Modification of aircraft for the operation of the EARSEC-SAR sensor

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published a call for proposals for the modification of a suitable aircraft for the operation of the EARSEC-SAR sensor, and for the provision of the aircraft for eventual flight campaigns using the sensor. The aim of the EARS...

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has published a call for proposals for the modification of a suitable aircraft for the operation of the EARSEC-SAR sensor, and for the provision of the aircraft for eventual flight campaigns using the sensor.

The aim of the EARSEC (European Airborne Remote Sensing Capabilities) project is to bring together the necessary resources to support airborne remote sensing campaigns making operational use of advanced sensors.

Amongst the sensors is the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with dual fully polarized frequencies (bands C and L). The EARSEC project must select a suitable aeroplane for the installation and operational use of the EARSEC-SAR sensor.

The installation of the SAR sensor will require modifications to the aircraft depending on the types chosen and on the technical solutions adopted for the installation, following the specifications resulting from independent feasibility studies carried out on behalf of the Commission. The most likely solution will involve either the use of a pod (preferably pre-certified) or a special belly-mounting installation under the fuselage.

If the installation is not pre-certified, eventual modifications to the aeroplane will require certification by the competent aeronautical authorities.
Tender documentation is available from:

European Commission
Joint Research Centre
Mr. A. J. Sieber
TP 441
I-21020 Ispra
Tel. [phone]; Fax [phone]