Subsequent fliqhts were planned to further calibrate the upgrades and measure their performance. The mission system flight test programme is scheduled for 62 flights over the next several months. Under the Block 40/45 program, Boeing outfitted the Test System 3 (TS-3) AWACS aircraft with new mission computing hardware and software, upgraded radar equipment, and-navigation and communications systems. These enhancements are designed to increase the aircraft’s capability through improved automation, human computer interface and reliability as well as lowered life-cycle costs. These upgrades make AWACS a prime catalyst for network-enabled battle management and command-and-control capability. In service with the US Air Force since 1977, the E-3 AWACS is also used by NATO, United Kingdom, France and Saudi Arabia. Japan’s E-767 AWACS utilizes the same basic mission computing system as the current US Air Force E-3 AWACS.