Boeing has enlisted Leonardo to supply its latest software-defined radio, the ‘SWave® Airborne SDR SRT-800,’ for NATO’s fleet of E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Representing one of the few military assets owned and operated directly by NATO, the AWACS fleet is undergoing modernization by Boeing to ensure operational viability through 2035 as part of the Final Lifetime Extension Programme (FLEP).
Leonardo’s SRT-800 will furnish the AWACS fleet with secure and cyber-resilient communication capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-ground interactions. This level of security is increasingly vital for various military operations, particularly as cyber threats are a significant concern. Suitable for both civil and military applications, the compact size, weight, and power specifications of the SRT-800 enable installation on a wide array of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, whether manned or unmanned. As an ideal retrofit solution, a single SRT-800 radio can replace multiple avionic components that were traditionally separate, including UHF/VHF radios, SATCOM, SINCGARS, and a crypto device.
According to the contract, Boeing will incorporate the SWave® Airborne SDR SRT-800 into the mission systems of the E-3A aircraft. Since these radios are software-defined, they can be entirely reconfigured as required via software updates, negating the need for hardware modifications. This capability renders the radios highly adaptable and cost-effective for modifications. Importantly, these radios conform to the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) standard, ensuring maximum flexibility.
Initially conceived as an advanced radar platform, the E-3A has transformed over 30 years to meet the challenges posed by geopolitical shifts. NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Force has become a crucial element of the Alliance’s air battle management framework and continues to thrive through ongoing modernization initiatives. Leonardo’s SWave® Airborne SDR SRT-800 will guarantee that NATO’s AWACS fleet remains capable of secure, cyber-resilient communication until its anticipated out-of-service date around 2035.
