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Northrop Grumman To Repair Damaged Sentry E-3D Aircraft

File image of a Sentry E-3D aircraft.
by Staff Writers
London UK (SPX) Jan 03, 2008
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract from the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Sentry Integrated Project Team (IPT) for the repair of a Sentry E-3D aircraft, which suffered significant structural and electrical system damage during a severe storm. Work will be performed under Northrop Grumman's existing Sentry E-3D Whole Life Support Programme (WLSP).

Northrop Grumman will deliver to challenging time, performance and cost targets, with the aircraft due to be returned to service with the RAF in November 2008.

"The complexities of this repair will fully challenge our team," said John Parker, Northrop Grumman programme director for the UK WLSP. "I am confident that based on the performance we have demonstrated to date, the Joint Sentry Support team will deliver a successful outcome to this demanding repair, on cost and within schedule."

The repair will involve the replacement of four aircraft frames, which were crushed in the storm, and a major aircraft skin. In addition, a fuel system gallery and main electrical distribution panel were damaged. The structural aspects of the repair and the electrical elements represent a considerable challenge, primarily due to the lack of availability of structural and other components that will necessitate significant manufacturing effort.

"Under the WLSP we are building a record of success in maintaining high availability for this strategically important fleet of aircraft," said Graham Thornton, managing director of Northrop Grumman UK. "The close partnering relationship that has been developed by our joint industry team and the MoD will ensure the speedy return to service of this aircraft."

Northrop Grumman delivers the WLSP for the Sentry E-3D Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet and is on contract until 2025. The company acts as the design organization, providing long term UK-based technical support to the programme with some 50-engineers located at RAF Waddington. Working in partnership with the Sentry IPT, the Northrop Grumman team provides the complete range of through-life services needed to support the Sentry E-3D AWACS aircraft through to its out-of-service date.

Northrop Grumman also provides the radar and in-service support for the radar and is the systems integrator for the replacement mission system.

The Sentry Maintenance Squadron at RAF Waddington has historically provided 1st- and 2nd-line maintenance for the Sentry fleet. A specially designed and equipped hangar supports these operations. The WLSP expands on these existing resources and capabilities, increasing aircraft availability and the overall efficiency of the squadron's maintenance operations.

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