Sentries grounded
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For those with short memories, the UK AEW force was declared to NTO as our contribution to the NAEWF in lieu of paying for the rest of the force and contributing crews.
One presumes that, in their absence, we will be having to pay our fair share of the costs for the remainder of the force and its use. I doubt there are any savings, and with the remaining duplication in infrastructure it probably absorbs additional cost, not a saving.
One presumes that, in their absence, we will be having to pay our fair share of the costs for the remainder of the force and its use. I doubt there are any savings, and with the remaining duplication in infrastructure it probably absorbs additional cost, not a saving.
Not strictly true... Historically, the UK was to be part of the NAEW Force with 24 crews to be based at either Brize or Fairford (nothing decided) but the Nations could not agree funding so the UK pulled out of the multi-national programme and instead contributed our own national AEW as the UK Component. Britain does not pay anything into the NAEW Force - our contribution is to provide that UK Component. There is no penalty if we don't provide our aircraft (bearing in mind we were 9 years late to the party in the first place).
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Apparently the Sentry upgrade program will cost in the region of ~£2b, and it will be near to 2030 by the time the entire fleet is upgraded (for a 2035 OSD).
In light of those facts, I think we ought to look at replacing the Sentry fleet entirely.
The 737 AEW&C platform (the E-7 Wedgetail in RAAF service) would be a good candidate as it has a lot of commonality with the P-8 (same engines, cockpit, and many other systems), which would create some good maintenance and aircrew training synergies.
If however we're going to keep Sentinel long-term, then the Saab GlobalEye would be another good (and cheaper) candidate, as it is based on the same airframe as Sentinel (Global Express), which again would give many synergies between the two platforms. Saab seem to think that they could sell some to the RAF: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...stomer-429604/
In light of those facts, I think we ought to look at replacing the Sentry fleet entirely.
The 737 AEW&C platform (the E-7 Wedgetail in RAAF service) would be a good candidate as it has a lot of commonality with the P-8 (same engines, cockpit, and many other systems), which would create some good maintenance and aircrew training synergies.
If however we're going to keep Sentinel long-term, then the Saab GlobalEye would be another good (and cheaper) candidate, as it is based on the same airframe as Sentinel (Global Express), which again would give many synergies between the two platforms. Saab seem to think that they could sell some to the RAF: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...stomer-429604/
Kapton wiring, dodgy insulation and fire problems in the UK E-3D Sentries ? Surely not ?
Brit MoD fiddling with safety and airworthiness - Couldn’t possibly happen here.
Time frame for any fiddling puts related decisions right in the middle of the Golden Age of aromatic polyimide wiring insulation.
Must be shome mishtake.
..................
Brit MoD fiddling with safety and airworthiness - Couldn’t possibly happen here.
Time frame for any fiddling puts related decisions right in the middle of the Golden Age of aromatic polyimide wiring insulation.
Must be shome mishtake.
..................
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
UK Begins Testing Sentry, Post Repairs
The Royal Air Force has begun testing flying the first of it’s fleet of Sentry E-3D airborne early warning aircraft repaired after being taken out of service in October due to electrical wiring problems. If the tests go to plan the first aircraft could be returned to operational service in the second half of January.
“E-3D Sentry test flying has already commenced, as part of a graduated return to flying for the fleet. This work continues and a return to the normal level of aircraft availability is forecast early in 2017,” said an RAF spokesman. Typically the RAF has four aircraft available for flying duties with two in maintenance.
The six strong fleet of airborne early warning jets was deemed unserviceable earlier this year and effectively grounded after a routine inspection revealed major issues with some electrical wiring and cabin conditioning systems. Defense News exclusively reported the entire fleet had been grounded Nov 4. Later media reports said some underfloor wiring was arcing creating a potential fire risk. Fire blankets on the aircraft were also found to not be fireproof, said the reports.
Britain’s allies have had to step in and fill the temporary capability gap created by the aging aircraft being grounded while repairs are undertaken. In particular the British aircraft and its crews had been active providing support to anti-Daesh operations over Iraq and Syria.
The remedial work on the jets has been undertaken by an RAF-led team which also includes support providers Northrop Grumman and other industry suppliers. Northrop Grumman’s UK arm recently signed a nine year extension to it’s support and availability contract for the aircraft. The wiring replacement work has been undertaken at the Sentry’s temporary base at RAF Coningsby as the aircraft’s normal home, RAF Waddington, is closed to large jets while a new runway is laid.
The RAF Sentry fleet was due to be taken out of service in 2025, but the British announced in their Strategic Defence and Security Review last year that the aircraft's life was being extended by a further 10 years to 2035. The extension is expected to result in a major sustainment and update program on the aircraft starting around the end of the decade. “As part of this requirement, a number of capability sustainment options are under consideration, the capability development plan will be confirmed in due course,” said the RAF spokesman.
The Royal Air Force has begun testing flying the first of it’s fleet of Sentry E-3D airborne early warning aircraft repaired after being taken out of service in October due to electrical wiring problems. If the tests go to plan the first aircraft could be returned to operational service in the second half of January.
“E-3D Sentry test flying has already commenced, as part of a graduated return to flying for the fleet. This work continues and a return to the normal level of aircraft availability is forecast early in 2017,” said an RAF spokesman. Typically the RAF has four aircraft available for flying duties with two in maintenance.
The six strong fleet of airborne early warning jets was deemed unserviceable earlier this year and effectively grounded after a routine inspection revealed major issues with some electrical wiring and cabin conditioning systems. Defense News exclusively reported the entire fleet had been grounded Nov 4. Later media reports said some underfloor wiring was arcing creating a potential fire risk. Fire blankets on the aircraft were also found to not be fireproof, said the reports.
Britain’s allies have had to step in and fill the temporary capability gap created by the aging aircraft being grounded while repairs are undertaken. In particular the British aircraft and its crews had been active providing support to anti-Daesh operations over Iraq and Syria.
The remedial work on the jets has been undertaken by an RAF-led team which also includes support providers Northrop Grumman and other industry suppliers. Northrop Grumman’s UK arm recently signed a nine year extension to it’s support and availability contract for the aircraft. The wiring replacement work has been undertaken at the Sentry’s temporary base at RAF Coningsby as the aircraft’s normal home, RAF Waddington, is closed to large jets while a new runway is laid.
The RAF Sentry fleet was due to be taken out of service in 2025, but the British announced in their Strategic Defence and Security Review last year that the aircraft's life was being extended by a further 10 years to 2035. The extension is expected to result in a major sustainment and update program on the aircraft starting around the end of the decade. “As part of this requirement, a number of capability sustainment options are under consideration, the capability development plan will be confirmed in due course,” said the RAF spokesman.
IMOP, based on some experience in NATO AWACS management, the NATO aircraft of NAEW&C were always very well serviced (some would say over-serviced) but also upgraded and continue to be so. RAF E3s are not so well placed, I hope they get back in the air very soon, because contrary to the naysayers, the platform is not a 'one trick pony' it could still be made much more versatile and capable.
