U.S. Navy C-26 trainer aircraft to be upgraded by Elbit subsidiary

WASHINGTON, May 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a $7.5 million firm, fixed-price contract to perform modifications to the Naval Test Pilot School's C-26 aircraft.

The contract was awarded to Elbit subsidiary M7 Aerospace, LLC.

Upgrades will replace the existing weather radar with a Finmeccanica, Vixen 500E active electronically scanned array radar for the flight school jets. The work will be completed by September in San Antonio, Texas.

The work will also involve an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance upgrade, according to an Elbit release.

An AESA radar upgrade will help the C-26s meet the pilot school's requirements for training and supportability, as well as Navy Test Wing Atlantic's Open Architecture flying test bed requirements.

Adding the Vixen 500E AESA radar will provide hands-on experience with a compact, lightweight radar that combines fire control, surveillance and reconnaissance search capabilities with target acquisition tracking and prosecution, according to Elbit.

The radar's design is intended for small fast-jets, fighter lead-ins, trainers and modified business aircraft.