They'll All Work On The Next-Generation Air Force Surveillance System

Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Boeing Company and Raytheon Company officials agreed Monday to work together in developing the U.S. Air Force's E-10A Multi-sensor Command and Control Aircraft (MC2A).  This innovative teaming agreement covers the Weapon Systems Integration (WSI) efforts for the E-10A, which provides an enhanced airborne ground surveillance and cruise missile defense capability to the warfighter.

"We will give the Air Force a best value program by drawing on the legacy expertise each company brings to this exciting new mission," said Chris Hernandez, Northrop Grumman's vice president for Air Force Surveillance Programs. "We've worked hard to build an agreement that will provide commanders with the most responsive and technologically advanced ground surveillance and battle management capability in the world at an affordable price."

Increment 1 of the Air Force's evolutionary acquisition program for the E-10A provides for an advanced airborne ground surveillance and cruise missile defense capability.  It uses the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) radar sensor coupled with a Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) system that is being competed later this year.  The teaming agreement announced Monday covers the overall WSI contract, which is expected to be a sole source award made later this month.

Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman is anticipated to be the prime contractor and will be responsible for overall program management and system engineering, mission system design, system integration and flight test, and airframe modification. Primary responsibilities for Boeing include major structural modification design and kits, air vehicle analysis and performance assessments and airworthiness testing.

Boeing will most likely produce the 767-400ER airframe for the E-10A test bed under a separate contract with the government. In addition, the Teaming Agreement anticipates that Boeing will take the lead for any Increment 2 analysis and subsequent activities, should the government decide to proceed with an additional increment.

Increment 2 is not currently funded, but if implemented, is expected to support Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) with increased BMC2 functionality. Raytheon's primary responsibilities include radar and radome installation, the self-protection system, and support to system engineering, system integration and test for the cruise missile defense functionality.

FMI: www.af.mil/news