LAKE CHARLES, La., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The first E-3D Sentry aircraft repaired in the United States is back in operation with the British air force, Northrop Grumman announced.
The E-3D Sentry is an Airborne Warning and Control System with an airframe based on a Boeing 707.
Northrop Grumman said the plane, which was delivered to the air force ahead of schedule, had a cracked wing spar. The repair was performed at the company's Lake Charles Maintenance and Modification Center under an existing Sentry Whole Life Support Program.
"We look at the entire WLSP program not as a customer-contractor relationship but more as a partnership to ensure 24/7 mission availability of Sentry aircraft," said John Parker, director, global logistics and modernization, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "The capabilities at the Lake Charles facility and the dedication of the entire workforce enabled the team to complete the repairs ahead of schedule."
The director of Britain's AWACS program said Northrop's Louisiana facility was chosen for the work because of its extensive experience in replacing wing spars on similar aircraft.
