BASE TAWS chosen to equip C-17 Globemaster

June 16th, 1999

The Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS) produced by British Aerospace Systems and Equipment (BASE), has been selected to equip the C-17 Globemaster.

BASE will team with Lockheed Martin Control Systems (LMCS) of Johnson City, New York, to provide the TAWS functionality, integrated in the Video Integrated Processor (VIP). LMCS is developing the VIP under contract to Boeing Aircraft and Missile Systems. The VIP will perform video processing and switching, and will provide a platform for the C-17's advanced navigation system, which helps the aircraft to perform low-altitude tactical transport missions.

Initially, six production-representative VIPs will be produced for flight evaluation and laboratory testing by Boeing. The US Air Force plans to forward fit the VIP on all future C-17s, and to retrofit the unit on the aircraft built to date.

BASE TAWS is adapted from TERPROM, an advanced Digital Terrain System, which is in service, or selected for incorporation on the F-16 fleets of the United States Air Force, along with the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark and Greece. TERPROM is also in use by Royal Air Force Harriers, Tornados and Jaguars, the Mirage 2000, and has been selected for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

TERPROM is a software product that correlates stored terrain elevation data, together with inputs from the aircraft's navigation system, to achieve an independent, drift-free navigation solution. This navigation solution is used to provide predictive and highly accurate terrain awareness information, tailored to specific aircraft performance capabilities.

The BASE TAWS for the C-17 will provide Terrain Awareness information to the flight crew throughout the entire operational envelope of the aircraft. Key system capabilities include state-of-the-art tactical Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) protection against terrain and obstacles, as well as vertical steering cues for low level operations.

BASE is a European leader in high technology defence and aerospace engineering. In addition to its navigation business, BASE specialises in motion sensing, radomes and stabilised sighting systems.

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