Embraer, ELTA Systems To Develop New Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

Embraer and ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), have signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to develop next-generation P600 AEW (Airborne Early Warning) aircraft, based on the advanced Embraer Praetor 600 business jet, at the 53rd International Paris Air Show.

The primary sensor of the P600 AEW is the IAI/ELTA 4th generation Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with integrated IFF capabilities.

In this cooperation, Embraer is to provide the air platform, ground support, communications systems and aircraft integration while ELTA is to provide the AEW radar, SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) and other electronic systems and system integration, Embraer said in a statement Tuesday.

According to the company, the P600 AEW can provide an extended Air Situational Picture by monitoring aerial activity in areas outside ground radar coverage. It can perform various missions such as Air Defense, Early Warning, Command and Control, Fighter Fleet Efficiency, Territorial Defense, and Maritime Surveillance. Also, the P600 AEW can be configured with the full range of AEW&C sensor and control systems, including; 4th generation Digital AESA AEW Radar, civil and military IFF, ESM/ELINT with Radar Warning Receiver capability, Command & Control, comprehensive communication suite including Data Networks and Satellite Links, and a robust Self Protection Suite (SPS).

A comprehensive communications suite allows for data link capability as well as satellite communication for operations beyond the line of sight data link. It also secures interoperability with allied forces. Network centric warfare (NCW) capability transforms the P600 AEW into a member of a tactical network. An advanced self-protection system (SPS) performs the detection of potential threats activating any required electronic support measures.