Internationale AEW&C ontwikkelingen

Gestart door Sparkplug, 23/03/2019 | 10:56 uur

Poleme

Citaat van: Parera op 04/08/2021 | 12:37 uur
Omdat op een gegeven moment het toestel / airframe ook outdated raakt. En een UAV versie is natuurlijk onbemand en daarmee dus een veiligere optie.
Er vliegen nog steeds talrijke Boeing 707's rond als tanker of als AWACS.  De meesten daarvan zijn ook niet meer zoals je grootvader zijn Boeing 707.  Maar voorzien van moderne turbofans en de oude 3 persoons stuurhut waarin ook nog een Boord Werktuig Kundige zat, vervangen door digitale 2-persoons cockpits.  Idem dito voor de E-2D Advanced Hawkeye versie.

Eind jaren 80 kwam Boeing op de proppen met een UAV-AWACS concept.  Het kwam zelfs nog tot een vliegend prototype met een spanwijdte van ca. 60 meter. 
Deze UAV-AWACS had twee turboprop motoren en was veel kleiner en goedkoper dan een E-3 Sentry.  Het E-2 Hawkeye heeft een totale bemanning van 5 koppen.
Het E-3 Sentry heeft een Flight bemanning van 2- 4 koppen en achterin een Mission bemanning van 13 - 19 koppen. 
Er waren heel wat waarnemers die vonden dat waarom een groot omgebouwd verkeersvliegtuig met ca. 17 - 23 mensen aan boord riskeren.  Als het ook onbemand kan in een veel kleiner en goedkoper vliegtuig.  Met een aantal UAV-AWACS-en die in een constante "orbit" zouden opereren.
Maar dat veel belovende project kwam nooit van de grond.

Tot in de jaren 90 had een UAV / drone 100 keer meer kans op een crash, dan een bemande kist.
In het eerste decennium, zo rond 2010 was deze crash kans al terug gelopen naar tien keer meer tegenover bemande toestellen.
Die veel grotere UAV crashkans maakt niet zo veel uit, als je UAV een slag kleiner of even groot is als een Cessna sportvliegtuig en slechts uitgerust met een aangepaste grasmaaier motor.   En je je drone buiten het civiele luchtruim houdt.
Maar UAV's worden steeds groter, complexer en duurder.  En we willen ook het civiele luchtruim in.  Gelukkig maakt de automobiel industrie en de ICT sector een enorme slag in de ontwikkeling van autonome cybernetica (= leer van de stuurkunde) en Kunstmatige Intelligentie (KI).

Ruwweg 10 jaar geleden maakten de X-47B, Taranis en NeuroN Low Observable / steelse UAV jachtbommenwerper concepten hun eerste vluchten.  Het X-47A Pegasus vloog al in februari 2003 voor het eerst.  De Boeing X-45 maakte haar eerste vlucht in mei 2002.   Deze X-45 wierp al vrij snel laser geleide bommen af.  Vooruitstrevende software, maakte dat het X-45 geheel zelfstandig / autonoom dreigingen kon detecteren en daarop autonoom ontwijkende manoeuvres en maatregelen kon nemen.
De X-47B bewees dat hoog subsonische UAV's ook konden starten en landen op een vliegkampschip en in de lucht konden bijtanken.

Zeer veel belovend, maar tot serie productie kwam het niet.  Publiekelijk zijn er nu ook geen plannen bekend voor grootschalige productie.  Misschien vanwege een politieke reden, om te voorkomen dat UCAV's de F-35 LightningII in de weg gaan zitten.
Veel waarschijnlijker is dat de stand van cybernetica en KI na ongeveer het jaar 2025 pas echt volwassen is geworden.  Om ook dure autonome steelse jachtbommenwerpers en zeer dure autonome AEW / AWACS te ontwerpen.
Het F-22A Raptor en F-35 jachtvliegtuig zijn in feite een evolutionaire tussenstap.  Deze zijn zo ver geautomatiseerd, dat ze in feite half-autonome UAV's zijn.
Dit geldt ook voor het LCF en ASWF fregat.

;D  En in Den Haag, Utrecht, Leiden en Nijmegen maar janken: Oohh wij willen geen 'killer robots'.
Nulla tenaci invia est via - Voor de doorzetter is geen weg onbegaanbaar.

Ace1

Citaat van: Parera op 04/08/2021 | 10:18 uur
Weer een upgrade voor een al oude kist, die Yanks kunnen ook niks nieuws ontwerpen  ;D Tijd voor een AEW UAV als je het mij vraagt of anders het V-22 (vervanger) concept terug oppakken.

Klopt niet wat jij zegt de E-2D is een ander toestel dan de E-2C. Een nieuwe radar en nieuwe propellers, dat zijn de uiterlijke verschillen maar intern is natuurlijk meer gebeurd.

Parera

Citaat van: Thomasen op 04/08/2021 | 10:36 uur
If it works....why fix it?

Omdat op een gegeven moment het toestel / airframe ook outdated raakt. En een UAV versie is natuurlijk onbemand en daarmee dus een veiligere optie.

Parera

Citaat van: Sparkplug op 04/08/2021 | 09:51 uur
Navy Plans Upgrades to Fly E-2Ds into the 2040s

https://news.usni.org/2021/08/03/navy-plans-upgrades-to-fly-e-2ds-into-the-2040s

Weer een upgrade voor een al oude kist, die Yanks kunnen ook niks nieuws ontwerpen  ;D Tijd voor een AEW UAV als je het mij vraagt of anders het V-22 (vervanger) concept terug oppakken.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

KAI to support Boeing in upgrading RoKAF's E-737 AEW&C aircraft

02 AUGUST 2021

by Alessandra Giovanzanti

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) signed a KRW18 billion (USD15.6 million) contract with Boeing on 28 July to support the US company in upgrading the Republic of Korea Air Force's (RoKAF's) four Boeing E-737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft with new mission systems.

The contract, which was announced by KAI on 30 July, formalises the company's participation in the RoKAF's 'E-737 AEW&C Performance Improvement Project', which is led by Boeing and includes upgrades to both the identification friend-or-foe (IFF) and Link 16 tactical datalink systems on the aircraft.


KAI announced on 30 July that it had secured a KRW18 billion contract to support Boeing in upgrading the RoKAF's four E-737 AEW&C aircraft. (KAI)

Through this initial contract KAI is expected to win future orders for this project and participate in activities such as aircraft modification, function check, and flight test support, according to a 30 July report by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency.

KAI pointed out that its partnership with Boeing builds upon the experience matured during the 'Peace Eye' acquisition programme in 2006 when KAI oversaw the assembly and installation of the Northrop Grumman multifunction electronic phased-array (MESA) radar and electronic equipment onto the E-737s ahead of final handover of the aircraft to the RoKAF.

Since 2011–12, the RoKAF has fielded four E-737s under its 'Peace Eye' programme.

As reported by Janes , the E-737 performance improvement project was approved on 29 October 2020 by South Korea's Defense Project Promotion Committee. At the time, the country's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said that KRW490 billion had been earmarked for the project, which is set to be completed by June 2025.

The project is mainly aimed at enhancing interoperability during combined operations between South Korean and US forces.

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https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/kai-to-support-boeing-in-upgrading-rokafs-e-737-aewc-aircraft
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

NAVY'S NEW 'EYES IN THE SKY' ENTER SERVICE READY FOR CARRIER MISSION

24 March 2021

The first of the Royal Navy's new 'eyes in the sky' has entered service – getting ready to protect the nation's flagship.

The first Merlin 'Crowsnest' helicopter – which scours the heavens with its radar looking for potential foes – will now begin operational training, ahead of the maiden deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth this spring.

The distinctive-looking helicopter – a large radar dome or 'bag' sticks out from the fuselage, earning the aircraft the affectionate nickname of 'baggers' – will provide airborne surveillance and the control of other aircraft (known as ASaC) in the carrier's strike group.

The new generation of 'baggers' pick up the mantle of the Navy's veteran Sea Kings of 849 Naval Air Squadron (now retired) – and like their predecessors will be based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, which also provides anti-submarine Merlin aircraft to protect the Fleet.

Training by aircrews to use the new system, which allows crews to conduct air and missile defence as well as strike command and control, has been underway since the autumn.

Captain Stuart Finn, the Commanding Officer of RNAS Culdrose said: "The delivery of this first aircraft at Culdrose represents an enormous amount of hard work, dedication and passion across the defence and industry enterprise. It marks a significant moment for the Royal Navy as we become a carrier task group navy capable of deploying around the world as a sovereign group or with our allies.

"It is especially poignant that these aircraft are based here at Culdrose, the home of 'the eyes of the fleet', and we are proud of our association with airborne surveillance and control and before that, airborne early warning.   

"These aircraft will work side by side with the rest of the Merlin Mk2 force to provide a world-class line of defence for our global navy, adding above water expertise to our already renowned submarine hunting skills."





The Merlins have been kitted out with new mission systems and radars from Thales Group by aerospace company Leonardo in Yeovil, overseen by Lockheed Martin.

Each helicopter has a crew of three: two observers (mission and tactical specialists) and one pilot. High above the fleet with their sophisticated sensors, they enable the carrier strike group commander to see, understand and react well beyond the horizon for any air or surface threats. They can also act as a control centre for strike operations between the carrier and the ship's F-35 Lightning jets.

Commodore Steve Moorhouse, Commander UK Carrier Strike Group, who will direct HMS Queen Elizabeth's first deployment with the help of his staff, said the new Merlins were the final pieces in the group's large, complex jigsaw.

"It's hugely encouraging to see the progress of the Crowsnest trials. Already one the most advanced submarine hunters, the Merlin Crowsnest will offer long-range intelligence and surveillance against surface and airborne threats, and the ability to command and control strike missions," he said.

"Coupled with the Wildcat attack helicopter, the UK Carrier Strike Group will soon operate one of the most capable and versatile helicopter air groups."

Commander Ian Varley, the Commanding Officer of 820 Naval Air Squadron, which is dedicated to protecting the carriers, their escorts and support ships, said his air and ground crew had been working tirelessly to prepare for the carrier mission; almost his entire squadron will be deploying with HMS Queen Elizabeth.

"The addition of the ASaC helicopters alongside our anti-submarine aircraft is a huge boost in our capabilities," he added.

"I know the men and women on the squadron are looking forward to working alongside the rest of the fleet to continue the Royal Navy's long tradition of air power at and from the sea."

HMS Queen Elizabeth is due to deploy to the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and into the Indo-Pacific region in an operational deployment with the UK's allies and partners.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/march/24/20210324-crowsnest-flies
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Sweden commits to future GlobalEye buy

16 FEBRUARY 2021

by Gareth Jennings

Sweden will procure the Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform to replace its ageing Saab 340 Erieyes, the country's defence minister disclosed on 16 February.


For the first time, Sweden has committed itself to a future procurement of the Saab GlobalEye AEW&C platform. (Saab)

Speaking during a Saab media briefing on Finland's HX fighter replacement programme, Peter Hultqvist, committed the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) to the GlobalEye for the first time, while noting opportunities for Finland should the Finnish Air Force (FinAF) select the platform alongside the Gripen E.

"There has been no formal Swedish decision on GlobalEye procurement, but that should be taken as our intent," Hultqvist said. "GlobalEye is a very interesting alternative, and a Swedish product. In a formal way, we are not there yet."

The minister's comments came some four weeks after he laid out his government's defence plans as part of a wider increase in national defence spending by more than 40% between 2021–25. In January, Hultqvist highlighted SwAF plans to replace its two Saab 340 Erieye platforms that have been in service since 2004. At that time, no details for a possible replacement were disclosed, though it was considered highly likely that it would be based on the GlobalEye that features the latest Erieye Extended Range radar technology.

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https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/sweden-commits-to-future-globaleye-buy
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

France to purchase E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft

Published: Jan 5, 2021

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- France became the second international customer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE), Dec. 2, with a signed Letter of Offer and Acceptance to procure three E-2D aircraft from the U.S. Navy, for a maximum value of $2 billion.

"The E-2/C-2 program office is looking forward to continuing a longstanding partnership with France and beginning a new chapter with the E-2D," said Capt. Pete Arrobio, program manager of the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231). "This procurement will increase interoperability among the U.S. Fleet and international partners."

The three E-2Ds are scheduled to be delivered by 2028 and will replace the three existing E-2C Hawkeyes of the French Navy, Marine Nationale.

The E-2D AHE, produced by Northrop Grumman, represents a two-generation leap in technology compared to its predecessor, the E-2C Hawkeye. The aircraft features a state-of-the-art radar and upgraded aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. The centerpiece of the E-2D AHE is the APY-9 radar system, designed specifically to provide enhanced surveillance detection and tracking capability against advanced threat aircraft and cruise missile systems in the overland, littoral, and open ocean environments. With the addition of aerial refueling capabilities, the E-2D remains the most advanced command and control platform in the world.

The French Navy becomes the second international customer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The Japan Air Self Defense Force has purchased 13 E-2D aircraft to date.

PMA-231 is responsible for providing the E-2C Hawkeye, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, and the C-2A Greyhound fleet with acquisition strategy, logistics and sustainment solutions.

Public Affairs Officer Contact:
301-342-3167


In December France signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to procure three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft from the U.S. Navy like the one pictured here.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 26, 2020) An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye attached to the Tiger Tails of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 125 approaches the flight deck the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during Keen Sword 21.

U.S. Navy photo

https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/France-purchase-E-2D-Advanced-Hawkeye-Aircraft/Tue-01052021-1105
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

UAE orders additional GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft

04 JANUARY 2021

by Gareth Jennings

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed for two more Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, bringing the Gulf state's total order to five.

The Swedish manufacturer announced on 4 January that it had received a follow-on contract valued at USD1.018 billion, running from 2020 (the order was placed on 31 December 2020) to 2025. This award adds to the original Swing Role Surveillance System contract for three of the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet-based aircraft signed in 2015.

News of the follow-on order came three months after Saab delivered to the UAE Air Force and Defence (AF&D) the second of the initial three platforms in late September 2020, with the first having been handed over in late April 2020. The third and final contracted aircraft is due to arrive in the UAE before the end of 2021.

As previously described to Janes , the GlobalEye platform is built around the Saab Erieye Extended Range (ER) S-band (2–4 GHz) radar that is housed in the same external dorsal 'plank' as the company's original Erieye system. Equipped with gallium nitride (GaN) and other technologies, the Erieye ER is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) system that doubles the radar's power efficiency compared with previous Erieye iterations. It has a range in excess of 650 km that, as with all AESA radars, can be dramatically extended by focusing the radar's energy in a particular direction. Saab has said the Erieye ER is resistant to jamming and features all-weather functionality in all domains (air, sea, and land surveillance), as well as an "extremely high" tracking update rate against targets of interest.

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The UAE has signed for two more GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft to add to the three already under contract and being delivered. (Saab)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uae-orders-additional-globaleye-aewc-aircraft
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

RAF surveillance fleet to be based in Moray

18 Dec 2020



RAF Lossiemouth will be the new home of the UK's fleet of Wedgetail AEW Mk1 surveillance aircraft, bolstering Scotland's key role in UK and NATO defence and security, Defence Minister Baroness Goldie announced today.

Delivering a step change in capability from the current E-3D Sentry, the Wedgetail is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple airborne and maritime targets, using the information it gathers to improve situational awareness and direct assets such as fighter jets and warships. The Wedgetail has previously been used by the Royal Australian Air Force on operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.

The Wedgetail will be co-located with the new Poseidon fleet, with the first four submarine-hunting aircraft already providing essential operational support in the area.



Operating both fleets of Boeing 737 type aircraft from the same location will further harness RAF Lossiemouth's strategic location and take advantage of the new £100m state-of-the-art facility and the recent £75m runway upgrade. The decision is also expected to support hundreds of jobs and provide a boost to the local economy.

"Scotland's proximity to the waters and skies of the North Atlantic is of crucial importance to the UK's and NATO's security – this is why important military bases such as HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth are located here.

Defence's latest decision to base the E-7 Wedgetail at RAF Lossiemouth demonstrates our commitment to investing in Scotland, and will complement and expand upon the success of Typhoon fast jet and submarine hunting Poseidon operations."

Minister of State for Defence, Baroness Goldie

The arrival of the Wedgetail in 2023 will also mark a return to RAF Lossiemouth for 8 Squadron, after an absence of 30 years.



RAF Lossiemouth is already home to half of the UK's operational Typhoon fast jet fleet, which conduct Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) to protect the UK's airspace, and complete NATO air policing duties on behalf of our allies.

"The UK Government has invested £470m in RAF Lossiemouth over the past two years, including a new £100-million strategic facility for the UK's new fleet of nine submarine-hunting Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, built by Elgin-based Robertson. Indeed this firm is also building the new shipbuilding hall for the Type 31 Frigate programme at Rosyth in Fife demonstrating just one of the many ways that UK Defence benefits Scottish business."

"The arrival of the Wedgetail capability in Scotland will provide clear additional security and economic benefits to Scotland."

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack

The Poseidon programme brought £470m UK Government investment in the coastal RAF base, creating and sustaining jobs and boosting the local economy. It is anticipated that basing the Wedgetail fleet will bring further investment and civilian and military jobs to Moray.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/raf-surveillance-fleet-to-be-based-in-moray/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

UK begins Wedgetail conversions

04 NOVEMBER 2020

by Gareth Jennings

Work has begun in the UK to convert five Boeing 737 airliners into E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning Mk 1 (AEW1) platforms for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Boeing UK announced on 2 November that the first fuselage sections for the first two aircraft to be modified had been delivered to STS Aviation Services in Birmingham.

"Section 46 is the part of the fuselage where the aircraft's [Northrop Grumman] multirole electronically scanned array (MESA) radar will be installed," Boeing UK said, adding that the first Section 46 will begin preparation for inclusion into a 737 Next Generation [NG] airliner later this month.

"The arrival of the first fuselage sections at STS Aviation in Birmingham is a significant milestone for the E-7 Wedgetail Programme, and an exciting opportunity for the UK as we begin the modification of these aircraft into a world-class airborne command and control capability," Air Commodore Richard Barrow, Ministry of Defence (MoD) Senior Responsible Owner for the E-7 Wedgetail Programme was quoted as saying.

As noted by Boeing UK, parts and tooling will continue to arrive weekly to the Birmingham hangar in preparation for work on the first two aircraft in January 2021. "Staffing is ramping up, with 60 hired by STS Aviation already and more than half of the Boeing staff are on site now. The programme also successfully completed two critical reviews with the MoD last week," the company said.

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An artist's impression of how the E-7 AEW&C aircraft will appear in UK service. The RAF is acquiring five such aircraft to replace its current E-3D Sentry platforms. (Crown Copyright)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-begins-wedgetail-conversions
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

The strike carrier's eye in the sky – update on the Crowsnest project

https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/the-strike-carriers-eye-in-the-sky-update-on-the-crowsnest-project/


The 'baggers'. Three Merlin Mk 2s now assigned to the Crowsnest test programme at Leonardo Helicopters Yeovil, 9 Sept 2020. This represents 10% of the Mk2 fleet. (Photo: Chandler Candy)
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.