Engineering:GlobalEye

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  • SAAB GlobalEye
Globaleye (53063401761).jpg
A Globaleye taking off during RIAT 2023
Role Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C)
Manufacturer
  • SAAB (Sensors & modifications)
  • Bombardier (Global 6000 aircraft)
First flight March 2018
Introduction April 2020
Status In service
Primary user United Arab Emirates Air Force
Number built 5
Developed from Bombardier Global 6000 (aircraft)

Erieye (AEW&C radar system)

GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platform from Swedish defence and security company Saab. GlobalEye consists of a suite of sensors using Saab's Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar and mission system, installed in the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet.[1][2][3]

Development

During February 2016, Swedish defence company Saab announced the launch of a programme to integrate a variant of their Erieye radar system upon the Canada Bombardier Global 6000, a long range business jet, to produce a specialised airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. This platform is commonly referred to as GlobalEye.[4] Saab stated that the launch was in response to expressions of interest from potential customers.[5] Prior to the development of the GlobalEye, Saab had fitted the Erieye onto several separate AEW platforms, including the Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C and the Brazil ian Embraer R-99.[6] To facilitate the programme, Saab secured a supplemental type certificate, authorising the modification of the existing Global 6000 to the GlobalEye configuration.[7]

The manufacturing process involves the delivery of fully completed Global 6000s to Saab's facility in Linköping, where they undergo an extensive conversion process.[7] Modifications include the strengthening of both the airframe and wing, enabling the carriage of the Erieye radar along with other sensors and wingtip-mounted equipment for electronic warfare purposes. Aerodynamic changes include the adoption of an extended tailfin, along with several ventral strakes located beneath the rear fuselage.[7] Additional power and cooling equipment is also fitted. To improve survivability, a self-protection suite comprising laser and radar warning receivers, as well as countermeasures dispensers, is installed.[7] In early 2018, Saab observed that it could produce up to three GlobalEyes per year and could commence deliveries within three years of receiving a contract.[7]

On 23 February 2018, Saab unveiled the first GlobalEye surveillance aircraft;[8] days later, it commenced ground testing in advance of the type's first flight.[7] On 14 March 2018, the first GlobalEye conducted its maiden flight from Linköping; flown by Saab experimental test pilot Magnus Fredriksson, this first flight lasted for 1 hour and 46 minutes.[9][10] By July 2018, the flight test programme was focused on expanding the aircraft's flight envelope; according to Saab's vice-president of airborne surveillance systems Lars Tossman, the first aircraft was being flown "more or less every day", and that no surprises had been uncovered during these flights.[11] On 3 January 2019, the second aircraft performed its first flight.[12] During May 2019, Saab stated that it was nearing the end of the flight testing phase relating to certification.[13]

Design

The primary sensor of the GlobalEye is its Erieye ER airborne early warning (AEW) radar; weighing approximately 1 tonne, it is mounted atop the twinjet's fuselage.[7] Saab has cited up to 450 km (216 nm) range for the AEW radar system when flown at an operating altitude of 30,000 ft;[14] and 550 km at 35,000 ft[15] in comparison with earlier versions of the Erieye radar, Saab claims it has achieved a 70% increase in detection range, achieved via the use of new technology, such as gallium nitride transmit/receive modules.[7] According to Saab Group, the GlobalEye is capable of detecting and tracking a combination of airborne and surface targets, the latter on both land and sea, while mission times of up to eleven hours in duration are possible.[16]

In addition to the AEW radar, the GlobalEye is equipped with various additional sensors. These include the Seaspray 7500E maritime surveillance radar, provided by Italian defence conglomerate Leonardo; the Seaspray radar features synthetic-aperture radar and ground-oriented moving target indication modes.[17][7] The GlobalEye also has an electro-optical/infrared sensor, which is situated underneath the forward fuselage. Other mission equipment includes data links, voice and satellite communications and a command and control suite, the latter comprising five onboard operator stations.[7] The GlobalEye can be operated without any onboard operators, streaming its surveillance output to ground-based stations instead. GlobalEye can simultaneously perform airborne, maritime and ground surveillance duties.[18][7][19][20] It has been offered with three layers of capability: the baseline AESA and C2 system for air, land and sea surveillance, along with some electronic intelligence functions; a version with additional infrared and sea-search functionality; and one with a dedicated signals intelligence (SIGINT) system.[4]

Operational history

During November 2015, the United Arab Emirates ordered the system, which it refers to as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS), as part of a US$1.27 billion deal.[21][22] During February 2017, the UAE exercised an option to procure an additional third GlobalEye in a deal worth US$238 million.[23][24] According to UAE air force chief Ibrahim Naser Al Alawi, the GlobalEye should be a "strong force multiplier...an early warning radar which is capable also of detecting ballistic missiles, and to cover the whole domain as an air power".[7] By May 2019, lead elements, including ground control stations, had been delivered to the UAE.[13] The UAE took delivery of its first Globaleye as per schedule on 29 April 2020[25][26] and the second delivery 30 September 2020[27] the third was delivered 20 February 2021[28] On 4 January 2021, Saab announced that it had received a follow on contract from the UAE for the supply of two more GlobalEye systems, valued at US$1.018 billion and scheduled for delivery by 2025.[29]

Operators

Current operators

  • United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates Air Force : Currently operates 3 GlobalEye aircraft with an additional 2 on order scheduled for delivery in 2025 at a total cost of 23 billion SEK.[30] In November 2023, SAAB announced the maiden flight of the fifth and final GlobalEye for the UAE air force. [31]

Future operators

  • Sweden Swedish Air Force : On 30 June 2022, SAAB and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a contract for the acquisition of 2 GlobalEye aircraft, to be designated S 106 in Swedish service. The deal is valued at 7.3 billion SEK (US$710 million) and deliveries are scheduled for 2027. The contract also includes the option to procure up to 2 additional GlobalEye aircraft.[32][33]

Potential operators

Failed bids

  • Finland Finnish Air Force : Saab was offering two GlobalEye aircraft in addition to 64 Gripen E/F as part of its bid for the Finnish HX Fighter Program.[37] From 30 January to 6 February 2020 GlobalEye participated in HX Challenge flight evaluations flying to Finland from Linköping in Sweden with a Finnish Air Force delegation on board.[38]
  •  NATO: In February 2023 SAAB announced that it had responded to a request for information from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency regarding the replacement of its current fleet of E-3 Sentry aircraft. In November 2023 NATO decided to procure the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail.[39][40]

References

  1. ↑ "Saab launches GlobalEye multi-role airborne surveillance system". Airforce Technology. 17 February 2016. http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newssaab-launches-globaleye-multi-role-airborne-surveillance-system-4813916. 
  2. ↑ "Redefining the airborne surveillance market". Saab. http://saabgroup.com/globalassets/cision/documents/2016/pressbrief-singapore-globaleye.pdf. 
  3. ↑ "Fifth Global Arrives at Saab for GlobalEye Conversion". AIN Online. 26 August 2021. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-08-26/fifth-global-arrives-saab-globaleye-conversion. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Stevenson, Beth. "SINGAPORE: Saab introduces GlobalEye AEW aircraft." Flight International, 16 February 2016.
  5. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "UAE deal drives interest in Saab's GlobalEye." Flight International, 24 May 2016.
  6. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "ANALYSIS: How 'Skibox' unit defends Swedish skies." Flight International, 22 May 2017.
  7. ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 Hoyle, Craig. "Saab has sky-high sales hopes for GlobalEye." Flight International, 28 February 2018.
  8. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "PICTURE: Saab unveils first GlobalEye for UAE." Flight International, 23 February 2018.
  9. ↑ "Successful First Flight for GlobalEye" (Press release). SAAB. 14 March 2018. Archived from the original on 2018-03-14.
  10. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "PICTURES: Saab's GlobalEye makes flight debut." Flight International, 14 March 2018.
  11. ↑ Waldron, Greg. "FARNBOROUGH: Saab GlobalEye flight campaign well under way." Flight International, 17 July 2018.
  12. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "PICTURES: Saab's second GlobalEye makes flight debut for UAE." Flight International, 7 January 2019.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Hoyle, Craig. "Saab targets April delivery for UAE's first GlobalEye." Flight International, 24 May 2019.
  14. ↑ Hoyle, Craig (6 November 2017). "Saab on a high with GlobalEye". Flightglobal. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-saab-on-a-high-with-globaleye-442857/. 
  15. ↑ "Saab HX Update". https://www.saab.com/globalassets/markets/finland/saab-hx-media-brief---helsinki-airshow-july-5th-2021.pdf. 
  16. ↑ "Saab's GlobalEye Redefines The Airborne Surveillance Market". Saab Corporate. 16 February 2016. http://saabgroup.com/media/news-press/news/2016-02/saabs-globaleye-redefines-the-airborne-surveillance-market. 
  17. ↑ "Leonardo AESA surveillance radar technology will be on-board new Saab GlobalEye". https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/seaspray-aesa-globaleye. 
  18. ↑ "Seminar About Saab's Sensor Technologies". https://saab-seminar.creo.se/160512/saab_seminar. 
  19. ↑ "GlobalEye Performance beyond limits". https://www.saab.com/contentassets/63a8d60ee513403c9ca149c3ae20053e/globaleye. 
  20. ↑ "GlobalEye Redefines Airborne Surveillance". https://www.saab.com/markets/brazil/press-releases/2016/globaleye-redefines-airborne-surveillance. 
  21. ↑ Hollosi, Charles (9 March 2016). "Fresh details of Saab's GlobalEye surveillance aircraft emerge". IHS Jane's 360. IHS. http://www.janes.com/article/58620/fresh-details-of-saab-s-globaleye-surveillance-aircraft-emerge. 
  22. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "Saab adds to its AEW&C order backlog." Flight International, 31 May 2016.
  23. ↑ Binnie, Jeremy (23 February 2017). "IDEX 2017: UAE confirms order for third Saab GlobalEye". Abu Dhabi. http://www.janes.com/article/68189/. 
  24. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "ANALYSIS: Saab on a high with GlobalEye." Flight International, 6 November 2017.
  25. ↑ Donald, David (29 April 2020). "First GlobalEye Handed Over to the UAE". AIN Online. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-04-29/first-globaleye-handed-over-uae. 
  26. ↑ "Saab Delivers the First GlobalEye". https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2020/saab-delivers-the-first-globaleye. 
  27. ↑ "Saab Delivers Second GlobalEye". https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2020/saab-delivers-second-globaleye. 
  28. ↑ "Saab Delivers Third GlobalEye". https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/saab-delivers-third-globaleye. 
  29. ↑ "Saab receives follow-on contract for GlobalEye". https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2021/saab-receives-follow-on-contract-for-globaleye. 
  30. ↑ "Saab hands over UAE's third GlobalEye aircraft" (in en-US). 2021-02-22. https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/saab-uae-third-globaleye-aircraft/. 
  31. ↑ "Saab's GlobalEye Achieves Remarkable Milestone with Fifth Successful Flight in Five Years" (in en-US). AviationWriter.au: Unveiling the Wonders and Mysteries of Aviation Through Engaging Writing. https://aviationwriter.au/saabs-globaleye-achieves-remarkable-milestone-with-fifth-successful-flight-in-five-years/. 
  32. ↑ "Saab Receives Order for Two GlobalEye for Sweden" (in en). https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/saab-receives-order-for-two-globaleye-for-sweden. 
  33. ↑ "FMV beställer två GlobalEye till Försvarsmakten" (in sv). https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-bestaller-tva-globaleye-till-forsvarsmakten/. 
  34. ↑ "Συνάντηση με Εκπροσώπους της Εταιρείας "SAAB Technologies"" (in Greek). https://www.mod.mil.gr/synantisi-ekprosopoys-tis-etaireias-saab-technologies-4/. 
  35. ↑ "Πολεμική Αεροπορία: Παρουσίαση του εναέριου ολοκληρωμένου συστήματος επιτήρησης GlobalEye από τη Saab" (in Greek). https://defencereview.gr/polemiki-aeroporia-paroysiasi-toy-en/. 
  36. ↑ "Remplacement des AWACS français : le suédois Saab pousse son GlobalEye" (in French). https://air-cosmos.com/article/remplacement-des-awacs-francais-le-suedois-saab-pousse-son-globaleye-68319. 
  37. ↑ ""Saab's Gripen offer to Finland includes GlobalEye"". https://saab.com/gripen/news/news/2019-06/saabs-gripen-offer-to-finland-includes-globaleye/. 
  38. ↑ Jenning, Gareth (31 Jan 2020). "Saab launches Gripen and GlobalEye evaluations for Finland". Jane's Defence Weekly. https://www.janes.com/article/94025/saab-launches-gripen-and-globaleye-evaluations-for-finland. 
  39. ↑ Hoyle2023-02-21T12:41:00+00:00, Craig. "Saab pitches GlobalEye for NATO AWACS successor deal" (in en). https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/saab-pitches-globaleye-for-nato-awacs-successor-deal/152158.article. 
  40. ↑ Newdick, Thomas (2023-11-15). "E-7 Wedgetail Radar Jet Chosen By NATO To Replace Aging E-3" (in en). https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/e-7-wedgetail-radar-jet-chosen-by-nato-to-replace-aging-e-3. 



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