doggychow14
New Member
The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) has converted at least one Tupolev Tu-154M (NATO codename: Careless) passenger jet into a surveillance and electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft under the designation of Tu-154M/D. The aircraft carries a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system similar to that fitted on the USAF E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar Systems (JSTARS). A system like this would significantly increase the effectiveness of the PLAAF combat aircraft in an offensive air campaign.
Detailed information regarding the SAR system onboard the Tu-154M/D is not available due to its high sensitivity. However, China is known to have been active in the field of SAR research for many years. In the mid-1980s China Academy of Science experimentally installed an SAR system on a Cessna S550 Citation for flood and agriculture monitoring. China is also keen to send SAR satellite in the next decade.
The SAR could be used by the airborne long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system to locate, classify and track ground targets in all weather conditions. While flying in friendly airspace, the system can look deep behind hostile borders to detect and track ground movements in both forward and rear areas. The Tu-154M/D and future SAR aircraft will help the PLA to manage joint military operations and find critical targets for air and missile strikes.
This seems to certainly increase PLA's effectiveness in a campaign in Taiwan by being able to taiwan's ground movements while this plane is still in friendly territory. How many others of this type of plane are currently in the World? How effective is this plane? any insight?
Detailed information regarding the SAR system onboard the Tu-154M/D is not available due to its high sensitivity. However, China is known to have been active in the field of SAR research for many years. In the mid-1980s China Academy of Science experimentally installed an SAR system on a Cessna S550 Citation for flood and agriculture monitoring. China is also keen to send SAR satellite in the next decade.
The SAR could be used by the airborne long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system to locate, classify and track ground targets in all weather conditions. While flying in friendly airspace, the system can look deep behind hostile borders to detect and track ground movements in both forward and rear areas. The Tu-154M/D and future SAR aircraft will help the PLA to manage joint military operations and find critical targets for air and missile strikes.
This seems to certainly increase PLA's effectiveness in a campaign in Taiwan by being able to taiwan's ground movements while this plane is still in friendly territory. How many others of this type of plane are currently in the World? How effective is this plane? any insight?
