Erieye radar

The Erieye radar system, is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) developed by Saab Microwave Systems (formerly Ericsson) of Sweden. It is based on the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA). The Erieye is used on a variety of aircraft platforms, such as the Brazilian Embraer R-99 or EMB-145. It has recently been implemented on the Saab 2000 aircraft.

The Erieye Ground Interface Segment (EGIS; not to be confused with the Aegis combat system) is a major component of the software used by the Erieye system.

The radar provides 360 degree coverage and has an instrumental range of 450km and detection range of 350 km in a dense hostile electronic warfare environment — in heavy radar clutter and at low target altitudes. In addition to this, the radar is also capable of identifying friends or foes, and has a sea surveillance mode.

The Erieye system has full interoperability with NATO air defence command and control systems.

Sweden has loaned two of these systems to Greece, while they are still owned by the Swedish Air Force. SAAB signed an 8 billion krona provisional contract to supply 6 of these systems to Pakistan, which was finalized in June 2006. Pakistan Air force had rejected the longer-ranged E-2C Hawkeye offer as it uses PESA radar, whereas ERIEYE is comparatively shorter ranged, but has the more advanced AESA radar (Pakistan Navy has however separated its paths from the air force & have opted for E2C Hawkeye to be mounted on its P3C Orion aircraft).

Recently, Royal Thai Air Force signed the contact to order a Erieye system equipped on Saab 340 and has the option to order another system. This order is a part of Gripen order.

Operator

;SWEFour out of six Saab 340 operated by the Swedish Air Force can be equipped with Erieye. SwAF designation is S-100B Argus.

;BRAThe Brazilian Air Force operates five Embraer R-99A Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft, equipped with the Erieye airborne radar from Ericsson AB of Sweden.

;MEXThe Mexican Air Force operates one Embraer R-99A

;GREThe Hellenic Air Force operates four Embraer R-99A Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft.

;PAK
Pakistan Air Force have ordered five Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft with the Erieye radar. The AWACS's will be inducted by 2009-2010. Pakistan Air Force has also signed (MOD) with China on development of a Sino-Pakistani AWACS.

;THAAs a part of Gripen procurement program, Royal Thai Air Force orders one S-100B Argus and has an option for one more. S-100B is the Saab 340 equipped with Erieye Radar System, PS-890. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2010. Make Thailand's the second country in South East Asia after Singapore to operate AEW&C aircraft. [ [http://www.gripen.com/en/MediaRelations/News/2008/080211_th_signing.htm Gripen International] Gripen agreement between Sweden and Thailand signed.]

References

External links

* [http://www.defencetalk.com ERIEYE News, Discussions and Pictures |Defence Talk]
* [http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,730272,00.html Saudi interest]
* [http://products.saab.se/PDBWeb/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=1190&MoreInfo=true SAAB Surveillance System]
* [http://products.saab.se/PDBWeb/PDF/productpage_id1190_lan1.pdf SAAB Surveillance (in PDF)]