Northrop Grumman company California Microwave Systems has delivered the first fully capable RC-7B Airborne Reconnaissance Low-Multifunction (ARL-M) aircraft to the US Army.
The ARL-M is a manned all-weather airborne intelligence platform developed and fielded in the early 1990s to support a US Army requirement for a low-profile intelligence aircraft.
Developed for intelligence gathering in Central and South America, the aircraft continues in that role, while also observing moving targets along the Korean demilitarised zone. The ARL-M is viewed as a low-cost alternative to the surveillance and intelligence platforms such as the Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS, Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint and Lockheed Martin EP-3E Aries.
ARL-M is carried in a modified, ex-airline, de Havilland DHC-7 turboprops and consists of the Super Hawk signal intelligence system, imagery intelligence hardware plus moving target indicator and synthetic aperture radars. Other equipment includes a Wescam M-20 forward-looking infrared sensor and a wideband tactical common datalink.
The new aircraft is the fifth ARL-M, but the first with a full system. US Congress has earmarked $30 million for a sixth ARL-M aircraft that will be delivered in 2003.
The US Army aims to procure nine ARL aircraft, but field commanders have identified a requirement for twice that number.
The army is considering employing ARL aircraft in a "measures and signature intelligence" role. Product improvements could include standardised avionics across the ARL fleet and re-engining.
ARL will be replaced in 2017 by the proposed Airborne Common Sensor aircraft.
Source: Flight International
