Gulfstream has presented its concept for the EC-37A intelligence-gathering version of the Gulfstream V for the first time here.

Although the activity so far has no funding, Gulfstream has begun making presentations to the U.S. Defense Department, attracting interest from both the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

"It is a concept whose time we think has come," said Monroe Sams, Gulfstream VP for government sales.

The aircraft initially is being promoted for two roles. One is a USAF intelligence-gathering system with signals intelligence collection, electro-optical and infrared imagery, and synthetic aperture radar/moving target indicator sensors. The other is a standoff electronic jammer, as the Navy and Pentagon consider how to replace Grumman EA-6B Prowlers.

While Gulfstream is providing the aircraft, it would need a major systems house to work with on the sensor package. The intelligence sensors could either be provided as government-furnished equipment or Gulfstream may decide to team with a company like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman or TRW-Lucas.

Sams said he expects any intelligence-gathering version to carry signals intelligence sensors, while other payloads may vary. Early designs put the sigint sensor in a "canoe" under the fuselage, and the EO/IR and SAR/MTI sensors under the wings on hardpoints. But that may change as the USAF's main interest currently is in expanding its ground moving target surveillance capability, so the SAR/MTI may be shifted into centerline position. A 24-ft array is possible, he pointed out.

The jammer version would likely include the sigint payload on centerline, with two jamming pods on the outer wing-stations. Two inner hardpoints would feature the jamming version of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy that Northrop Grumman is planning to build.

Performance parameters for the aircraft are put at 10 hours of on-station time with a 1,000 nmi range. Operating altitude would be 43,000-49,000 ft. Options that may be included is air-to-air refueling capability, an electronic countermeasures package more extensive than that now being offered on the G-IV, and additional power generators for workstations. However, Sams said, the aircraft should have enough electrical power, so more generators will probably not be required.

By Robert Wall