The US Air Force (USAF) has received back into service the first E-3 Sentry aircraft to undergo the DRAGON cockpit modification programme, the USAF announced on 17 January.
The DRAGON [Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Replacement of Avionics for Global Operations and Navigation] programme upgrade ensures compliance with current and future air traffic control requirements in international and domestic airspace, allowing crews access to reduced vertical separation minimum airspace and optimal flight levels increasing fuel efficiency and reducing clearance delays.
The upgrade replaces 1970s analogue technology with digital flight management systems. The avionic indictors include multicolour graphic displays that customise and accurately portray engine, navigation and radar data; and new Mode-5 Identification Friend or Foe and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast capabilities have been added to increase situational awareness and enhance flight safety.
DRAGON also automates the navigation functions by optimising crew resource management during flight operations. This system increases the navigational data reservoir encompassing GPS data to comply with new International Civil Aviation Organization and air force regulations. Additionally, the weather radar system safeguards aircrew by predicting and highlighting hazardous weather conditions.
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
Connect with us on socials
