Comments on: Oops! Will the US Air Force lose Joint STARS?

By: KW

KW — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:11:47 +0000

The Articles assumptions that the proposed fleet size based on a one for one replacement is whishful thinking, tha’ts even assuming the EPX would be a full multimission capable BMC2&ISR platform that the E-8 is evolving into. Also let’s not for get the fact that the EPX will be assuming part of the role and responsibilities of both EP-3E and USAF RC-135 Rivet Joint. The current 11 aircraft EP-3E fleet doesn’t actually meet the exsisting need for dedicated SIGINT platforms it’s just how many the Navy could field and maintain with given funding.

By: Stephen Trimble

Stephen Trimble — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:49:38 +0000

Well, the original idea of the E-10A certainly did fail. The USAF originally intended to put both the JSTARS and AWCAS system on the 767-400ER, in addition to the BMC2 back-end system, but realized in late 2002 that it would be impossible.

By: WC

WC — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:50:42 +0000

FYI…NG has already teamed up with L-3 for bidding on the EPX: http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=133171
And as far as E-10 goes, if the AF would of stuck with the original plan for RTIP (before it was MP-RTIP) on the E-8C, it would have almost been fielded by now.

By: pfcem

pfcem — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 22:38:48 +0000

Just a clearification.
The E-10 MC2A (Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft) did not fail. It was cancelled to make room in the budget for other priorities…

By: Smith

Smith — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:07:51 +0000

I agree that the USAF is having a very tough time getting off the 707 (E-3, E-8, KC-135), at a time when this transition needs to be made ASAP. Competition is also rising from other countries as they field AW, EW and surveillance radar capabilities on biz jets and turboprops.
But I don’t think the ground surveillance radar mission is exclusive to any branch. Both the USAF and USN have a right to it, and whomever has the radar needs to cue the Army in as well. I would hope that the USAF follows on the USN’s lead for the system pick and not try to develop its own system at this time, but it should not think that the Navy has exclusive rights to it either. ALL services need it.