Internationale AEW&C ontwikkelingen

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

Sparkplug

Hawkeye to get HUD

16 SEPTEMBER 2020

by Gareth Jennings

The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft is to be equipped with a head-up display (HUD) for the first time in its near-60-year service life.

The carrier-borne AEW&C platform, which is currently the only US Navy (USN) aircraft not to be fitted with a HUD, will undergo the upgrade via the service's Hawkeye Cockpit Technical Refresh (HECTR) programme.

"For decades, we have improved the weapon system of the [E-2D] Advanced Hawkeye, but the cockpit has remained largely unchanged [from the earlier E-2C variant]," Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said. "HECTR solves some of our obsolescence issues and brings new navigation and communication capability. With the aerial refuelling-capable variant of the E-2D as our new baseline, HECTR makes it safer for our crews who must land on the aircraft carrier after many hours of being on station. HECTR is an essential upgrade that brings the E-2D Hawkeye Cockpit into the 21st Century."

Announced on 14 September, the USD34 million requirements phase for the engineering, manufacturing, and development (EMD) part of the HECTR upgrade contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman on 3 August.

"The HECTR is a critical redesign of hardware and software components of the current E-2D Integration Navigation, Controls, and Displays System (INCDS) as well as an integration of the cockpit solution into the weapon system. HECTR will use an E-2D Mission Computer Alternative, currently under development at PMA-209 [Air Combat Electronics Program Office], as part of its design. The cockpit redesign will allow the platform to achieve Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Required Navigation Performance Area Navigation capability," NAVAIR said.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login


Seen about to launch form the deck of a US Navy aircraft carrier, the E-2D is to receive a head-up display under the HECTR upgrade programme. (US Navy)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/hawkeye-to-get-hud
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

VIDEO: Aerial Refueling for E-2Ds Will Expand Reach of Carrier Strike Groups

https://news.usni.org/2020/09/01/video-aerial-refueling-for-e-2ds-will-expand-reach-of-carrier-strike-groups


An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye with VAW-126 is refueled in the air. US Navy Photo

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

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

Saab prepares GlobalEye bid for South Korea

05 AUGUST 2020

by Jon Grevatt

Saab has reaffirmed its intention to offer its GlobalEye platform for South Korea's recently announced programme to acquire additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF).

Saab told Janes that it expects the procurement to feature an initial two aircraft acquired through either an open tender or a direct acquisition. South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is expected to confirm the procurement method later this year.

A Saab spokesperson said that the company's offer will also include "both technology and collaboration projects" that match South Korea's future aerospace requirements and involve "multiple stakeholders from the military, government, industry, and other partners".

While detail on these projects will be expanded as the programme enters future phases, the spokesperson said Saab has already developed "clear principles and ideas for collaboration" as well as highlighted its own capabilities to local stakeholders, and "gathered information on Korean industry".

The spokesperson said, "Korea is a country with a highly skilled and developed industry opening several interesting areas for co-operation which we hope to explore further in the coming stages of the programme."

Although not confirmed by the company, this is likely to draw on Saab's existing industry ties in the country, which include strong links with LIG Nex1, one of South Korea's leading military electronics and missile manufacturers.

Saab and LIG Nex1 have previously collaborated on supplying the Swedish group's Arthur Weapon Locating System to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and on developing radar technologies.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login


Saab has confirmed plans to position its GlobalEye platform (pictured) for South Korea's recently announced programme to acquire additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. (Saab)

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-prepares-globaleye-bid-for-south-korea
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Parera

Volgens het goed ingelichte Italiaanse defensie magazine RID koopt Duitsland 3 Global 6000 vliegtuigen voor een bedrag van 750 miljoen Euro, dit gecombineerd met de in Juni aangekondigde verkoop van IAI Elta voor ELI-3150 Multi-mission Airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance (MARS2) voor een niet nader genoemde Europese klant zou er op wijzen dat de 3 toestellen omgebouwd gaan worden voor ISR taken. Daarmee zouden de Duitsers het mislukte Eurohawk project vervangen.

https://www.portaledifesa.it/index~phppag,3_id,3707.html

Umbert

Citaat van: jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter) op 17/07/2020 | 12:18 uur

Benk welke achterstand wij hier in Europa hebben als sommigen hun zin krijgen en wij uiteindelijk op (meer) op eigen (NAVO) benen moeten staan....

EU staat te ver van de werkelijkheid af ze willen voor minder als een dubbeltje op eerste rang zitten. Ze willen EU leger waar moeten we dat van betalen, NATO en EU hebben we nooit genoeg geld voor en sommige assets zijn NATO (AWACS, Tankers en heavy lucht transport), ze zullen dan een percentage moeten afspreken om het gemis van de VS af te compenseren we kunnen beter dat geld besteden om huidige samenwerking beter te maken. Er zijn namelijk dingen die kunnen wij als Europa erg goed zelf (Tanks, SPH, MTTR en ook AWACS en legio marine vaartuigen kunnen we met onze kennis denk goed zelf), maar probleem zal zijn dat sommige EU landen graag willen dat we alleen uit hun honingpot snoepen. We moeten ons gewoon wat onafhankelijker maken van de VS, misschien komen we dan ooit in een positie dat wij tegen de VS kunnen zeggen, doe eens wat minder hier. Maar dat zal wel en utopie blijven.

jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)

#54
Citaat van: Sparkplug op 17/07/2020 | 12:06 uur
Dat klopt. Hier is flink bezuinigd en daar niet zo. Al sinds de tijd van de Mirage IIIO en F-111C is hun vloot combat aircraft niet groot geweest en die grootte hebben ze vast kunnen houden. Hun AEW&C capaciteit is redelijk jong. Wat zij hebben had hier ook gekund. Echter waren en zijn de prioriteiten hier anders.

Bedenk welke achterstand wij hier in Europa hebben als sommigen hun zin krijgen en wij uiteindelijk (meer) op eigen (NAVO) benen moeten staan....

Sparkplug

Citaat van: Parera op 17/07/2020 | 11:53 uur
Dat is waar maar als je heel snel een lijstje opzet dan zie je ook gewoon dat de RAAF veel beter ''gebalanceerd'' is dan onze KLU

RAAF |  KLU

  • Combat Aircraft 96 | 46
  • AWACS 6 | 18
  • Electronic Warfare 15 | 0
  • Maritime Patrol 17 | 2
  • Tankers 7 | 8
  • Transport 35 | 8
  • Trainer Aircraft 94 | 13
  • UAV 22 | 4

* Hierbij zijn voor Nederland alle samenwerkingen mee gerekend (C-17 / AWAC & KC-30) en onder MPA vallen de 2 Do-228's van de Kustwacht.

Dat klopt. Hier is flink bezuinigd en daar niet zo. Al sinds de tijd van de Mirage IIIO en F-111C is hun vloot combat aircraft niet groot geweest en die grootte hebben ze vast kunnen houden. Hun AEW&C capaciteit is redelijk jong. Wat zij hebben had hier ook gekund. Echter waren en zijn de prioriteiten hier anders.
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Parera

Citaat van: Sparkplug op 17/07/2020 | 10:22 uur
Echter is de RAAF de afgelopen 45 jaar in aantal squadrons niet echt groter of kleiner geworden en hebben ze al deze tijd maar een beperkt aantal squadrons met jachtvliegtuigen gehad. Niet zoals de KLu met op een gegeven moment negen F-16 squadrons.

Dat is waar maar als je heel snel een lijstje opzet dan zie je ook gewoon dat de RAAF veel beter ''gebalanceerd'' is dan onze KLU

RAAF |  KLU

  • Combat Aircraft 96 | 46
  • AWACS 6 | 18
  • Electronic Warfare 15 | 0
  • Maritime Patrol 17 | 2
  • Tankers 7 | 8
  • Transport 35 | 8
  • Trainer Aircraft 94 | 13
  • UAV 22 | 4

* Hierbij zijn voor Nederland alle samenwerkingen mee gerekend (C-17 / AWAC & KC-30) en onder MPA vallen de 2 Do-228's van de Kustwacht.

Sparkplug

Citaat van: Parera op 17/07/2020 | 10:14 uur
+1 maat de Ausies hebben wel iets meer budget en ruimte dus wij mogen best kijken naar wat ze daar doen maar 1 op 1 is niet haalbaar voor de KLU. Wel qua struct/ opbouw is het een voorbeeld voor de KLU.

Echter is de RAAF de afgelopen 45 jaar in aantal squadrons niet echt groter of kleiner geworden en hebben ze al deze tijd maar een beperkt aantal squadrons met jachtvliegtuigen gehad. Niet zoals de KLu met op een gegeven moment negen F-16 squadrons.
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Parera

Citaat van: Umbert op 17/07/2020 | 09:39 uur
ooit werd er gezegd dat we een krijgsmacht moesten hebben qua grote van de Australiers, toen werd er om gelachen maar nu zijn ze qua uitrusting veel verder dan ons, ze hebben misschien niet altijd de juiste keuzes gemaakt en maar toch ze hebben een visie en voeren die uit. Qua luchtmacht lopen ze mijlenver op ons voor.

+1 maat de Ausies hebben wel iets meer budget en ruimte dus wij mogen best kijken naar wat ze daar doen maar 1 op 1 is niet haalbaar voor de KLU. Wel qua struct/ opbouw is het een voorbeeld voor de KLU.

Umbert

Citaat van: Sparkplug op 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.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login


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

ooit werd er gezegd dat we een krijgsmacht moesten hebben qua grote van de Australiers, toen werd er om gelachen maar nu zijn ze qua uitrusting veel verder dan ons, ze hebben misschien niet altijd de juiste keuzes gemaakt en maar toch ze hebben een visie en voeren die uit. Qua luchtmacht lopen ze mijlenver op ons voor.

Sparkplug

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.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login


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

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

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

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

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.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login


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

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

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

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.