Gulfstream MC-55A Peregrine (G550)

History

In July 2023, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) introduced the Gulfstream MC-55A Peregrine, an aircraft designed to replace the Lockheed AP-3C Orion for electronic warfare operations. The Peregrine is part of a four-aircraft fleet that will be stationed at RAAF Edinburgh. It will enhance the RAAF's electronic warfare capabilities, connecting various military platforms and providing critical support for the warfighter. These aircraft are being modified in Texas and are expected to become operational in May 2024.

RAAF Base Edinburgh serves as the primary operating base for the Peregrines, while support facilities are planned for RAAF Base Darwin, RAAF Base Townsville, and the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The MC-55A Peregrine is a specialized aircraft for signals intelligence and electronic intelligence, built on the framework of the Gulfstream G550 twin-jet business jet, which has proven its versatility in various government, civilian, and military roles.

The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine coincides with the modernization of the Aegis defense system in the Royal Australian Navy's Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer. This aircraft is equipped for long-range maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare missions, retaining all the capabilities inherent to the G550 business jet. Its deployment marks a significant enhancement to Australia's electronic warfare and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Specification

Base

Years in Service: 2023

Origins: Australia/US

Status: Active.

Crew: 12

Production: 5

Manufacturer: Gulfstream Aerospace - USA

Carrier: Australia (Subscribed)

Roles

Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR), Scouts

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Special Forces

Serve special forces/special operations forces and missions.

Notable Features

Radar Capability

Houses may house (via specialized variants) radars for searching, tracking, and attacking enemy elements.

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Wing sweep

The main plane or leading edge features retract lines for improved high-speed performance and handling.

Wings

Main aircraft covered with winglets for improved fuel efficiency and handling.

High-speed performance

Can accelerate to higher speeds than the average aircraft at the time.

High performance

The ability to fly and operate at higher altitudes than the average aircraft of the day.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Super performance

The design covers the three key performance categories of speed, altitude and range.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Depression in crew members

Support the pressurization required for crew survival at higher operating altitudes.

Crew management

In addition to the pilot, the aircraft also employs additional crew members who specialize in specific functions on the aircraft.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Scalable

Has retractable/retractable landing gear to maintain aerodynamic efficiency.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 96.5 feet (29.40m)

Width/span: 93.5 feet (28.50m)

Height: 25.8 feet (7.87m)

Cured weight: 48,303 lbs (21,910 kg)

MTOW: 77,162 lbs (35,000 kg)

Wgt Difference:+28,859 lbs (+13,090 kg)

Main aircraft structure

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

Install low

The main aircraft is mounted low on the side of the fuselage.

Swipe back

The floor plan features a swept wing along the leading edge of the main aircraft, promoting higher operating speeds.

Performance

Installed: 2 Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 non-afterburner turbofan engines, each producing 15,385 pounds of thrust.

Maximum speed: 652 km/h (1,050 km/h | 567 knots)

Cruising speed: 615 km/h (990 km/h | 535 knots)

Maximum speed difference: +60 km/h (+60 km/h | 32 knots)

Maximum: 52,493 feet (16,000 m | 10 km)

Range: 7,767 mi (12,500 km | 23,150 nm)