Airborne Warning and Control System Block 40/45 Upgrade (AWACS Blk 40/45 Upgrade)
Abstract
The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) provides a highly mobile, flexible, survivable theater Battle Management, Wide Area Surveillance, and Command and Control (C2) capability. It is capable of detecting, identifying, and tracking airborne and maritime targets at extended ranges as well as identifying air/ground emitters. AWACS can relay "big picture" information to C2 agencies and friendly aircraft. AWACS provides worldwide response to situations requiring immediate on-scene C2/BM using embedded real-time surveillance for employment of US and allied combat air forces. AWACS is critical to gaining and maintaining battle-space air superiority. AWACS coordinates with both tactical and C2 assets in theater to execute the air mission. The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade Program is the largest modification in US AWACS history and represents the critical foundation and baseline system required for all future AWACS enterprise modifications including net-centric operations. The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade provides a single target/single track capability with an improved human-machine interface for time-critical targeting designed to increase combat effectiveness and reduce fratricide. The AWACS Block 40/45 Upgrade Program includes an upgrade to Electronic Support Measures sensor data processing; Multi-Source Integration; a Data Link Infrastructure with prioritized data link bandwidth management for Link 16/Link 11; new battle management tools; capability to parse, allow user access to, and integrate Air Control Order/Air Tasking Order data; and enhanced mission and console recording capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA615029