Beriev completes modifications to AEW&C aircraft for China

Published: 10/4/1999

Beriev has completed its modification of an A-50 'Mainstay' (www.concise.org 10th June 1999), the AEW & C aircraft developed from the Il-76, which entered Russian service in the mid 1980s -as the platform for an Elta Phalcon airborne early warning (AEW) system for China, previously identified along with India as a potential customer. Known as the A-501, the airframe will shortly be delivered to Israel, where Phalcon and other systems will be installed by Israel Aircraft Industries' Elta subsidiary. Elta has already undertaken a similar project for Chile in fitting out a Boeing 707. Beriev's fixed triangular phased-array antenna, delivered to Israel in June to be installed in conjunction with the Elta radar, provides 360 degree coverage in contrast to the Russian Air Force's A-50's rotating radome. China will assess the Phalcon against the Marconi Electronic Systems Argus, which may also be integrated with an A-50 frame.

Article ID: 937