While much of the media focus on Operation Impact has been on the CF-188s and a reduced number of sorties as significant ISIL targets decrease, overlooked is the formidable role played by the CP-140 Aurora aircraft.
With the rapid transition from directed to dynamic targeting in Iraq, the recently upgraded patrol aircraft’s ability to feed a coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) picture and identify targets of opportunity has become invaluable.
Colonel Dan Constable, commander of Joint Task Force Iraq, said the new mission computer and sensors have “transformed the Aurora into a highly capable ISR platform.”
“The benefits include access to the new onboard radar that mimics high resolution photographer, better electro-optics and sensors, improved battle damage assessment, and high grade images and videos of targets,” he explain during a recent technical briefing.
The CP-140’s impressive array of imaging systems, radar, electronic support measures and other sensors has been able to penetrate ISIL’s camouflage attempts, he added.
The vast amount of detailed information “is then fed to our intelligence personnel for analysis and dissemination. Along with information received from other coalition assets and Iraqi forces on the ground, they build the ISR picture to understand the battle space. This collection of data enables the coalition to identify and strike targets with as much [accuracy] as possible.”
As of December 4, the two CP-140 deployed on Op Impact had conducted 29 of Canada’s 149 sorties. Two aircraft performed a similarly critical ISR role during Op Mobile over Libya in 2011, conducting 181 sorties.
And the capability will only improve. As part of the ongoing modernization of the aircraft, which has included upgraded systems, conversion to a glass cockpit, and new mission computer and sensors as well as a life extension project for the wings and stabilizers, IMP Aerospace in December delivered the first of three aircraft fitted with an advanced beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communications system.
According to IMP, which has been involved in most facets of the upgrade, “the system enables secure high-speed data streaming from the aircraft via satellite in areas which are remote from familiar ground stations.”