SAAB GlobalEye: Multi-role AWACS
GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platform from Swedish defence and security company Saab.
GlobalEye consists of a suite of sensors using Saab's Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar and mission system, installed in the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet.
During February 2016, Swedish defence company Saab announced the launch of a programme to integrate a variant of their Erieye radar system on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6000, a long range business jet, to produce a specialised airborne early warning & control aircraft.
Prior to the development of the GlobalEye, Saab had fitted the Erieye onto several separate A-E-W platforms, including the Swedish Saab 340 AEW&C and the Brazilian Embraer R-99.
The manufacturing process involves the delivery of fully completed Global six thousands to Saab's facility in Linköping, where they undergo an extensive conversion process.
Modifications include the strengthening of both the airframe and wing, enabling the carriage of the Erieye radar along with other sensors and wingtip-mounted equipment for electronic warfare purposes.
Aerodynamic changes include the adoption of an extended tailfin, along with several ventral strakes located beneath the rear fuselage.
To improve survivability, a self-protection suite comprising laser and radar warning receivers, as well as countermeasures dispensers, is installed.
On 23 February 2018, Saab unveiled the first GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.
The primary sensor of the GlobalEye is its Erieye ER airborne early warning radar; weighing approximately 1 tonne, and is mounted atop the twinjet's fuselage.
Saab has cited up to 450 km (216 nm) range for the AEW radar system when flown at an operating altitude of 30,000 ft, and 550 km at 35,000 ft.
In comparison with earlier versions of the Erieye radar, Saab claims it has achieved a 70% increase in detection range, achieved via the use of new technology, such as gallium nitride transmit/receive modules.
The GlobalEye is capable of detecting and tracking a combination of airborne and surface targets, the latter on both land and sea, while mission times of up to eleven hours in duration are possible.
The Seaspray radar features synthetic-aperture radar and ground-oriented moving target indication modes.
Other mission equipment includes maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical/infrared sensor, data links, voice and satellite communications and a command and control suite, the latter comprising five onboard operator stations.
The GlobalEye can be operated without any onboard operators, streaming its surveillance output to ground-based stations instead, and can simultaneously perform airborne, maritime and ground surveillance duties.