Lockheed Martin EP-3E ARIES II

US Navy

Overview

    Built on an airframe based on the P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the ARIES II is currently the only land-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance aircraft available to the Navy. The original ARIES I aircraft were converted from the Orion in the 1960s and 1970s. AIRES is an acronym for Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronic System. In the 1990s, twelve P-3C Orions were used for the updated ARIES II model. They provide commanders a clear view of any situation; therefore, it its outfitted with large numbers of sensitive data equipment and electronics. With the last one being delivered in 1997, the ARIES II has accompanied many NATO campaigns, including Bosnia and numerous military exercises. Currently there are 11 EP-3Es on duty. US Navy photo.

EP-3E AIRES II Specifications

Primary function: signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance aircraft
Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Co.
Power plant: four Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop engines
Thrust: 4,900 shaft horsepower each engine
Length: 116 feet 7 inches (35.57 meters)
Height: 33 feet 7 inches (10.27 meters)
Wingspan: 99 feet 6 inches (30.36 meters)
Speed: 411 knots (466 miles per hour)
Range: 2,380 nautical miles (2,738.9 miles)
Ceiling: 28,300 feet (8,625.84 meters)
Maximum takeoff weight: 139,760 pounds (63,394.1 kg)
Armament: none
Crew: 22 plus
Deployment date: 1990s
Unit cost: $36 million