EC665 TIGER HAD

The Airbus Helicopters Tiger, formerly known as the Eurocopter Tiger, is a four-bladed, twin-engined attack helicopter which first entered service in 2003. It is manufactured by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), the successor company to Aérospatiale’s and DASA’s respective helicopter divisions, which designate it as the EC665. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.

The Tiger has the distinction of being the first all-composite helicopter developed in Europe; even the earliest models also incorporate other advanced features such as a glass cockpit, stealth technology and high agility to increase its survivability. Improved variants have since entered service, outfitted with more powerful engines and compatible with a wider range of weapons.

The Tiger has a tandem-seat ‘glass cockpit’ and is operated by a two-man crew; the pilot is placed in the forward position, with the gunner seated behind. Either of the crew members can manage the weapon systems or the primary flight controls, switching roles if necessitated; in addition to flying the aircraft, the Tiger’s pilot would typically be in control of the self-defence systems and communications, as well as some secondary weapons functions. While some of the weapons use dedicated control interfaces, such as the anti-tank Trigat missile, air-to-air weapons can be managed via controls on both sets of collective and cyclic sticks.

TopOwl® helmet-mounted sight and display

VISION

TopOwl provides the pilot with optimum vision of the environment featuring unique visor-projected intensified night vision which is extremely comfortable to use.

MISSION

To accomplish the mission, TopOwl can display before the pilot’s eyes images from any sensor located on the aircraft such as an FLIR HD. The high accuracy head tracking system is able to slave any weapon.

COMFORT

TopOwl provides the pilot with the best comfort, reducing pilot fatigue and improving performance over long and iterative missions.

TopOwl® has been chosen by 16 countries for their army, navy and/or air force attack and transport helicopters.

In full-rate production, TopOwl is operational on 5 major helicopter programmes: Tiger, NH90, Cobra AH-1Z, Huey UH-1Y and Rooivalk; T129 is in progress.

Main characteristics:

• Binocular 40° field-of-view
• Visor projection
• Modular Integrated Image Intensifier
• FLIR
• Compatible with full weapon suite: Guns, Rockets, Missiles
• Headborne weight < 2.2 kg
• Customized helmet liner to pilot head
• Integrated Display Capabilities:
  – Stroke symbology
  – Raster video image (FLIR)
  – Image intensified secure

Source thalesgroup.com

Canal THEATRUM BELLI YouTubeCanal THEATRUM BELLI YouTubeCanal THEATRUM BELLI YouTube

Cockpit

Image – Copyright © Flugzeuglexikon von Wolfgang Bredow – Berlin, Spandau

The protection systems employed on the Tiger includes stealth; aspects such as the visual, radar, infra-red and acoustic signatures have been minimised to better evade threats that may be present upon the battlefield. According to Andrew Warner, the Tiger’s survivability “relies on stealth and agility”. The fuselage is armoured and was developed to withstand small arms fire and 23 mm (0.91 in) cannon rounds. The helicopter has various radar/laser warning and missile-approach detection systems, including EADS’s AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System), as well as flares and chaff dispensers.

EADS’s AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System)

EADS’s AN/AAR-60 MILDS (Missile Launch Detection System)

Function

MILDS AN/AAR-60 is a passive, true imaging sensordevice optimised to detect the radiation signature in the UV solar blind spectral band that is emitted from an
approaching hostile missile exhaust plume. MILDS AN/AAR-60 detects incoming missile threats and indicates the direction of arrival at maximum warning time. The inherently high spatial resolution of MILDS combined with advanced temporal processing enables a
very high declaration rate while virtually eliminating false alarms. MILDS comprises four to six selfcontained detectors that provide high resolution and high sensitivity
without extra cooling. Each sensor provides fully processed signals. In addition, no central processing unit is required.

Integration

MILDS represents high quality and stability, combined with integrity and expandability of the entire system without causing any electromagnetic compatibility problems on board. MILDS offers easy installation due to extremely low weight and size but at the same time high comfort and fast processing of missile threats. High MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) is possible because no moving parts are used in the MILDS systems sensors. Source hensoldt.net

Laith Jobran @flickr

Perhaps the most significant single avionics system fitted upon the Tiger is the mast-mounted Osiris sight/sensor; this incorporates optical TV and thermal cameras, a laser range finder/tracker/designator, and multiple gyroscopes for stabilisation.

Osiris sight/sensor

Image @bredow-web.de – Copyright © Flugzeuglexikon von Wolfgang Bredow – Berlin, Spandau

The Osiris mast-mounted sight for a helicopter is produced by SAGEM (formerly SFIM Industries) and was designed for both HOT and TRIGAT missiles. The Osiris electro-optical acquisition system provides passive detection, recognition and identification of the target. The mast-mounted sight is equipped with an IR CCD thermal imager and a CCD television camera on a gyrostabilised platform. Source army-technology.com

A full range of sensors:

• visible and/or near infrared CCD TV camera
• passive 3-5 or 8-12um thermal imagers
• telemeter
• laser pointer
• laser designator or illuminator
• laser spot tracker

A range of optronic sights:

• Strix sight
  • HAP EC665 Tiger helicopters
  • HAD EC665 Tiger helicopters
• Strix HA sight (laser designator)
  • ARH Tiger helicopters (army reconnaissance)
• Osiris sight
  • multi-role UHT helicopters
• Viviane sights
  • SA342 Gazelle helicopters (anti-tank)

Sagem also produces sights and gyrostabilized optronic pods, qualified on Eurocopter AS532 Cougar, EC725 Caracal, NH90, AS565 Panther and Denel AH-2 Rooivalk.

Source safran-electronics-defense.com

Osiris (CCD) – Visual

General data:
Type: Visual	Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 55.6 km	Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km	Generation: LLTV, 3rd Generation (2000s/2010s)

Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Classification [Class Info] / Brilliant Weapon [Automatic Target Aquisition], Continous Tracking Capability [Visual], LLTV / NVG / CCD (Night-Capable) / Searchlight [Visual Night-Capable]

Sensors / EW:
Osiris [CCD] – Visual Role: LLTV, Surveillance Camera Max Range: 55.6 km

Osiris (FLIR) – Infrared

General data:
Type: Infrared	Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 55.6 km	Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km	Generation: Infrared, 3rd Generation Imaging (2000s/2010s, Impr LANTIRN, Litening II/III, ATFLIR)

Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Classification [Class Info] / Brilliant Weapon [Automatic Target Aquisition], Continous Tracking Capability [Visual], LLTV / NVG / CCD (Night-Capable) / Searchlight [Visual Night-Capable]

Sensors / EW:
Osiris [FLIR] – Infrared Role: Infrared, Surveillance FLIR Max Range: 55.6 km

Osiris Laser Designator

General data:
Type: Laser Designator	Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 27.8 km	Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km	Generation: Not Applicable (N/A)

Sensors / EW:
Osiris [Laser Designator] – Laser Designator Role: Laser Target Designator & Ranger (LTD/R) Max Range: 27.8 km

STRIX turret-mounted, gyro-stabilised observation and sighting systems

The Strix is a roof-mounted sight designed for the Tiger attack helicopter. It includes IR and CCD-TV cameras, Laser range finder, and direct optics sight. Source deagel.com

Strix CCD – Visual

General data:
Type: Visual	Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 55.6 km	Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km	Generation: LLTV, 3rd Generation (2000s/2010s)

Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Classification [Class Info] / Brilliant Weapon [Automatic Target Aquisition], Continous Tracking Capability [Visual], LLTV / NVG / CCD (Night-Capable) / Searchlight [Visual Night-Capable]

Sensors / EW:
Strix [CCD] – Visual Role: LLTV, Surveillance Camera Max Range: 55.6 km

Strix FLIR

General data:
Type: Infrared	Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 55.6 km	Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km	Generation: Infrared, 3rd Generation Imaging (2000s/2010s, Impr LANTIRN, Litening II/III, ATFLIR)

Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) [Side Info], Classification [Class Info] / Brilliant Weapon [Automatic Target Aquisition], Continous Tracking Capability [Visual], LLTV / NVG / CCD (Night-Capable) / Searchlight [Visual Night-Capable]

Sensors / EW:
Strix [FLIR] – Infrared Role: Infrared, Surveillance FLIR Max Range: 55.6 km

Strix Laser Rangefinder

General data:
Type: Laser Rangefinder	Altitude Max: 0 m
Range Max: 7.4 km	Altitude Min: 0 m
Range Min: 0 km	Generation: Not Applicable (N/A)

Sensors / EW:
Strix [Laser Rangefinder] – Laser Rangefinder Role: Laser Rangefinder Max Range: 7.4 km

France to upgrade Tiger HAD to Mark II version

An upgrade is on the horizon for the French army’s Tiger helicopter. The OCCAR European joint armaments’ procurement agency announced last night that it had signed a contract on 15 December with Thales, TDA Armement and Airbus Helicopters to develop the Mark II version of the Tiger HAD, the multi-role attack version of the combat helicopter.

The contract, signed by OCCAR on behalf of France, will cover the development, production and support activities necessary to upgrade a fleet of 24 French HADs to the Mark II configuration. The first delivery is foreseen for mid 2020. Production will last until the end of 2023, at which date France and its Australian, German and Spanish partners hope to launch the Mark III version.

The Mark II standard will provide new capabilities to the French TIGER HAD helicopters such as Laser Guided Rockets (RPM) developed by TDA. Development on this 68mm rocket with a semi-active laser direction finder and an induction firing system started in 2010 and it was ordered by the French DGA procurement agency in June 2016. The system is safer for the crew as the propellent is separate from the military charge and it diminishes the logistical imprint on the platform as there are no connectors. The total budget earmarked for its integration is close to €112m, of which €64m are for the development and production of 1,000 RPMs and €48m for their integration onto the helicopter.

The Mark II standard will also include two “Made in Thales” technologies: a new GPS SAASM (Selective Availability Anti- Spoofing Module) receiver which enables access to encrypted military GPS signals, itself protected by a CRPA (Controlled Radiation Pattern Antenna) system, doubtless from the TopShield range.

The Tiger HAD is designed to provide better operability in a hot environment, such as that encountered by the Tigers deployed in the Sahelo-Saharan band. In addition to the equipment found on the HAP support and escort version of the Tiger, the HAD has the US-made air-to-ground AGM-114 Hellfire 2 and better motorisation thanks to the MTR390-E designed by a consortium consisting of MTU, Turbomeca (Safran Helicopter Engines), and Rolls-Royce.

The HAD will replace most of the 40 Tiger HAPs already in service to enable the French Army to have a homogenous fleet of 67 HADs by 2025.

Source forcesoperations.com

GRAM-S MILITARY GPS RECEIVER

GRAM-S SEM-E architecture 24 channel continuous tracking on L1 & L2 frequency; C/A-, P-, and Y-Code. Designed in accordance with the GPS “Receiver Application Module Guidelines” (GRAM-S). PPS operation handled by US JPO approved Selective Availability AntiSpoofing Module (SAASM). Able to operate either as a stand-alone or aided receiver for better A-J performances. Roadmaps include GPS M code and Galileo PRS.

Anti-Jam Thales patented Anti-Jam non-linear measurement processing and hybridisation techniques provide additional Anti-Jam benefits, that surpass conventional tight or ultra-tight coupling. Fast Y code acquisition is achieved in the most severe jamming environment, using multi-correlation algorithms that can perform up to 2,000,000 signal detection each second using more than 12,000 Time/Frequency correlators.  Full details: Here

AGM-114 Hellfire 2

AGM-114K Hellfire II

• Target: All armored threats
• Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
• Guidance:
  • Semi-active laser homing with electro-optical countermeasures hardening
  • Digital autopilot improvements allow target reacquisition after lost laser lock
• New electronic SAD
• Warhead: 9 kg (20 lb) tandem shaped charge HEAT
• Length: 163 cm (64 in)
• Weight: 45.4 kg (100 lb)
• Essentially the proposed AGM-114J w/ SAD

AGM-114R Hellfire II (Hellfire Romeo)

• Target: All Target Types
• Range: 8,000 m (8,749 yd)
• Guidance:
  • Semi-active laser homing
• Warhead: Multi-function warhead
• Weight: 50 kg (110 lb)
• Speed: Mach 1.3

Airbus delivers first upgraded Tiger helicopter to French armed forceshttps://t.co/6j8bW9Wl3S pic.twitter.com/JizVIB0DOZ

— nawaponrath (@nawapon10) January 18, 2018

Thales to provide rockets for Spanish, German helicopters https://t.co/zHYLE8ZoPT pic.twitter.com/YLqiNTaSBu

— nawaponrath (@nawapon10) February 15, 2018

France to launch mid-life upgrade for Tiger attack helicopter to Mk 3: Here

Excerpt

France is now prepared to set specifications, draw up contracts and identify risks for the midlife upgrade of its Tiger attack helicopter, following an investment meeting held May 2 by Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly.

French Army studying five new weapons for air-to-ground missile for upgraded Tiger attack helicopter https://t.co/lTpoCA8l49 pic.twitter.com/Soj83AUeYa

— nawaponrath (@nawapon10) June 9, 2018

Osiris performs as the main sensor for target observation and acquisition, providing firing and targeting data via the weapons computer; Osiris also enables entirely passive target acquisition to be undertaken and was developed to maximise the capabilities of the Trigat anti-tank missile developed in parallel to the Tiger itself. An alternative optical system to Osiris is mounted on the aircraft’s roof upon some variants.

France Orders More Tigers, Plans $41.6B Budget Increase: Here

Airbus declares that all Tiger combat helicopters are unsafe: Here

Excerpt

After the crash of a Tiger combat helicopter of the Bundeswehr in Mali on July 26,  the manufacturer company Airbus Helicopters issued a safety warning to all users of this helicopter type, which was supplemented on (today) Thursday again. In this, as a precaution, all variants of the helicopter used by the French, Spanish and Australian armed forces are declared insecure.

Operators: Here

Specifications (Tiger HAP)

Data from Wilson, McGowen

General characteristics

• Crew:Two: pilot and weapon systems officer
• Length:08 m fuselage (46 ft 2 in)
• Rotor diameter:00 m (42 ft 8 in)
• Height:83 m (12 ft 7 in)
• Disc area:133 m² (1,430 ft²)
• Empty weight:3,060 kg (6,750 lb)
• Loaded weight:5,090 kg (11,311 lb)
• takeoff weight:6,000 kg (13,000 lb))
• Powerplant:2 × MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshafts, 958 kW (1.303 shp) each
• Internal fuel capacity:1,080 kg (2,380 lb)

2 x MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390E turboshafts

mtu.de

The MTR390 covers the 1,250 to 1,450 shp range. It is designed for six-to-seven ton military rotorcraft and is installed in the Airbus Helicopters Tiger attack helicopter. The development of the MTR390 is the result of a partnership between MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce, ITP and Safran Helicopter Engines. Production began in 2000. Two versions are in service: the 2C fitted to the Tiger HAP, ARH and UHT variants; and the E, intended for the Tiger HAD. The in-service fleet has collectively logged over 130,000 operating hours.

mtu.de

With unrivaled power-to-weight and dimensions-to-power ratios, the MTR390 is designed for performance. The E model offers a maximum take-off power of 1,467 shp and, using the One Engine Inoperative (OEI) rating, is capable of 1,773 shp.

mtu.de

The MTR390 was designed to perform in the harshest of environments and to offer simple maintenance. It features three main modules: a compressor with two centrifugal stages (to cope with the most difficult conditions, including sandy environments); a single-stage high pressure turbine equipped with cooled single-crystal vanes; and a particularly robust two-stage power turbine. Servicing is based on the concept of on-condition maintenance and requires a simple set of standard tools.

The MTR390 is equipped with dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) which, through allowing engine performance and usage monitoring, lightens air and ground crew workload while maximizing performance.

MTU Turbomeca Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshafts, 958 kW (1.303 shp) each

Source safran-helicopter-engines.com

Performance

• Maximum speed:290 km/h with mast, 315 km/h without mast (157 knots, 181 mph with mast, 170 knots or 196 mph without mast)
• Range:800 km (430 nm, 500 mi) combat (with external tanks in the inboard stations: 1,300km)
• Service ceiling:4,000 m (13,000 ft)
• Rate of climb:7 m/s (2,105 ft/min)
• Power/mass:23 hp/lb (0.38 kW/kg)

Armament

• Guns:
  • 1× 30 mm (1.18 in) GIAT 30 cannon in chain turret, with up to 450 rounds.

GIAT 30 mm cannon in chain turret

30 mm (1.18 in) GIAT 30 M781 cannon in chain turret muzzle velocity is 810 m/s (2. 657 ft/s) with a rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute.

On each of its two inner hardpoints and two outer hardpoints the Eurocopter Tiger can carry a combination of the following weapons:

• Inner hardpoints:
  • 1x 20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods, or
  • 22x 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets in a pod, or
  • 19x 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets in a pod or
  • 4x AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (Australia/France) or
  • 4x Spike-ER missiles (Spain) or
  • 4x PARS 3 LR missiles (Germany) or
  • 4x HOT3 missiles (Germany)

• Outer hardpoints:
  • 2x Mistral air-to-air missiles, or
  • 2x FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles (Germany), or
  • 12x 68 mm (2.68 in) SNEB unguided rockets in a pod or
  • 7x 70 mm (2.75 in) Hydra 70 unguided rockets in a pod

Laser-guided Rocket For the French Army: Details

ACŪLEŪS Laser Guided (LG)

The ACULEUS LG warhead has been conceived to limit the collateral damages to a 20 meters  radius. The projectile is able to destroy light vehicles of the pick-up type (and all the on board fighters) and to damage, or to neutralize, light armoured vehicules, static or on the move.

Able to be shot from all type of aircraft, the ILGR has to be considered as “an additional arrow in the quiver” , allowing (finally) to interveine with close fire support in the immediate vicinity of friendly troops in contact, as well as to the benefit of friendly fighters (and/or of hostages) imbricated with an adversary.

Canal THEATRUM BELLI YouTube

More important still, this new weapon could be employed in the framework of combats “within the population”, as well in strongly urbanized zone, in the heart of villages and the most isolated hamlets, or around sensitive installations, the destruction of which would engender humanitarian or environmental disasters. Source tda-armements.com

Telson 2 : Bi-Tube Induction Rocket-Launcher

• 2 induction rockets
• Unladen mass: 9 KG
• Multi darts: 24 KG
• Maximum mass: 27 KG

Source cheelaar.com

TDA produces rocket launchers for all types of in-service combat helicopters. They can deploy 12 or 22 rockets, including free-fall rockets and the future Induction Laser Guided Rocket (ILGR). TheTIGER helicopter, for example, can deploy two 22-tube launchers (TELSON 22) and two 12-tube launchers (TELSON 12), providing outstanding firepower with a total of 68 ready-to-fir rockets.

With this modular approach, platforms can also mix and match their lethal payloads to deploy a combination of anti-tank missiles (Hellfire or others) and air-to-air projectiles (e.g. MISTRAL).

The same aircraft can be equipped with different types of weapons. This makes it possible to select the most appropriate weapon system for each target profile, optimising resources and maximising cost effectiveness.

TDA has developed and conducted live firings with a new-generation rocket launcher for the latest generations of combat aircraft such as the Rafale from DASSAULT AVIATION.

The TELSON 12 JF (Jet Fighter) rocket-launcher is designed for induction-activated rockets and is ideally suited to close air support missions.

The future Induction Laser Guided Rocket (ILGR) will provide a precision strike capability out to 10,000 metres, beyond the range of the most common MANPADS threats. Source tda-armements.com

MBDA and Roketsan will integrate Cirit rockets to the Tiger UHT helicopters: Details

2.75” Laser Guided Missile CİRİT

Image @roketsan.com.tr

Properties of the Product

CİRİT, is a missile with the longest range in its class which provides a superior precision against light, armored/unarmored and stationary/mobile targets as well as being a cost effective solution.

Basic Specifications

• The 2.75″ Missile with the Longest Range
• Insensitive Munitions (Level V)
• Multi Purpose (Armor Piercing, Anti Personnel and Incendiary) Warhead
• Integration to Various Platforms (Helicopter, UAV, Land Vehicle, Stationary Platform, Light Assault Aircraft, Naval Platform)
• Standard Mode and Smart Mode Pod Integration
• Not a Guidance Kit, New Generation All-Up Round Missile System
• Composite Propellent Technology with Reduced Smoke

In the Inventory of Turkish Armed Forces

Product Description

2.75” Laser Guided Missile CİRİT was designed for the purpose of filling the gap between cheap, unguided rockets with low precision and the high cost, guided anti-tank missiles.

CİRİT can be fired from standard CİRİT POD developed by Roketsan and as well as from Smart Pod. Smart Pod increases the capability envelope of CİRİT missile for inventory information exchange through the platform it possess prior to launch.

CİRİT is stored in the canister which facilities loading and unloading.

Image @roketsan.com.tr

CİRİT, by means of its aerodynamic shape and composite solid propellant rocket motor, has the longest range in its class, 8 km, as compared to classic 2.75” unguided rockets.

Moreover, CİRİT missile offers options, such as multipurpose warhead (Armor Piercing Anti-personnel and Incendiary) as well as High Explosive warhead.

CİRİT system defined as the official missile system of National Attack Helicopter (T – 129) under development and can be also integrated to various platforms (Helicopter, UAV, Land Vehicle, Light Assault Aircraft, Naval Platform).

Cirit canister

Diameter	2.75″ (70 mm)
Maximum Range	8 km
Minimum Range	1,5 km
Weight	15 kg (Without tube complete)
Propellant Type	HTPB Based, Smokeless, Composite Solid Propellant
Warhead Type	Multi Purpose Warhead, Armor Piercing, Personnel, Incendiary
Warhead Type	High Explosive Warhead
Guidance	Mid – Phase Guidance with MEMS – AÖB
Guidance	Terminal Guidance with Semi-Active Laser Seeker
Target Types	Light Armored / Unarmored Vehicles, Stationary and Moving Targets, Bunkers
Platforms	Helicopters (AH – 1W, T – 129 ATAK etc.), UAV’s,  Land Vehicles, Light Assault Aircraft, Naval Platforms and Stationary Platforms

Data roketsan.com.tr

20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pod & FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles

20 mm (0.787 in) autocannon pods and FIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles

AGM-114 Hellfire missiles

AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (right) air-to-ground missile developed primarily for the anti-armour.  Each Hellfire weighs 45.4kg-49kg including an 8kg-9kg multipurpose warhead. It has 8km (LOAL, high trajectory), 7.1km (LOAL, low / direct trajectory) and 11km (UAS: LOAL, high trajectory) range depending on the trajectory.

Spike-ER missiles and unguided rockets

Spike-ER missiles and unguided rockets in a pod Rafael, based in Haifa, Israel, manufactures the Spike family of anti-armour weapons. The weapons are lightweight fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles and use electro-optical and fibre-optic technologies (formerly known as NTD Dandy) with a range of 8,000m

PARS 3 LR missiles (TRIGAT LR)

PARS 3 LR missiles (TRIGAT LR) The operating range is given as 500m to 5,000m, but the range is extendible to 7,000m. Salvo firing provides a firing rate of up to four missiles in eight seconds.

PARS 3 LR is a high precision fire-and-forget weapon system for the engagement of mobile and stationary targets equipped with the latest generation of armour protection as well as buildings, bunkers and other high-value targets.

The fire-and-forget capability of PARS 3 LR enables the platform system to leave its position immediately after firing the missile. In this way, platform and crew are exposed to the enemy’s reconnaissance and counter-action for a minimal amount of time. The precision and effectiveness of the missile is ensured over the entire firing range.

PARS 3 LR

HIGH PRECISON FIRE – AND – FORGET

WEAPON SYSTEM WITH MULTIROLE CAPABILITY

• Fire-and-forget missile system
• High precision and penetration power
• Salvo-firing capability
• Quick reaction time
• Engagement of multiple targets

Source mbda-systems.com

TRIGAT LR is a third-generation anti-tank missile

TRIGAT LR is a third-generation anti-tank missile for long-range applications. The missile is also known as PARS-3 (panzerabwehr rakensystem 3) in Germany and AC 3G (antichar de 3e generation) in France. The missile is integrated on the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter developed for the French and German armies.

TRIGAT is a European programme involving France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Both long-range and medium-range TRIGAT use thrust vector control for high agility in flight and precision targeting. The operating range is given as 500m to 5,000m, but the range is extendible to 7,000m. Salvo firing provides a firing rate of up to four missiles in eight seconds.

TRIGAT LR can be applied in direct attack or terminal dive modes. The system is equipped with a tandem shaped charge warhead for high lethality against modern reactive armour. A proximity charge detonates at an optimum distance from the target.

The dimensions of the TRIGAT LR missile are approximately length 1,500cm x body diameter 15cm. The missile weighs 49kg.  Source army-technology.com

HOT 3 is a long-range anti-tank weapon system

HOT 3 is a long-range anti-tank weapon system tube-launched, wire-guided missile has a 6.5kg tandem charge warhead which is effective against explosive reactive armour (ERA), penetrating up to 1,300mm range of the missile is from 75m to 4,000m

General data:
Type: Guided Weapon	Weight: 34 kg
Length: 1.3 m	Span: 0.31 m
Diameter: 0.15	Generation: None

Properties: Terrain Following, Level Cruise Flight

Targets: Surface Vessel, Land Structure – Soft, Land Structure – Hardened, Mobile Target – Soft, Mobile Target – Hardened

Weapons:
HOT 3 – (1994) Guided Weapon Surface Max: 5.6 km. Land Max: 5.6 km.

19 tubes (FZ225) 

FZ225 is a lightweight composite material high-drag, straight cylindrical 19-tube reusable launcher designed for helicopter use. The FZ225 is equipped with removable universal dual purpose FZ125 detent mechanism enabling to fire FFAR and WA rockets.

It can be fitted with an optional removable rear fairing.

Mechanical characteristics

The FZ225 rocket launcher system includes a nineteen (19) tube rocket composite central section with equipped with a Launcher Interface Unit (LIU).

• Outer diameter : 402 mm
• Overall length : 1668 mm
• Total mass (empty) : 45 kg

Mechanical interface

• 14” NATO standard suspension lugs

Performances

• Firing mode : ripple / single
• Intervallometry : 80 ms (minimum)
• Dual purpose : designed for firing both types of FZ 2.75″ FZ FFAR and WA rocket motors
• Rocket warheads : designed for firing all types of conventional 2.75″ FZ rocket warheads equipped with a remote set fuze

7 tubes (FZ233)

FZ233 is a lightweight composite material high-drag, straight cylindrical 7-tube reusable launcher designed for helicopter use. The FZ233 is equipped with removable universal dual purpose FZ125 detent mechanism enabling to fire FFAR and WA rockets.

The design of the FZ233 is identical to that of the rocket launcher FZ220, but equipped with a LIU interface (Launcher Interface Unit).

It can be fitted with an optional removable rear fairing.

Mechanical characteristics

The FZ233 rocket launcher system includes a seven (7) tube rocket composite central section.

• Height : 288.3 mm
• Width : 243.4 mm
• Overall length : 1653.5 mm
• Total mass (empty) : 26kg

Mechanical interface

• 14” NATO standard suspension lugs

Performances

• Firing mode : ripple / single
• Intervallometry : 80 ms (minimum)
• Dual purpose : designed for firing both types of FZ 2.75″ FZ FFAR and WA rocket motors
• Rocket warheads : designed for firing all types of conventional 2.75″ FZ rocket warheads  and are equipped with a remote set fuze

Source fz.be

Estimated cost: USD 45 million (wiki)

Source: miltechmag.com, deagel.com, army-technology.com, wikiwand

Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated

Main image Laith Jobran @flickr

Updated Nov, 2020

Embraer EMB 314/A-29 Super Tucano – Brazil

EMB-314 Super Tucano is an enhanced version of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft that features faster speed and higher altitude capabilities. The prototype of the Super Tucano first flew in 1992. Both Tucano and Super Tucano have been developed and built by Embraer of Brazil.

EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft

Craig S Martin

The Tucano was a low-wing monoplane of all-metal construction, with retractable tricycle landing gear. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada (PWC) PT6A-25C turboprop providing 560 kW (750 SHP), driving a Hartzell three-bladed variable-pitch constant-speed propeller. There were two fuel tanks in each wing, providing four tanks with a total fuel capacity of 660 liters (174 US gallons). The aircraft was fully aerobatic.

PT6A-25C turboprop

PT6A-25C / Raphael Brescia

	Thermodynamic Power Class* (ESHP***)	Mechanical Power Class* (SHP)	Propeller Speed (Max. RPM)	Height** (Inches)	Width** (Inches)	Length** (Inches)
PT6A ‘Small’ (A-11 to A-140)	600 to 1075	500 to 900	1,900 to 2,200	21 to 25	21.5	61.5 to 64

* Powers are approximate values at take-off. Available at sea level, standard day, static conditions, uninstalled.
** Dimensions are approximate values.
*** Equivalent Shaft Horsepower: includes estimated equivalent contribution of exhaust thrust.

Source pwc.ca

Johnson Barros

All flight surfaces were unswept, but with tapered planforms. Flight control layout was conventional, with a one-piece slotted flap inboard on each wing plus an aileron outboard, with rudder and elevators on the tail assembly. Primary flight controls were manual, except for electrically actuated flaps. Trim tabs were fitted, as was a tailfin fillet extension, presumably to compensate for the Tucano’s long and high canopy. All landing gear had single wheels and were hydraulically retractable, with the steerable nose gear retracting backwards, while the main gear hinged from the wings to retract towards the fuselage.

The crew sat in tandem on Martin-Baker BR8LC zero-zero (zero altitude, zero speed) ejection seats, under a jettisonable single-piece canopy that hinged open to the right. The cockpit was pressurized and climate-conditioned. Dual controls were standard. Two stores pylons could be fitted under each wing for a total of four, with typical stores being machine-gun pods, unguided rocket pods, or unguided bombs, to a total stores load of 1 tonne (2,200 pounds). A reflex gunsight was fitted in the cockpit for weapons aiming. The inboard stores pylons were “wet”, permitting carriage of a total of two ferry tanks, providing 330 liters (87 US gallons) capacity each. Source airvectors.net

In addition to basic and advanced pilot training, the main missions of the aircraft are border patrol and counter-insurgency operations.

The flight envelope of the aircraft is 7g and -3.5g. Its small size, small visual and radar signatures, together with high speed and agility, give the aircraft high-survivability. Additional survivability features include armour protection and critical systems redundancy.

Super Tucano ALX light attack aircraft

Embraer was awarded a contract in 1995 to develop a variant of the Super Tucano, known as the ALX or light attack aircraft, for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). One of the main missions of the aircraft is border patrol under the Sistema de Vigilancia da Amazonia (SIVAM) programme and so the ALX was optimised for the environmental conditions of the Brazilian Amazon. The ALX is capable of operating day and night missions from remote bases and unpaved runways with minimal ground support. The first production aircraft was completed in 1999.

In August 2001, the Brazilian Air Force awarded Embraer a contract for 76 Super Tucano / ALX aircraft with options for a further 23. 51 of these aircraft are two seater versions, designated AT-29, which are stationed at the Natal Air Force Base and replace the AT-26 Xavante advanced jet trainers which are approaching the end of their operational lives. The remaining 25 aircraft are the single seat A-29 ALX version.

The first aircraft was delivered in December 2003. By September 2007, 50 aircraft had entered service. The 99^th and last A-29 aircraft was delivered in June 2012.

The A-29 Super Tucano has been selected by 15 air forces worldwide.

AT-6B Light Attack Aircraft / Trainer: Details

EMB-314 Super Tucano orders and deliveries

In August 2001, Embraer announced the signing of a contract with the Dominican Republic for ten Super Tucano aircraft, to be used for pilot training, internal security, border patrol and counter-narcotics trafficking missions. The order was reduced to eight aircraft in January 2009. The first two Super Tucano aircraft were delivered to the Dominican Republic on 18 December 2009. Three were delivered in June 2010 and the remaining three in October 2010.

CRUZEX 5

Venezuela selected the EMB-314 Super Tucano in February 2005. A total of 12 aircraft were to be ordered, with a further 12 planned. The sale fell through because it was thought the USA would block the transfer of US-built components.

In December 2005, the Columbian Air Force placed a contract for 25 Super Tucano aircraft. The first five were delivered in December 2006, with the final delivery completed in August 2008. The aircraft are used for border patrol and internal security. Elbit Systems was contracted to supply the avionics suite.

In April 2008, the Chilean Air Force selected the EMB-314 Super Tucano, with a requirement for 12 aircraft. A contract for the 12 aircraft was signed in August 2008. Embraer delivered first four of the 12 aircraft to Chilean Air Force on 23 December 2009. The Dominican Republic placed a contract for eight Super Tucano aircraft in late 2008.

The Ecuadorian Air Force (EAF) ordered 24 Super Tucano aircraft in March 2009 as part of a $270m agreement signed with Embraer in 2008. A total of six Super Tucanos were delivered by April 2010. The EAF reduced its order from 24 to 18 in May 2010 to acquire 12 second-hand Cheetah C fighters from Denel Dynamics.

Embraer signed a contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence in November 2010 to supply eight A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advance trainer aircraft for superseding a fleet of OV-10 Broncos. It also supplied ground support stations and an integrated logistics package. The contract was finalised and became effective from 9 June 2011. The first four aircraft were delivered in August 2012.

The Indonesian Air Force placed an order for a second batch of eight A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and a flight simulator in July 2012, while the Philippine Air Force (PAF) awarded a contract to Embraer for six A-29 aircraft in November 2017. Delivery to the PAF commenced in 2019.

Efrain Noel Morota

Embraer and its partner Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) received a contract from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the delivery of 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft in December 2018.

The first A-29 completed its inaugural flight for the NAF in April 2020, while the entire fleet is expected to be delivered by 2021. The contract also includes ground training equipment, mission planning devices, mission debrief systems, ground support systems and additional mission equipment the NAF.

USAF’s Light Air Support programme

Ethan D. Wagner

A-29 Super Tucano was selected by the US Air Force (USAF) for its Light Air Support (LAS) programme in December 2011. Under the $355m contract, 20 aircraft were expected to be delivered in partnership with SNC, who was the prime contractor of the programme. The contract was cancelled in February 2012 due to concerns over the procurement process. The USAF placed a $427m order with Embraer to deliver 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Afghan Air Force, in February 2013. The first aircraft was rolled out in September 2014.

The Afghan Air Force took delivery of the first four aircraft in January 2016, while the remaining aircraft delivered by the end of 2018.

An Afghan A-29 pilot readies his aircraft for flight Sept. 10, 2017, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The A-29 is the premier fighter platform for the Afghan Air Force’s fight against anti-government insurgents and for providing close air attack support to troops on the ground. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel – defensemedianetwork.com

A new contract for an additional six A-29s was placed in October 2017. The Afghan Air Force received 22 A-29s, as of September 2018.

SNC was awarded a $1.808bn contract by US for procurement, modifications, ferry, sustainment, and related equipment for the A-29 in September 2018.

EMB-314 Super Tucano cockpit

The all-glass cockpit is fully compatible with night-vision goggles. Brazilian AF ALX aircraft are equipped with avionics systems from Elbit Systems of Haifa, Israel, including a head-up display (HUD), advanced mission computer, navigation system, and two 6in x 8in colour liquid crystal multi-function displays.

Fotos Henrique Matte

Fotos Henrique Matte

The head-up display with 24° field of view and the advanced weapon delivery system are integrated through a MIL-STD-1553B data bus. The pilot is provided with a hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control.

Fotos Henrique Matte

The pilot is protected with Kevlar armour and provided with a zero/zero ejection seat. The clamshell canopy, hinged at the front and rear and electrically activated, is fitted with a de-icing system and features a windshield capable of withstanding, at 300k, the impact of a 4lb bird. A Northrop Grumman onboard oxygen generation system (OBOGS) is installed.

Elbit avionics suite

Fotos Henrique Matte

The Elbit avionics suite in the AL-X “is close to that of the Block 60 Lockheed Martin F-16”, says Berto. Designed for high reliability, low workload, redundancy and high commonality with state-of-the-art fighters, the multimode system is driven by two main mission and display computers via a 1553B multiplex databus. Configured for either light attack or advanced training, the panel is designed to be altered during base checks to suit the appropriate need.

The instrument panel is dominated by two 150 x 200mm flat-panel multifunction displays (MFD), an arm consent switch, a HUD and a subpanel with hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls. In the advanced training mode, the fighter subpanel, HOTAS and HUD are removed and the MFDs are “frozen”, says Berto. A “basic-T” made up of traditional instruments (air-speed and attitude indicators, basic flight instrument, vertical speed indicator, turn and bank indicator, standby horizon plus g meter), is dropped in its place. “The MFDs can be gradually phased in as the student gains experience,” Berto adds. Only two pages are available in training mode on the MFDs – a horizontal situation display and radio page on the left, and the electronic instrument and crew alerting system on the right. Source flightglobal.com

Weapons

The aircraft is fitted with two central mission computers. The integrated weapon system includes software for weapon aiming, weapon management, mission planning and mission rehearsal. Onboard recording is used for post mission analysis.

There are five hardpoints for carrying weapons, and the aircraft is capable of holding a maximum external load of 1,500kg. The aircraft is armed with two wing-mounted 12.7mm machine guns with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds a minute and is capable of carrying general-purpose bombs and guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Brazilian AF aircraft are armed with the MAA-1 Piranha short-range infrared guided air-to-air missile from Orbita.

12.7mm machine guns

The FN® M3P is a .50-caliber (12.7x99mm) single-barrel high rate-of-fire machine gun optimized for remote firing from aircraft, ground vehicles and naval craft and provides both offensive and defensive firepower ranging out to nearly 1,850 meters.

When used in various applications, the FN® M3P is able to engage light armored vehicles and provide suppressive fire against both ground and aerial threats. Additionally, the FN® M3P is suitable for applications in remote weapon stations and is able to fire at all elevations up to 90 degrees from horizontal.
Features unique to the FN® M3P are the 28V electrical interfaces that allow remote firing and clearing of the weapon system, as well as allowing the operator to remotely place the weapon on safe. Depending on configuration, the FN® M3P can be mounted in pods or on FN’s deFNder® Medium. Source fnamerica.com

MAA-1 Piranha short-range infrared guided air-to-air missile

The MAA-1 Piranha is the first air-to-air missile developed by Brazil for its Air Force and Navy replacing the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. Its development began in the middle 1990s, the original project was released in the late 1970s, and achieved some degree of operational capability in September 2002. It has been assumed that the missile achieved initial operational capability in 2003 coinciding with the last test campaign. The MAA-1 project has been handled by many Brazilian companies since its inception in the 1970s but finally was Mectron in the 1990s who developed the MAA-1 missile weapon system.

The MAA-1 Piranha is a supersonic, short-range air-to-air missile relying on infrared passive guidance which seeks the target’s heat emissions coming primarily from the engine/s. The infrared sensor uses two colors to discriminate countermeasures from the real target and was supplied by South Africa’s Kentron (Denel Group). The missile outstanding maneuverability allows it to perform at 50g. The Piranha performs as a ‘launch and forget’ missile, that means once launched the missile doesn’t require input data coming the aircraft’s sensors to hit its target, and a laser fuze is responsible for detonating the warhead. Externally, it is very similar to Rafael’s Python 3 air-to-air missile and the aerodynamic configuration is near the same.

During the 1990s Mectron conducted Piranha missile test firings on the AT-26 Xavante, F-5 and Mirage III aircraft. The missile was qualified for operation on the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) F-5E in September 2002. Missile production began from 2003 onwards but no date has been confirmed yet. The Piranha air-to-air missile has also been integrated into Brazilian AMX training/light attack aircraft and could be integrated into many other aircraft used by the Brazilian Air Force in the near future. Source deagel.com

General-purpose bombs

Air-to-ground missiles

Paveway

The two-seat AT-29 is fitted with a forward-looking infrared AN/AAQ-22 SAFIRE turret on the underside of the fuselage. The SAFIRE thermal imaging system supplied by FLIR Systems is for targeting, navigation and target tracking. The system allows the aircraft to carry out night surveillance and attack missions.

AN/AAQ-22 SAFIRE turret

FLIR Star SAFIRE III provides extremely reliable high performance. Along with superior image stabilization and long-range imaging, Star SAFIRE III features internal navigation for precise targeting, MWIR thermal imager, optional EO color and low-light cameras, and multiple laser payload options. The system is fully hardened for military fixed-wing and helicopter operations, and it operates continuously in all conditions – even while sitting on the tarmac with no airflow.

• OPTIMIZED USABILITY View and track ground locations using the fully-embedded IMU. Follow moving targets with the multi-mode Autotracker.
• MULTI-MISSION CAPABLE Use in applications as diverse as land force protection, shipboard open ocean and littoral patrol, and long-range airborne reconnaissance.
• IMAGE BLENDING Combine critical spectral information from the IR imager with the image-intensified low-light camera or long-range spotter scope.

Source flir.co.uk

In July 2012, Embraer and Boeing signed a cooperation agreement to add new weapons integration capacity on the A-29 Super Tucano to satisfy the requirements of the US Air Force LAS programme.

Savis, Bradar and Rockwell Collins entered into an agreement with Embraer to improve the defense applications of the aircraft in April 2017. The radar technology will be integrated into the Rockwell Collins FireStorm^™ system to improve fire precision of the aircraft.

Navigation

The aircraft is equipped with an advanced laser inertial navigation and attack system, a global positioning system (GPS) and a traffic alerting and collision avoidance system (TCAS).

EMB-314 Super Tucano propulsion

EMB-314 Super Tucano is powered by a PT6A-68A turboprop engine, developing 969kW. The power plant is fitted with automatic engine monitoring and control. The ALX aircraft has a more powerful engine than the EMB-314.

PT6A-68A turboprop engine

euravia.aero

The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A is a family of twin-shaft turboprop engines and the world’s most popular engine in its class. As many as 69 different versions of the PT6A have been produced – with engine power ranging from 500 to 2,000 shp. In service, PT6A-powered aircraft are used for many different purposes such as transport of people; (both private and commercial), dropping cargo in adverse weather conditions; military pilot training, surveillance and other special missions; and supporting various environmental efforts. The strength of the PT6A family is its dependability and versatility.

pwc.ca

The PT6A is in service with both the U.S. Air Force (MC-12W) and the U.S. Army (C-12). The MC-12W and C-12 are military special mission aircraft and mainly provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The C-12 is powered by two PT6A-60A engines with 1,050 shp each.

Also, the PT6A is used on the T-6 Texan II military trainer aircraft, which provides undergraduate pilot training for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. The T-6 Texan II is powered by a single PT6A-68 engine with 1,100 shp. Source fi-powerweb.com

The ALX’s Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-68/3 turboprop engine, rated at 1,600shp, drives a Hartzell five-bladed constant speed fully feathering reversible pitch propeller.

The fuel capacity is 695l, which gives a range of over 1,500km and endurance of 6hrs 30mins.

Performance of Super Tucano

EMB-314 can fly at the rate of 24m/s. The maximum and cruise speed of the aircraft are 530km/h and 593km/h respectively.

EMBRAER

The range and service ceiling of the Super Tucano are 4,820km and 10,670m respectively. Its maximum endurance is six hours and 30 minutes. The aircraft weighs 3,020kg and has a maximum take-off weight of 5,200kg.

airrecognition.com

Main material source airforce-technology.com

Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated

Main image By Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) @flickr

Updated May 30, 2021

Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C

The Saab 2000 AEW&C airborne early warning and control aircraft is a variant of the Saab 2000 regional transport turboprop aircraft equipped with the spine-mounted Saab Systems Erieye PS-890 side-looking reconnaissance radar.

The first customer for the Saab 2000 AEW&C, the Pakistan Fiza’ya (the Pakistan Air Force), placed the order with Saab, based in Stockholm, in June 2006 for Skr6.9bn. The Government of Pakistan renegogiated part of the contract in May 2007 due to financial crisis within the country. The contract value was reduced to Skr1.35bn.

r-PakistanMilitaryPorn

The first of four aircraft was rolled out in April 2008 and entered into service in October 2009. The second aircraft was delivered to Pakistan in April 2010 to monitor Indian airspace. Thailand announced the selection of the Saab 2000 AEW&C in June 2007.

The aircraft, fully equipped for airborne early warning and control, can also be used for national security missions, border control, airborne command and control, disaster management coordination and for emergency air traffic control.

Saab 340 Erieye of Royal Thai Air Force: Details

PAKISTAN WILL ACQUIRE THREE NEW SAAB ERIEYE AEW&C

The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman told Air Forces Monthly (AFM) that the PAF will acquire three new Saab 2000-based Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

As per AFM, the first new Erieye AEW&C will be delivered in December, with the final two due for 2018.

These will join the PAF’s three existing Erieye AEW&C and four Y-8F600-based ZDK03 AEW&C – resulting in a total of 10 AEW&C aircraft by the end of this decade.

On May 15, Saab announced a $155 million U.S. order for its AEW&C business group with deliveries set to commence from 2017 and to conclude 2020. Saab expects the sale to be inked in six months, whereby financial and other conditions will be ‘fulfilled.’

Saab did not disclose the customer, which it had done for a prior United Arab Emirates (UAE) order. In light of recent information, it is possible that Pakistan is Saab’s latest customer.

The Erieye is a critical piece of the PAF’s air surveillance and early warning strategy. Centered on an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, the Erieye provides stand-off range situational radar awareness to networked airborne and land-based assets. Saab positions the Erieye as an open platform, one that can communicate in Link-11, Link-16 and/or the end-user’s proprietary data-link protocol. Source quwa.org

Saab 2000 AEW&C programme

Saab Surveillance Systems is the lead contractor for the Saab 2000 AEW&C programme. Saab Aerotech is responsible for the development and modification of the Saab 2000 regional aircraft to the AEW&C configuration. Six other Saab business units are also contracted for major elements of the programme.

The outer wing sections have been strengthened, as has the roof of the fuselage, to accommodate the weight of the Erieye antenna and its housing. The vertical tail area has been increased to provide improved stabilisation.

Saab

SYSTEM CAPABILITIES

Erieye is a complete AEW&C system that provides capabilities for both military and civilian needs.

• Air Surveillance
• Sea Surveillance
• Intelligence
• Command & Control

Multi-mission capability

Typical mission-types include:

• Air and Sea surveillance including Intelligence
• Airborne Early Warning
• Control of own assets
• Surveillance and control of national borders, assets and economic zones
• Search and Rescue
• Alert warning
• Air policing

The extensive COM suite secures communication with participating assets and other control centres, on the ground or in the air. Source saab.com

Saab

Main cabin

Saab 2000 cockpit

The main cabin is fitted with five mission operator consoles on the starboard side.

The windows on the starboard side of the main cabin have been removed. The cabin is air-conditioned and fitted with an active noise cancellation system.

The aft section of the main cabin accommodates fuel tanks and mission equipment. Two auxiliary fuel tanks are installed on the starboard side in the mid fuselage section immediately aft of the mission consoles.

The mission operator consoles perform: system and sensor management; mission planning and simulation; track data processing; asset management and control; identification and allocation. The display systems incorporate digital maps and use high-resolution flat-panel colour displays and touch input display controls. The main cabin aft section also accommodates the electronic warfare equipment, the Erieye equipment and the Erieye power units.

Erieye surveillance radar

Saab Microwave Systems (formerly Ericsson) is the lead contractor for the Erieye surveillance radar. The Erieye radar is operational on a number of other aircraft including the Saab 340, Embraer R-99 and Embraer EMB-145. Erieye is an active phased array pulse Doppler radar operating in the 3.1GHz to 3.3GHz band. The radar is operational from three minutes after take-off and during climb and provides an effective surveillance area of 500,000km².

The Erieye radar has an instrumental range of 450km and detection range of 350km against a fighter aircraft sized target in dense hostile electronic warfare environments and at low target altitudes. The system is capable of tracking multiple air and sea target over the horizon and provides above 20km altitude coverage, 360° coverage and has sea surveillance capability. The radar incorporates an identification friend or foe interrogator. The system comprises an active phased array pulse Doppler radar with a secondary surveillance radar.

The fixed dual sided electronically scanned antenna array is installed in a rectangular housing, dorsally mounted above the fuselage.

Electronic warfare suite

The aircraft’s electronic warfare suite is based on the Saab Avitronics HES-21 electronic support measures (ESM) and self-protection suite. The HES-21 also provides a ground-based support system (EGSS), which provides mission data for the aircraft electronic warfare system and for analysis of recorded data.

Electronic support measures

The electronic support measures (ESM) system comprises digital narrow band and wide band receivers and associated antennae, providing close to 100 % probability of intercept (POI). The digital receiver is equipped with interferometer antenna arrays.

The ESM obtains the electronic order of battle (EOB) data and intercepts, characterises and identifies signals, defines their direction of arrival, generating and displaying warning information. The ESM system operates autonomously and allows real time ESM analysis and presentation to the ESM operator on board the aircraft. ESM data is recorded during missions for post mission tactical and technical analysis. Information is transferred to other onboard systems including the command and control system and the radio data link-controller.

The radar receivers cover low band (7GHz to 2GHz), mid band (2GHz to 18GHz) and high band (28GHz to 40GHz).

The digital RF receiver provides very high sensitivity and selectivity and uses fast Fourier transforms (FFT) and channelisation signal processing techniques. The ESM’s wide band and narrow band receivers provide 360° coverage, and close to 100% probability of intercept. The system provides high sensitivity and selectivity in dense and hostile signal environments.

Self-protection system

The self-protection system (SPS) comprises: defensive aids control system, radar warning, laser warning, missile approach warning and chaff and flare dispenser systems. The self-protection suite provides selection and, in automatic mode, the initiation of the chaff and countermeasures sequences.

The laser warning system is based on the Saab Avitronics LWS-310 laser warner operating in the 0.5 to 17 microns wavelength bands. Spatial and spectral coverage is provided by an array of three sensors on each side of the aircraft.

The missile launch and approach warner (MAW) is based on the Saab Avitronics MAW-300, which can simultaneously monitor and track up to eight threats. It has four sensors, two on each side, and each with 110° azimuthal coverage to provide the overlapped 360° spatial coverage.

The chaff and flare dispensing system (CFDS) comprises a dispenser control unit, (CFDC) with a cockpit mounted display and control panel, defensive aids suite computer with a threat library database, two BOL electromechanical dispensers and six BOP pyrotechnical dispensers.

The BOL dispenser is a high-capacity, 160-cartridges, electro-mechanical chaff dispenser. The BOL dispensers are installed in the fairings under the wingtip-mounted radar warning pods. The dispenser incorporates vortex generators which provide chaff blooming characteristics and a chaff cloud Doppler response.

The BOP dispenser is a pyrotechnic dispenser carrying Nato standard rectangular cartridges or magazines of 39 1in² cartridges. The dispenser has the capability to dispense different ammunition types concurrently. The BOP dispensers are housed on each side of the underside of the fuselage to the aft of the wings.

Engine

Brian J. McMorrow

The aircraft is fitted with two Rolls-Royce AE 2100A turboprop engines developing 3,095kW. AE 2100A is a two shaft gas turbine engine equipped with a 14-stage high pressure (HP) compressor driven by a two-stage HP turbine. The engine also features a planetary reduction gearbox connected to the propeller. It also features a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) to manage both engine and propeller.

The length and diameter of the engine are 11.8in (0.29m) and 19in (0.48m) respectively.

Rolls-Royce AE 2100A turboprop engine

Allison AE 2100A turboprop, 3,096 kW (4,152 shp) each

Manufacturer: Rolls-Royce plc
Power:
AE 2100 A/P: 4,152 shp (3,096 kW)
AE 2100D2 and AE 2100D3: 4,637 shp (3,458 kW)
AE 2100J: 4,591 shp (3,423 kW)
Overall Pressure Ratio at Maximum Power: 16.6
Compressor: Two-spool, axial flow
Compressor Stages: 14 HP
Turbine: 2 HP + 2 PT
Engine Control: Dual FADEC
Combustor Type: Annular
Length: AE 2100D2 and AE 2100P: 118 in (2.99 m);
AE 2100D3: 124 in (3.15 m); AE 2100J: 114 in (2.89 m)
Diameter: 28.7 in (72.9 cm)
Dry Weight: AE 2100D2: 1,727 lbs (783 kg); AE 2100D3: 1,925 lbs (873 kg);
AE 2100J: 1,640 lbs (744 kg); AE 2100P: 1,610 lbs (730 kg)
Platforms:
AE 2100A: Saab 2000 (commercial)
AE 2100 D2/D2A: C-27J Spartan
AE 2100D3: C-130J Hercules; LM-100J
AE 2100J: ShinMaywa US-2
AE 2100P: Saab 2000 ERIEYE AEW&C

Source fi-powerweb.com

Saab 2000 performance

The aircraft can climb an altitude of 9,144m in 15 minutes. The maximum cruise and patrol speed of the aircraft are 629km/h and 296km/h respectively. The range is 3,218km. The take-off run of the aircraft is 1,400m and the maximum endurance is 9.5 hours. The aircraft weighs around 14,500kg and its maximum take-off weight is 23,000kg.

Key performance data

Max endurance	> 9,5 hours
Max range	> 2,000 NM
Time to climb 25,000 ft*	15 min
Cruise speed	340 knots (TAS)
Patrol speed	160 knots (IAS)
Takeoff distance	1,400 m
Service ceiling	30,000 ft

Source saab.com

Main material source airforce-technology.com

Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated

Revised Dec 11, 2017

Updated May 19, 2020