SPECIFICATION FOR MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT SYSTEM INSTALLATION FOR CN235

SECTION 1- SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) intent to enhance the effectiveness of its maritime patrol and surveillance capability through airborne maritime patrol platform. This is achieved through retrofit of a new Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) System on board the current RMAF CN235 aircraft.

1.2. This specification covers the design, configuration, performance, test, qualification, certification, commissioning and acceptance requirements for the modification of CN235, and the supply of equipments to the RMAF CN235 aircraft.


PURPOSE

1.3. The purpose of this specification is to state the RMAF requirement for the provision of MPA system to CN235 aircraft and its associated equipments.


STANDARDS

1.4.* The CN235 aircraft modifications, system and its associated equipments shall be supplied in accordance with the requirements of this specification and shall be the manufacturer’s standard.

MATERIAL

1.5.* Material used in the MPA system and associated equipments shall be free from defect, which could adversely affect the performance and maintainability of individual component or the overall assembly.

1.6.* All equipment, material and articles incorporated in the work covered by this specification shall be new and unused.

1.7.* Each item shall be installed according to limitations specified for that equipment/item and shall be labelled for ease of identification.


LOCAL INDUSTRY PARTICIPATION

1.7. There shall be provision for a Transfer of Technology which shall be discussed and agreed by the Malaysian Government upon signing the purchase of the MPA system.

SECTION 2 – DEFINITIONS

2.1. The following definitions are referred throughout this specification:

2.1.1. GFE - Government Furnished Equipment.

2.1.2. GOM - Government of Malaysia.

2.1.3. HF - High Frequency

2.1.4. ILS - Integrated Logistics Support.

2.1.5. LSA - Logistics Support Analysis.

2.1.6. MAFCA - Malaysian Armed Forces Cataloguing Authority.

2.1.7. MAO - Maritime Air Operation.

2.1.8. MPA - Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

2.1.9. NM - Nautical Mile.

2.1.10. OEM - Original Equipment Manufacture.

2.1.11. RMAF - Royal Malaysian Air Force.

2.1.12. RCS - Radar Cross Section.


SECTION 3 – OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Equipment / System Description And Function.

3.1. Platform

The platform utilized shall be two CN235 furnished by GOM for the MPA. The MPA shall be able to carry all necessary sensors and equipments to meet their required roles and tasks while conducting operations over a large area of coverage. The MPA shall be able to carry out the following missions.

3.1.1.* Maritime Surface Unit Surveillance.

3.1.2.* Maritime Sub-surface Surveillance.

3.1.3.* Electronic Warfare Operations.

3.1.4.* Over the Horizon Targeting (OTHT).

3.1.5.* Search and Rescue.

3.1.6.* Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) Monitoring.

3.1.7.* National Territorial Waters Law Enforcement.


SECTION 4 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

4.1. Equipment / System Characteristics

The sub-system requirements of the MPA system shall consist of the following:

4.1.1 MPA Platform.

4.1.2. Radar System.

4.1.3. Electro-Optics System.

4.1.4. Electronic Support Measure (ESM).

4.1.5. Acoustics System.

4.1.6. Self Protection System (SPS).

4.1.7. Tactical Datalink and Communications.

4.1.8. Operator Console.

4.1.9. Mission Ground Support Centre.

4.2. MPA Platform

The requirements for the MPA platform shall covers the following:

4.2.1 MPA System Design.

To ensure the delivered aircraft performs the tasks and roles as intended, the aircraft specification shall complies to the following:

4.2.1.1 Where a system does not have prior certification of installation on CN235, equivalent certificate shall be obtain prior to the delivery of the complete aircraft with minimum amount of time and cost to the certification process.

4.2.1.2 The installation of the system shall not significantly degrade the flying qualities and performance of the aircraft. The installation shall not restrict the operation of the aircraft from the present approved environmental at atmospheric condition.

4.2.1.3 The system installed shall be designed for maritime environment with a specific anti-corrosion program.

4.2.2. Aircraft Performance.

The conduct of maritime operations requires the aircraft to have a wide range of performance. The performance of the aircraft shall not be significantly degraded after the installation of the system onboard the aircraft. The performance of the aircraft will be based on the present approved Aircraft Flight Manual. Among the performance requirements are as follows:

4.2.2.1. Range.

After the installation, the aircraft shall have a maximum ferry range of at least 1,300 nm.

4.2.2.2. Endurance.

The aircraft with MPA system onboard shall be able to operate at least 4.0 hr on station time in an area of operation located 200 nm from the operating base in the surface surveillance configuration.

4.2.3. Vibration Characteristics.

The installation of the new equipment may affect the overall vibration characteristic of the aircraft. Therefore, the main contractor for this programme shall be responsible to carry out flight test to ensure that the aircraft new weight and balance does not affect its overall vibration characteristics.

4.2.4. Electromagnetic Interference Test.

The installation of the new equipment may cause radio interference to the aircraft radio and navigation system. The main contractor for this program shall carry out the electromagnetic interference test (EMI) after completion of the installation. The aircraft shall be free of EMI in all operation of radio and navigation system.

4.2.5. Electrical Power Supply.

The main contractor shall be responsible to ensure that the available power supply onboard the aircraft is sufficient to accommodate all MPA sensors operations.

4.2.6. Operational Characteristics

The MPA equipment shall also complies to the following requirements.

4.2.6.1. Environmental Conditions

All the equipments proposed and its associated system shall be able
to operate in tropical weather conditions (i.e heavy rain humidity and high temperature). The environmental condition shall include the following:

4.2.6.1.1. High durability under severe operational conditions.

4.2.6.1.2. Long fatigue life.

4.2.6.1.3. Ensure Fail-Safe Characteristics by stand-by structures, multiple load paths, crack stoppers and similar measures.

4.2.6.1.4. The integrity and long life of the platform structure should have been proven by the exhaustive static and fatigue testing and in worldwide operatic climates.

4.2.7. Interoperability

The system shall allow distributions of data to other airborne and surface elements of Malaysia Armed Forces that allow interoperability.

4.2.8. System Operation Duration

All the proposed system shall be able to function and operate 24 hours a day. The equipments and its systems shall have minimum down time and quick turn around capability for continuous operations. The components shall be of modular type for easy removal and replacement on a ‘form, fit and function’ basic.

4.2.9. Commonality and Supportability

Where possible, all equipments supplied shall be those which are commonly used by RMAF aircraft.

4.3. Search Radar

The radar is the primary sensor to search, detect and track targets both on the surface and in the air. The radar system shall be equipped with imagery capability in order to enhance the effectiveness of the maritime air surveillance operations by providing photo-liked radar pictures and silhouette of objects for recognition purpose. The ability of the radar to provide detection and tracking of airborne targets is highly desired for MPA roles. The radar system of this platform shall be a maritime surveillance radar system and shall be integrated with the avionics of the aircraft. The system shall be of modular design for increased reliability, maintainability and durability as well as employ latest and proven technologies. Major capabilities of the systems are:

4.3.1.* Surface Targets Detection capable of detecting a one (1) meter square RCS target from a range of 24 nm.

4.3.2.* 360 degrees azimuth coverage.

4.3.3.* Provide ECCM features.

4.3.4.* At least 200 targets tracks on Track While Scan Mode.

4.3.5.* Automatic and manual initiation of track capability.

4.3.6.* Target Classification.

4.3.7.* Synthetic Aperture Radar Mode.

4.3.8.* Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging and Classification.

4.3.9.* Static and Dynamic Range Profiling.

4.3.10.* Air Targets Detection.

4.3.11.* Search and Rescue Beacon Detection.

4.3.12.* Moving Target Indicator.

4.4. Electro-Optics (EO)

The MPA system shall include Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) sensor and Low Light Television (LLTV) camera. These equipments are critical for the purpose of identifying targets from a safe stand off distance. The design shall enable the maximum performance while operating in hot and humid environmental and atmospheric conditions. Electro-optics sensors shall be used to identify targets of interest during all weather conditions, day and night. The major component of the sensors are:

4.4.1. FLIR

FLIR will be one of the important sensors utilized for the purpose of positively identifying targets of interest. Due to the high humidity and temperature of local weather and the working environment, the characteristics of the FLIR shall comply to the following:

4.4.1.1.* 360 degrees azimuth coverage.

4.4.1.2.* Spectral range within 3 to 5 µm.

4.4.1.3.* Active gyrostabilisation.

4.4.1.4.* Auto Tracking feature.

4.4.1.5 Auto Focus feature.

4.4.2. LLTV

In the event of the target heat contrast ratio being low, LLTV will be used to identify targets. The characteristics of the LLTV shall comply to the following:

4.4.2.1. 360 degrees pan range in azimuth.

4.4.2.2. At least PAL video standard.

4.4.2.3. Minimum illumination required is at least 1 lux.

4.4.2.4. Auto Tracking feature.

4.4.2.5. Auto Focus feature.

4.5. Electronic Support Measures (ESM)

ESM suite shall enable the MPA system to passively detect, analyze and identify electronic signals at long range. This increases our own forces situational awareness and classification of contact before they become a threat. The ESM suite shall have the following features:

4.5.1. Operates within 0.5 to 18 GHz band with provision to be extended to 40 GHz range.

4.5.2. Able to process all polarizations of electro-magnetic signals.

4.5.3. Shall be able to provide automatic audio and visual warning on the detection of threat signals.

4.5.4. Shall be able to record, store and process selected signals for post mission analysis.

4.5.5. Shall be provided with related ground support equipment for the purpose of processing and analysing of data.

4.6. Acoustic System

The acoustics system shall include the sonobuoys launcher system and complementary airborne receiver. The acoustics system shall be able to detect and track submarines as well as record the received signals for post-flight analysis. The acoustic system shall consist of the sonobuoys signal receiver and processors. The system shall have the following characteristics:

4.6.1. The system shall provide the capability to record received signals for post mission analysis.

4.6.2. The acoustic processor shall be able to process sonobuoys of various types inclusive of analogue and digital, passive and active buoys.

4.6.3. The sonobuoys shall be of a single tube launcher system. For efficient deployment of the sonobuoys, at least 5 launchers is required.

4.6.4. The launching sequence of the sonobouys shall be able to be programmed from the operators consoles.

4.7. Self Protection System (SPS)

This platform must be fitted with self-protection device such as flare, chaff dispensers to ensure survivability when engage by hostile threat. The SPS shall include Missile Warning System (MWS) and shall be integrated to the MPA system providing visual and audio to all operating crew. The SPS shall include the following sub-system and characteristics:

4.7.1. Counter Measures Dispensing System (CMDS)

The CMDS system shall include both manual and automatic modes of dispensing stores deploying both chaffs and flares.

4.7.2. Missile Warning System (MWS)

MWS shall includes the following features:

4.7.2.1. Capable of detecting UV signature of a launched missile, radar signal of an active missile and Missile illuminator (CW).

4.7.2.2. Audio warning to the operator and pilot.

4.7.2.3. Classification of threats.

4.7.3. Tactical Datalink (TDL) and Communications

TDL and communications system shall be required to provide real time information to friendly and cooperating platforms such as surface ships, combat aircrafts and ground based operation centres. The TDL shall also have the encryption capability and ECCM features. Details of the requirements are as follows:

4.7.3.1. For TDL capability to surface ship and ground based operations centres, the format and protocol use by the MPA shall be HF Link Y TDL. The HF TDL shall have voice synchronisation features allowing voice transmission during operation.

4.7.3.2. For air to air TDL and secured voice communications, provision shall be made for the installation of a GFE communication suite using the government approved format and protocol.

4.7.3.3. Intercommunication system installed shall allows communication in the cockpit only, cabin area only, and between cockpit and cabin area. The intercommunication system shall also includes public address system.

4.7.3.5. Secure voice communication shall be made available from the operators consoles.

4.7.4. Operator Consoles

A minimum of four consoles is required for the operation of the MPA system. The consoles shall have the following features:

4.7.4.1. Highly integrated with all sub-system on board the MPA.

4.7.4.2. Sharing of database throughout the applications.

4.7.4.3. Multiple sensor and data fusion capabilities.

4.7.4.4. Designed as a flexible and modular system, based on Open System Architecture and proven standard interfaces, which allow the integration of a huge variety of sensors (Radar, FLIR/EO, ESM, Acoustic) and an outstanding growth potential, according to RMAF needs.

4.7.4.5. The design standards and the use of data links and voice communication shall allow the interoperability with other cooperative units and with the ground station to facilitate in missions planning and post flight analysis.

4.7.4.6. The system shall be intuitive and easy to use Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and the Graphical User Interface (GUI) based on the proven X-Windows software which provides display and control functions, reducing the tactical crew workload.

4.7.4.7. The system shall utilize latest development tool which allows the adaptability and portability of the software to other hardware platforms avoiding the obsolescence of the mission system with a minimum cost.

4.7.5. Mission Ground Support Centre (MGSC)

The requirement for the MGSC shall include the following:

4.7.5.1. Consist of Electronic Warfare Ground Support Cell, SPS Cell, Acoustic Cell, FLIR Cell and Radar Cell.

4.7.5.2. MPA mission support and mission planning system.

4.7.5.3. Ground based training system.

4.7.5.4. The MGSC shall be able to recognise and employ the threat library produced from the RMAF MERLIN Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) into the MPA mission system. Likewise, emitter threat information gathered by the MPA system must be in a format recognised by the RMAF MERLIN EWS.

4.7.5.5. The MGSC shall also include a TDL Link Y and a console for targets and tracks information display.


SECTION 5 – QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS

5.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMME

The Supplier shall submit together with other tender documents a proposal on the quality assurance programme necessary in order to satisfy the requirements laid down in the proceeding clauses. The proposal shall outline the formulation of the procedures and schedules for on-site QA Verifications, Trial and Final Acceptance.

5.2 QUALITY VERIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

The items shall be subjected to the quality assurance (QA) verification. The basic objective of the verification described herein is to verify that the requirements and specifications have been met. This verification shall provide a measure of the overall quality and shall be performed so that it simulates operational use. Verification shall include field acceptance testing for the operational system to verify that it meets the performance requirements of this specification.

5.3 SYSTEM TRIAL/TEST PROTOCOL

System trial/test shall be performed in accordance with agreed System Trial/Test Protocol (system procedures and schedules). The Contractor shall be responsible for the preparation of the Test Protocol which shall be approved by the RMAF. The RMAF shall conduct the System Trial/Test with the assistance of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) system experts provided through the Government of Malaysia (GOM) Offset Programme. The RMAF shall then provide feedbacks on changes and modifications required to be carried out by the Contractor before Final Acceptance.

5.4 FINAL ACCEPTANCE

A final acceptance of the system shall take place after all the inspection, tests, trials and verifications stipulated herein have been satisfactorily conducted.


SECTION 6 – PREPARATION FOR DELIVERY

6.1 DELIVERY

The contractor shall propose the best delivery time possible and submit the project implementation plan.

6.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE BEFORE DELIVERY

For Pre-Delivery requirements, the following shall apply:

6.2.1* The Government shall at any time after the signing of the contract have the right to observe the test and inspect the workmanship and materials used for the manufacturing of the MPA system on three separate occasions for a duration of at least one week each and may for this purpose dispatch a team of at least four officers each to the Supplier’s installation.

6.2.2* The Supplier shall provide to the Government a progress report and list of test carried out on the aircraft where applicable and shall produce certificate indicating successful completion of the test.

6.2.3* When the MPA system installation is completed and ready for delivery, the Government shall dispatch a team of at least four (4) officers to carry out the pre­-delivery inspection for a duration of one week. The pre‑delivery inspection shall be carried out at Supplier’s installation in accordance with the test protocol that will be included in the contract to ensure that the MPA system fully conform to the applicable technical specification. The pre‑delivery inspection to be carried out shall include a Flight Test of up to a at least 5 sorties per aircraft, by the Government representative.

6.3 FINAL INSPECTION

The final acceptance shall complies to the following requirements:

6.3.1* The MPA system shall be subjected to the Government’s normal inspection and acceptance test within a period of fourteen (14) days after receipt of the fully serviceable MPA in Malaysia. Such inspection and acceptance test including a final flight shall be within the test protocol that will be stipulated in the contract.

6.3.2* If, during such inspection and test it is found that there are defects in the MPA system, the Supplier shall make good of such defect.

6.3.3 After the completion of the final inspection, the Government shall issue a Final Inspection Certificate.



SECTION 7 – SUPPORTING REQUIREMENT

7.1* The RMAF intent to manage the through‑life support of the equipment that shall be procured in accordance with the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) requirements. In order to do this, the Supplier shall provide the ILS plan for this system.

7.2 The following are the supporting information which shall be provided by the Supplier to the RMAF:

7.2.1 Engineering Support

7.2.1.1* To sustain the equipment design integrity throughout the equipment life cycle, the Supplier shall provide the necessary details with regards to the equipment configuration baseline, the configuration changes that the equipment has undergone and the Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) that has not been incorporated (or in the process of incorporation).

7.2.1.2* The Supplier is to specify the range of configuration documentation which shall be supplied including the appropriate Reliability and Maintainability (R&M) data.

7.2.1.3* The Supplier shall provide the Type Certificate and Certificate of Airworthiness awarded by appropriate Airworthiness Authority. Technical data shall be examined by the RMAF Airworthiness Board.

7.2.1.4* A data package that defines the followings shall be provided to the RMAF:

7.2.1.4.1* Exact standards and specification used in the design and manufacture of the system.

7.2.1.4.2* Operational environment planned for the system and its impact to the aircraft design.

7.2.1.4.3* Degree to which the system complies with the standards and specifications and the authorized waivers and deviations from such specifications.

7.2.1.4.4* A logistic support program including the maintenance plan developed for the system after appropriate engineering analysis has been conducted.

7.2.1.4.5* An engineering management program to control the configuration changes to ensure that airworthiness standards are not compromised or unknowingly changed, and that modifications are incorporated and tested to appropriate standards and are reflected by appropriate amendments to the operation and maintenance documentation.

7.2.2 Maintenance Planning

7.2.2.1* The Supplier shall provide appropriate document describing the Maintenance Policy to be adopted by the RMAF on the equipment. The policy shall clearly state the scheduled maintenance that must be performed on the End‑item and its corresponding Maintenance Managed Items (MMI).

7.2.2.2* Since the RMAF maintenance policy will later be developed based on its own unique requirements, the Supplier shall propose the suitable method of re-designing the maintenance policy in accordance with the RMAF needs. The policy shall be documented in RMAF format Technical Maintenance Plan.

7.2.2.3* All maintenance manuals shall be in English.

7.2.3 Technical Data

7.2.3.1* The Supplier shall list the specifications, drawings, software, technical manuals and other publications required to support the equipment. If the Supplier's technical data are Continuous Acquisition Life Cycle Support (CALCS) compliant, the Supplier shall specify the range of Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETM) and other data in electronic form available. The necessary arrangement with regards to updating/amendment services and its procedures shall also be provided.

7.2.4 Supply Support

7.2.4.1* The Supplier shall provide Recommended Spare List that is required for the first 2 years of operation. Spare provisioning conference shall be held between the Supplier and the RMAF to provide information and technical support to assist with the selection of spare parts. The selected spares shall be delivered concurrently with the MPA system.

7.2.4.2* The associated provisioning documentation including the list of alternate parts approved for use shall be provided.

7.2.4.3* The supplier is required to furnish to the Malaysian Armed Forces Cataloguing Authority (MAFCA) information regarding the item supplied against the contract. The information which may involve provisioning of manufacture reference part number, names, print drawing, specification and related documents will be used solely to establish directly or indirectly the essential characteristics which give
an item its unique character and differentiate it from every other items.

7.2.4.4* For items procured by the Supplier from another source, the name of the actual manufacture (or code) and his references or part numbers shall be furnished.

7.2.5 Support and Test Equipment

7.2.5.1* The Supplier shall provide the list of relevant support and test equipment to perform scheduled and unscheduled tasks at all levels of maintenance. This is to enable the RMAF to determine the range of support and test equipment necessary to support the equipment after considering those already in‑service.

7.2.6 Training and Training Support

7.2.6.1* The Supplier shall specify the training necessary and that will be provided to the equipment operators and maintainers.

7.2.6.2* The training aids and training support systems such as Computer-Based Training (CBT) that are available and the proposed training plan shall be provided for RMAF considerations.

7.2.7 Manpower and Personnel

7.2.7.1* The Supplier shall provide details with regards to the number of staff and the competency level required to sustain the weapon system and all its associated equipment throughout their entire life.

7.2.7.2* The supplier shall provide Field Service Representative(FSR) to support the equipment immediately after the warranty term expires and the period shall be dictated by the RMAF.

7.2.8 Facilities

7.2.8.1* The Supplier shall advise the permanent and semi permanent works necessary to smoothly transition the equipment into service,
commensurate with the adopted maintenance policy. For this, the Supplier shall be allowed to conduct a facility survey of the accepting RMAF establishment prior to signing of contract.

7.2.9 Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation

7.2.9.1* The Supplier shall disclose the means of transportation required to transfer the End‑item and materials from the country of origin to Malaysia.

7.2.9.2* Details on special protection and storage facilities required especially on hazardous and environmentally sensitive materials expected to be encountered during the acquisition process shall be made known.

7.2.10 Computer Support

7.2.10.1* The Supplier shall specify electronic data such as the Logistics Support Analysis Records (LSAR) available, specialized software application and the data processing facilities necessary for the in-service support of the equipment. What ever computing facilities necessary for the equipment, it is recommended that the Supplier be familiar with the existing RMAF IT infrastructure.

7.2.11 Warranty

7.2.11.1* The Supplier shall be required to supply and deliver to the original place of delivery, without cost to the government of Malaysia, replacements for the components which become defective within the warranty period after acceptance, provided the components are not items which would have been consumed within that period due to normal wear, and provided that the defect is not due to negligence on the part of a member of RMAF. Where reported defect is on any
component or unsuitability of the components indicate weakness in design or materials, the Supplier shall make the necessary modification (s), repair or replacement at his cost inclusive of supply and transportation.

7.2.11.2* The warranty period shall be for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of acceptance.


SECTION 8 – STATEMENTS OF COMPLIANCE

8.1 Schedule of Compliance/Non-Compliance.

8.1.1*
The Supplier is to submit the Schedule of Compliance as per annex ‘A’ to this specification. He is strongly advised to read carefully the explanatory notes given in appendices on how to complete the Schedule at the annex ‘A’.

Maritime Surveillance

What is Malaysia's Maritime Awareness Domain?

Malaysia's maritime area of responsibility includes a coastline that is 4,800 km-long including 2,068 km on its peninsular portion and 2,607 km in Sabah and Sarawak, and an exclusive economic zone, EEZ of 200 nautical miles which is equivalent to 370 km.

How will Malaysia maintain awareness along its maritime area of responsibility?

Malaysia has...

RMAF VVIP Aircraft

S-70 Black Hawk special use for the Prime Minister of Malaysia. The helicopter is parking at the compound of Prime Minister's House.


Falcon 900 will be used for the King of the States in Malaysia






Fokker 28 dedicated for Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia



Global Express is dedicated for the Prime Minister of Malaysia.



Boeing 737-700 - BBJ (Boeing Business Jet). Dedicated for the King of Malaysia.

This aircraft are belong to the Government of Malaysia for official use for the Prime Minister and the King. These aircraft are operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force pilot and maintain by the local MRO company AIROD Sdn Bhd.

Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) for Royal Malaysian Air Force

Introduction

Study was carried out and concluded that there were shortfall with present RMAF capability in air defense roles. This includes the ability to provide support and radar coverage for areas not able to be covered by ground based radar. In addition to the RMAF requirements, the national requirements for air and sea surveillance during peacetime against illegal activities and border incursion were also identified.

At present, RMAF does not have the full capability to support the operational requirements as required by the Air Force Doctrine. Dedicated AEW&C aircraft was identified as the most practical solution to the inadequacy. The aircraft shall be able to be operated from any RMAF Air Base or any airfield available in Malaysia. The aircraft shall also be able to transit to the operational area with minimum transit flight time. The AEW&C platforms short-listed for considerations are Embraer EMB-145, SAAB 2000, E2-C Hawkeye 2000, P-3 Orion AEW&C and B-737 Wedgetail AEW&C.

The AEW&C system required to fulfill RMAF operations requirement mainly consist of Command, Control and Communication (C3) system, Airborne Surveillance Radar and Electronic Support Measures System. The characteristics and capabilities of AEW&C system to fulfill the above are as follows:

• A radar system capable to provide 360 degrees detection coverage and detection range of more than 200 nm.
• Robust and reliable radar system that is able to function even with several transmitter and receiver element unserviceable.
• Radar system ability to provide 3 dimension detection with accurate information on direction, range, height and speed of Air, Land and Maritime targets.
• Radar system shall have low side-lobe level incorporated with Electronic Protective Measures (EPM) capabilities used to combat Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) or Electronic Jamming and Anti Radiation Missile.
• Possess multimode capability to detect air, land and maritime targets simultaneously.
• Capable to provide fully automated data fusion of active and passive sensors which include Primary Radar (PSR), Secondary Surveillance Radar/ Identification of Friend and Foe (SSR/IFF) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM). (Multi Sensor Data Fusion).
• The AEW&C C3 system integration shall include secure Air to Air, Air to Ground/Surface communication and data link.
• Equipped with Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system utilize for passive surveillance, emitter identification with Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) analysis capabilities, threat warning and passive ranging and targeting. ESM system characteristics are as follows:
  
  (1) Frequency Coverage - 0.5 to 18 GHz to located airborne, land and maritime based emitter.
  
  (2) Emitter Direction Finding and passive emitter ranging /geo-location.
  
  (3) On board ELINT type signal analysis with emitter Radio Frequency (RF) parameter recording and playback capability.
  
  (4) System integration with Counter Measures Dispensing System (CMDS).
  
  (5) Include ground ELINT type signal analysis - Electronic Warfare Support System.

• The C3 system of the AEW&C shall be able to perform autonomous Control and Reporting function with capability to relay Recognize Air Picture (RAP) of its area operation coverage to Sector Operation Centers (SOC) and Regional Air Defence Operation Centers. (Network Centric)

Characteristics and Capabilities of AEW&C Platform

• Ability to be deployed to area of operation within a short time frame with short scramble time.
• Possess good endurance and time on station of 8 hours within designated area of operation covering Peninsular and East Malaysia typically in the operating range radius of 200 Nm.
• Possess dash speed not less than 0.5 M for operation in Mixed Force Package (MFP) with the RMAF fighter elements and quick retrograde to defended area to ensure survivability.
• Platform shall be able to operate independently without or with limited Ground Support Equipment possibly utilizing civil or commercial aviation maintenance and logistic support available throughout civil or military airport as forward operating base during peace or crisis operation.
• The AEW&C platform shall be able to be equipped with Self Protection System (SPS) which comprise of Missile Warning System (MWS) and CMDS to ensure platform survivability. The CMDS shall be capable to be installed with chaff, flares and active expandable decoy and be fully integrated with the ESM and MWS.
• Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft was based on the regional jet version. The aircraft was a propeller driven with a maximum take off weight of 23,000 kg. The AEW&C systems were developed by Ericsson. The primary radar utilized an electronically scanned array mounted on the aircraft dorsal.
  

Limitations

During the evaluation, certain limitations were encountered which limited the extent of the evaluation. The limitations and its impact to the evaluation are listed below.

• Only a basic platform without dorsal antenna was used for platform flight evaluation with a total of 3.0 hours (1 hour demonstration flight and 2 hours of in-flight evaluation). The available flight time was sufficient to carry out the evaluation. The evaluation covers qualitative and quantitative assessment of the platform.
• Swedish Air Force Saab 340 AEW&C was used for AEW&C System evaluation. This evaluation took approximately 4 flight hrs. The evaluation was limited to the aircraft primary surveillance radar system only. The platform was not equipped with the support system such as ESM, Secure IFF Interrogator, Air to Air Data link and Self Protection System.
• The team has total control on the evaluation profile which was modified accordingly due to fuel consideration on the Viggen fighters as the cooperative targets. Full capability of the radar was not exploited due different radar system will be offered to the RMAF.
• It is important to note that the Swedish Air Force utilized the Saab 340 as a remote sensing platform where all information gathered during flight will be transmitted back to SOC. Therefore the Saab 340 was only equipped with one technician console rather than multiple operator consoles. As the AEW&C system proposed for RMAF was only on paper (no physical existence of the platform with AEW&C system available for evaluation), many hours were used for discussions and clarifications of items as listed in the Requirement Breakdown Structure. The time available for discussion and feedback was sufficient to cover all aspects of the RBS.

Objectives

The primary objective of this evaluation was to conduct an operational evaluation of the Saab 2000 AEW&C system and platform against specific mission requirements. This evaluation addressed the following areas:

• Airspace and Surface Surveillance capability for Situational Awareness and Assessment.
• Force Coordination, Assignment and Control capability.
• Electronic Warfare and Survivability capability.
• Platform and Deployment capability.
• Logistic Support, Maintenance and Training.

Note: The detail of the evaluation on sensors equipments are classified

Summary

Overall assessment and evaluation on the SAAB 2000 AEW&C system as a whole, it was found that the system does not meet the RMAF prescribe capabilities and concept of operation required. The platform characteristic and attribute however fulfill the operation requirements.

The ERIEYE radar system proposed to be equipped to the SAAB 2000 and the one operational on the Embraer EMB-145 operates in S band is vulnerable to attenuation problem or lost of propagation energy especially in high humidity Malaysian environment. The situation would further deteriorate if the aircraft is to operate in adverse weather condition. The effect above would result reduction in radar range thus limiting the early warning and identification range.

Although some ground radar operates in this frequency band it is still able to generate enough power available on the ground with further amplification to overcome RF energy propagation lost which contribute to reduction in range. Platform power source will be limited in overcoming this problem.

The radar operating in the S band would also be susceptible or vulnerable to electronic counter measure (ECM) or radar jamming and also anti radiation missile with passive seeker head or receiver designed to look within the ERIEYE - S band wavelength and are available in the world market.

The design of the ERIEYE does not have 360 degrees radar coverage and with 30 degrees blind zone forward and aft the platform would be greatly vulnerable to attack.

Risk Factor Consideration. Among other factors to be considered are the overall risk factors that include system integration, supportability and maintainability. Major systems of the SAAB 2000 AEW&C are of Swedish origin except for the engines; hence the above mentioned risk factors would be marginal since all are controlled by SAAB Corp.

However, one of prime concerned is the limited numbers of SAAB 2000 aircraft available in the market which are no longer in production despite the vendors guarantee to support until a total of only five aircraft remain operational throughout the world. If the SAAB 2000 AEW&C is selected then the RMAF would be the only user of such system which includes HES 21 RHWR/ESM

Above is the photo of stored Saab 2000. The AEW&C program for the Royal Malaysian Air Force is the refurbish present Saab 2000.

Above is the photo of Saab 2000 which had been structurally damaged especially at the bottom area of the fuselage and the engines including propellers. This aircraft is actually claimed to be written off but Malaysia Air Force will take it as part of the program after refurbishment carried by Saab and to be used as AEW&C. Somebody is going to be a billionare!!!!

Guest who????

Saab 2000

RMAF Requirement for AEW&C

The Royal Malaysian Air Force is going to acquire AEW&C aircraft soon!! From the various candidate that has been short listed for the platform, Saab 2000 is going to be chosen.

Background about Saab 2000. There are only 63 in the production since 1992. The production of Saab 2000 has been stopped since 1999 due to less demand by aviation operators. They cannot compete with the Jet engine aircraft.

Saab 2000 is designed for passenger aircraft. Saab AB official web site reported that only 52 aircraft left that still serving the airlines throughout the world. Three of them has been scrapped and eight were keep for storage. Please varify the data from this web site: http://www.planespotters.net/Production_List/Saab/2000/index.html

Malaysia is going to get 3 of this type for AEW&C and 6 for Maritime Surveillance. The question is can Saab support the fleet while the production has been stopped. How are Saab going to support the Malaysian Air Force for the next 20 years or more.

The age of the aircraft is between 9 to 16 years. If the Malaysian Air Force is getting the older production, they are going to operate those aircraft for the next 20 years and plus 18 years and become 38 years.

There is a regulation where the commercial aircraft cannot be flying for more than 25 years and some country limit them to 20 years. Saab AB is seems to be desprate to sell off their aircraft for military use because military did not apply to those regulation.

Pakistan also getting 6 of the same type for their AEW&C.

What do you all think about the decision to procure Saab 2000 as platform for AEW&C?

eye in the sky

Enjoy the view of sun rise taken from the flight deck of C130H of No 20 Squadron, Royal Malaysia Air Force.

On 27th February 2006, the Government of Malaysia with their sincere sympathy for the victims of landslide in Tac Lo Ban, Mindanao, Philippines, The C130H of No 20 Squadron were tasked to send the SMART Team of Malaysia complete with their standard vehicles and equipments to safe the survivors. The aircraft were flown direct to Tac Lo Ban airport from Subang Air Base near Kuala Lumpur. The SMART Team had done a very good job.