Photo: IAI Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has delivered the first Gulfstream G550 based Conformal Airborne Early Warning aircraft to I...
 |
| Photo: IAI |
The two aircraft deal was signed in 2012 as a part of reciprocal agreement between Italy and Israel, following latter's acquisition of 30 Italian built Leonardo M-346 advanced trainer jets.
Developed by IAI's subsidiary, ELTA systems, the aircraft is equipped with ELW-2085 Conformal Airborne Early Warning & Control with advanced mission systems.
The system's four sensors include AESA radar, electronic intelligence, self-defense and advanced communication system.
ELW-2085 system is installed on a modified Gulfstream G550 ultra long range business jet platform which have a range of 6750 nautical miles. IAI carried out the structural modification including the protruding composite radome.
The CAEW provides aerial and maritime situational awareness with 360-degree surveillance of airborne targets at all altitudes, over any terrain and in any weather conditions, including maritime surveillance and electronic surveillance.
Unlike the usual external mounted configuration, ELW-2085's primary AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar sensor is installed in a conformal configuration on sides of the aircraft fuselage.
IAI claims this low drag configuration allows higher loitering altitudes for long range surveillance.
The four-dimensional dual band AESA radar is capable of a 360-degree detection, identification and tracking of airborne and surface targets and have a range of 200 nautical miles.
The S-band radar is installed in the nose radome and aft of the aircraft, while the L-band radar is installed in the side of fuselage to provide 360 degree azimuthal coverage.
The Electronic Surveillance Measures system (ESM) covering 360-degrees, can detect emitters at a wide range of frequencies, accurately measuring the emitter, its electronic parameters and its platform.
The Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) sensor with 360 degree coverage uses AESA radar transmitter/receiver modules and antennas for interrogation.
The self protection system (SPS) with a 360° coverage include a passive radar warning receiver and active missile approach warning system. Countermeasures against an incoming missile include chaff & flares.
The onboard NATO-compatible communications system is produced jointly by ELTA and Italy's Leonardo.
The six onboard flexible operator stations are equipped with 24" Windows-based workstations capable of operating these sensors to carry out command and control function.
The G550 CAEW can fly at a maximum speed of 499 knots and can operate at a maximum altitude of 12,500 m with an endurance of nine hours.
The second aircraft included in the agreement is expected to be delivered during 2017.
Currently Singapore and Israel operates the type and United States Navy has one on order.
The G550 aircraft uses a Honeywell Primus Epic avionics suite and is powered by two FADEC equipped Rolls-Royce BR710C4-11 turbofan engines rated at 68.4kN each.
