Saab unveiled the first GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft from its Linköping site, Sweden. GlobalEye...
Saab unveiled the first GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft from its Linköping site, Sweden.
GlobalEye is an advanced, swing role airborne surveillance system based on a Bombardier Global 6000 jet aircraft, which has undergone a thorough modification programme to adapt it for its role.
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.
GlobalEye can detect and track airborne and surface targets (both on land and on sea). Missions of up to eleven hours in duration are possible with a detection range of up to 400 km.
The Erieye ER main sensor is fitted in the ‘balance beam’ fairing above fuselage, while the Leonardo Defence Seaspray 7500E X-band maritime search radar is fitted below the fuselage near the wing root, along with a Flir Star SAFIRE electro-optical sensor turret below the entry/exit door.
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, bringing the total cost to over $ 1.5 billion.
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.
