Saab E-2000 Erieye

History of Saab E-2000 Erieye

The Saab E-2000 "Erieye" is an airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C) developed by Saab Erieye Sweden. It is deployed on the Saab 2000 regional airliner, which is equipped with two turboprop engines. This aircraft serves as a surveillance platform, providing vital "eye in the sky" capabilities for various aviation services globally, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the Saab 2000 platform is versatile, serving as the foundation for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) variants.

The commercial Saab 2000, derived from the Saab 340 design, made its maiden flight in 1992 and entered service in 1994. With approximately 63 units produced between 1992 and 1999, its adaptability extends beyond civilian use, finding applications in the military sector for diverse battlefield requirements. The Eric Eye version retains its twin-turboprop engines but undergoes modifications to the fuselage, including the integration of the Erieye radar system. This version also incorporates Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, secure communication, and self-defense features.

Inside the aircraft, five multifunction mission consoles are operated by specially trained personnel, while the cockpit accommodates a two-person crew. The Saab 2000 retains its distinctive multi-blade turboprop engines, retractable landing gear for ground operations, and a unique tail design with an upward-swept vertical stabilizer. This versatile platform stands as a testament to its adaptability, catering to a range of military needs beyond its original civilian purpose.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1996

Origins: Sweden

Status: Active. Limited service.

Crew: 8

Production: 10

Manufacturer: Saab - Sweden

Carrier: Pakistan;Saudi Arabia

Roles

Special Mission: Airborne Early Warning (AEW)

A specially equipped platform that provides command and control (C2) capabilities to Allied air forces on the battlefield.

Special Mission: Electronic Warfare (EW)

Ability to actively deny adversaries electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and protect that spectrum for allied forces.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

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

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 89.6 feet (27.30m)

Width/span: 82.0ft (25.00m)

Height: 25.4 feet (7.75m)

Cured weight: 30,865 lbs (14,000 kg)

MTOW: 50,706 lbs (23,000 kg)

Wgt Difference: +19,842 lbs (+9,000 kg)

Performance

Installed: 2 Rolls-Royce AE 2100P turboprop engines, 4,152 hp each, driving a six-bladed propeller unit.

Maximum speed: 416 km/h (670 km/h | 362 kn)

Maximum: 31,168 feet (9,500 m | 6 km)

Area: 1,864 km (3,000 km | 5,556 nautical miles)

Rate of climb: 2,350 ft/min (716 m/min)