Thales wins NATO AWACS upgrade contracts worth 30 million euros
12 July 2004
Thales has won two new contracts in Belgium to upgrade communication systems for NATO's AWACS fleet.
The first contract, awarded by Boeing, is for the upgrade of the communications management and intercom systems for 16 AWACS aircraft, and for two mission simulation centres. This follows an initial engineering and managing development contract that included upgrading one of the aircraft.
The second two-year contract for depot level maintenance, awarded by the NATO AEW&C Programme Management Agency (NAPMA), covers Thales' qualification and certification for workshop maintenance of communication equipment. This is the initial maintenance phase and the second phase will last over ten years.
The two contracts are aimed at improving the performance of the communication systems on AWACS aircraft operated by NATO forces. The upgrade programme will deliver significantly better performance to operational users by digitising the audio subsystem and optimising the radio control unit to provide a more intuitive interface, higher bandwidth and other benefits.
The system used on all aircraft and at both mission simulation centres will comprise a digital distribution and management network for internal and external communications, ergonomic user interfaces, analogue/digital conversion and emergency communication functions for aircrews and mission operators.
Thales' system integration capabilities with high-tech communication equipment and its expertise in new switching technologies were decisive factors in the selection of its proposed solution. Under both contracts, Thales has full systems responsibility, from the initial definition phase through to final integration, and is in charge of system maintenance, management of industrial benefits sharing, and overseeing all subcontractors.
Over 1,200 units of equipment will be produced. System delivery and in-service dates are scheduled from late 2005 to late 2008.
This latest success strengthens Thales' position as a key supplier on major NATO programmes and consolidates an ongoing partnership with Boeing in airborne communication networks and intercom systems.
Press contacts :
Verena Adt
Tél : 01 57 77 86 26
Verena.adt@thalesgroup.com
Land & Joint Systems
Gianni Butera
Tél : 01 41 30 21 40
gianni.butera@be.thalesgroup.com
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
