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By Gareth Jennings
06 August 2010
The E-6B is equipped with an airborne launch control system, enabling it to launch land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles. (IHS Jane's/Patrick Allen)
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The upgrade programme for the US Navy's (USN's) 16 Boeing E-6B Mercury long-endurance C3 aircraft has passed its Milestone C review, the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 3 August.
With this approval in place (also referred to as Gate 6), the E-6B Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) will now steer the E-6B Block I programme towards its production and deployment phase.
The programme completed Milestone B in March 2004 and subsequently commenced its system development and demonstration (SDD) phase, which is due for completion in mid-Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11).
Now that Milestone C has been achieved, the anticipated first low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract should deliver an upgraded aircraft for operational use in the first quarter of FY12. An additional three aircraft will be completed by the first quarter of FY13, according to NAVAIR.
The purpose of the Block I Program is to correct E-6B Airborne National Command Post (ABNCP) Follow-on Test & Evaluation deficiencies and replace equipment that is obsolete or degrades the aircraft's mission performance. It is intended that these improvements will provide the US military with a more effective and survivable nuclear C3 capability.
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