Singapore gets new early-warning aircraft as four Gulfstream jets went operational on Friday in a ceremony at Tengah Air Base, officiated by Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen.Interesting on a couple of levels.
With a detection range of more than 200 nautical miles, the Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft allows the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to see farther, and respond more effectively to aerial threats in various operational situations.
The four Gulfstream 550s are the same business jets used by the rich. They were converted for military use and replace the RSAF's E-2C AEW Hawkeye that had served the Air Force for more than 20 years.
The G550-AEW is one of the most sophisticated airborne early-warning (AEW) platforms in the world today. AEW eliminates risks of surprise from the air as they provide persistent and all-weather ability to detect, identify and track aerial threats.
The jet is equipped with a sophisticated mission suite that includes an active electronically scanned array radar to detect, identify and track aerial targets.
It has a modern 'glass' cockpit that comprises four 14-inch multifunction LCD screens and a state-of-the-art avionics suite which includes a weather radar to warn the pilots of any adverse weather that potentially affects the aircraft's flight path.
For self protection, the G550-AEW is equipped with a radar warning receiver, a missile warning system, and a chaff and flare dispensing system.
Since the arrival of the first G550-AEW aircraft in Feb 2009, pilots, air warfare officers and maintenance crew of 111 Squadron have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the aircraft, as well as to integrate the aircraft to support the Singapore Armed Forces' round-the-clock operations.
During this period, the squadron also participated in major exercises such as Exercise Cope Tiger and Exercise Bersama Lima.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng described the AEW platforms as "critical for a small country like Singapore".
"They eliminate risks of surprise from the air as they provide us a critical edge with persistent and all-weather ability to detect, identify and track aerial threats the whole year round."
I guess the first is that Sinapore maintains its lead in the Pacific as far as fielding one of the most technologically advanced forces in the region.
Second is the comparison of this airplane, not to the E-3 but rather to the E-2. It flies higher and stays in the air longer.
And the last is the competition between the G550 and the 737 is becoming a bit more interesting. I can't compare the electronics but its 737
Sol,
ReplyDeleteTurkey has bought the Wedgetail B737 as well...
Regards,
AD
It's not really about the platform. The earlier Israeli system, EL/M-2075, was 707 based. While the 2085 is mounted on the G550 it could use a different airframe if desired; moreover, the very similar 2090 is mounted on the IL-76 in service with India. So this generation of Israeli AEW is in service with 3 nations. It's also been reported Italy will buy a couple G550 systems as offset for the trainers they sold Israel instead of the 737 system.
ReplyDeleteThat said the 737 has a larger potential market. Many nations will prefer US systems for various reasons including interoperability and/or no desire to operate an Israeli system.
It's worth considering however the G550 flies about 10,000 ft higher than the 737 and is longer ranged. Israel, and others, use this and similar aircraft for various purposes. There have been reports Israel is developing a G550 tanker.
Lastly don't forget about Sweden's Erieye AEW systems which is flown on the Saab 340, Saab 2000, and Embraer R-99. This is in service with quite a few nations. It's probably better compared to the E-2 but the Israeli system is in fact closer to E-3 as is the 737 system.