Tel Aviv: Israeli developed airborne radar systems will be installed in the new Korean AEW&C aircraft. The advanced radar systems are versions of the ones used by the AEW&C operated by the Israeli Air Force and international clients.
L3Harris Technologies, Korean Air and Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Ltd (IAI/ELTA) are teamed to integrate and deliver the next generation of survivable, high-altitude airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force.
The Korean AEW&C team members have already delivered a variety of special mission aircraft to its customers over the past 20 years. These include, among others, multiple Italian Air Force AEW&C aircraft supporting NATO missions, including ongoing operations in eastern Europe, and two Israeli Air Force AEW&C aircraft flying missions in support of ongoing local operations. All aircraft have maintained mission availability rates above 90 percent.
L3Harris has also delivered P-3CK revitalisation and P-3C upgrades, RC-800 Baekdu programs and special surveillance aircraft to the ROK.
The proposed ROK Air Force AEW&C solution is built around a proven mission system design already operating in multiple theatres, resulting in a powerful capability with low development and sustainment costs. The mission system is integrated using a modular open systems approach (MOSA) digital backbone. Incorporating MOSA enables affordable and rapid upgrades to address pacing threats, latest operational approaches and interoperability requirements while using a business jet platform offers lower cost per operating hour than commercial derivative solutions and high readiness rates along with a higher altitude and longer-range surveillance capability.
The AEW&C solution is based on a battle-tested L3Harris platform design using Bombardier’s premier Global 6500™ high-altitude business jet, and includes the integration of IAI/ELTA’s advanced radar technology and artificial intelligence algorithms, providing the world’s most advanced airborne battle management platform. The Global 6500 is a modern aircraft that will fly higher, faster, longer and at a lower cost to acquire, operate and maintain than existing AEW&C platforms.
The team has outlined this program from the beginning with the objective to transition to a largely Korean industry-led program after delivery of the prototype aircraft. The first two aircraft will receive structural modifications in Texas before transferring to an ELTA facility in Israel for integration and radar testing.
Korean Air has participated from the start and will provide engineering and will lead in-country modification and testing activities of aircraft three and four. Korean Air will also lead in-country sustainment of the program.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
