Goodbye #AWACS, hello distributed sensors network ?
▻https://rusi.org/sites/default/files/20170605_air_c2_proof_3_jm.pdf #radar #défense_aérienne #EW #guerre_électronique
“It is unclear that a capability sustainment programme of the E-3D based on the mid-life upgrade made by the USAF and FAF during the 2000s, which extended their E-3 fleets to 2035, is still the optimal path for the RAF to take today. First, recent technological developments – such as missiles and aircraft employing radar cross section (RCS) reduction features or hypersonic speeds – have cast doubt on the ability of the E-3D fleet to detect some potential threats. Second, fifth and 4.5th-generation fighters are increasingly capable of generating higher fidelity situational awareness in their operating areas than an E-3, thus undermining its role for the first of the primary missions outlined above. Finally, the proliferation of threat technologies – in particular very long range air defence systems and very long range air-to-air ‘AWACS-killer’ missiles, as well as the introduction of non-Western fifth-generation fighters – will force large support enabler platforms such as E-3s and tankers to operate at much greater standoff ranges from the main battlespace than in previous conflicts. This is likely to degrade the usefulness of the E-3’s primary sensor suite due to range limitations.”