Celebrating ten years of continuous collaboration and partnership, Northrop Grumman began its relationship with the Lebanese Air Force in 2009 with the delivery of its first missionized Cessna 208 aircraft.
“Northrop Grumman is honored to celebrate the last ten years of collaboration and camaraderie with the Lebanese Air Force,” said Cary Ralston, vice president, defense electronic systems, Northrop Grumman. “We remain committed to providing affordable, game-changing equipment and dedicated support that ultimately prepares our customers with the ability to respond to their rapidly evolving mission requirements. We look forward to continuing our partnership.”
Over the years, Northrop Grumman has delivered two variants of converted Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, a popular single engine turboprop, to the Lebanese Air Force. Lebanon received two armed aircraft (AC-208B) and one intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft (RC-208B) that was later converted into an armed variant.
Additionally, Northrop Grumman has continuously provided in-country maintenance, on the job training and logistics support for missionized Caravans. The certified and battle-proven AC-208B Armed Caravan is an affordable, highly reliable solution that requires minimal personnel and facilities to operate and maintain.
The aircraft modification integrates an electro-optical sensor, tactical communications, video datalinks, a mission system operator console and aircraft self-protection equipment into the aircraft, as well as Northrop Grumman’s own wing hard points. The mission system operator console unites Northrop Grumman’s Mission Management and Fire Control System giving the aircraft precision strike capability with Hellfire missiles and provides day/night reconnaissance, and the ability to acquire, monitor and track items of interest.