IOC status for upgraded French AWACS aircraft

SEATTLE, May 21 (UPI) -- Modernized Airborne Warning and Control System planes of the French Air Force have gained initial operating capability status following testing and evaluation.

Boeing says the status achievement coincided with its delivery of the second of four aircraft it upgraded as part of a Foreign Military Sales deal between the U.S. government and the French procurement agency DGA.

"With the declaration of IOC, the French Air Force is able to utilize the new capabilities of the mid-life upgrade, or MLU, to protect our national and international interests," said French Air Force AWACS Program Officer Lt. Col. Olivier Duplessy. "This improvement will contribute to maintaining high operational performance and reinforce interoperability capability for at least the next twenty years."

France has four AWACS. Boeing's modernization of them upgrades their surveillance, communications and battle management capabilities.

"The exemplary teamwork between Boeing and Air France Industries was key in delivering the first two upgraded AWACS on schedule," said Yves Galland, president Boeing France. "We're looking forward to pursue our successful partnership with Air France Industries to deliver the last two aircraft on time and meet the French Air Force requirements on this strategic program."

Boeing provides hardware, software, engineering and quality assurance support for the AWACS's MLU, while sub-contractor Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance upgrades the aircrafts' electrical, mechanical and structural systems.