Question about the E2C and his self-defense

[FunkyBearz]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering something about the E2C, does he have any system defense in case of attack ? I mean except the fighters aircraft which would save him.

Does he have any flares ?

Is this radar portance of 250Nm his main self-defense system (in combat, if you can see you can live) ?

Thank you very much for your answers.

Cheers !

 

[rabs]

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/e-2-design.htm

Since the E-2C carries no weapons, the information it gathers is worth nothing if it can't be transmitted to a weapons-delivery platform.

I would say, that beyond jamming, distance and early detection I can find no other reference to counter measures by the E-2C. A google for E-2C flares results in nothing.

As well as the fact that if an enemy bird gets close enough to use a heat seeker that, its only a matter of switching to guns anyway, the E-2 is not exactly a dog fighter.

 

[OPSSG]

Along with the AN/APS-138 radar system, many of the E-2Cs featured:

(i) an electronic support measures (ESM) system to spot and locate radar and radio emitters, the system being designated the AN/ALR-73 Passive Detection System (PDS).

(ii) PDS antennas were also fitted on the endplate tailfins to give 360 degree coverage. The PDS covered four frequency bands and could track up to 250 emitters, characterizing them using a threat library.​

These E-2Cs would later be known as the "Group 0" configuration. Singapore obtained 4x Group 0 E-2Cs, which went into operation in 1987. You are correct that an enemy plane should not be allowed to get within attack range of an E-2C, as they are high value assets. For more details on the E-2C see: http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/air/special/e2c.html

As far as I am aware, Singapore's E-2Cs when they arrived 20 years ago were not armed and were possibly not equipped with countermeasures. It is possible that E-2Cs of that era are not even equipped with flares, as flares by themselves would not work (without other necessary countermeasures often found on fighter aircraft). However, IMHO, it is possible to fit a E-2C with modern countermeasures.

I also don't really see the point of arming as the AN/APS-138 radar system on the E-2C is not designed as an A2A missile targeting radar. I would assume that the AN/APS-138 radar system update rate would not be able to guide a AIM-120C missile into a position where the target is within the missile seeker's target acquisition basket. Therefore, the original E-2Cs are not armed.

Singapore's E-2C replacements are the G550 CAEW and these new aircraft will come with countermeasures including an integrated self protection suite with 360° radar warning receiver (RWR), missile approach warning system (MAWS), chaff and flare decoy dispensers and directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM).

 

[localhost127]

what about defense from anti-rad missile? what is the proceedure?

 

[FunkyBearz]

I'm sorry my notifactions didn't work I thought there wasn't any answer, good idea to check

Thank's for your help and your precious informations. In fine, the E2C needs a fighters' escort ! It's a very important strategic point, it will be a shame to lose one at (in ?) combat !

 

[divorce certifi]

I see your point. I would also imagine that the E-3 Sentry (which I assume you mean by AWACS) has a longer ranged radar than the E-2C Hawkeye. Not only because the rotodome LOOKS bigger (or is this only an optical effect? I don't know the rotodome sizes by heart). But also because the E-3 Sentry should be able to fly higher, because it's jet engine powered. Higher altitude means better radar range.
But I have to admit that I don't know the radar ranges of both by heart. The abovementioned is only some logical deduction of mine.