NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications program office (PMA-271) is scheduled to accept the first modified E-6B Mercury from Rockwell Collins and L-3 Integrated Systems Group during a ceremony Feb. 25 at the L-3 Integrated Systems facility in Waco, Texas.

“The E-6B Block I modification program corrects deficiencies identified during the E-6B (Airborne Command Post modification) operational test,” said Capt Bob Roof, PMA-271 program manager.

The E-6B was conceived as a replacement for the Air Force’s airborne command post due to the age of the EC-135 fleet. The E-6B modified an E-6A by adding battle-staff positions and other specialized equipment.

According to Roof, the system addresses operator workload sharing and mission system obsolescence, while providing an open systems architecture and multi-level security capability.

“This modification will bring state-of-the-art technology, improved communications and unrivaled mission capabilities to our Fleet Sailors and airmen,” said Dan Skane, PMA-271 deputy program manager. “The Block I modification will also facilitate future upgrades needed to keep our nations’ senior leadership in communication with one another, anywhere, anytime, under any conditions.”

The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft capable of fulfilling either the E-6A mission or the airborne strategic command post mission, and is equipped with an Airborne Launch Control System. The ALCS is capable of launching U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Initiated in 2004, the Block I program is a collaborative effort between the Navy and industry partners.

“The team of PMA-271, Rockwell Collins and L3 has put in five years of hard efforts to get to this day,” said Cmdr. Jamie Engdahl, NAVAIR E-6b Block 1 modification project manager. “It’s great to see the completed aircraft on the flight line.”

Upgrades to the aircraft include open system architecture for mission avionics, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Intercommunications System and an on-aircraft, multi-level secure network for message processing, among others.

“The Block I modification is a stepping stone to future E-6B capabilities and connectivity,” said Roof. “Beyond the expected system reliability and workload improvements, it will fundamentally change the way the fleet executes their mission.”

-- 30 --