Internationale AEW&C ontwikkelingen

Sparkplug · 17/07/2020 | 08:52 uur

Details emerge on Australian Wedgetail replacement

15 JULY 2020

by Charles Forrester

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has confirmed some of the broad outlines of the replacement of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF's) Boeing E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

A DoD spokesperson told Janes that the Wedgetail Replacement project, designated AIR7002 Phase 1, will commence in 2029. At that point the programme "is designed to begin scoping and risk reduction studies, informing potential platform replacement and technology options for the E-7A [Wedgetail]. The replacement of the [E-7A] Wedgetail fleet will begin in the second half of the 2030s."

The DoD is currently progressing a capability upgrade for its existing fleet of E-7A Wedgetail aircraft under the AUD2.3–3.5 billion (USD1.6–2.4 billion) project AIR5077 Phase 6 for approval by the government. According to the spokesperson, once the government approves AIR5077 Phase 6 work can begin to define AIR7002 Phase 1 capability life-cycle milestones such as initial operating capability and full operating capability. Following the completion of the AIR5077 Phase 6, which is anticipated for 2028, details for the E-7A project are expected to be released to the defence industry.

The result of these scoping studies in the future will help to understand the extent of the Australian Defence Force's airborne command-and-control (C2) requirements, which will help "to determine the best way to deliver these effects," in addition to the number of aircraft. The 2020 Force Structure Plan also recognised the need for an increase in the RAAF's AEW&C fleet from the current six aircraft.

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Australia is now working to replace its E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C fleet from the mid-2030s. (US Air Force/SSgt Michael Battles)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/details-emerge-on-australian-wedgetail-replacement

Sparkplug · 07/07/2020 | 08:51 uur

State Department Approves E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Sale to France

https://news.usni.org/2020/07/06/state-department-approves-e-2d-advanced-hawkeye-sale-to-france

U.S. and French aircraft operate aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) off the coast of Virginia on May 14, 2018. French E-2C Hawkeyes and Dassault Rafale M fighters shared the flight deck and hangar bay with American E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes and Boeing F/A-18E-F Super Hornets to prove they could operate as a single integrated carrier air wing. USNI News photo.

https://news.usni.org/2020/07/06/state-department-approves-e-2d-advanced-hawkeye-sale-to-france

Sparkplug · 26/06/2020 | 15:05 uur

South Korea approves plans to acquire more AEW&C and SIGINT platforms

26 JUNE 2020 00:00 GMT+0

by Dae Young Kim

As part of efforts to enhance South Korea's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities the country's Defense Project Promotion Committee approved on 26 June plans to acquire an undisclosed number of additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and signals intelligence (SIGINT) platforms.

In a statement issued that same day, the country's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said that the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is aiming to acquire foreign-made AEW&C aircraft by 2027 under a project budgeted at KRW1.59 trillion (USD1.32 billion) that is set to start next year.

Although, not mentioned in the DAPA statement, it is believed that the service is seeking to acquire two more Boeing E-737 AEW&C platforms to add to the four it has fielded since 2011/2012 under its Peace Eye programme.

DAPA said the planned procurement is meant to "minimise potential surveillance gaps amid growing security threats by neighbouring countries", particularly as foreign military aircraft continue to enter South Korea's Air Defence Identification Zone without notice.

As for the additional SIGINT aircraft, the agency said KRW870 billion have been earmarked for the procurement project, which is set to begin next year and be completed by 2026. No details were provided about the model or number of platforms set to be acquired but the move will be part of the RoKAF's Paekdu (also known as Baekdu) programme.

The RoKAF already operates six SIGINT platforms acquired under the programme: two modified Falcon 2000S jets and four Hawker 800 Peace Krypton aircraft.

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South Korea has approved a plan to acquire additional AEW&C aircraft to supplement the four E-737 platforms (one of which is shown here) it has fielded since 2011/2012. (Boeing/RoKAF)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korea-approves-plans-to-acquire-more-aewc-and-sigint-platforms

Sparkplug · 22/05/2020 | 10:49 uur

Boeing Chooses Leonardo to Provide Wedgetail Protection System Designed and Built in the UK

UK Defensive Aids System (DAS) will equip the RAF's five Wedgetail aircraft with advanced protection against the latest-generation threats
Thales UK, under a subcontract from Leonardo, will provide their Elix-IR Threat Warning System to the aircraft
Leonardo and Thales UK join growing group of UK-based suppliers on the Wedgetail programme

LONDON, May 20, 2020 -

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has selected Leonardo to deliver an integrated Defensive Aids System (DAS) for the United Kingdom's new fleet of five Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning (AEW) MK1 aircraft.

"This contract award is another milestone toward the UK receiving the world's most advanced command-and-control aircraft," said Anna Keeling, managing director of Boeing Defence UK. "We're pleased to be working with Leonardo to add this key component of the aircraft from right here in the UK."

Fully designed, developed and manufactured in the UK, the system will provide protection for the Wedgetail, which the Ministry of Defence (MOD) chose in March 2019, guaranteeing the UK the world's most effective AEW&C aircraft at a fixed price. The Wedgetail's advanced systems can detect emissions from airborne, maritime and ground targets, allowing crews to direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of an operational area.

"This selection reinforces Leonardo's position as the UK's defence electronics champion and builds on our great partnership with Boeing to equip the Army's new AH-64E Apache helicopters with a UK sovereign DAS" said Alastair Morrison, Deputy Managing Director UK, Leonardo. "We're very proud that Wedgetail will join Typhoon, Shadow and the UK's helicopter fleet in being equipped with protective electronics from Leonardo."

Leonardo will deliver the system from its site in Luton, using its Modular Advanced Platform Protection System (MAPPS) architecture as the basis, with the MAPPS Controller at the heart. This is the latest iteration of Leonardo's Electronic Warfare Suite Controller (EWSC). The Royal Australian Air Force uses EWSC on its Wedgetail fleet.

As part of the selection, Thales UK, under a subcontract from Leonardo, will provide its Elix-IR Threat Warning System from its facility in Reading, and Vicon XF intelligent Countermeasures Dispensing System from its facilities at Bury St. Edmunds and Glasgow.

About Boeing in the United Kingdom

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defence, space and security systems, and global services. The company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Boeing has a growing UK workforce of 2,500 direct employees across the country and spends £2 billion a year in the UK supply chain. In 2018 Boeing opened its first European manufacturing facility in Sheffield. For more information visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BoeingUK.

About Leonardo in the UK

Leonardo is one of the UK's leading aerospace companies and one of biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK Ministry of Defence. The company operates from 6 main sites across the country, employing around 7,000 highly skilled people. Globally, Leonardo is among the top ten world players in Aerospace, Defence and Security, with more than 49,000 employees and a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the USA. In 2019, Leonardo recorded consolidated revenues of €13.8 billion. For more information visit uk.leonardocompany.com/en/home or follow us on Twitter @Leonardo_UK

http://www.boeing.co.uk/news-media-room/news-releases/2020/may/leonardo-to-provide-wedgetail-protection-system.page?

Sparkplug · 22/05/2020 | 10:47 uur

Boeing Names STS Aviation Services in Birmingham as Key Wedgetail Supplier

Conversion work to bring more than 100 highly skilled jobs to the West Midlands
Work to be done at the site formerly operated by Monarch Aircraft Engineering at Birmingham Airport
STS Aviation Services joins UK suppliers Leonardo and Ridge on the programme

LONDON, May 20, 2020 -

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has selected STS Aviation Services and its Birmingham site for the conversion work on the United Kingdom's fleet of five Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Mk1 aircraft.

The conversion work – turning commercial 737 Next Generation airliners into a modern airborne battle management fleet – will create more than 100 highly skilled jobs: 90 with STS Aviation Services and 30 more with Boeing. The Birmingham-based employees will join the 50 Boeing employees already working on the Wedgetail programme throughout the UK, including at Bristol, Yeovil and RAF Waddington. The new work will be done at the hangar formerly operated by Monarch Aircraft Engineering at Birmingham Airport.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) announced in March 2019 a contract for five Wedgetail aircraft, guaranteeing the UK the world's most effective AEW&C aircraft at a fixed price. The Wedgetail's advanced radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles can track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously, allowing crews to direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of an operational area.

The Wedgetail is a proven aircraft that is currently in service around the world, including by Royal Australian Air Force, which used the aircraft on operations in the battle against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. It has been continuously improved since its inception, and it is the most capable aircraft of its type.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with STS Aviation Services in Birmingham on the Wedgetail," said Anna Keeling, managing director of Boeing Defence UK. "Wedgetail will provide the UK with the most advanced and reliable aircraft of its type in the world at a fixed price, and this work will provide good jobs for the many skilled aerospace engineers and mechanics in and around Birmingham."

Boeing and STS Aviation Services, which also operates a facility in Newquay in Cornwall, have already started recruiting in key areas for the new work in Birmingham.

"Being awarded this contract is not only great news for STS Aviation Services and Boeing, it's also great news for the Birmingham region, and a much-needed jolt for UK aviation," said Mick Adams, senior vice president and CEO of STS Aviation Services. "We have a long and favourable history working with Boeing, and we're excited that this work will be completed at our new state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance facility in Birmingham."

The first two US-based aircraft have been stripped to their frames and will arrive in the UK later this year. The first Wedgetail will be delivered to the RAF in 2023 and will based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. STS Aviation Services joins other UK suppliers on the programme: Leonardo, which will deliver an integrated Defensive Aids System from its operation in Luton, and a project management and design team from Ridge, which is working with Boeing to design the facility that will house the Wedgetail fleet.

The work was previously announced for Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group. Marshall remains a valued supplier to Boeing and the two companies will continue their partnership on other programmes like the P-8.

Boeing's command-and-control aircraft expertise began in 1977, when it first modified a 707 aircraft for the United States. With the Wedgetail, the RAF will join an AEW&C fleet of 14 aircraft in operation around the world with the Republic of Korea Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force and Turkish Air Force.

About Boeing in the United Kingdom
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defence, space and security systems, and global services. The company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Boeing has a growing UK workforce of 2,500 direct employees across the country and spends £2 billion a year in the UK supply chain. In 2018 Boeing opened its first European manufacturing facility in Sheffield. For more information visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BoeingUK.

About STS Aviation Services
STS Aviation Services operates three state-of-the-art aircraft hangars, two interior modification facilities and more than 40 line maintenance stations across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the United States. These facilities, and the expert personnel that call each home, fuel the company's drive to seamlessly blend a growing portfolio of MRO services to deliver all-encompassing aircraft maintenance, engineering and modification solutions to the global aviation industry. To learn more about STS Aviation Services and what makes it the company with "Solutions to Keep You Flying," please visit www.stsaviationgroup.com.

http://www.boeing.co.uk/news-media-room/news-releases/2020/may/sts-aviation-services-in-birmingham-key-wedgetail-supplier.page?

Ace1 · 20/05/2020 | 23:39 uur

Citaat van: Sparkplug op 20/05/2020 | 22:46 uur
Waarom zou UAE naast de GlobalEye (zie bericht #39) ook de Erieye willen?

GlobalEye:
https://saab.com/air/airborne-solutions/airborne-surveillance/globaleye/

Erieye:
https://saab.com/air/airborne-solutions/airborne-surveillance/saab-2000-erieye-aewc/

Another subject under review is the upgrade of the UAE AFAD's two older Saab 340-based Erieye airborne early-warning aircraft, with a range of options being considered.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-04-29/first-globaleye-handed-over-uae

Volgens mij gaat het om een upgrade van 2 bestaande systemen van UAE en is de radar op de GlobalEye gewoon een Erieye radar

https://saab.com/air/airborne-solutions/airborne-surveillance/saab-2000-erieye-aewc/

https://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/air/airborne-solutions/airborne-surveillance/globaleye/new-images/globaleye-system-overview_2.jpg

https://mb.cision.com/wpyfs/00/00/00/00/00/10/09/0E/wkr0011.pdf

Sparkplug · 20/05/2020 | 22:46 uur

Citaat van: Ace1 op 20/05/2020 | 21:40 uur
Wordt dus UAE of Zweden.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-04-29/first-globaleye-handed-over-uae

Waarom zou UAE naast de GlobalEye (zie bericht #39) ook de Erieye willen?

GlobalEye:
https://saab.com/air/airborne-solutions/airborne-surveillance/globaleye/

Erieye:
https://saab.com/air/airborne-solutions/airborne-surveillance/saab-2000-erieye-aewc/

Ace1 · 20/05/2020 | 21:40 uur

Citaat van: Parera op 19/05/2020 | 08:49 uur
Volgens de geruchtenmolen is het Pakistan of de UAE

Pakistan heeft al 4 Saab 2000 Erieye, daarnaast nog 4 Shaanxi Y-8 ZDK-03

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Air_Force#cite_note-World_Air_Forces_2020-96

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erieye

Wordt dus UAE of Zweden.

https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-04-29/first-globaleye-handed-over-uae

Parera · 19/05/2020 | 08:49 uur

Citaat van: Harald op 19/05/2020 | 08:35 uur
Saab to provide more Erieye AEW&C aircraft

an unnamed customer

Volgens de geruchtenmolen is het Pakistan of de UAE

Harald · 19/05/2020 | 08:35 uur

Saab to provide more Erieye AEW&C aircraft

Saab announced on 18 May that it has received an order from an unnamed customer for its Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C solution, under a SEK1.55 billion ($158.37 million) contract.

An undisclosed number of aircraft will be delivered between 2020 and 2023.

Saab will carry out the work in Sweden at sites in Arboga, Gothenburg, Järfälla, Linköping and Luleå.

The AEW&C system comprises the Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with the Swedish company's Erieye airborne radar and a range of other sensors.

According to Shephard Defence Insight, launch customer Pakistan took delivery of four aircraft between 2009 and 2010. Three of these were damaged in a 2012 terrorist attack, including one which was written off. The two remaining aircraft were repaired locally and returned to service.

Pakistan ordered three more Saab 2000 Erieyes in 2017 for $152 million. The final aircraft in this order was delivered to the Pakistan Air Force in April 2019.

In 2014, Saudi Arabia took delivery of two Saab 2000 Erieyes modified from secondhand Swedish transport aircraft.

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/saab-provide-more-erieye-aewc-aircraft/

Sparkplug · 29/04/2020 | 16:28 uur

UAE takes delivery of first Saab GlobalEye

By Craig Hoyle | 29 April 2020

The United Arab Emirates' first of potentially five GlobalEye swing-role surveillance aircraft has touched down in Abu Dhabi following a delivery flight from Linkoping, Sweden.

Arriving on 29 April, the aircraft was the second of three GlobalEyes prepared for the UAE, and first flown as SE-RMZ in January 2019. This asset had been used primarily for system-level testing, including of its data links, and command and control trials in support of the development activity.

Acceptance testing will now be conducted by UAE air force personnel, with this process supported by Saab's in-country team. It has already delivered training for the customer's pilots and ground-system operators.

A schedule for subsequent deliveries has not been disclosed, but Saab chief executive Micael Johansson notes that the company has a "rather tight schedule".

Once operational, GlobalEye will provide the UAE with the capability to simultaneously perform surveillance of airborne, land and maritime threats. Its sensor suite includes Saab Erieye ER airborne early warning and Leonardo Seaspray 7500E maritime search radars.

Saab launched the Bombardier Global 6000 long-range business jet-based GlobalEye with a two-aircraft order at the Dubai air show in November 2015. The UAE subsequently signed for a third unit, before Saab last November announced that it was in negotiations to deliver a further two.

Johansson says discussions are continuing with the UAE over the follow-on deal, which the company has previously valued at around $1 billion.

"We are still in negotiations, according to the plan," he says, adding: "I look forward to concluding that [process] as quickly as possible."

While Bombardier has progressed production to the Global 6500 airframe, Johansson says Saab has options to acquire two more green examples in the 6000 configuration to meet UAE requirements.

Johansson says Saab is confident of securing further orders for GlobalEye, with Finland, South Korea and Sweden viewed as potential future users. He describes adapting the system for Bombardier's Global 6500 as "not a major effort", but rather "an incremental work package".