SAAB 2000, A Milestone for Pakistan Airforce

Pakistan Air Force achieved a major landmark in its Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) Program with the roll out of its first aircraft - SAAB 2000 AEWC - in a simple but impressive ceremony held at the Saab facility in Sweden.

Pakistan signed a contract with Saab for the AWACS in June 2006 and the aircraft have been specially developed to the PAF's requirements.

The aircraft will be put through trials before being delivered to the PAF in 2009, according to officials.

The aircraft will also be equipped with electronic surveillance support systems for intelligence gathering and a full set of defensive aids.

Some specifications of the SAAB 2000
- Length: 27.28 m (89 ft 6 in)
- Height: 7.73 m (25 ft 4 in)
- Wing area: 55.7 m² (600 sq ft)
- Maximum Payload: 5,900kg
- Take-Off Weight: 22,800kg
- Long-Range Cruise Speed: 594km/h
- Maximum Cruise Speed@25,000ft: 685km/h
- Service Ceiling: 9,450m

Some characteristics of Airborne Early Warning & Control(AEW&C) system i.e ERIEYE
- Radar Type: Pulse-Doppler, multimode
- Radar Range: 450 km
- Altitude coverage: 20 km
- 360º coverage
- Radar warning
- Self-Protection System control/management
- Main functions: System and Sensor management,mission planning
and simulation, track data processing,weapon
management and control, identification and
allocation.
- Geographical info: Digital map
- Application software: High-level language