+ghostrider883 526 Posted April 12, 2008 (edited) Pakistan's first of five Saab 2000-based airborne early warning and control system aircraft was rolled out at the Swedish manufacturer's Linköping facility late last month. Equipped with a Saab Microwave Systems Erieye surveillance radar, mission system and electronic warfare equipment, the Saab Aerotech-modified aircraft will offer an unrefuelled endurance of over nine hours. "This is a vital item of equipment to maintain peace," Pakistan air force chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said during a 27 March ceremony. Pakistan in mid-2006 became the first customer to select a Saab 2000-based Erieye surveillance system, with deliveries expected from next year under a deal worth around SKr7 billion ($1.2 billion). Erieye-equipped Saab 340s are already in use by Brazil, Greece, Mexico and Sweden, with one of the type also recently ordered by Thailand. Edited April 12, 2008 by ghostrider883 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nesher 628 Posted April 12, 2008 i don't understand why some aircrafts still being desgined with prop engines.. :| Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Longestpants 1 Posted April 12, 2008 i don't understand why some aircrafts still being desgined with prop engines.. :| We have no need for your fancy pants jet engines, western infidels!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+CrimsonRoamer 1 Posted April 12, 2008 i don't understand why some aircrafts still being desgined with prop engines.. :| Propellers are still significantly more efficient than turbojets or turbofans, since its based on a civvie plane that has no need to go supersonic, turboprops are more economical Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silverbolt 104 Posted April 12, 2008 preffer mine :p but... they did with popelers,maybe to save fuel or a quick airbone allert system?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted April 14, 2008 It depends on what you want from the flight profiles. Props advantages are longer endurance/less fuel burn. Turbojets/fans lets you go faster and higher and can prove less fatiguing to the crew, depending on the type of engine. Besides, it's still a jet. The ONLY part that is different is the front. Instead of a prop, you put a far smaller diameter fan or series of fans inside a duct and you get more thrust for less effeciency. Piston engines are relegated to only the very small planes now, like the ones that hold 6 people max. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAKO69 186 Posted April 14, 2008 its a turbo prop. They are very reliable, with a prop they can change pitch on the propellers for more or less bite kinda like using a hi gear on the highway. more bite on the prop less turbine speed. Adds Bookoo time to loitering which is great for a plane like this. i don't understand why some aircrafts still being desgined with prop engines.. :| Share this post Link to post Share on other sites