DRAGON flys ahead

It's lift off for the E-3 AWACS DMS Replacement of Avionics for Global Operation Navigation (DRAGON) program, as the D-1 test aircraft takes off from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., on its way to Boeing Field in Seattle. The D-1 handover effort successfully concluded Oct. 22, 2014. The D-1 aircraft will first undergo a three-month demodification process followed by a modification Installation & Checkout phase that will conclude with a planned D-1 DRAGON delivery in early 2017. CNS/ATM DRAGON is a cooperative program with NATO that addresses DMS equipment issues and known CONUS and International Air Traffic Management restrictions, ensuring operational viability of the both E-3 fleets for worldwide operations and will provide unrestricted worldwide access to global airspace. The DRAGON program falls under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Battle Management directorate located at Hanscom AFB, Mass. (Courtesy photo by David Clavey)