury Program Office recently sent the first of 15 E-6B aircraft to the Boeing Aerospace Support Center at Cecil Field, Fla. to be modified with a new cockpit and an advanced communications package.

The E-6 provides airborne command, control and communications between the President, Secretary of Defense, and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. The mission system and cockpit display upgrades will improve mission avionics, provide additional data processing capabilities, and increase reliability and maintainability for the Mercury.

The mission system upgrade provides Automated Data Processing, Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) and Weight Savings. Wide bandwidth data capability is also included through integration of a phased array antenna system. The improvements include Secure Internet Protocol Router Network and Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network functions. Highlights of these functions include two separate onboard servers (classified and unclassified), access to servers on the ground via command managed local area network communication links, airborne user interface via laptop computers, and Ku band (high-speed) uplink and DAMA or Northstar Network (up to 16Kbps) downlink.

The upgraded cockpit is equipped with the Multifunction Display System (MDS) that is based on the Boeing Commercial 777 and 737-700 next generation avionics technology. The MDS will provide the fleet with state-of-the-art communications, navigation and surveillance capability, in order to address emerging global air traffic management requirements.

The modifications to aircraft BuNo 161919 are expected to be completed in August 2003. A second E-6B will go to the Boeing Cecil Field facility in July and receive the same upgrade. All 15 E-6Bs in the Navy's inventory should be modified with the new systems by December 2005.