NAVAIR

EP-3E Aries II

Description

The EP-3E Aries II is a land-based Multi-Intelligence reconnaissance aircraft based on the P-3 Orion airframe. The EP-3E ARIES II was recently upgraded from SIGINT to Multi-Intelligence and is the Navy's only land-based reconnaissance aircraft. The EP-3 aircraft in the Navy's inventory provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real-time tactical SIGINT and full motion video intelligence. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the EP-3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory. The crew fuses the collected intelligence along with off-board data and disseminates the collaborated information for direct threat warning, indications and warnings, information dominance, battle space situational awareness, suppression of enemy air defenses, destruction of enemy air-defense, anti-air warfare and anti-submarine warfare applications.

Specifications

Primary Function: Multi-Intelligence reconnaissance aircraft
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company
Propulsion: 4 Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop engines (4,600 shp each)
Length: 116.6 feet (35.54 meters)
Height: 33.6 feet (10.24 meters)
Wingspan: 99.5 feet (30.33 meters)
Maximum Gross Takeoff: 142,500 pounds (64,637 kilograms)
Airspeed: 411 knots; cruise, 328 knots
Ceiling: 28,000 feet (8534.40 meters)
Range: 2,380 nautical miles
Crew: 24

Program Status

ACAT: III
Production Phase: Sustainment
Inventory: 16