BAe-146 Sentry AEW.1

[Hobbes]

In 1973 the RAF began to examine the options for replacing the AEW Shackleton.
The RAF considered buying existing AEW aircraft, but in trials, the over water performance of the E-3A radar was judged to be poor. Also, its operation costs were deemed too high, considering the number of aircraft the RAF wanted [1]. The E-2 fared better, but its airframe didn't offer enough space for additional personnel and equipment.
In 1977 the RAF issued an Operational Requirement for an AEW aircraft.  
Hawker-Siddeley initially offered a specialised version of the Nimrod, the AEW. Mk3, which was to feature a new AEW system by GEC Marconi. When the RAF balked at the price tag and the risks involved, HS quickly cobbled together a more affordable and less risky proposal using their new HS-146 airframe, and the AN/APS-125 radar system from the E-2C. It also outlined a strategy to later replace the AN/APS-125 with British-designed systems, satisfying the 'Built in Britain' preference expressed by the RAF.
This design was accepted by the RAF, and trials of the radar system soon began using a leased E-2C.
The first prototype BAe-146 AEW flew in 1981, only four months after the first BAe-146 airframe made its maiden flight. Systems integration went smoothly, and BAe was able to begin deliveries in 1983.
One change that had to be made was the position of the horizontal tailplanes. These were moved down to avoid the turbulence from the radar disk.
Luckily, the engineers found that a 'sweet spot' existed halfway down the tail with clear airflow, between the turbulent regions created by the disk and engines.  

The first batch used a mostly-unchanged AN/APS-125, the only difference being two extra operator consoles. 24 aircraft were delivered to the RAF, and designated BAe-146 Palantir AEW.1.  
By 1988, GEC Marconi (working with General Electric) came up with several improvements to the radar system. A new antenna and radar electronics made for increased range, and an upgraded processor improved performance in cluttered environments. The new radar was called Red Vixen.
The AEW.1 aircraft were all upgraded with this system, and 8 new airframes were ordered, based on the BAe-146-300, which offered better range. The new aircraft were designated BAe-146 Palantir AEW.5.
The aircraft shown here is an AEW.1 with the Red Vixen radar upgrade.

The Palantir was an export success, its users include most of NATO, Israel and Sweden. Even the USA has purchased a number of Palantirs, to be used Stateside for border patrols.



1: Britain's continued military presence in several former colonies meant that these aircraft would have to be deployed all around the world, often in groups of 3 to provide 24h coverage.








The model is the 1:144 Revell BAe 146-100 (the TNT boxing, this includes the refueling probe). The disk and supports are scratchbuilt: the disk is balsa wood, the supports (uprights, and studs on the fuselage that the uprights stand on) are plastic. The decals are a mix of the ones that came with the model, and roundels, serials etc. from an Airfix VC-10 kit.

[John Howling Mouse]

Simply marvelous, Hobbes!    

[Rafael]

You killed me!!!
what a beautiful plane, i have to get me one.

[kitnut617]

Ooh Yes !!!       I want one --- in 1/72 please

[Archibald]

That's lovely!! And very plausible. You understood perfectly what was wrong in the Nimrod AEW 3 history... very good!!!  

[Spey_Phantom]

good work there, i always had a thought the Bae.146  would be perfect for a military role, reminds me of the tactical transport version in Belgian markings i seen in Koksijde 5 months ago  

[Brian da Basher]

Wow Hobbes, simply stunning! I really like your paint work and the subtle outline around the door. Your work on that radar dish is impressive! You'd never know it's balsa. It seems you managed to perfectly cover any imperfections on its surface. Outstanding!
B)
Brian da Basher

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Hmphhhhh, still cannot see the pics  

Ian

[Hobbes]

IHG: when you go to this directory on my site, can you see a list of files? Or is this site blocked by your ISP or browser?

[Roger the Cabin Boy]

Bravo!  Nice model.

I recently heard that the Argosy was intially considered as a testbed for the Nimrod AEW radars.  Now that would look neat.  Anyone up for the rare vacform or expensive resin?

:ar:  

[kitnut617]

Bravo!  Nice model.

I recently heard that the Argosy was intially considered as a testbed for the Nimrod AEW radars.  Now that would look neat.  Anyone up for the rare vacform or expensive resin?

:ar:

Vac-form might not be so rare now, Aircraft in Miniature have just announced they are producing one, in BEA colours.  It was at Telford

[SPINNERS]

Great work Hobbes. Delightful!!!!

[Rafael]

Well, that rotodome SURE humbles my attempt at a rotodome. Looks like it was part of the original kit!!!!

.....balsa!?!?!?

[Hobbes]

Yup. Balsa, lots of filler and several layers of Mr. Surfacer. And making the photos just fuzzy enough to hide the imperfections...  :dum:  

[Rafael]

FUZZY!?!?!, FUZZY!?!?!, FUZZY!?!?!
I'm the local expert at making fuzzy fotos!!!!

Rafa