The GlobalEye’ takes off for its maiden flight
Saab has successfully completed the first flight of the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft.
GlobalEye took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, on its maiden flight at 12.52 local time on March 14, 2018.
The aircraft, a modified Bombardier Global 6000 jet, was in the air for a 1 hour 46 minute test flight.
The data recorded is being used to verify aircraft performance and the associated modeling. The first flight was preceded by a series of ground trials including high- and low-speed taxiing tests.
Anders Carp, senior vice president and head of Saab’s Surveillance business area, said, “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.”
Magnus Fredriksson, experimental test pilot for Saab, said, “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.”
The GlobalEye aircraft was revealed for the first time on February 23, 2018. The aircraft carries a full suite of sensors for air, maritime and ground surveillance including the new Saab’s extended range radar, Erieye ER.
The launch customer for the GlobalEye is the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, where it is known as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS). The initial order was placed in November 2015.
March 15, 2018
