Northrop Grumman Corp., The Boeing Co. and Raytheon Co. officials agreed to work together in developing the US Air Force's E-10A Multi-sensor Command and Control Aircraft (MC2A). This innovative teaming agreement covers the Weapon System Integration (WSI) efforts for the E-10A, which provides an enhanced airborne ground surveillance and cruise missile defense capability to the war fighter.
Increment 1 of the Air Force's evolutionary acquisition program for the E-10A provides for an advanced airborne ground surveillance and cruise missile defense capability. It uses the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon Multi-platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) radar sensor coupled with a Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) system that is being completed later this year. The teaming agreement covers the overall WSI contract, which is expected to be a sole source award.
Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman is anticipated to be the prime contractor and will be responsible for the overall program management and system engineering, mission system design, system integration, and flight test and airframe modification.
Primary responsibilities for Boeing include major structural modification design and kits, air vehicle analysis, and performance assessments and airworthiness testing. It is also anticipated that Boeing will be producing the 767-400ER airframe for the E-10A test bed under a separate contract with the government.
In addition, the teaming agreement anticipates that Boeing will take the lead for any Increment 2 analysis and subsequent activities, should the government decide to proceed with an additional increment. Increment 2 is not currently funded, but if implemented, is expected to support Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) with increased BMC2 functionality.
Raytheon's primary responsibilities include radar and radome installation, the self-protection system and support to system engineering, system integration and test for the cruise missile defense functionality.