Ericsson Microwave Systems plans to add a battlefield surveillance capability to its Erieye airborne early warning (AEW) phased array radar. "We are looking for launch customers," confirms the Swedish company.
The Swedish air force, which operates four of a planned six Saab 340B AEW aircraft equipped with the Erieye, says it is interested in adding a battlefield surveillance capability to the radar as part of its long-term sensor plans.
Ericsson is working with Thomson-CSF to develop the required synthetic aperture radar and moving target indication capability for the Erieye. The French electronics giant is the Swedish company's partner in developing a NATO-compatible version of the Erieye mission system. This has been offered to meet Greece's AEW requirement, installed in an Embraer RJ-145 regional jet.
Sweden's Saab 340s, designated S100Bs, are operated as part of the country's integrated air defence system and the only operator's console on board is for the radar technician. The ERJ-145 will have five consoles, providing an airborne command and control (C2) capability. The Swedish air force plans to give its Saab 340 AEWs a C2 capability to allow out-of-area operations.
Meanwhile, Ericsson confirms it has substituted the ERJ-145 for the Saab 2000 shortlisted by South Korea for its AEW requirement. The Swedish company is continuing to talk to Australia, hoping to be allowed to re-enter its Project Wedgetail AEW contest.
Source: Flight International
