Brings Fleet Up To Spec With Other Allied Fighters
Canada's Department of National Defense has awarded Boeing a $39
million contract for installation of the second phase of an
avionics upgrade for its 78 CF-18 fighter aircraft. The goal of the
eight-year, two-phased project -- which began in April 2001 -- is
to bring the Canadian Air Force fleet of CF-18 Hornets in line
technologically with the equipment of key allies, as well as
extending the life of the aircraft through 2017.
The upgrade will add a data link system, a helmet-mounted sight
system, new cockpit displays and a new flare-dispensing electronic
warfare system to the Hornets. Two additional aircraft will be
modified for the validation and verification of the planned
upgrade.
"Completing these upgrades provides Canada a cost effective
solution to maintaining a very effective combat aircraft capability
into the 21st century," said Pat Finneran, vice president and
general manager of Boeing Logistics Support Systems. "Boeing is
committed to providing the Canadian government and Canada's Air
Force with high-quality service and timely delivery of the CF-18
Modernization Project. We are delivering Phase 1 on time and on
budget, and we intend to continue to uphold these high standards of
performance for Phase 2."
The project includes modernizing specifications of newer models
through an avionics configuration upgrade program. The two-phase
approach allows the Canadian forces uninterrupted access to, and
use of, the CF-18 fleet, according to Boeing.
Phase 1 equipped the CF-18s with improved communication and
navigation capabilities, including new mission computers and radios
for communications purposes, an APG-73 radar system that is
compatible with NATO-ally air forces, a stores management system
for weapon-system and associated-equipment control, and a combined
interrogator/transponder system that ensures allies recognize
Canadian CF-18 aircraft as "friendlies."
Boeing's subcontractor for installation of these systems is L-3
MAS (Canada) Inc. at Mirabel, Quebec. Boeing provides program
management services, installation kits and color displays.
"The Modernization Program has been a total integrated product
effort including the Canadian Forces, Boeing and Canadian
industry," said Dave Beckering, Boeing F/A-18 program manager for
Canada. "This contract is a direct result of the commitment and
expertise of the team."
Boeing contributes approximately $1 billion Canadian annually to
the Canadian economy and directly employs more than 1,000 people in
two facilities, and several thousand more indirectly through its
supply chain of some 200 companies.