24 September 2019 | By NAPMA Staff

FUP PAR Completion on the Horizon

The Follow-On Upgrade Programme (FUP) is taking strides towards completion. FUP upgrades include three projects: Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/ Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM); Mode 5/ Enhanced Mode S (M5/EHS); and the Interim Internet Protocol Communications (IP Comms) and Automatic Identification System (AIS).



CNS/ATM

The CNS/ATM project provides the fleet with a digital cockpit, which enhances safety and reduces crew workload, along with upgrades in communications, navigation and surveillance capabilities. The CNS/ATM project has completed Production and Retrofit (PAR) and the last modified aircraft returned to Geilenkirchen Air Base in Jan 2019 -- ready for operational mission employment!


Photo Caption: CNS ATM Glass Cockpit



Mode 5/EHS

The M5/EHS capability upgrade replaces the Mode 4 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system which will no longer be supported as of 30 Jun 2020. The M5/EHS Engineering Manufacturing and Design (EMD) phase was completed in Nov 2018, and sparing efforts are underway. The retrofit of the Mode 5/EHS capability has been merged with the Interim IP Comms and AIS upgrades to reduce the overall schedule and minimize impact to operations. The Joint M5/EHS and Interim IP Comms/AIS Retrofit effort is progressing well with 10 of 14 aircraft modified in just under one year!


Photo Caption: M5/EHS Interrogator Set



Interim IP Comms/AIS

The Interim IP Comms/AIS capability upgrades the aircraft with a more effective Operational, Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E) solution. The Interim IP Comms/AIS project completed EMD in January 2018 and, as previously noted, is being retrofitted along with the Mode 5/EHS capability. One of the IP Comms Ground Entry Points (GEP) successfully passed Functional Testing in July 2019 with efforts to accredit the system still underway. The GEP will be ready for operational testing soon!


Photo Caption: IP Comms Upgrade



FUP Training Systems

NE‑3A modernization isn’t just measured by aircraft enhancements, the flight deck and mission crew must also be ready to employ these upgrades effectively. Both the Advanced Simulation Combat Operations Trainer (ASCOT) and the Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD) have been updated to mirror the technology upgrades delivered to the fleet. The Mission Training Centers and Flight Simulator Training Devices keep the flight deck and mission crew members ready to accomplish the mission. Interestingly, the Flight Training Device (FTD) is one of the few static flight training devices that exist within the worldwide E-3 community. Other nations often request the use of this advanced system which provide the look and feel of an E‑3A without concern for aircraft availability or additional flying costs.


Photo Caption: Advanced Simulation Combat Operations Trainer (ASCOT)



Photo Caption: Full Flight Simulator (FFS)



Photo Caption: Flight Training Device (FTD)

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