The Saab GlobalEye is a Swedish airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft built to detect and track threats in the air, at sea and over land at the same time. Based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, it carries Saab's Erieye Extended Range radar, stays aloft for more than 11 hours and made its maiden flight from Linkoping, Sweden, on 14 March 2018. Below are the key specs, the radar that defines it and the role it plays for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.
From aircraft maker to carmaker, and back
Anyone who has driven a Saab knows they were unlike anything else on the road, at least before the GM era. The reason is simple: Saab came from aircraft, and it carried the quality and engineering of building planes into its cars. The 900 Turbo remains one of the great Scandinavian classics and still looks timeless today, as Jerry Seinfeld will happily confirm. The GlobalEye is Saab returning to its roots.
What is the Saab GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control system completed its maiden flight piloted by Saab test pilot Magnus Fredriksson, taking off from Linkoping. Based on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, its purpose is to stay airborne as long as possible, feeding a constant flow of reconnaissance. The development programme included ground tests as well as high and low speed taxiing tests before that first flight. The official Saab GlobalEye page details the full sensor suite.
Saab GlobalEye specs and radar
With a crew of four pilots plus mission specialists, the Saab GlobalEye offers low cabin noise levels. It measures 30m long with a 29m wingspan and is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 A2-20 turbofans, cruising at 902 km/h at 12,300 m of altitude. A 2000m takeoff distance lets it operate from smaller airfields and airstrips, and flight endurance of over 11 hours allows extensive air, ground and maritime surveillance. The Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar is accurate enough to detect small targets such as cars and jet skis. Thanks to an Adaptive AESA radar it can focus on targets even in cluttered environments, while its wide area GMTI radar detects moving objects. Specialist coverage from The Defense Post breaks down how the platform works.
Who flies the GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye made its debut with the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS), combining air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single platform. That flexibility, paired with long endurance, is what makes it one of the most capable surveillance aircraft in service.
Explore aircraft and flying machines at TheArsenale
If the engineering behind the GlobalEye fascinates you, discover the personal flying machines in the airplanes collection and the wider air collection at TheArsenale. Standouts include the Icon A5 amphibious light sport aircraft, the hybrid electric Atea by Ascendance and the Valkyrie private aircraft by Centauri, each pushing flight in its own direction.
