The Israeli ministry of defence and Gulfstream Aerospace are holding preliminary talks about converting a G550 business jet into an unmanned maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) capable of meeting Israel's operational requirements, writes Arie Egozi.
The concept is to equip the G550 with a flight control system that will enable it to conduct fully autonomous missions, or to be operated remotely using an optional ground control station. The idea emerged during negotiations for an Israeli air force purchase of four modified G550s worth $473 million. The aircraft will be used for signals intelligence, electronic counter- measures and airborne early-warning duties and will enter service early next year, (Flight International, 11-17 May).
Israel is seeking a replacement for its Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) 1124 Seascan maritime patrol aircraft, which have been jointly used by the country's air force and navy since 1978. Unmanned air vehicles have been considered but local sources say designs as large as IAI's 1,100kg (2,430lb) Heron have been discounted as incapable of meeting navy requirements.
A G550 modified for unmanned operations is also a possible solution for the US Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance UAV requirement.
Source: Flight International
