TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A special ceremony took place in the 552nd Air Control Wing’s Maintenance Dock 3 June 24th recognizing the E-3 Internet Protocol Enabled Communications program’s half-way point. During the ceremony key program workers received certificates and program coins for their efforts to deliver increased communications capability to Air Combat Command’s fleet of E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.
The pending completion of the 12th E-3 aircraft in the maintenance and modification line here signified half of the aircraft contracted for modification by Boeing had been met.
IPEC is part of the continuing upgrades to the Boeing E-3G AWACS (Block 40/45) to provide permanent satellite-based, internet protocol enabled communications package support over high bandwidth classified and multi-domain networks. Messaging connectivity to E-3G aircraft provides chat, Air Tasking Order, Airspace Control Order, email with attachments and website download capability simultaneously. These functions are primarily used by Block 40/45 operator workstations for seamless integration and big-picture awareness for their command and control mission of providing airspace dominance.
Aircraft equipped with the IPEC modifications are discernible by a small, upper-fuselage rectangular antennae placed just aft of the wing center section.