Saab GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft achieves first flight

LINKÖPING, Sweden. Officials at Saab in Linköping, Sweden, have completed the first flight of the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft.

The aircraft, a modified Bombardier Global 6000 jet platform, undertook a 1 hour 46 minutes test flight collecting extensive flight-test data using the on-board instrumentation suite. This data is then used to verify the aircraft performance and associated modelling.

GlobalEye combines air, maritime, and ground surveillance in one swing-role solution, officials describe. GlobalEye carries a full suite of sophisticated sensors including the powerful new extended range radar (Erieye ER), integrated with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft, known for its versatility and smooth flight characteristics.

GlobalEye took off on its maiden flight at 12.52 local time on 14 March 2018, from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden. The first flight was preceded by a series of ground trials including high and low speed taxiing tests.

“Today’s flight went as planned, with the performance level matching our high expectations. The aircraft’s smooth handling was just as predicted and a real pleasure for me to fly,” Saab Experimental Test Pilot Magnus Fredriksson says.

“The first flight is the second major milestone for the GlobalEye program within a very short space of time. Yet again we have demonstrated that we are delivering on our commitments and that we are on track with our production of the world’s most advanced swing-role surveillance system,” says Anders Carp, senior vice president and head of Saab’s surveillance business area.

United Arab Emirates Armed Forces is the GlobalEye launch customer. GlobalEye is called the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS) in the U.A.E. The initial order was placed in November 2015.

GlobalEye brings extended detection range, endurance and the ability to perform multiple roles, including search and rescue, border surveillance, and military operations.

Saab serves the global market with products, services, and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts, and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.