"OTHER" AEW programmes

[buglerbilly]

DATE:09/04/10

SOURCE:Flight International

India requests deal for three more AEW aircraft

By Arie Egozi

India has requested a proposal from Israel Aerospace Industries to supply another three Ilyushin Il-76-based airborne early warning aircraft.

Worth a potential $1.5 billion, a new deal would follow New Delhi's previous order for three Il-76s modified by IAI's Elta Systems subsidiary. It would also stem from a defence ministry to further bolster the Indian air force's AEW capabilities.

The service should receive its second AEW aircraft in mid-2010 under the original contract, with the third to follow next year. Roles for the type include the tactical surveillance of airborne targets, and performing electronic intelligence-gathering missions.


© Indian air force

[buglerbilly]

India to get two more AWACS, other radars to make airspace impregnable

Rajat Pandit, TNN, Jul 19, 2010, 01.39am IST

NEW DELHI: India will go in for two more AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), the "formidable eyes in the sky", after the last of the three Israeli Phalcons already ordered is inducted in December.

IAF is also on course to induct a wide array of radars, from 19 LLTRs (low-level transportable radars) and four MPRs (medium-power radars) to four Aerostat and 30 indigenous medium-range Rohini systems, towards making Indian airspace as impregnable as possible.

All this is in tune with the crucial plan underway to set up five nodes of IACCS (integrated air command and control system) across the country, with the first one coming up in the western sector facing Pakistan, to plug existing gaps in the country's air defence coverage.

Seamless data transfer from civilian and military radars as well as AWACS, all networked under IACCS, will make it possible to get the "air situation picture" at a central place in realtime. This will ensure that swift counter-measures can be mounted to thwart aerial threats soon after they are detected.

"We have already moved the case for two more AWACS," IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik told TOI. These will be in addition to the three Phalcon AWACS already contracted under the $1.1 billion project finalised with Israel and Russia in March 2004.

The complex project, under which the Israeli 360-degree Phalcon early-warning radar and communication suites were mounted on Russian IL-76 heavy-lift military aircraft was hit by several technical delays.

Consequently, the first AWACS arrived in India only in May 2009 and the second in March 2010. The third is slated to be inducted by this year-end.

"Phalcon AWACS are tremendous force-multipliers. We are having an excellent experience with them. They will get their final operational clearance by October-November," said ACM Naik.

IAF's capabilities to detect and track troop build-ups or aircraft movements even deep inside enemy territory, much further than ground-based radars, have certainly registered a quantum jump with AWACS.

Apart from detection of incoming cruise missiles and aircraft from over 400-km away in all-weather conditions, AWACS are also used to direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy jets.

Moreover, IAF and Navy are also on course to induct nine more Aerostat radars after getting two Israeli EL/M-2083 radars in 2004-2005 for $145 million. Similarly, IAF is slated to begin inducting 19 LLTRs from October 2011 onwards, while deliveries of light-weight LLTRs will commence soon. Four MPRs are expected to be delivered by December 2011.

Incidentally, India is also pursuing a Rs 1,800 crore mini-AWACS project indigenously. Under this, the indigenous AEW&C systems developed by DRDO will be mounted on three Embraer-145 jets, being obtained from Brazil for $210 million.

[buglerbilly]

First Chinese AWACS rolls out for PAF

Tanvir Siddiqi

14 November 2010



Islamabad—The Rollout Ceremony of first Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS aircraft for Pakistan Air Force was held at Hanzhong, China on Saturday. The ZDK-03 system is an advanced Airborne Warning and Control System with sophisticated integrated sensors and communications suite. Pakistan Air Force had signed a contract in 2008 with CETC of China for the joint development of 04 ZDK-03 AWACS aircraft configured to Pakistan Air Force specifications Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by Commander PLA Air Force and other senior military and civil officials of China, a press release by PAF said here. Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman speaking on the occasion described this occasion as another milestone in the exemplary history of cooperation between Pakistan and China. He appreciated the efforts put in by all members of the Chinese team and Pakistan Air Force personnel who remained involved in the development of the system and its timely rollout. During his speech, he also emphasized on the long and enduring relationship between Pakistan and China. He said this system will strengthen the capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force to maintain peace with honour in the region. He also added that system is part of the overall Pakistan Air Force strategy of transforming its self into a lean and technologically advanced Air Force.

The Chief of the Air Staff also assured the nation that Pakistan Air Force would not spare any effort to make the defence of the country impregnable. Chairman CETC Mr. Wang Zhigang in his speech said “China and Pakistan have formed a special all-weather strategic partnership. Our cooperation is based on time honoured brotherhood which is not going to fade with passing time. ZDK-03 project is a milestone in the bilateral collaboration on national defence technology. It has received special attention and all time support from Government and Armed Forces of both countries. It is the best symbol of joint efforts made by national defence researchers from both sides.

I firmly believe the induction of Karakoram Eagle will be a positive impact on regional stability, peace and prosperity as well as, on the close bond between two military forces and two countries. ZDK-03 Project will be remembered and recorded in the history of China - Pakistan friendship, and it will be a new symbol of the all round strategic partnership of the two countries”.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:24/11/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Pakistan to receive first ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft

By Greg Waldron

Pakistan will receive the first of four Shaanxi ZDK-03 airborne early warning and control system aircraft by the end of January 2011.

The other three aircraft are likely to arrive later in the year, says the Pakistan air force.

"The ZDK-03s have been developed to our specifications," says the air force. "It won't be an E-3C Sentry, but it will have the latest electronics and everything an AEW&C aircraft needs."

The Chinese-built aircraft will have an active electronically scanned array radar, and its open architecture electronics will allow for future developments and upgrades.

Pakistan has also received its third of four Erieye radar-equipped Saab 2000s being acquired from Sweden, with the final aircraft likely to arrive in the coming months. The four-engined Chinese aircraft has a greater range than the Saab, say sources.

The ZDK-03 deal underlines the strong military ties between Pakistan and China. The countries have also jointly developed the Chengdu JF-17 Thunder fighter, of which Pakistan is likely to buy 200.

Purchasing AEW&C aircraft from two separate sources is indicative of Pakistan's strategy of not becoming too reliant on any one ally. The USA imposed military sanctions against Islamabad from 1990 until 2005 in response to its testing nuclear weapons.

The air force's current fleet includes Lockheed Martin F-16s, Dassault Mirage III/5s and Chengdu F-7s and JF-17s.

In terms of military transports, Pakistan flies Lockheed C-130s, but also operates Ilyushin Il-76/78 tankers.

[buglerbilly]

Japan – Mission Equipment for AWACS Aircraft

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued November 30, 2010)



WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress November 29 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan for installation and checkout of mission equipment for AWACS aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $119 million.

The Government of Japan has requested installation and checkout of four previously procured Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) Group A and B kits in E-767 Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). Also provided are the transportation of the E-767s to/from Japan, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor personnel support services, and other related program elements to ensure complete AWACS mission equipment supportability.

The estimated cost is $119 million.

Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan with developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the region. The proposed sale is consistent with U.S. objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

Japan previously purchased four sets of AWACS RSIP Group A and B kits mission equipment to enhance the operational capability of its E-767 radar electronic counter-measures, and now requires this Installation and Checkout to integrate extended Airborne Early Warning (AEW) capability as well as enhanced command, control and communications (C3).

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Boeing Aerospace Company in Seattle, Washington. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Japan.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

E-2D Begins Carrier Suitability Testing Aboard CVN 75

(Source: US Naval Air Systems Command; issued February 1, 2011)


An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye lands on the USS Harry S. Truman to begin its Carrier Suitability Testing. (Northrop photo)

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, MD –-- The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the Navy’s newest airborne early warning and command and control aircraft, began Carrier Suitability Testing aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) today to assess its effectiveness in an operational environment.

During this test phase, all aspects of aviation/ship integration are addressed, including logistics, manpower and interoperability, as well as catapult and arrested landing structural tests.

Aircraft 501, flight test team and pilots assigned to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20) here are being used to test the aircraft aboard the CVN 75.

“(The) Truman is here to provide the squadron with the platform it needs to perform testing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Moss, an aircraft handler aboard the Truman. “We will be supporting its test equipment on board, as well as aiding them in launch and recovery efforts.”

Suitability testing for the E-2D is scheduled to continue through Monday. During that time, VX-20 will monitor the aircraft’s performance and determine if it is effective in the operational shipboard environment.

“We will make our determinations based on any discrepancies with the airframe or whether we see any gaps in the anticipated capability,” said Cmdr. Mike Santomauro, flight test director. “We have about 200 test points we are trying to accomplish.”

Santomauro said testing is going well and that through developmental tests the team is moving toward determining if the aircraft is suitable for use.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will not provide a significant change in the mission of early warning and control; however it will enable the aircraft to perform its mission with greater improvements.

The new aircraft will be able to scan a larger area, detect smaller objects and process information quickly than its predecessor, the E-2C. The aircrews will be able to accomplish these tasks through improved all-glass cockpits and tactical operator stations.

“This new platform features state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems,” said Capt Shane Gahagan, Hawkeye, Advanced Hawkeye and Greyhound Program Office (PMA-231) here. “The E-2D continues the Navy’s integrated war fighting legacy by providing broad area coverage resulting in increased range capabilities. With the E-2D’s enhanced ability to work in the littoral areas and over land, the platform provides a critical capability to protect our nation’s interests.”

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Sweden to deliver an early warning air-borne system to UAE in April

Haseeb Haider

16 March 2011

ABU DHABI — Sweden’s Saab Group, one of the leading global defence contractors, will deliver to the UAE next month the second of the two Erieye long range Airborne Early Warning & Control systems.

“The Swedish firm won a deal in November 2009, to sell two latest early warning systems to the UAE,” to beef up its ariel and on land surveillance, Magnus Scholdtz, Sweden Ambassador said.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion of opening of the Middle East’s largest IKEA store on Yas Island, he said each system will cost Dh750 million.

“It marks the growing trade and economic ties between the UAE and Sweden,“ he said.

“We’ve offered to the UAE to sell four more such aircraft... it is up to the UAE to decide,” the ambassador said.

“The surveillance system will map whatever is happening in the air and in waters by producing a real time picture of the neighbourhood, “the ambassador said. The information obtained can be used for border surveillance, rescue operations as well as in combating terrorism and organised crime. The ambassador said that Sweden’s trade with the UAE is growing and despite the global financial crisis in the last two years, it has grown to $1 billion in 2010, which is higher than what was reported in the previous year.

Ambassador Magnus was pretty satisfied with the size of the trade between the two nations, as Sweden is ‘self sufficient’ in its energy needs, and does not import oil and gas from the UAE.

“We generate 40 per cent of our electric power from hydro resources, another 40 per cent comes from nuclear reactors while the rest is generated from renewable resources,”, he said.

Sweden’s economy, which was hit by the global economic crisis, he said was fast recovering with economic growth rate expected to grow 7.3 per cent this year.

About the home furnishing chain of stores IKEA, the ambassador said it was part of Sweden’s flagship companies, who were playing their role in boosting the economy.

“The company is planning to set up another outlet in Dubai, while a store will be opened in Qatar’s capital Doha and one will open its doors to customers in Egypt this year, l giving it a footprint in North Africa’s biggest economy.
—haseeb@khaleejtimes.com

[buglerbilly]

DATE:04/05/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Elta Systems outlines Peruvian surveillance proposal

By Arie Egozi

Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary Elta Systems has offered a multi-sensor equipment package to meet Peru's wide-ranging Sivan surveillance requirement.

Key elements of the bid - which is being made in co-operation with Peruvian companies - include the use of Gulfstream G550 business jets modified with airborne early warning payloads, plus smaller patrol aircraft to support homeland security missions.

IAI is looking for new customers for its G550-based surveillance aircraft, having so far delivered AEW-roled examples to Israel (below) and Singapore, plus a signals intelligence version to the Israeli air force.


© Israel Aerospace Industries

Further systems include a real-time intelligence centre, advanced multi-mission radars and a derivative of Rafael's Iron Dome air defence system.

Peru's Sivan project is aimed at protecting the Amazon rainforest against actions such as drug smuggling, illegal logging and the exploitation of natural resources. Lima has allocated about $1 billion to the programme.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Airbus Military C295 AWACS: Will It Take Off?

Posted by Robert Wall at 5/18/2011 4:41 AM CDT

Airbus Military as early as next month could be flying a C295 prototype modified for use as an airborne early warning and control system following a self-funded technology assessment effort.

Three months of flight testing are planned, says Miguel-Angel Morrell Fuentes, Airbus Military Head of Engineering.


(Photo: Airbus Military concept)

It is a crowded market, but Airbus hopes that the operating cost benefits for the C295 will help it secure customers.

The feasibility study was launched in the second half of last year and concluded around year end, before a decision was taken to build the prototype.

The dummy rotodome was installed on the C295 on May 17. It measures around 6 meters in diameter. Airbus Military has opted for a rotodome because it provides better performance with 360 deg. coverage, Morrell says.

Flight testing will look at the drag effects of the radar.

No specific radar has been selected at this point. Those decisions would not be made until the company decides to actually launch a program. The engineering assessment of flight testing first needs to be completed.

[buglerbilly]

A bit more on this with much better photoshop'd pics........

DATE:18/05/11

SOURCE:Flightglobal.com

PICTURES: Airbus Military lifts veil on C-295 AEW study

By Craig Hoyle

Airbus Military is to perform a three-month test campaign aimed at demonstrating the C-295 transport’s suitability as an airborne early warning aircraft, the company has revealed.

A C-295 development aircraft had a dummy rotodome installed above its fuselage at Airbus Military’s San Pablo final assembly site near Seville, Spain, on 17 May. Roughly 6m (19.7ft) in diameter, this will be assessed during flight tests to commence later this month, said Miguel-Angel Morell Fuentes, senior vice-president engineering.


Artist's rendering © Airbus Military

“We want to see the aerodynamic effects of carrying the rotodome and identify any requirements for fuselage and cooling power changes,” he said. Study work on the concept started in the second half of 2010, with the rotodome design having been selected due to its ability to provide 360° surveillance coverage.

Windtunnel testing has already been conducted at DNW in the Netherlands using a 1/12th-scale model in two configurations: with and without winglets also installed (below). This followed computational fluid dynamics work intended to find the optimal position and angle for the rotodome to minimise its effect on the transport’s vertical fin.


© Airbus Military

If advanced, the AEW programme could deliver an aircraft with between four and six onboard operator consoles and an unrefuelled mission endurance of 7-8h, according to the company’s early estimates. The engineering work so far has not considered possible candidate radar systems for the C-295, however.

Assessment of the rotodome design could also have utility for any future AEW adaptation of the Airbus A319 or A320, said Airbus Military.

[buglerbilly]

First Airbus Military C295 with AEW&C Rotodome Completes Maiden Flight

(Source: Airbus Military; issued June 8, 2011)


EADS is developing an airborne early warning and control version of the C295 transport, and has now flown a trials aircraft fitted with a large, circular radome. (Airbus Military photo)

The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning sand Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight on 7th June 2011 at Airbus Military’s site in Seville (Spain).

The flight follows extensive research and development work, including wind tunnel testing, leading to the conversion of a C295 to be fitted with the in-house developed rotodome.

The aircraft took off at 17h16 local time (15h16 UTC) and landed at 20h04 local time (18h04 UTC), after a flight lasting 2h48 (wheels off – wheels down). The experimental test pilot Alejandro Madurga captained the flight together with co-pilot Alfonso de Castro, the Flight Test Engineer Juan José Baeza, and the Test Flight Engineer Antonio Ojeda.

The objective of the trials is to verify the aerodynamic and structural impact of the rotodome on the aircraft’s overall structure, handling qualities and performance. The six metre diameter rotodome fitted for the initial trials is a fixed dummy structure. On production aircraft the rotodome would be a fast-rotating device housing a state-of-the-art radar providing full 360 degree and continuous coverage of a selected area.

“This first flight confirmed to us that the C295 is an excellent platform to support such a rotodome”, said Alejandro Maurga after the flight. The behavior of the aircraft and its flying characteristics were very satisfactory and as expected”.

Flight testing will continue during the next three months to complete the feasibility study and fully validate the concept.

Airbus Military’s C295 is an ideal platform for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) missions. The C295 is currently used for other Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance applications such as maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare or environmental protection missions, to list just a few. The C295 is a simple but robust platform with proven reliability, used in conflict operations for defence and homeland security missions. It is adaptable to the AEW&C role thanks to its versatility and the largest cabin in its class. The in-house developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) enables the integration of on-board sensors, including operation and monitoring of the future radar system and display of the aerial picture.

The current AEW&C trials are to demonstrate the C295’s capability in this sector and thereby expand its range of applications. With the C295, Airbus Military has the tool to open up a new market segment for affordable high-performance AEW&C systems.

The new generation C295 is the ideal aircraft for military transport and civic missions such as humanitarian aid, homeland security, maritime patrol, and environmental surveillance. Thanks to its robustness and reliability, and with simple systems, this medium sized tactical airlifter provides the wide versatility and flexibility required for personnel, troop and bulky/palletized cargo transportation, casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties, or certified air-dropping capabilities.

It is fitted with both civil and military technology equipment which ensures success on demanding tactical missions, as well as growth potential for future equipment installation, and compatibility with the latest civil airspace environment. The 295 is part of Airbus Military’s family of light and medium airlifters which also includes the smaller C212 and CN235 platforms.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

CN-295 AEW Prototype Makes Public Debut

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 20th, 2011 | Paris Air Show 2011


C-295 AEW Prototype / Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston

Airbus Military only revealed its existence in May, but a month later the airborne early warning prototype of the CN-295 was making its public debut as the Paris Air Show opened here today.

Parked on the apron next to the huge A380 airliner of Korean Air, the machine sports a 19.7-foot dummy rotordome à la the E-3 Sentry or E-2C Hawkeye. The aircraft is the focal point of a three-month flight test period aimed at assessing its handling qualities ahead of a decision whether to commercialize the design.

Executives took the wraps off the aircraft during a mid-May briefing with reporters in Seville, Spain, the production home of Airbus Military.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:21/06/11

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

PARIS: PICTURE - AEW-themed C-295 makes public debut

By Craig Hoyle

Airbus Military has brought a surprise debutante to the show, with its airborne early warning-styled C-295 having first been flown in modified form just three weeks ago.

Now equipped with a roughly 6m (20ft)-diameter rotodome, the aircraft provides a glimpse of a possible future variant of the C-295, which has already seen use as a medium transport, maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.


© Billypix

Launched near Seville, Spain, on 7 June, a roughly three-month flight test campaign will assess the aerodynamic effects of the dummy rotodome's structural installation. Customer interest could drive Airbus Military to consider further development activities, with the company saying a production system could provide an operational endurance of 7-8h.

The work could also inform any future consideration to offer an AEW-configured version of the A320.

[buglerbilly]

A lot more detail on this AEW...............nice little package well suited for anti-drug tasks as well as pure Military...............

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Airbus Military and Elta Systems Introduce the CN295 AEW&C

Posted by Noam Eshel at 6/21/2011 7:37 AM CDT

Today, Airbus Military and IAI/Elta Systems introduced their joint development of an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system based on the Airbus Military/Casa C295 medium transport. The companies announced the cooperation during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the 2011 Paris Air Show. Each party is investing tens of millions euros in the program, expected to position both companies attractively to address the special mission AEW&C market. The aircraft, currently being fitted with a rotodome, will be equipped with a rotating 4th generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), combining effective flexibility of modern AESA with the low weight offered by the single rotating panel.



The C295 fitted with a rotodome demonstrator has already been conducting flight trials from Airbus' Seville facility since June 8th. The initial tests have shown that the aircraft is aerodynamically an excellent platform for this purpose. Elta Systems and Aibus Military are now conducting engineering studies to integrate the mission suite, including the AESA radar, maritime search radar, IFF, ESM and other sensors, into the aircraft.

The new system will expand IAI's position in the AEW market, particularly with the small and economically efficient turbo-prop powered platforms, which have an established market worldwide.

The C295 AEW&C has been designed to provide high-quality 360-degree surveillance, creating in real-time an integrated air and maritime situation picture and electronic order of battle. The AEW&C situation picture is shared with friendly forces via network-centric datalinks. The aircraft positions Airbus Military and Elta Systems in direct competition with the Swedish Saab Erieye system, considered so far the lowest cost option for AEW&C. According to Elta, the 4th generation system developed for the C295 AEW&C has about four times more emitters, is more powerful, more flexible and offers overall better performance, enabling positioning the antennae to provide best coverage of a given sector (120 degree) or 360 degree hemisphere. In addition to the aerial surveillance and tracking capability, the system also includes a surface and maritime radar, providing naval search, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI). The system includes Electronic Support Measures (ESM) establishing 'a new eye in the sky'. The combination of the rotodome and AESA enables high scanning rate, allowing the system to initiate tracks of suspicious targets in seconds, regardless of the target's aspect.

According to Domingo Urena-Raso, Airbus Military CEO: "last year at Farnborough we introduced the ASW version of the C295for Chile and this year we are opening a new market, offering affordable AEW&C. We are happy with the results from the trials we performed so far. Responding to the demand from military and HLS, for sophisticated, powerful and efficient yet affordable, lower life cycle cost we seem to be on the right track" he added.

According to Nissim Hadas, IAI Vice President, and president, Elta Systems, the reaction received from the launch customer is encouraging, Hadas said he was confident that the demand for the new aircraft will be substantial.

Credit: Airbus Military

[buglerbilly]

DGA Delivers Final Upgraded French AWACS

(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Oct. 12, 2011)

(Issued in French only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)


The French air force has taken delivery of the fourth and final modernized E-3F AWACS aircraft, which is now back into operational service. (French AF photo)

The Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) on October 7, 2011 delivered the 4th AWACS radar aircraft with a modernized communications system to the French air force.

The French AWACS fleet consists of 4 aircraft that have been in service since the early 90s.

True "flying sentinels," these aircraft are used to detect, monitor and control and conduct of military air operations.

In 2008, DGA awarded a 50 million euro contract to modernize these aircraft to Air France Industries.

In addition to maintaining compliance with changing regulations issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), this upgrade ensures continued interoperability and interchangeability with the AWACS aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force, NATO and the United States Air Force.

The project focused on:

-- Replacing and increasing the capacity of existing HF resources;
-- Modernization and increased capacity in existing V/UHF including new means of satellite communications;
--Replacement of radiolocation equipment, of the beacon and of flight data recorders;
--Adaptation of the operational mission software;
--Changing the system management communications.

After completing the qualification system of the first plane, DGA has received and delivered each of the upgraded aircraft on schedule, between early 2010 and autumn 2011.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Flying eye: Russia deploys new aerial radar

Published: 31 October, 2011, 17:11


An A 50 airborne early warning and control aircraft. (RIA Novosti/Anton Denisov)

The Russian Air Force has deployed the upgraded version of the Beriev A-50 flying radar.

Designers of the new Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS) aircraft have overhauled most of its computing hardware and software and combat stations, reported military spokesman Colonel Vladimir Drik.

“The aircraft underwent a deep modernization which took into account reports from the units where such vehicles are used. The result is a great improvement in a number of specifications of the A-50U AWACS,” he said.

Thanks to the upgrade the flying radar now has a greater range, improved target identification and better satellite communication capability. It can better track cruise missiles and supersonic aircraft and is more reliable overall, the Air Forces officer added.

The media earlier reported that the replacement hardware for the A-50U project allows it to track more targets and direct more friend-fighters. It also weighs less than the old equipment, which allows the aircraft to remain in the air longer before refueling.

The A-50 AWACS are based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport which first entered service in 1984. Russia had produced some 40 such aircraft over the decades. It is also jointly developing flying radar based on the A-50, designed together with India.

[geof]

.. Seems a bit of a strange platform with the C295 ... A320 would be more suited ... still small, but with greater ceiling, range etc.. either way they go will find it tough to crack the market ...

[ADMk2]

.. Seems a bit of a strange platform with the C295 ... A320 would be more suited ... still small, but with greater ceiling, range etc.. either way they go will find it tough to crack the market ...

For someone looking for a dual - maritime patrol / AEW&C capability it could be a very useful option. It's not intended to go up against an E-3C/D or Wedgetail level of capability, but rather Erieye and older E-2C Hawkeye variants.

Could be a winner I reckon.

[JimWH]

The thing is, the airframe is the easy part of an AEW aircraft. Simply proving that the airframe can support the load of the radar is a fraction of the real development work. The C-295 AEW is vapourware unless EADS has quietly done a lot of work on this off their own bat.

[buglerbilly]

India Mulls Additional AEW Procurement

(Source: Forecast International; issued November 8, 2011)

NEW DELHI --- The Indian Air Force is seeking government approval to order two additional Israeli Phalcon AWACS aircraft at a cost of $800 million. The order is a follow-on the $1.1-billion tripartite agreement among India, Israel and Russia in 2004, under which IAF inducted three Phalcon AWACS in 2009-10.

The purchase comes at a time when Pakistan has inducted four Swedish Saab-2000s and on the verge of getting four Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS.

The Phalcon procurement did not go smoothly. Delivery of the first three AWACS was delayed by more than two years. Then, there were major teething problems in them getting fully operational, with the Phalcons even being grounded at Agra for some time.

Indigenous efforts to develop mini-AWACS that would see airborne radar systems developed by DRDO being mounted on three Embraer-145 jets obtained from Brazil for $210 million have been hit by several delays and their project completion date has been pushed back to April, 2014.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

A Walk (in pictures) Around Pakistan's AEW Platform

Posted by Robert Wall at 11/11/2011 8:55 AM CST

The Dubai air show is providing a rare chance to get up-close with one of the Pakistan air force's Saab 2000 airborne early warning platforms.

Here is a visual walkaround of one of the aircraft, acquired in a contract signed with Saab in 2008, showing the various antennas for the radar and electronic support measures subsystems, as well as the self-protection suite:

[buglerbilly]

DUBAI: AEW bidders await UAE Mirage 2000-9 replacement

By: Stephen Trimble Dubai

9 hours ago

Source:

All three bidders for the UAE's deal for a large airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft now expect the state to delay its award until after an agreement is signed to replace the air force's fleet of Dassault Mirage 2000-9s.

At the same time, the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye strengthened its perceived status as the UAE's favourite in the competition, which also includes the Boeing 737 airborne early warning and control and the Saab 2000 Erieye.

A picture of the E-2D made a surprise cameo in a presentation on 12 November by Maj Gen Ibrahim Naser al-Alawi, deputy chief of staff of the UAE air force.

The E-2D image was shown by al-Alawi as representing the UAE's future AEW capability. Neither the Boeing 737 or Saab 2000 were included in al-Alawi's briefing.

Northrop officials said al-Alawi's presentation indicates the UAE accepts the US Navy's claim that the E-2D was purpose-built for detecting small missiles, which is also the UAE's primary mission for AEW.

Boeing vice-president of business development Tom Kohler, however, said the 737 platform with Northrop's multi-role electronically scanned array (MESA) radar offers more flexibility, citing the UAE air force's recent deployment of Mirage 2000-9s and Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60s to the Libyan air campaign.

A Northrop official on Boeing's team added that the UAE is no longer solely focused on the Iranian threat.

"The UAE's [operating area] is not just confined to the border regions," said John Johnson, vice-president and general manager of Northrop's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems division.

The UAE has delayed a contract award for the AEW platform for several years. The air force issued a request for proposals in 2006. It is not clear if the UAE intends to issue a new request for proposal, but each of the bidders confirmed that the UAE has received updated cost and technical information over the years.

In 2009, the UAE purchased a Saab 340 Erieye radar system as an interim solution to allow the air force to become familiar with the AEW technology and concept of operations.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Middle Eastern Erieyes

Posted by Christina Mackenzie at 11/15/2011 1:39 AM CST



Parked quietly a little behind some of the bigger planes at the Dubai air show is a Saab 2000 aircraft with an Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) radar atop. Only the grey-on-grey fin flash reveals that it belongs to the Pakistan air force, which is showing it for the first time.

Saab will not reveal how many of the aircraft were ordered in the SEK 7bn ($1.04bn) Oct. 18, 2005, contract, but five seems like an educated guess, given the number on the fin: 10025. The first aircraft was delivered in 2010.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have also bought two of the Swedish company's Erieye systems but on a refurbished Saab 340 platform like the one used by Sweden and Thailand. That came as a surprise order at the last Dubai show, and according to Sten Soderstrom, Saab's vice president for sales and marketing, the UAE are looking to buy more; but no announcement has yet been forthcoming. Sweden's ambassador to the UAE, Magnus Scholdtz, said earlier this year that “we've offered to sell [them] four more such aircraft. . . .”

There is a third Erieye customer in the Middle East, although not identified by Saab, and it is believed to be Saudi Arabia. The SEK4.5bn ($670m) contract points to more than one aircraft but fewer than five being purchased in a deal briefly announced by Saab in October 2010.

Photo credits: Christina Mackenzie

[buglerbilly]

LM brings Vigilance to export market

18 November 2011 - 10:56 by Beth Stevenson in Havant, Hampshire, UK



Lockheed Martin is preparing its Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Vigilance podded mission system for the export market, company representatives announced on 17 November.

Speaking at a media briefing in the UK, Neil Morphett, future helicopter programme engineer for the company, said that while looking at potential mission systems for the UK Royal Navy's Merlin Mk II helicopter, Lockheed Martin had developed this self-contained variant for integration onto 'any sort of multirole platform'.

It is understood that Vigilance will be exhibited to potential customers in Malaysia towards the end of the month, although company officials were unable to disclose any information on this.

The 300 kg ‘role-on/role-off’ sensor payload is designed for applications such as anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; ground and air surveillance; command and control; and search and rescue. It is based on an 'out-of-the-box' concept that is podded onto the side of aircraft such as a Merlin Mk II helicopter or the C-130 Hercules.

The company is also exploring a larger pod for aircraft such as the C-130, however, Morphett said Lockheed Martin’s intention is not to have multiple sized pods.

‘It is the same core computer capability as the Merlin Mk II,’ Morphett explained. ‘We are aiming it to be as minimally disruptive to the aircraft as possible.’

For 360-degree coverage, two pods can be added with one on either side of the aircraft, and the system only needs access to a single power source, with integration taking between two and four hours depending on the platform. As a cost-saving measure for customers, the system can be re-deployed as required, it was added.

The Vigilance already has ‘several customers’ Morphett told Shephard, covering a range of different aircraft types. He also said that there will ‘probably be another generation’ of prototype before production standard, although it should be delivery-ready ‘within two years’.

In development since 2009, Lockheed Martin is currently working on the second prototype for the system, with the first having had a fixed radar and the second a gimbal, although both types will be available depending on the customer requirement.

‘Dedicated platforms are becoming more and more expensive to run,’ a Lockheed Martin representative pointed out, describing how it was aimed at customers with ‘limited resources’ who cannot afford an entirely new platform for each different application.

Flight tests are expected to be conducted in the UK next year for three months on a medium-sized helicopter, although the specifics of the testing are undisclosed at this stage.

The integrated AESA radar on offer is being provided by Northrop Grumman. However, both companies admitted that each sale will be made on a ‘case by case basis’ and therefore the fourth-generation radar that Northrop is providing may not necessarily be the one integrated on a customer’s system.

Northrop Grumman representatives said it is ‘fair to assume’ that using the company’s radar would be a cheaper option because it is tested and works, and therefore is confident that potential customers with a lower budget would be inclined to pick it.

Representatives from both companies were quick to point out that they could not comment on the system’s connection with the UK MoD’s Crow’s Nest programme, going so far as to say that the programme ‘doesn’t exist’.

However, an industry source told Shephard that Crow's Nest was designed to replace the Royal Navy's Sea King ASaC capability, although a contract has yet to be awarded.

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin UK offers Vigilance AEW system to Malaysia

By: Craig Hoyle London

8 hours ago

Source:

Malaysia's long-held requirement to field an airborne early warning (AEW) capability will see Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems formally launch a product in the country in December.

Dubbed "Vigilance", the system combines mission equipment developed for the UK Royal Navy's AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin HM2 multi-role helicopter upgrade with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology provided by Northrop Grumman.

© Lockheed Martin
The pod-housed system has already undergone a trial fit on an AW101 Merlin helicopter

The latter draws on the company's APG-80 radar developed for the Lockheed F-16 Block 60 fighter and the APG-81 scaleable agile beam radar, being offered as an upgrade option for earlier versions of the type.

"We bring the same performance as a fighter radar, although it will be an APY- [AEW sensor] in function" said George Riley, Northrop's manager for surveillance systems business development.

Vigilance sensors will be mounted in self-contained pods and be capable of supporting tasks such as AEW, fighter control, and maritime and border surveillance, said Neil Morphett, system solutions engineering group manager for Lockheed Martin UK.

"We are aiming to be as minimally disruptive to the aircraft as possible. We just need power on the aircraft and a hard point for mounting the sensor," he added.

Each pod will contain its own cooling system and other equipment, while a system interface panel will allow for the rapid integration of additional sensors, such as an electro-optical/infrared camera. Pod installation should take less than 4h, Morphett said.

Carrying one pod mounted on either side of its fuselage, a medium utility helicopter such as the Mil Mi-17 would be able to provide 360° radar coverage, with each AESA sensor's field of regard being expanded by the use of using a mechanical positioner.

Other potential host platforms could include the Airbus Military CN-235 and Lockheed C-130 transports, with these to be equipped with roll-on, roll-off mission stations for up to four operators. Rotorcraft are likely to be equipped with one operator station, and the ability to downlink data to analysts or commanders on the ground.

One radar has recently undergone vibration testing at Northrop's Baltimore site in Maryland, with this to undergo three months of industry-funded flight trials in the UK from the first quarter of 2012, using a prototype pod installed on a "medium-size" helicopter.

The first production-standard system is now in manufacture, and customer deliveries could commence within two years, said Younus Mustafa, Lockheed's capture manager for the Vigilance product. The company will launch the Vigilance product at a Tangent Link conference in Malaysia in late November, before promoting the system at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition.

[ADMk2]

Seems like a pretty useful idea. I wonder if we can get some integrated onto the MH-60R's? Be pretty useful for a naval taskgroup that doesn't have a Wedgetail in tow...

Linked to SM-6 it would be a pretty sweet air defence option...

[buglerbilly]

Italian navy to launch AW101 early warning operations in March

By: Craig Hoyle London

59 minutes ago

Source:

The Italian navy expects to begin flying operational sorties with its AgustaWestland AW101 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system helicopters in March, following the recent completion of radar development work by SELEX Galileo.

Introduction of the HEW-784 sensor-equipped aircraft had been delayed to support the addition of an inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) function to assist with the long-range detection of maritime vessels, said Cdr Maurizio Loi, head of the navy's flight operations support office.

Completed late last year, the development and trials work demonstrated the ability to detect surface vessels from a range of up to 300km (162nm) using the ISAR enhancement, said Angelo Aprile, SELEX Galileo's head of capability, Italy.


© Luca Peruzzi

The illustration above is wrong, that is an AW-101 Maritime TTH Utility version as opposed to the ASW/ASuW or the AEW one both of which have 360degree radars under the helo hull...................I cannot find, however, a "real" pic to replace

Four AEW-configured AW101s will be used by the navy as part of a 22-strong fleet of the Anglo-Italian type. Ten have been manufactured in a maritime surveillance configuration, with the other eight roled for maritime assistance tasks.

Already delivered, the surveillance aircraft have until now been used to support anti-submarine warfare training activities. In addition to providing early warning services, they could in the future be employed as command and control assets, for example in support of personnel recovery missions, Loi told IQPC's AEW and Battle Management conference in London on 17 January.

Future development work on the HEW-784 could extend the radar's detection range in ISAR mode, and also add strip and spot modes to its overland SAR function, Aprile said.

[buglerbilly]

Found it............!!!

The top pic is an Italian AEW one, larger radome.................the bottom two are the RN (top) ASW Merlin and Italian (bottom) NH90 with much smaller radomes underneath.........Italian ASW Merlin bottom pic

[ADMk2]

I still think the L-M radar pod on the MH-60R and perhaps the MRH-90 is a good idea for the RAN too...

[buglerbilly]

AEW-themed C-295 clears flight test phase

By: Craig Hoyle London

10 hours ago

Source:

Airbus Military has completed initial flight test activities on an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) derivative of its C-295 medium transport, as radar supplier Elta Systems anticipates a first sale of the developmental system.

Work on the project was revealed in May 2011, before Airbus Military announced the Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary as its programme partner at the Paris Air Show the following month. The European manufacturer also exhibited a radome-equipped demonstrator at the event.

"We have completed the flight trials and matured the aerodynamic configuration of the radome," said Fernando Ciria, Airbus Military's head of marketing and development for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. This activity has indicated that a C-295 modified for the AEW&C mission could provide an on-station endurance of up to 8h, operating at a maximum altitude of between 20,000ft (6,100m) and 24,000ft, he said.


© Airbus Military

Up to six operator consoles would be installed, using Airbus Military's fully integrated tactical system mission suite, with Elta to provide its active electronically scanned array radar and related equipment.

Ciria cited the C-295's large cabin, robust design and reliability as supporting the proposed new role, and said operators could acquire other versions of the same type to meet their air transport, maritime patrol and anti-surface/anti-submarine warfare requirements.

Elta already offers AEW&C conversions of the Gulfstream G550 business jet and Ilyushin Il-76 transport, and completed deliveries of both types in 2011 under orders with respective customers the Israeli and Indian air forces. By also equipping the C-295, the company hopes to enter a new market segment, said Avishai Izhakian, deputy general manager marketing, business development and sales for its airborne systems and radars division.

"This solution can be purchased by many more countries not accessible to us with higher-performance systems," Izhakian told IQPC's AEW and Battle Management conference in London on 17 January. "The radar is currently under advanced development, and we hope to have our first customer soon," he said, adding that production deliveries could start within three to four years of a deal being signed.