Jimmy

Well thank you, thank you.

There is a block upgrade (40/45) in the works. From what I understand, its basically done...there are some tweaks to be made still, and the actual layout of the interior isnt sorted out yet, but the hardware is basically selected and tested to ensure all the different parts talk to each other well enough. Basically, it'll replace the decades old computer system, use all new scopes, new radios, etc. Same radar though. The AN/APY-1 and 2 are plenty good enough. Funding is (supposedly) locked in so the upgrades should start hitting the streets in the next few years.

There is no replacement planned, since the (appropriate) death of the E-10 program. The E-10 wasnt just an AWACS replacement, it was also to be the JSTARS on the same platform...not a good idea in my opinion.

The E-3 is still the best AWACS/AEW platform on the planet, though. The Wedgetail is awesome at what it does, but its mission is narrower so its more specialized.