E-2D aerial refueling Source: Northrop Grumman E-2D aerial refueling Source: Northrop Grumman Close

The training consisted of daytime and nighttime "plugs" with a KC-707 tanker. VX-1’s E-2D is equipped with a fuel probe plumbing at the front of the aircraft, which works to locate and plug into a drogue on the fueling aircraft to secure the fuel connection. The training also consisted of operating in night-time formation with another E-2D Hawkeye.

Recent changes made to the E-2D have been implemented to accommodate in-flight refueling, to include the fixed-fuel probe and associated plumbing, formation lighting, long-endurance seats, as well as flight control software and hardware changes. This new capability could double the current time the E-2D can be on station and provide for better battlespace coverage in support of the warfighter’s mission.

Source: Boeing Source: Boeing Close

Upgrades include five full-color digital displays in each aircraft, replacing 1970’s-era dials and provides crewmembers with customizable engine, navigation and radar data. These digital capabilities also allow NATO to consolidate crew responsibilities.

"The Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) modernization project enables the NATO E-3A fleet to meet current and foreseen European air traffic management requirements," said Brig. Gen. Mike Hain, general manager, NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency.

The first modernized NATO AWACS plane was modified at Boeing facilities in Seattle and delivered to NATO in November 2016. The remaining 13 aircraft underwent modernization work in Manching, Germany.

NATO’s AWACS fleet is the alliance’s first integrated, multinational flying unit, providing rapid deployment, airborne surveillance and command and control for NATO operations.

Source: Australia DoD Source: Australia DoD Close

Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said the contract extension was granted after Airbus provided outstanding sustainment support to the C-130J fleet.

"Airbus reduced sustainment costs by $10 million over the 2019 to 2024 period," Pyne said. "The contract extension out to 2024 will secure the ongoing employment of approximately 220 industry personnel, located at RAAF Base Richmond."

The RAAF No 37 Squadron operates 12 C-130J Hercules from RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The fleet has been supported under contract with Airbus since March 2009.

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