Breaking News
Royal Australian Air Force's Gulfstream MC-55A Peregrine Electronic Warfare Aircraft Begins Test Flights.
On January 16, 2025, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) took a step forward with the commencement of a second series of test flights for its Gulfstream MC-55A Peregrine. The aircraft, bearing the test registration N540GA (5540), departed from the L3Harris facility in Greenville/Majors (TX). This aircraft is part of Australia’s strategic initiative to enhance its airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) capabilities.
The MC-55A Peregrine is an electronic warfare aircraft developed for the Royal Australian Air Force. (Picture source: @SR_Planespotter)
The MC-55A Peregrine, now sporting full RAAF markings, also displays the unit insignia of No. 10 Squadron, along with the motto "Strike First." The official RAAF serials for these aircraft are expected to begin with A51-, potentially extending from A51-001 to A51-004. These details underscore the aircraft’s critical role in strengthening Australia’s defense and operational readiness in electronic warfare.
The MC-55A Peregrine program was launched in March 2019 when Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds announced the acquisition of four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft. The contract, valued at USD 1.6 billion, is a crucial component of Project AIR 555, aimed at strengthening the country’s airborne electronic warfare and surveillance capabilities.
L3Harris, formerly L3 Technologies, was awarded a contract worth over USD 628 million to provide the necessary modifications to the Gulfstream G550 airframes. These enhancements include advanced mission systems, secure communications infrastructure, self-protection suites, and extensive airframe improvements to support next-generation electronic warfare capabilities. The modifications are being carried out at both L3Harris' Greenville facility and Gulfstream’s Savannah (GA) location.
The MC-55A Peregrine is an electronic warfare aircraft developed for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), based on the Gulfstream G550. This model was chosen for its proven reliability and exceptional performance in various governmental, civilian, and military roles.
Modifications made to the G550 to transform it into the MC-55A include the integration of advanced mission systems, such as active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors. These systems are housed in streamlined pods, including one shaped like a bulb at the tail cone and another on top of the vertical stabilizer. Additionally, a turret beneath the tail houses EO/IR devices, further enhancing the aircraft's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. A network of antennas is installed above and below the fuselage to collect electronic and communication intelligence. The spacious compartment beneath the fuselage allows for the deployment of various SIGINT and ELINT intelligence-gathering equipment, as well as electronic warfare systems.
The MC-55A is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 turbofan engines, each producing 15,385 pounds of thrust, allowing the aircraft to cruise at speeds of approximately 990 km/h and reach a maximum speed of 1,050 km/h. It can attain an altitude of up to 16,000 meters and has a range of 12,500 kilometers, enabling long-duration missions without the need for frequent refueling.
In terms of operational capabilities, the MC-55A Peregrine is designed to conduct electronic warfare, maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic intelligence missions. It serves as a vital link between various platforms, including the F-35A Lightning II, the E-7A Wedgetail, the EA-18G Growler, surface ships, and land assets, contributing to an integrated approach to joint operations.
The delivery of the first MC-55A Peregrine to the RAAF is expected to occur between 2025 and 2026, marking a pivotal moment in Australia's defense evolution. The integration of this advanced aircraft will significantly elevate the RAAF's capabilities in electronic warfare, adding a powerful tool to its growing fleet of modernized platforms.