Northrop Grumman to commence work on MESA sensors for US Air Force E-7 AEW fleet
The MESA sensor fitted to USAF E-7s is likely to feature enhancements compared to previous versions built for export. (Image: Boeing)
Northrop Grumman is to enter into production of its Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) sensor for the USAF's E-7 fleet, for which Boeing received an initial contract earlier in March as a replacement for the E-3 AWACS fleet.
A core element of the E-7 weapons system, the MESA will provide long-range sensing, detection and identification, equipping the aircraft with simultaneous air and maritime sensing, early warning and air battle management capabilities.
'The multifunction MESA sensor will provide the US Air Force with critical multi-domain awareness to enable decision superiority for the range of mission requirements today and into the future,' said Ed Griebel, VP of airborne surveillance programs, Northrop Grumman.
Related Articles
USAF kickstarts E-3G AWACS replacement effort
First Royal Air Force Wedgetail aircraft fitted with MESA surveillance sensor
Northrop Grumman details bid for US Navy TACAMO aircraft replacement
MESA is has an active production line and has been delivered on Australian (six), Turkish (four) and South Korean (four) E-7 aircraft, with work also under way on the UK RAF's E-7 fleet (three on order).
The USAF aircraft are highly leveraged on the UK variant but include US-specific mandated capabilities, a Boeing spokesperson told Shephard at the time of the initial contract award.
‘Major subsystems, including – but not limited to – the radar, communications and networking architecture, are being modified to meet those mandates,’ they added.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Piercing the fog of war via battlespace management
Battle Management Systems are emerging as increasingly important tools for commanders making decisions in fluid combat situations.
-
UK Space Command launches first military satellite
Tyche satellite will deliver military situational awareness for Ministry of Defence decision-making.
-
Seizing the Future: The Imperative for Militaries to Master AI and Forge Strategic Alliances
The current pace of innovation demands a new strategy for success, focusing on developing technology to meet specific defence goals and ensuring collaborative efforts.
-
In-orbit imaging a “game-changer” in space situational awareness
As the threats of nuclear weapons in space and the militarisation of the domain persist, an Australian outfit has been developing technology that defence organisations could utilise to identify objects in space to gain a better understand of what they are doing in orbit.
-
Arctic broadband satellites launched for reliable military connectivity
The mission marks the first time an active US military payload has been delivered by commercial rocket.