Turkey Considering the Purchase of Two More AEW&C Aircrafturkey Considering the Purchase of Two More AEW&C Aircraft
4 February, 2016
4 February, 2016
ANKARA — Turkey is feeling increasingly threatened by tensions in the region therefore military and procurement authorities are considering a follow-on order option in their airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) acquisition contract.
If the government decides to go ahead with the option, it will order two more AEW&C aircraft from Boeing under the country’s Peace Eagle program.
“We are faced with a different threat concept than the concept we assessed previously when we ordered the four [AEW&C] aircraft. New [threat] deliberations may force us into new acquisitions,” a senior procurement official said.
A security official said that a follow-on order may be discussed and endorsed by the Defense Industry Executive Committee later this year. If such a decision is made, the purchase order will be added to the next 10-year procurement plan now being drafted.
“There are indications that the end user [the Turkish Air Force] may have to revise its operational requirements in line with a better coverage of Turkish airspace for early warning missions,” the official said.
In December, Boeing delivered the fourth and last Peace Eagle airborne AEW&C aircraft to the Turkish armed forces, which the company said would further increase the country’s self-defense capabilities.
Boeing Delivers Last AEW&C Aircraft to Turkey
The final aircraft came with upgraded software and a software support center to augment the ground support unit. In addition to the four aircraft, the Peace Eagle program includes ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance.
AEW&C provides advanced airborne surveillance and battle management capabilities, and can simultaneously track airborne and maritime targets.
Under a July 23, 2003, contract priced at more than $1.6 billion, Boeing was to develop and deliver four AEW&C aircraft to the Turkish Air Force in 2008. The program involved the delivery of the 737-700 airframe, ground radar and control systems, ground control segments for mission crew training, mission support, and maintenance support.
Ankara said in 2013 that it would impose sanctions on Boeing “for major delays” in the spy plane program, a top Turkish official said.
Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz said in April 2013 that program delays were due to the company’s failure to develop the system as well as other uncontrolled events within the program.
Some Turkish procurement officials say that the delays and snags in the Peace Eagle program left a “bitter after taste” in Ankara. Yet they say the program had a happy ending and operational requirements would always come before past hurdles.
“There were minor to major disputes throughout the contract. But what matters for the Air Force is which capabilities it thinks it must possess for better surveillance capabilities,” another procurement official said.
A local industry source said local companies involved in the Peace Eagle program would welcome a follow-on order.
“Turkish companies earned valuable know-how and technological capabilities from the AEW&C program — and work share. They would be keen to be part of a new contract,” a senior aerospace industry source said.
Turkish companies that worked as subcontractors of the program include Havelsan, Tusas Turkish Aerospace Industries, software specialist Mikes, military electronics specialist Aselsan and Turkey’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines.
The 737-700 aircraft are to be used as part of Turkey’s NATO capabilities.
ANKARA — Turkey is feeling increasingly threatened by tensions in the region therefore military and procurement authorities are considering a follow-on order option in their airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) acquisition contract.
If the government decides to go ahead with the option, it will order two more AEW&C aircraft from Boeing under the country’s Peace Eagle program.
“We are faced with a different threat concept than the concept we assessed previously when we ordered the four [AEW&C] aircraft. New [threat] deliberations may force us into new acquisitions,” a senior procurement official said.
A security official said that a follow-on order may be discussed and endorsed by the Defense Industry Executive Committee later this year. If such a decision is made, the purchase order will be added to the next 10-year procurement plan now being drafted.
“There are indications that the end user [the Turkish Air Force] may have to revise its operational requirements in line with a better coverage of Turkish airspace for early warning missions,” the official said.
In December, Boeing delivered the fourth and last Peace Eagle airborne AEW&C aircraft to the Turkish armed forces, which the company said would further increase the country’s self-defense capabilities.
Boeing Delivers Last AEW&C Aircraft to Turkey
The final aircraft came with upgraded software and a software support center to augment the ground support unit. In addition to the four aircraft, the Peace Eagle program includes ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance.
AEW&C provides advanced airborne surveillance and battle management capabilities, and can simultaneously track airborne and maritime targets.
Under a July 23, 2003, contract priced at more than $1.6 billion, Boeing was to develop and deliver four AEW&C aircraft to the Turkish Air Force in 2008. The program involved the delivery of the 737-700 airframe, ground radar and control systems, ground control segments for mission crew training, mission support, and maintenance support.
Ankara said in 2013 that it would impose sanctions on Boeing “for major delays” in the spy plane program, a top Turkish official said.
Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz said in April 2013 that program delays were due to the company’s failure to develop the system as well as other uncontrolled events within the program.
Some Turkish procurement officials say that the delays and snags in the Peace Eagle program left a “bitter after taste” in Ankara. Yet they say the program had a happy ending and operational requirements would always come before past hurdles.
“There were minor to major disputes throughout the contract. But what matters for the Air Force is which capabilities it thinks it must possess for better surveillance capabilities,” another procurement official said.
A local industry source said local companies involved in the Peace Eagle program would welcome a follow-on order.
“Turkish companies earned valuable know-how and technological capabilities from the AEW&C program — and work share. They would be keen to be part of a new contract,” a senior aerospace industry source said.
Turkish companies that worked as subcontractors of the program include Havelsan, Tusas Turkish Aerospace Industries, software specialist Mikes, military electronics specialist Aselsan and Turkey’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines.
The 737-700 aircraft are to be used as part of Turkey’s NATO capabilities.
Boeing Delivers Final Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft to Turkey fleet reaches full strength with four aircraft and ground support systems
KONYA, Turkey, 9TH December 2015 – Boeing has now delivered the fourth and final Peace Eagle Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Turkish Air Force at Konya Air Base today, completing the Turkish AEW&C fleet and enhancing Turkey’s airspace surveillance and battle management capabilities. This final aircraft includes upgraded software for the platform and the final element of the ground support segment, the Software Support Center (SSC). Previously delivered Peace Eagles will also receive this upgraded software soon.
Boeing has worked with Turkish industry partners Turkish Aerospace Industries, Turkish Airlines, HAVELSAN and ASELSAN to complete the delivery of the final aircraft as well as establish technology capabilities like the Software Support Center, updated mission simulator software and mission support center software. Turkey is currently the only nation in this region with this AEW&C capability. By combining Boeing’s innovative engineering with the expertise provided by local Turkish industry partners, they have delivered an advanced world-class airborne surveillance system to their customer,” said Aysem Sargin Isil, managing director, Boeing Turkey.
Turkey, Australia and South Korea operate Boeing AEW&C platforms. Based on Boeing’s 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft’s advanced radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles can track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The battle management capabilities allow mission crew to direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.
KONYA, Turkey, 9TH December 2015 – Boeing has now delivered the fourth and final Peace Eagle Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Turkish Air Force at Konya Air Base today, completing the Turkish AEW&C fleet and enhancing Turkey’s airspace surveillance and battle management capabilities. This final aircraft includes upgraded software for the platform and the final element of the ground support segment, the Software Support Center (SSC). Previously delivered Peace Eagles will also receive this upgraded software soon.
Boeing has worked with Turkish industry partners Turkish Aerospace Industries, Turkish Airlines, HAVELSAN and ASELSAN to complete the delivery of the final aircraft as well as establish technology capabilities like the Software Support Center, updated mission simulator software and mission support center software. Turkey is currently the only nation in this region with this AEW&C capability. By combining Boeing’s innovative engineering with the expertise provided by local Turkish industry partners, they have delivered an advanced world-class airborne surveillance system to their customer,” said Aysem Sargin Isil, managing director, Boeing Turkey.
Turkey, Australia and South Korea operate Boeing AEW&C platforms. Based on Boeing’s 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft’s advanced radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles can track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The battle management capabilities allow mission crew to direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.
Inside the ZDK-03 AEW&C
9 November 2015
The console stations of the ZDK-03 airborne early warning aircraft was revealed during Exercise Sea Spark, held in Karachi on Nov. 9. The photo was taken whilst Air Force Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah were on board the aircraft to observe the exercise.
9 November 2015
The console stations of the ZDK-03 airborne early warning aircraft was revealed during Exercise Sea Spark, held in Karachi on Nov. 9. The photo was taken whilst Air Force Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah were on board the aircraft to observe the exercise.
Saab to sell two Global 6000s with Erieye radars to UAE
10 November 2015
Saab will sell two Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS) to the UAE using the Bombardier Global 6000 as platform.
Both jets will have a new version of the Saab Erieye radar system that can simultaneously detect and track multiple targets in the air, on land and at sea.
According to Defense News, two UAE Erieyes using the Saab 340 platform will be upgraded as well. Photo Saab
10 November 2015
Saab will sell two Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS) to the UAE using the Bombardier Global 6000 as platform.
Both jets will have a new version of the Saab Erieye radar system that can simultaneously detect and track multiple targets in the air, on land and at sea.
According to Defense News, two UAE Erieyes using the Saab 340 platform will be upgraded as well. Photo Saab
10 Oct 2015
Egypt is to get an additional Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye
Egypt is to get an additional Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft.
It was announced on 15 October that the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) intended to award Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation a contract to provide the supplies and services necessary to deliver an ex-US Navy E-2C (aircraft A-97) to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) and get it operational within approximately three months.
The title of that announcement, which was posted on the US government's Federal Opportunities website, also suggested the work would include an upgrade to aircraft A-119, which was delivered to the EAF in December 2010.
Egypt is to get an additional Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye
Egypt is to get an additional Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft.
It was announced on 15 October that the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) intended to award Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation a contract to provide the supplies and services necessary to deliver an ex-US Navy E-2C (aircraft A-97) to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) and get it operational within approximately three months.
The title of that announcement, which was posted on the US government's Federal Opportunities website, also suggested the work would include an upgrade to aircraft A-119, which was delivered to the EAF in December 2010.
11 Sep 2015 Pakistan AEW Updates
SLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Kamra Aeronautical Complex has made the Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS)aircraft operational on Thursday. 15 million dollars have been saved due to the indigenous repair to the aircraft. Feasibility study of Gwadar deep waters shipyard has also been completed, reported Dunya News.
Pakistani engineers have repaired the AWACS aircraft, which is now available for service once again. The aircraft had been damaged in an attack by terrorists during an attack on Kamra aeronautical complex.
According to American aircraft engineers, estimated repair cost of the aircraft has been halved. At the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production, it was informed that the aircraft which had been damaged during Kamra terrorist attack has been made operational in ten months.
US aircraft maintenance engineers had estimated a cost of $ 30 million for the repair while the Pakistani engineers have repaired it in $15 million.
28 Feb 2015
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's Air Force (PAF) Thursday stood up its unit of Chinese Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft in a ceremony attended by the head of the PAF, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Though the exact location of the ceremony was not given, it is believed to have been held at PAF Base Masroor in Karachi as the prime minister was known to have been in the city that day.
Brian Cloughley, an analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad, said AEW&C "is very good news for the PAF – and for Pakistan" because it "will dramatically improve early warning capabilities which up until now have been comparatively rudimentary."
The ZDK-03 Karakorum Eagle is a dish-based AEW&C system mounted on a Shaanxi Y-8F600 aircraft. Though never confirmed, it has been speculated that the dish houses an AESA antenna.
Four were ordered in 2008 with the first delivered in 2010.
Air Commodore Syed Muhammad Ali, a spokesman for the Air Force, confirmed all Karakorum Eagle aircraft on order have now been delivered, but could not say if more would be ordered from China.
The aircraft join No.4 Squadron, which was first established in 1959 with Bristol Freighter transports and Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibians. The amphibians were used for maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue, and casualty evacuation alongside Sikorsky H-19D helicopters. The HU-16s were retired in 1968 and the H-19Ds in 1969.
The unit was then "number-plated" until officially re-equipped with the Karakorum Eagle.
The four Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft join the surviving three Saab Erieye AEW&C aircraft ordered in 2005 and delivered from 2009. One of the four Erieye aircraft was destroyed in a terrorist attack on Kamra Air Base in August 2012.
That the Air Force operates two types of AEW&C aircraft for the same mission has been much commented on.
Analyst Usman Shabbir of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank says the Karakorum Eagle's mission is "[b]asically the same job as Erieye but based in southern sector.
"To cover all the length of Pakistan we needed additional AEW&C aircraft and ZDK-03 was the answer due to political and financial considerations," he said.
Former Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail says the PAF was not keen on their purchase.
"The [Karakorum] Eagle was purchased rather reluctantly, under pressure of [then President] Gen. Musharraf, as a political expedient [Chinese appeasement], and not because of any reasons of technical superiority," he said. "It would have been more cost effective to manage a single type than these two vastly different ones."
Though he now believes attitudes have changed.
"Having said that, the performance of the Eagle has turned out to be surprisingly good, which takes some sting out of the initial criticism," he said.
Tufail says an absence of news of the fourth aircraft being delivered may mean it is undergoing installation of Link 16 datalink equipment to enable it to communicate with all of the PAF's aircraft, particularly its F-16s, and not just the JF-17 Thunders.
To date the Erieye AEW&C aircraft have been able to communicate with the Western aircraft in service such as the F-16, and the Karakorum Eagle with the Chinese aircraft such as the Sino-Pak JF-17, and perhaps the F-7PG.
Cloughley does not think this has changed.
"It's unlikely that the systems will complement those of the US, but cooperation with China is more important for Pakistan," he said.
PAF officials have previously told Defense News that this was impractical and would change.
Though perhaps not as technologically advanced as the Swedish Erieye, according to Haris Khan of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank, the two types of AEW&C aircraft have worked very well together with the installation of Link 16 compatible equipment throughout the PAF's aircraft fleet.
Combined, they have effectively covered the country and much of Pakistan's maritime area of interest.
SLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Kamra Aeronautical Complex has made the Airborne Warning And Control System (AWACS)aircraft operational on Thursday. 15 million dollars have been saved due to the indigenous repair to the aircraft. Feasibility study of Gwadar deep waters shipyard has also been completed, reported Dunya News.
Pakistani engineers have repaired the AWACS aircraft, which is now available for service once again. The aircraft had been damaged in an attack by terrorists during an attack on Kamra aeronautical complex.
According to American aircraft engineers, estimated repair cost of the aircraft has been halved. At the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production, it was informed that the aircraft which had been damaged during Kamra terrorist attack has been made operational in ten months.
US aircraft maintenance engineers had estimated a cost of $ 30 million for the repair while the Pakistani engineers have repaired it in $15 million.
28 Feb 2015
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's Air Force (PAF) Thursday stood up its unit of Chinese Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft in a ceremony attended by the head of the PAF, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Though the exact location of the ceremony was not given, it is believed to have been held at PAF Base Masroor in Karachi as the prime minister was known to have been in the city that day.
Brian Cloughley, an analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad, said AEW&C "is very good news for the PAF – and for Pakistan" because it "will dramatically improve early warning capabilities which up until now have been comparatively rudimentary."
The ZDK-03 Karakorum Eagle is a dish-based AEW&C system mounted on a Shaanxi Y-8F600 aircraft. Though never confirmed, it has been speculated that the dish houses an AESA antenna.
Four were ordered in 2008 with the first delivered in 2010.
Air Commodore Syed Muhammad Ali, a spokesman for the Air Force, confirmed all Karakorum Eagle aircraft on order have now been delivered, but could not say if more would be ordered from China.
The aircraft join No.4 Squadron, which was first established in 1959 with Bristol Freighter transports and Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibians. The amphibians were used for maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue, and casualty evacuation alongside Sikorsky H-19D helicopters. The HU-16s were retired in 1968 and the H-19Ds in 1969.
The unit was then "number-plated" until officially re-equipped with the Karakorum Eagle.
The four Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft join the surviving three Saab Erieye AEW&C aircraft ordered in 2005 and delivered from 2009. One of the four Erieye aircraft was destroyed in a terrorist attack on Kamra Air Base in August 2012.
That the Air Force operates two types of AEW&C aircraft for the same mission has been much commented on.
Analyst Usman Shabbir of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank says the Karakorum Eagle's mission is "[b]asically the same job as Erieye but based in southern sector.
"To cover all the length of Pakistan we needed additional AEW&C aircraft and ZDK-03 was the answer due to political and financial considerations," he said.
Former Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail says the PAF was not keen on their purchase.
"The [Karakorum] Eagle was purchased rather reluctantly, under pressure of [then President] Gen. Musharraf, as a political expedient [Chinese appeasement], and not because of any reasons of technical superiority," he said. "It would have been more cost effective to manage a single type than these two vastly different ones."
Though he now believes attitudes have changed.
"Having said that, the performance of the Eagle has turned out to be surprisingly good, which takes some sting out of the initial criticism," he said.
Tufail says an absence of news of the fourth aircraft being delivered may mean it is undergoing installation of Link 16 datalink equipment to enable it to communicate with all of the PAF's aircraft, particularly its F-16s, and not just the JF-17 Thunders.
To date the Erieye AEW&C aircraft have been able to communicate with the Western aircraft in service such as the F-16, and the Karakorum Eagle with the Chinese aircraft such as the Sino-Pak JF-17, and perhaps the F-7PG.
Cloughley does not think this has changed.
"It's unlikely that the systems will complement those of the US, but cooperation with China is more important for Pakistan," he said.
PAF officials have previously told Defense News that this was impractical and would change.
Though perhaps not as technologically advanced as the Swedish Erieye, according to Haris Khan of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank, the two types of AEW&C aircraft have worked very well together with the installation of Link 16 compatible equipment throughout the PAF's aircraft fleet.
Combined, they have effectively covered the country and much of Pakistan's maritime area of interest.
Advanced Hawkeye Deploys & Export Version is Revealed
17 March 2015
After a $3 billion development program lasting 12 years, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft is making its first carrier deployment. “We’ve met every technical and cost milestone,” claimed Jay Mulhall, director of AEW business development for Northrop Grumman. Speaking at the Airborne ISR Conference in London, organized by Defence IQ, Mulhall gave new details about the land-based version of the E-2D that is being offered to international customers.
U.S. Navy squadron VAW-125 has embarked its five Advanced Hawkeyes on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), which is now en route to the Middle East. The Navy will receive its 17th E-2D this week; a total of 26 are in a $3.6 billion multi-year procurement (MYP) contract covering the FY2014-FY2018 period. Although outwardly similar to the E-2C Hawkeyes that they replace, the E-2Ds have new radar, ESM, communications and avionics that allow additional missions such as overland surveillance and network coordination.
Northrop Grumman is contracted to develop a fixed probe system for air-to-air (AAR) refueling capability on U.S. Navy E-2D fleet, for service beginning in 2020. This will extend endurance beyond the four to five hours available today. But for international customers who do not practice AAR, the company is developing a full “wet” wing that will provide 8 to 9 hours' endurance, Mulhall said. Japan is the first confirmed export customer of the E-2D, having chosen the Advanced Hawkeye last November in preference to the Boeing Wedgetail. The aircraft has also been promoted to India, Malaysia and the UAE.
Mulhall claimed that the open system architecture of the E-2D permits easier integration of the different datalinks, radios and satcom that an international customer may specify. He further noted that the MYP contract has built-in flexibility to accommodate export orders, thus “allowing international customers to leverage the $1.2 billion investment” over the period.
Unlike the radars on other AEW aircraft, the E-2D’s Lockheed Martin APY-9 operates in the UHF band. According to Mulhall, this provides unique advantages such as enhanced detection of low radar-cross-section threats, and performance in bad weather. “The E-2D can defend the carrier strike group against the most lethal threats in the world,” he told the conference.
17 March 2015
After a $3 billion development program lasting 12 years, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft is making its first carrier deployment. “We’ve met every technical and cost milestone,” claimed Jay Mulhall, director of AEW business development for Northrop Grumman. Speaking at the Airborne ISR Conference in London, organized by Defence IQ, Mulhall gave new details about the land-based version of the E-2D that is being offered to international customers.
U.S. Navy squadron VAW-125 has embarked its five Advanced Hawkeyes on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), which is now en route to the Middle East. The Navy will receive its 17th E-2D this week; a total of 26 are in a $3.6 billion multi-year procurement (MYP) contract covering the FY2014-FY2018 period. Although outwardly similar to the E-2C Hawkeyes that they replace, the E-2Ds have new radar, ESM, communications and avionics that allow additional missions such as overland surveillance and network coordination.
Northrop Grumman is contracted to develop a fixed probe system for air-to-air (AAR) refueling capability on U.S. Navy E-2D fleet, for service beginning in 2020. This will extend endurance beyond the four to five hours available today. But for international customers who do not practice AAR, the company is developing a full “wet” wing that will provide 8 to 9 hours' endurance, Mulhall said. Japan is the first confirmed export customer of the E-2D, having chosen the Advanced Hawkeye last November in preference to the Boeing Wedgetail. The aircraft has also been promoted to India, Malaysia and the UAE.
Mulhall claimed that the open system architecture of the E-2D permits easier integration of the different datalinks, radios and satcom that an international customer may specify. He further noted that the MYP contract has built-in flexibility to accommodate export orders, thus “allowing international customers to leverage the $1.2 billion investment” over the period.
Unlike the radars on other AEW aircraft, the E-2D’s Lockheed Martin APY-9 operates in the UHF band. According to Mulhall, this provides unique advantages such as enhanced detection of low radar-cross-section threats, and performance in bad weather. “The E-2D can defend the carrier strike group against the most lethal threats in the world,” he told the conference.
Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy Successfully Conduct E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aerial Refueling Critical Design Review
(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued June 30, 2015)
MELBOURNE, Fla. --- Northrop Grumman (NOC) along with the U.S. Navy have successfully conducted the critical design review (CDR) for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aerial Refueling (AR) system.
"The AR team continues to put outstanding effort into bringing this much needed capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye," said Capt. John Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231). "Aerial Refueling will enable the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to provide longer on-station times at greater ranges."
Under a $226.7 million engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract awarded in 2013, Northrop Grumman is designing, developing, manufacturing and testing several sub-system upgrades necessary to accommodate an aerial refueling capability.
Approval of this critical milestone demonstrates design maturity and acknowledgment that the program is ready to transition to the build/test phase. CDR also moves the program closer to installing this capability on new production aircraft. The E-2D aircraft already in service will be retrofitted with the aerial refueling capability.
"Achieving this critical milestone moves the program one step closer to fielding this much needed capability to the Warfighter," said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman.
Installation of the developmental Aerial Refueling subsystem and flight test instrumentation onto the E2D test aircraft will commence in the second quarter of FY2016 at Northrop Grumman's St. Augustine manufacturing facility. Flight testing for the AR-equipped E-2D test aircraft is planned for FY2017, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in FY2020.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.
(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued June 30, 2015)
MELBOURNE, Fla. --- Northrop Grumman (NOC) along with the U.S. Navy have successfully conducted the critical design review (CDR) for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aerial Refueling (AR) system.
"The AR team continues to put outstanding effort into bringing this much needed capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye," said Capt. John Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231). "Aerial Refueling will enable the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to provide longer on-station times at greater ranges."
Under a $226.7 million engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract awarded in 2013, Northrop Grumman is designing, developing, manufacturing and testing several sub-system upgrades necessary to accommodate an aerial refueling capability.
Approval of this critical milestone demonstrates design maturity and acknowledgment that the program is ready to transition to the build/test phase. CDR also moves the program closer to installing this capability on new production aircraft. The E-2D aircraft already in service will be retrofitted with the aerial refueling capability.
"Achieving this critical milestone moves the program one step closer to fielding this much needed capability to the Warfighter," said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman.
Installation of the developmental Aerial Refueling subsystem and flight test instrumentation onto the E2D test aircraft will commence in the second quarter of FY2016 at Northrop Grumman's St. Augustine manufacturing facility. Flight testing for the AR-equipped E-2D test aircraft is planned for FY2017, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in FY2020.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide.
US Air Force Airborne Air Control Squadron tests upgraded AWACS platform at Northern Edge 2015
26 Jun 2015| Chief Petty Officer Larry Foos, NE15 Joint Information Bureau Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Calmly soaring at 30,000 feet in the midst of nearly 100 fighters, bombers and refueling tankers executing a battle scenario, an Air Force E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveys every aircraft in a 300 mile radius, calling out commands, verifying target hits and sending aircraft back home safely.
Threat detection, improvisation, air battle management - it was all part of a typical mission for the E-3G crew of the U.S. Air Force 964th and 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron (AACS), Oklahoma City during Exercise Northern Edge 2015 in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex.
"We provide the command and control of the aircraft. It's our job to oversee what's going on, and in real time, make changes in the air," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Sprunger, 964th AACS mission crew commander. "We run the tanker plan so when guys need gas, we send them there. If guys need to fall out, we shift aircraft around. We're like the chess master of the game."
With as many as 24 weapons officers, surveillance officers, radar and communication technicians, and flight deck crew on a single E-3G Northern Edge mission, the AACS gained not only valuable, high-tempo warfare experience, but also met specific testing goals. The E-3G aircraft carries an upgraded computer platform for their weapons and surveillance scopes, known as the 4045. It advances their old operating system by about 30 years. Northern Edge enabled AWACS personnel to try the new system and they quickly learned the value of the new features.
"It provides more situational awareness," said 1st Lt. Breann Hermann, 964th AACS air weapons officer. "You can personalize it and now you can build unlimited airspaces. It's more reliable and more technologically advanced."
After each mission, the crew provides feedback how the 4045 system worked and offer potential areas of improvement. Overall, it's been a success.
"The system cuts down on (operator's) steps. The ease of use is drastically higher, and the tracking process goes faster," Sprunger said.
By the end of the two-week, biannual Northern Edge exercise, the AACS' squadrons will have completed approximately 15 command and control missions using both old and new systems. Both AWACS aircraft effectively brought dozens of aircraft in and out of the battle range safely and successfully hitting their targets.
Alaska's premier joint training exercise, Northern Edge combined approximately 200 military aircraft from all services to practice operations, techniques and procedures while simultaneously enhancing interoperability within the JPARC and the Navy's Temporary Maritime Activities Area located in the Gulf of Alaska. Some 6,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from active duty, Reserve and National Guard units participated
26 Jun 2015| Chief Petty Officer Larry Foos, NE15 Joint Information Bureau Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Calmly soaring at 30,000 feet in the midst of nearly 100 fighters, bombers and refueling tankers executing a battle scenario, an Air Force E-3G Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) surveys every aircraft in a 300 mile radius, calling out commands, verifying target hits and sending aircraft back home safely.
Threat detection, improvisation, air battle management - it was all part of a typical mission for the E-3G crew of the U.S. Air Force 964th and 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron (AACS), Oklahoma City during Exercise Northern Edge 2015 in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex.
"We provide the command and control of the aircraft. It's our job to oversee what's going on, and in real time, make changes in the air," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Sprunger, 964th AACS mission crew commander. "We run the tanker plan so when guys need gas, we send them there. If guys need to fall out, we shift aircraft around. We're like the chess master of the game."
With as many as 24 weapons officers, surveillance officers, radar and communication technicians, and flight deck crew on a single E-3G Northern Edge mission, the AACS gained not only valuable, high-tempo warfare experience, but also met specific testing goals. The E-3G aircraft carries an upgraded computer platform for their weapons and surveillance scopes, known as the 4045. It advances their old operating system by about 30 years. Northern Edge enabled AWACS personnel to try the new system and they quickly learned the value of the new features.
"It provides more situational awareness," said 1st Lt. Breann Hermann, 964th AACS air weapons officer. "You can personalize it and now you can build unlimited airspaces. It's more reliable and more technologically advanced."
After each mission, the crew provides feedback how the 4045 system worked and offer potential areas of improvement. Overall, it's been a success.
"The system cuts down on (operator's) steps. The ease of use is drastically higher, and the tracking process goes faster," Sprunger said.
By the end of the two-week, biannual Northern Edge exercise, the AACS' squadrons will have completed approximately 15 command and control missions using both old and new systems. Both AWACS aircraft effectively brought dozens of aircraft in and out of the battle range safely and successfully hitting their targets.
Alaska's premier joint training exercise, Northern Edge combined approximately 200 military aircraft from all services to practice operations, techniques and procedures while simultaneously enhancing interoperability within the JPARC and the Navy's Temporary Maritime Activities Area located in the Gulf of Alaska. Some 6,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from active duty, Reserve and National Guard units participated
Japan – E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft
WASHINGTON, Jun 1, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of four (4) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, ten (10) T56-A-427A engines (8 installed and 2 spares), eight (8) Multifunction Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT), four (4) APY-9 Radars, modifications, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, ferry services, aerial refueling support, U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.7 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
The proposed sale of E-2D AHE aircraft will improve Japan’s ability to effectively provide homeland defense utilizing an AEW&C capability. Japan will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to provide AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and to augment its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of these aircraft and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems in Melbourne, Florida. The acquisition and integration of all systems will be managed by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require any additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel in Japan. However, U.S. Government or contractor personnel in-country visits will be required on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical and management oversight and support requirements.
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.
WASHINGTON, Jun 1, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of four (4) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, ten (10) T56-A-427A engines (8 installed and 2 spares), eight (8) Multifunction Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT), four (4) APY-9 Radars, modifications, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, ferry services, aerial refueling support, U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.7 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
The proposed sale of E-2D AHE aircraft will improve Japan’s ability to effectively provide homeland defense utilizing an AEW&C capability. Japan will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to provide AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and to augment its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of these aircraft and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems in Melbourne, Florida. The acquisition and integration of all systems will be managed by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require any additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel in Japan. However, U.S. Government or contractor personnel in-country visits will be required on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical and management oversight and support requirements.
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.
Saudi Air Force Finally Reveal Their Saab 2000 Erieye
We put it in the book last year even though there was no documentary proof when we did it, that the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) was operating Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft. Harpia insisted it was the case and they have been proven absolutely right. On the 16th December last year as part of an Air Force Officer’s graduation ceremony held at Riyadh-King Khaled Air Base, the wraps literally came off the second example of the type (serial No 6002). The example we illustrated in the book was serial No 6001 which we believe the RSAF had been operating and evaluating since October 2010. The RSAF becomes the second operator of the type along with the Pakistani Air Force. Maybe the RSAF will operate them as a stop-gap whilst their E-3A’s are upgraded to the Block 40/45 standard over the next few years! It is worth noting in the photos the incredible amount of close security around the aircraft just look under the rear fuselage in the top picture. A lesson learnt from the PAF who lost at least one of theirs in a terrorist ground attack. |
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US Navy’s VAW-121 Become the Third E-2D Operator
On 20th November 2014 the second US Navy AEW Squadron began to convert to the new Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The “Bluetails” launched their first airframe c/n 168598 tail number 601 on a test flight from NAS Norfolk that day. The type achieved initial operational capability on 10th October 2014 with VAW-125 “Tigertails” and is also in service with VAW-120 “Greyhawks” in the training role. The new E-2D airframes incorporate the brand new - Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) or Navy Integrated Fire Control - Counter Air (NIFC-CA) systems, massively increasing the E-2’s efficiency. The E-2D/APY-9 radar is at the center of this new system which takes takes AEW/ACI beyond Command and Control to real time surface-to-air and air-to-air missile assignment and targeting.
Here is are some links related to these new capabilities for the platform which forms the basis of future aviation in the US Navy: http://news.usni.org/2014/06/09/u-s-navys-secret-counter-stealth-weapon-hiding-plain-sight
Here is another link giving further info : http://news.usni.org/2014/05/07/next-act-aegis#more-7641
The US Navy AEW Wing has now been renamed the Airborne Command and Control (ACC) Wing.
On 20th November 2014 the second US Navy AEW Squadron began to convert to the new Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. The “Bluetails” launched their first airframe c/n 168598 tail number 601 on a test flight from NAS Norfolk that day. The type achieved initial operational capability on 10th October 2014 with VAW-125 “Tigertails” and is also in service with VAW-120 “Greyhawks” in the training role. The new E-2D airframes incorporate the brand new - Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) or Navy Integrated Fire Control - Counter Air (NIFC-CA) systems, massively increasing the E-2’s efficiency. The E-2D/APY-9 radar is at the center of this new system which takes takes AEW/ACI beyond Command and Control to real time surface-to-air and air-to-air missile assignment and targeting.
Here is are some links related to these new capabilities for the platform which forms the basis of future aviation in the US Navy: http://news.usni.org/2014/06/09/u-s-navys-secret-counter-stealth-weapon-hiding-plain-sight
Here is another link giving further info : http://news.usni.org/2014/05/07/next-act-aegis#more-7641
The US Navy AEW Wing has now been renamed the Airborne Command and Control (ACC) Wing.
News from the Zhuhai Airshow
During early November the first clear images of the PLAAF’s next generation medium-sized AWACS prototype has been revealed. They show one of the two prototypes of the KJ-500 serial ‘737’ during final approach to Xi’an-Yanliang (CFTE) airfield.
The type known previously as the Y-8GX-10 has been under development at Shaanxi for some time and will reportedly supplement or even supersede the older KJ-200 "Balance Beam". Similar to the Pakistani ZDK-03 it is based on the Y-9 platform but it features a new circular radome, with the typical rotodome being replaced by a fixed array containing three AESA antennas arranged in a triangular configuration, similar to that of larger KJ-2000. A few days later the first KJ-500 in full PLAAF-colours was spotted leading to the assumption that it will soon enter service.
S. Korean Air Force Mulls Buying Additional Early Warning Aircraft
Source: Yonhap news agency; published Oct. 15 2014
South Korea is looking to buy two additional Airborne Early Warning aircraft to ramp up its aerial surveillance capabilities over its expanded air defence identification zone, the South Korean Air Force have stated. The South Korean Air Force has operated four Boeing 737-based Peace Eye AEW&C aircraft since 2011. The number is dwarfed by Japan's 13 AEW platforms. In December last year, South Korea announced a new Korean air defence identification zone (KADIZ) to counter China's unilateral declaration of its own. The move aimed to bolster Seoul's sovereignty over a reef and other islands off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. "For surveillance over the KADIZ, we are seeking to secure two more such planes over the long term," said an official at the Air Force, asking not to be named. Peace Eye is able to detect and watch about 1,000 flying objects at the same time at 360 degrees. It is capable of detecting all low-altitude planes infiltrating through mountainous regions.
India invites tenders for a “new” AEW&C platform
On 31st March 2014 the Indian Government has issued a global tender for the supply of 6 new AEW&C platforms which will be integrated into its AWACS India programme. The specification issued to aircraft manufacturers calls for the “supply of suitable aircraft with necessary structural modifications, power and endurance adaptations and equipment installation/installation provisions for the AWACS India role”. The project will include the design and certification tasksas well as the manufacture and installation of a 33 foot (10m) diameter rotodome and its supporting pylon. Tenders are invited to be submitted by 15th July 2014.
Qatar joins the AEW&C club
The Qatar government announced on 27th March 2014 that it was to procure three Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft as part of a USD24 billion procurement package announced on 27 March.
The announcement was made at the DIMDEX 2014 exhibition in Doha, the Boeing 737 AEW&C portion of the overall deal is valued at QAR6.6 billion (USD1.8 billion). Some of this amount will be given over to training, support, and sustainment programmes.
The QEAF currently has no AEW capability, and the purchase of the Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft represents a massive boost in its
capabilities. The aircraft is already in service with Australia (six), South Korea (four), and Turkey (four), as the Wedgetail, Peace Eye, and Peace Eagle respectively, the 737 AEW&C incorporates the Northrop Grumman multirole electronically scanned array (MESA) surveillance radar that is mounted in a dorsal fairing above the rear fuselage.
This MESA radar provides a 360 degree coverage at ranges in excess of 200 miles (322 km) for aerial targets and 150 miles (241 km) for patrol boat-sized surface contacts. These ranges can be significantly increased if the radar's power is focused in a particular direction, rather than applied in a general sweep. Boeing has also looked at upgrades to the MESA to allow the aircraft to detect and track incoming
ballistic missiles, but the current status of this work is not known. This purchase goes on to strengthen Boeing/Grumman’s position in the AEW&C market place with other nations such as Italy, Qatar, Japan and the United Arab Emirates all looking at the B737 AEW&C as a potential future platform.
The Qatar government announced on 27th March 2014 that it was to procure three Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft as part of a USD24 billion procurement package announced on 27 March.
The announcement was made at the DIMDEX 2014 exhibition in Doha, the Boeing 737 AEW&C portion of the overall deal is valued at QAR6.6 billion (USD1.8 billion). Some of this amount will be given over to training, support, and sustainment programmes.
The QEAF currently has no AEW capability, and the purchase of the Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft represents a massive boost in its
capabilities. The aircraft is already in service with Australia (six), South Korea (four), and Turkey (four), as the Wedgetail, Peace Eye, and Peace Eagle respectively, the 737 AEW&C incorporates the Northrop Grumman multirole electronically scanned array (MESA) surveillance radar that is mounted in a dorsal fairing above the rear fuselage.
This MESA radar provides a 360 degree coverage at ranges in excess of 200 miles (322 km) for aerial targets and 150 miles (241 km) for patrol boat-sized surface contacts. These ranges can be significantly increased if the radar's power is focused in a particular direction, rather than applied in a general sweep. Boeing has also looked at upgrades to the MESA to allow the aircraft to detect and track incoming
ballistic missiles, but the current status of this work is not known. This purchase goes on to strengthen Boeing/Grumman’s position in the AEW&C market place with other nations such as Italy, Qatar, Japan and the United Arab Emirates all looking at the B737 AEW&C as a potential future platform.