Spotlight on Bizjet-based Special Mission Aircraft
Dassault/Thales Archange
Falcon 8X: DassaultThe program’s goal is to renew France’s capability in electromagnetic signal intelligence, notably the interception of voice radio communications and radar waves. Thales will supply the payload, called the universal electronic warfare capability (CUGE) and the outcome of “10 years of studies,” Parly says. The CUGE payload will include multipolarization antennae and artificial intelligence software to improve automated data processing. The French air force expects the Archange program will bring greater accuracy, higher speeds and better agility compared to the Gabriels. The first modified Falcon 8X will be delivered “from 2025.” Part of the program will also be a ground training device, to be installed at the Evreux air base in the country’s northwest. Image credit: Dassault
Gulfstream G550
Gulfstream EC-37B & Gulfstream NC-37B, GulfstreamThe G550 was selected as the platform for IAI’s Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft, carrying its ELW-2085 AESA radar and supplied to Israel (2), Italy (2) and Singapore (4). IAI has also delivered three sigint-configured G500s to the Israeli Air Force. L3 Technologies is to “crossdeck” the U.S. Air Force’s Compass Call electronic-attack system from the EC-130H (14 aircraft) to the G550 CAEW-based EC-37B and the U.S. Navy’s new NC-37B range-support aircraft will be based on the CAEW configuration. L3 will also modify up to five G550s for Australia’s Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare program. Northrop Grumman is proposing the G550 for the U.S. Air Force’s J-Stars Recap, carrying a battlefield-surveillance AESA.
Dassault Falcon
Falcon 2000MRA, DassaultDassault has developed two special-mission configurations: the Falcon 900 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Falcon 2000 Maritime Multirole Aircraft —the latter conceived originally to meet a still-delayed French requirement, Avsimar, for 10 aircraft. South Korea in 2017 received two Falcon 2000 sigint aircraft to replace Hawker 800s supplied by Raytheon. The Japan Coast Guard has so far ordered three Falcon 2000s for maritime surveillance, equipped with a mission system developed with L3 and Thales.
Textron Scorpion
U.S. Army Beechcraft King Air 350ERThe most popular special-mission platform is a turboprop, the Beechcraft King Air 350ER. ISR versions on offer include L3’s Spyder II and Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Scorpion. The U.S. Army’s MC-12Ws are being modified to the same standard as four Boeing-developed MC-12s.
Embraer/Elta P600 AEW
Praetor 600: EmbraerIsrael Aerospace Industries (IAI) has partnered with Embraer to offer a low-cost Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar platform. The two companies will develop the P600 AEW platform by mounting the IAI Elta’s ELM-2096 active electronically scanned array surveillance radar in a ski-box-like pod mounted atop the fuselage of Embraer’s new Praetor 600 business jet. The configuration is the first special mission role for the new platform, which only received its FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification in May. “This aircraft is the best in breed in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness,” said Yoav Tourgeman, president of IAI Elta, following the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement at the Paris Air Show in 2019. Image credit: Embraer
Saab GlobalEye
Global 6000: Bombardier Saab of Sweden, a supplier of complex systems for national defense and security, has unveiled its GlobalEye, a special mission variant of Bombardier’s ultra-long-range Global 6000 business jet. The aircraft was designed as a multirole airborne early warning and control platform using “next-generation surveillance technology.” Bombardier describes its business jet line as “ideal for critical special missions,” with lighter and more compact intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems that no longer require platforms the size of commercial aircraft. Image credit: SaabShrinking electronics, and the size, power and performance of long-range, large-cabin business jets is fueling interest in versions that can cost-effectively perform specialized missions ranging from ground surveillance to maritime patrol.