Progress in the development of the HADES reconnaissance aircraft
Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, on the basis of which the experimental HADES will be built. Photo Bombardier
Several years ago, the Pentagon decided to modernize the fleet of radio-technical and electronic reconnaissance aircraft that are part of the aviation ground forces. For this purpose, a large-scale and ambitious program called HADES was launched. As a result, the army aviation should receive a batch of new reconnaissance aircraft. By now, the program has passed several initial stages and is preparing to enter a new stage.
Park renewal
Currently, the main aircraft for electronic and radio-technical reconnaissance (ELINT / SAR) in the US Army Aviation is the RC-12 Guardrail. This aircraft was accepted into service about 40 years ago and has been repeatedly modernized since then. Currently, approximately 75-80 aircraft of this type of the latest modifications are in service.
In the mid-10s, the Pentagon came to the conclusion that it was necessary to replace the Guardrail with a modern aircraft of similar purpose. Research on this topic was launched, the result of which was the formation of requirements for promising technology. In addition, based on their results, several projects of various kinds were launched.
In 2019, for example, Leidos was awarded a contract to develop the Aerial Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System, or ARTEMIS. Shortly thereafter, Alion Science and Technology and L3Harris were awarded the Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES).
One of the US Army Air Corps' RC-12 reconnaissance aircraft. Photo by US Department of Defense
In 2021, the customer received two prototype aircraft, ARTEMIS and ARES. After successful completion of the tests, they were put into trial operation. The aircraft are regularly deployed from base to base in various regions, where they carry out reconnaissance flights to collect a variety of information.
About a year ago, the Pentagon reported that during the trial operation, the two aircraft had performed more than a thousand sorties. They did not specify the reconnaissance results. Artemis and Ares continue their work, and in 2024-25, they should be joined by two similar but modernized aircraft.
At a new level
According to the Pentagon, the main task of the ARTEMIS and ARES aircraft is to demonstrate the capabilities and develop a promising electronic complex. The experience gained during these tests was planned to be used in a larger program called HADES (High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation).
Earlier, the military department revealed the general plans for HADES. The goal of this program is to create a new ELINT/SIGINT aircraft with improved characteristics and expanded capabilities. It is planned to build it on a modern aircraft platform and equip it with the latest target equipment.
Airplane ARTEMIS-R. Photo by L3Harris
The new HADES aircraft is expected to outperform the existing RC-12 in all respects. It will be able to fly longer and further, conduct reconnaissance more effectively, etc. In addition, the novelty of the project will be an important factor.
Course of work
In 2021-23, the Pentagon held the competitive part of the HADES program. Several companies proposed their versions of an aircraft with a special electronic complex, and the customer selected the most successful ones for further development.
Initially, it was planned that the competitors would build two prototype aircraft, and the customer would compare them and determine the best one. However, these plans were later revised. In November 2023, the Pentagon decided that only one project would be implemented in metal. The contract for this work was awarded to Sierra Nevada.
Bombardier was selected as the subcontractor responsible for the delivery of the aerial platform. In early January 2024, it was awarded an order to build and deliver the Global 6500 aircraft. The aircraft was expected to be delivered by mid-October, after which Sierra Nevada was to begin installing the special equipment.
Future HADES design concept. Graphics by Sierra Nevada
The aircraft's construction did not meet the established deadline. The finished aircraft was rolled out of the assembly shop at Bombardier's Wichita, Kansas, plant and transferred to the next stage only on November 25. How long it will take to install the equipment has not yet been reported. The Sierra Nevada HADES prototype is expected to begin testing next year.
Potential problem
Following the competitive part of the program, the Pentagon entrusted the development of the HADES aircraft to Sierra Nevada and its subcontractors. As expected, this decision did not satisfy the losing company L3Harris. Moreover, it is ready to compete for the contract.
In mid-October, L3Harris filed a complaint against the military department's actions with the Congressional Accountability Office. The oversight body has already begun reviewing the Pentagon's decision and plans to complete it by the end of December. It is still unknown what the Accountability Office's decision will be. However, it is already clear that all these actions may negatively affect the deadlines for completing work on the HADES topic.
L3Harris hopes for a positive decision in its favor. The company's management claims that in this case, the army aviation will be able to obtain a relatively inexpensive, but effective SIGINT/ELINT aircraft with minimal technical risks. Sierra Nevada does not share such optimism. Its management believes that the competitors' complaint is related exclusively to bureaucratic issues and has nothing to do with technical aspects.
Radar and EW operations in graphical representation. Sierra Nevada graphics
Reconnaissance aircraft
The customer and developer have now disclosed some technical information about the HADES project in its current form. The goals and objectives of the program are known, as well as the main ways to achieve them. However, for obvious reasons, all the details are not yet disclosed.
The HADES program is aimed at creating an ELINT/SIGINT aircraft with high performance characteristics, capable of remaining in the air for a long time. Throughout the flight, this aircraft must use a variety of reconnaissance means and collect data on the current situation, the enemy and his actions.
The Bombardier Global 6500 passenger aircraft was chosen as the platform for HADES. This aircraft is approximately 30 m long and has a wingspan of 28,7 m. The maximum takeoff weight exceeds 45 tons. Two turboprop engines provide high subsonic speed. The flight range with a normal load exceeds 12 thousand km. The flight duration is at least 10-12 hours.
The exact composition of the special equipment of the future HADES remains unknown. Various sources mention the use of a side-looking radar with a synthetic aperture, optical-electronic and other surveillance equipment. The latest developments with improved characteristics and expanded capabilities will be used in these areas.
HADES aircraft in the mission area. Sierra Nevada graphics
In addition, "Hades" will receive electronic intelligence equipment. With their help, the aircraft will intercept and receive, as well as analyze various radio signals and electromagnetic radiation. Electronics will be able to identify their sources and obtain other valuable information.
HADES aircraft are planned to be included in the modern and prospective communication and control circuits of the ground forces. They will transmit intelligence data to command posts in real time, providing support for the activities of troops on the ground or army aviation. In addition to ELINT/SAR aircraft, such a system will also include other reconnaissance assets.
Plans for the future
Earlier, the Pentagon revealed plans for the future production of a new type of reconnaissance aircraft. In the absence of difficulties and postponements, they want to build 2030 such machines by 14. If the corresponding need arises, they will order and receive a couple more. The total cost of production will approach $1 billion.
The serial HADES will be used to re-equip several reconnaissance squadrons that currently use old RC-12 aircraft. However, the release of new equipment will not completely replace the existing one. How this problem will be solved has not yet been reported.
However, the HADES program currently faces other tasks and other problems. Thus, at the moment, its prospects depend not only on the success of the designers, but also on the decision of the Accounts Chamber. It cannot be ruled out that the course of the program will change radically based on the results of the audit.
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