Warplanes: February 6, 2003

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Over the next six years, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) helicopters will have their electronics upgraded and standardized in several different models. SOCOM operates 23 MH-47E, 11 MH-47D, 23 MH-60K, 46 MH-60L, and 42 AH/MH-6 helicopters. The upgrades for each will cost an average of some $270,000. The new hardware and software will feature much more computing power and larger displays (6x8 inches, up from 4.2x4.2 inch and 6x5 inch displays. The new systems will be able to handle information from more sources, like satellites. The new avionics will lessen the workload on pilots while providing more information more quickly.