PAUL LEWIS / ORLANDO
Industry must test practicality of one-platform to fill multi-mission requirement
The concept of a Multi-Role Command & Control Aircraft (MRC2A) is presenting the US Air Force and industry with major issues, such as whether it will be technically or operationally feasible to package airborne and ground surveillance and electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors on one platform.
Although the USAF has yet to complete an analysis of alternatives on next-generation surveillance platforms, Boeing has already unveiled its MRC2A concept. The 767-400-based aircraft would have a dorsal-mounted Wedgetail-type electronically scanned airborne early warning (AEW) antenna, and a ground surveillance array on the forward fuselage underside.
Jim Winzell, Boeing MRC2A programme manager, says: "We're looking at all options and have not yet come to a conclusion whether it makes sense to put multiple sensors on. We need to look not just at the technical questions, but the concept of operations: if we can put all of this on one platform, can we get better utilisation of not just the sensor but the operator too?"
MRC2A is intended as a common replacement for the USAF's Boeing E-3 airborne warning and control system, EC-135 Rivet Joint ELINT platform and Northrop Grumman E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS). If the USAF opts for single-sensor platforms, Boeing will propose the smaller 767-200/300. In either case, the manufacturer is stressing engine and cockpit commonality between MRC2A and the USAF's proposed lease of 767-200 tankers.
The current aircraft operate different mission profiles, but this is likely to change with increased use of unmanned air vehicles. Northrop Grumman is in the preliminary stages of upgrading the JSTARS with a new electronically scanned array. Under the Multi Platform Radar Technology Insertion Programme (MP-RTIP), a scaled down, 1.5m (5ft) version of the planned MRC2A array will be fitted to the Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk.
The joint Global Hawk and JSTARS concept of operations has still to be developed. "What is clear is that Global Hawk is unmanned, and more risks can be taken with certain threats. It will also operate at a higher altitude and deal better with ground clutter and terrain," says Chris Hernandez, Northrop Grumman MP-RTIP programme manager.
Boeing is proposing a phased approach to MRC2A, initially fielding a ground surveillance aircraft around 2010, to be followed later by ELINT and AEW. While MP-RTIP is the selected follow-on JSTARS sensor, there are alternatives to the Northrop Grumman Wedgetail AEW antenna, such as the E-3's upgraded Block 40/45 mechanically scanned array, or a Raytheon active array system.
Boeing is now negotiating agreements with both companies.
Source: Flight International
