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23 Feb 18. Saab Reveals First GlobalEye AEW&C Aircraft. Today Saab rolls out the first GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the media at its Linköping site, Sweden. GlobalEye is an advanced, swing role airborne surveillance system based on a Global 6000 jet aircraft from Bombardier, which has undergone a thorough modification programme to adapt it for its role. The rollout marks a significant milestone on the programme.
Saab is currently producing the GlobalEye AEW&C, combining air, maritime and ground surveillance in one single solution. GlobalEye combines a full suite of sophisticated sensors including the powerful new extended range radar (Erieye ER), with the ultra-long range Global 6000 jet aircraft.
“Saab’s breadth and depth of expertise combines all of the necessary knowledge and technology required to design, develop and produce the most advanced AEW&C systems. Our collective capabilities deliver unrivalled solutions such as GlobalEye,” said Anders Carp, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance. “This milestone is clear evidence that the GlobalEye programme and Saab are delivering on our commitments.”
This first aircraft is equipped and being prepared for ground and flight trials to gather aerodynamic data as part of the ongoing development and production programme. The development and production contract was awarded at the Dubai Air Show November 2015 by the United Arab Emirates with an initial order for two systems. An additional order by the UAE for a third system was announced in 2017. The GlobalEye solution brings extended detection range, endurance and the ability to perform multiple roles with one solution, including tasks such as search & rescue, border surveillance and military operations.
22 Feb 18. Wedgetail fleet receives upgrades. The first phase of upgrades to Australia’s E-7A fleet has been completed, with the aircraft receiving new satellite position broadcast technology. Under the Wedgetail AIR 5077 Phase 5A program, Boeing Defence Australia is leading a global Boeing team to deliver structural and software upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet.
The on-time completion of the first stage of Phase 5A equipped the fleet of six aircraft with satellite position broadcast technology and the latest version of a traffic collision avoidance system. Boeing said these upgrades will keep the aircraft compliant with mandated changes in the civilian environment.
Trevor Smith, Phase 5A project manager for the ADF, said the recent and ongoing changes will enable better sharing of data in a battle space with allies.
“The changes being made to Australia’s Wedgetail fleet will allow us to share large amounts of strategic and tactical data more easily in a battle space environment,” Smith said.
“Being able to quickly exchange information, such as the location of threats, with our allies and across different platforms means we can combine potent capabilities more effectively during joint operations.
“The Wedgetail is the centerpiece of our national air defense capability, and it continues to be a critical asset in protecting our warfighters in missions and exercises overseas.”
Boeing Defence Australia general manager of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Scott Carpendale praised the efforts of the global team for delivering the first round of upgrades.
“The Wedgetail program demonstrates the strength we bring to our international customers when we operate as one Boeing,” Carpendale said.
“Our Australian team worked closely with airborne surveillance command and control organisation in Oklahoma City to deliver the updates, and that relationship allowed us to draw on the expertise of our people across the globe.” (Source: Defence Connect)
21 Feb