Alexander
GA Member
- Oct 11, 2023
- 178
| TYPE | Research & Development |
| CLIENT | Empire of France |
| PROJECT | Thales AM403 |
| PROJECT COST | 200,000,000.00 |
| COMPLETION DATE | 29/03/2024 |
| PROJECT INFORMATION | The Thales AM403 arose out of the need for France to develop its own independent AEW&C capability. Already having access to the world's most advanced aircraft through Dassault and the world's most advanced radar through Thales, the final push for France to commission the Thales AM406 came when the production of American alternatives was blocked. As the project only requires adapting two existing products to work for each other it was deemed a relatively quick and cost-effective effort. In the end the decision was made to create a carrier-based AEW&C platform using the Dassault Falcon 50 with its incredible range and capable power plant. Thales would bring the radar technology behind its highly effective and proven Ground Master 400 platform. The Airbus-Thales Air Master project would thus result in two aircraft; the AM403 and the AM406 (a separate project). The former intended for use on carriers and the latter for use from on-land air facilities. Aircraft Specifications: Crew: 6 -Flight Crew: 2 -Mission Crew: 4 Length: 18.52m Wingspan: 18.86m Wing: 46.83 m2 Height: 6.98m Fuselage: 5.287m cabin width, 5.64m outside width MTOW: 18t Engines: 3 × Honeywell TFE 731-40 Thrust: 3x 16.46 kN Range: 3,000 km Endurance: More than 4 hours without refueling Ceiling: 14,936 m Speed: Mach 0.86 Radar Specifications: Type: 3D AESA RADAR GaN Technology Modern algorithm to mitigate windfarm effect Detection Range: 390km Instrumented Range: 430km Detects fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and tactical ballistic missiles Azimuth: 360° Digital Beam Forming Stacked beam (maximum time on target) technology S-Band (high part 2.9 / 3.3 GHz) Clear & Doppler modes Electronic Counter-CounterMeasures (ECCM) capabilities Cost: $140,000,000 |
| ENCRYPTED | No |