Saab & Bombardier Launch Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programs Based on Swordfish MPA System

: Posted On Wednesday, 17 February 2016 11:37

Naval Aviation News - Sweden, Canada

Saab & Bombardier Launch Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programs Based on Swordfish MPA System

Defence and security company Saab today announces that its high-performance Swordfish mission system for maritime patrol aircraft is available on two new platforms; Bombardier’s Q400 turboprop and Global 6000 jet. This flexibility of platforms, combined with Saab’s mission system know-how and integration skills, means that the Swordfish system can fulfil the widest range of maritime C4ISR and combat roles and missions.

Bombardier’s Q400 (right) and Global 6000 (left) fitted with Saab's Swordfish MPA system
Picture: Saab

Saab’s Swordfish maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) mission system delivers strategic multi-role capabilities. The Swordfish is adept at long-duration patrol or search-and-rescue missions, but can also handle the most complex anti-submarine and anti-surface unit warfare tasks, all on the same mission. Swordfish also provides an effective overland ISR capability and can be easily introduced into a customer’s existing operations and support infrastructure.

Saab’s Swordfish mission system combines proven, operational COTS sensors from several suppliers, with Saab’s own specialist electronic warfare and C4I mission management systems. The advanced and tightly integrated sensor package is displayed on interchangeable work stations with an intelligent degree of automation and system support, meaning more can be achieved with fewer operators.

“We are proud to offer the cutting-edge Swordfish MPA system on a brand-new, high-performance aircraft, which can be a turboprop or a jet. Potential customers are free to select the platform that best serves their operational needs,” says Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab business area Support and Services.”

Bombardier’s Global 6000 fitted with Saab's Swordfish MPA system
Picture: Saab

Saab has nearly 80 years of aircraft manufacturing and systems integration at its core, as demonstrated by the success of Gripen fighter and Erieye AEW&C. Saab also has many decades of success in delivering large-scale, strategic airborne surveillance and C4I systems to customers around the world. Saab is proud of its track record in developing technology transfer opportunities for customers of all kinds.

In Bombardier’s Q400 and Global 6000 Saab has selected two market-leading aircraft with a firm production base and a fleet of many hundreds in service. The Q400 and Global 6000 are known for their high levels of reliability and performance. With these platforms, Saab’s Swordfish mission suite gives operators multiple domain awareness; from littoral waters to the open ocean, and all places in between. Already an experienced prime contractor and mission systems integrator, Saab now has the platform flexibility to meet the national needs of any customer.

“We have a unique capability in systems integration on various platforms and we look forward to cooperating with Bombardier on our Swordfish MPA system. Saab is perhaps best known as an aircraft maker and we have a deep understanding of how to design and build for the air domain. But never forget our unique knowledge of the maritime domain also; we build submarines, surface ships and a host of underwater systems including torpedoes. This total familiarity with the air and maritime environment makes us the best source for an effective, cost-efficient, state-of-the-art MPA system for the global market,” says Jonas Hjelm.

Saab predicts a steady trend of fixed-wing maritime aircraft opportunities in line with the continued proliferation of submarines. This is particularly true across the Asia Pacific region where more than 100 submarines are predicted to be operating by the year 2020.