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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>RSAF gets 1st new early-warning jet
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- Author --><TR><TD class="padlrt8 georgia11 darkgrey bold" colSpan=2>By Serene Luo
</TD></TR><!-- show image if available --><TR vAlign=bottom><TD width=330>
</TD><TD width=10>
</TD><TD vAlign=bottom>
Besides being able to 'see farther', the Gulfstream 550 (right) can fly for up to nine hours, against the hawkeye's five hours. -- PHOTO: RSAF
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->THE Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) received the first of its new early-warning aircraft yesterday evening.
The Gulfstream550 Airborne Early Warning, or G550-AEW, will replace the RSAF's ageing E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, which have been in service for more than 20 years.
The new jet-powered planes will be used to detect, identify and keep track of targets in the sky.
The craft is equipped with a sophisticated set of computer systems on board, including an advanced radar system known as the Active Electronically Scanned radar system.
The new craft also has a longer detection range than the Hawkeye - over 200 nautical miles. The propeller-driven Hawkeyes can detect targets only up to 320km away.
The new capabilities will allow the RSAF to respond more effectively to threats, a statement from the Defence Ministry said.
Apart from its ability to 'see farther', the G550 also has other improved capabilities over the Hawkeye.
It can fly for up to nine hours, and has a ceiling of over 12,000m, compared to the older aircraft's five hours and over 9,000m.
The RSAF's three other G550s are expected to be delivered within the next two years. The Hawkeyes will be kept in service until all the new planes are operationally ready.
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- Author --><TR><TD class="padlrt8 georgia11 darkgrey bold" colSpan=2>By Serene Luo
</TD></TR><!-- show image if available --><TR vAlign=bottom><TD width=330>
</TD><TD width=10>
Besides being able to 'see farther', the Gulfstream 550 (right) can fly for up to nine hours, against the hawkeye's five hours. -- PHOTO: RSAF
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->THE Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) received the first of its new early-warning aircraft yesterday evening.
The Gulfstream550 Airborne Early Warning, or G550-AEW, will replace the RSAF's ageing E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, which have been in service for more than 20 years.
The new jet-powered planes will be used to detect, identify and keep track of targets in the sky.
The craft is equipped with a sophisticated set of computer systems on board, including an advanced radar system known as the Active Electronically Scanned radar system.
The new craft also has a longer detection range than the Hawkeye - over 200 nautical miles. The propeller-driven Hawkeyes can detect targets only up to 320km away.
The new capabilities will allow the RSAF to respond more effectively to threats, a statement from the Defence Ministry said.
Apart from its ability to 'see farther', the G550 also has other improved capabilities over the Hawkeye.
It can fly for up to nine hours, and has a ceiling of over 12,000m, compared to the older aircraft's five hours and over 9,000m.
The RSAF's three other G550s are expected to be delivered within the next two years. The Hawkeyes will be kept in service until all the new planes are operationally ready.
