The Naval Research Laboratory
(NRL), the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Program (PMS-465)
and the E-2C Program (PMA-231) Offices, with their industry partners
Lockheed-Martin and Northrop-Grumman, have accomplished a major
milestone with delivery of a significantly modified NP-3D airborne
research platform.
The NRL Airborne Surveillance
Command and Control research aircraft is an NP-3D aircraft with
the E-2C rotating antenna (rotodome) and the CEC Common Equipment
Set (CES) already installed, and it will soon include the E-2C
AEW Hawkeye 2000 suite. In addition to the integrated AEW/CEC
suites, the aircraft is designed to accommodate Command and Control,
Electronic Warfare, and Electro Optics (EO) research programs
well into the next century.
The aircraft has been modified
with an increased capacity Vapor Cycle cooling system, an additional
generator and external power receptacle to meet the requirements
of the new avionics systems. When complete, the AEW suite will
include the APS-145 AEW radar, the Improved IFF system, the new
E-2C Mission Computer and Advanced Control Indicator Set, and
a robust Communications Suite with provisions for Tactical Data
Link and Satellite Communications systems. In addition to the
very distinctive rotodome, another distinguishing aircraft exterior
feature is the CEC End Fire Array (EFA) antenna. This 54-inch
antenna with the associated fairing presents a noticeable bulge
below the entrance hatch located on the aft aircraft belly.
The aircraft has sufficient interior space to accommodate 6 additional
research project operator stations, with Intercommunication System
and navigation data, wing wiring for 6 external wing mounted
pods, fore and aft mounted antenna platforms, retractable Infra-Red
Detection System turret in the nose to accommodate EO projects,
an internal electronics equipment mounting area that will support
up to 700 lbs. of equipment in a specially cooled equipment area
and additional 115Vac 60 cycle power for commercial off-the-shelf
equipment.
The multi-organization Integration
Program Team consisted of NRL, the CEC Program Office, the E-2C
Program Office, the P-3 Program Office (PMA-290), Naval Air Systems
Command Air Vehicle Engineering Division (AIR 4.3), Lockheed
Martin Aeronautical Systems, Lockheed Martin Aircraft and Logistics
Centers, and Northrop-Grumman. This team worked closely with
other government agencies and contractors in developing the Navy's
first rotodome P-3 aircraft.
Following initial air worthiness
and ground/airborne system integration checks, at the Lockheed
Martin flight facility in Greenville, South Carolina, the aircraft
will be flown to the NRL Flight Support Detachment, Patuxent
River, for government custody. The aircraft will undergo further
ground and flight tests and will support the CEC program with
the E-2C during the development and operational CEC testing and
then will serve as a superb research platform for the pursuit
of advanced surveillance technologies.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory is the Navy's full-spectrum corporate laboratory, conducting a broadly based multidisciplinary program of scientific research and advanced technological development. The Laboratory, with a total complement of nearly 2,500 personnel, is located in southwest Washington, D.C., with other major sites at the Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Monterey, Calif. NRL has served the Navy and the nation for over 85 years and continues to meet the complex technological challenges of today's world. For more information, visit the NRL homepage or join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
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