E-8C JSTARS aircraft USAF Photo U.S. Air Force has released a request for proposal (RFP) to replace its E-8C Joint Surveillance Target...
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| E-8C JSTARS aircraft USAF Photo |
U.S. Air Force has released a request for proposal (RFP) to replace its E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft fleet with a modern and efficient business jet based platform.
The JSTARS is an airborne command and control/intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, which supports attack operations and supplies air and ground commanders with targeting information.
According to the RFP, three engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) JSTARS Recap weapon systems has to be delivered for testing, with an anticipated contract award in 2018.
The contract also have options for low-rate initial production for two more weapon systems and full-rate production of lot numbers 1-3 for four additional weapon systems each, bringing the total aircraft to 17.
Northrop Grumman Corp., Boeing and Lockheed Martin are competing for the JSTARS recapitalization program which is estimated to cost around $7 billion.
The current Northrop Grumman E-8C system is based on a refurbished commercial Boeing 707 platform, which first flew in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
It is comprised of a radar and computer systems, which display real-time battlefield information, and a 24-foot long antenna that is capable of detecting targets from long distances.
Even though the JSTARS was successful in battlefield, the Boeing 707 platform has become old and expensive to operate due to its four fuel guzzling P&W TF33 turbofan engines.
The second hand E-8C airframes were already 20 to 30 year old when first delivered to USAF. The last of the 17 E-8C aircraft was delivered in 2005.
A USAF study in 2011, recommended a smaller and more efficient business jet platform, which will have the required intercontinental range, equipped with advanced radar and on-board computer system to carry out the missions more efficiently and effectively.
Either Northrop Grumman or Raytheon will supply the primary wide-looking surveillance radar for the aircraft.
Lockheed Martin has teamed with Raytheon and Bombardier to offer a solution based on a modified Bombardier Global 6000 business jet.
Primary sensor will be Raytheon's Skynet Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), long-range, ground surveillance radar derived from the US Navy's APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor developed for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon.
An unmodified G6000 has a 6000 nm with a low cost of $3,500 per flight hours.
An unmodified G6000 has a 6000 nm with a low cost of $3,500 per flight hours.
Boeing is offering its commercial B737 BBJ based aircraft, the largest platform on offer. Company says the 737 is only marginally bigger in size, but provides a considerable increase in payload and cabin area.
Northrop has teamed with Gulfstream to offer latter's G550 business jet based platform, with L-3 Aerospace helping in integration of systems.
Northrop has already flown a G550 based demonstrator aircraft with the distinctive canoe shaped modification to house the antenna.
USAF plans to achieve initial operational capability for the fleet by the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024.
