The European VLBI Network, its new data processor at JIVE, and opportunities for expansion

The European Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network (EVN) is in the final stages of a major revolution in its capabilities. The new capabilities include improved astronomical receiver systems, greater frequency agility and new data acquisition systems at the member telescopes, and a new 16-station VLBI data processor at the central institute for the EVN, the Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE). The geographical distribution of telescopes in the EVN can be improved by the addition of a radio telescope in southern Egypt, the Abu Simbel Project. Its location well to the south of Europe means that this telescope would provide improved aperture plane coverage and image quality for measurements with the EVN.