Swedish ASC 890

[elxaime]

Hi -

Curious as to what the experts here think of this technical analysis of the potential impact of the Swedish ASC 890 on the war in Ukraine. It sounds almost too good to be true.

JVJ

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/5 ... medium=web

[JFS737]

First,
it appears possibly they will get only 2. They have excellent radar but with 2 their impact will be situational. The radar horizon at 20,000' against a very low target like a cruise missile is about 200 miles. Aircraft flying higher will be seen out to a reported 290 miles or so, likely more. But these aircraft will need to be WAY back from the front due to the S400, S300 SAM's and Mig31 fighters with R-37 (Range over 200 miles).
Even far behind the front, they will be useful in detecting low altitude aircraft and drones at much higher ranges than terrestrial radars which should be quite useful for cuing Ukraines air defense against cruise missiles and drones.
The fact there are only 2 is quite limiting... as often one or both will be down for maintenance. Still, with 2 flying they cannot hope for 24 hour coverage that lasts more than a day or 2 which would be followed by much more limited availablility periods.... Also, a 200 mile radius (vs low targets) is just a small part of Ukraine levaing most of the country uncovered.
For situational use, their Link 16 will be useful when the F-16's get here. Also they likely have an excellent ESM suite and this will be useful as well.
Recall also, that 2 or more Russian A-50's have been shot down so far by Ukraine and they are faster aircraft than the Swedish ones... showing how vulnerable these aircraft may be. Rest assured the Russians will make these planes a high priority target.

[George Patton]

I think is a good support but, or they fly outside Ukraine or in a couple of days they will be shot down

[Mickeys91]

Very risky. This will be a priority one target for Russian R-37 if too close to front lines