Of course it is a potentially viable alternative. A proven one in its way, too, since Italy has been using for a few years already.
On the RN willing to ditch searchwater, i doubt it though. The last AEW V22 that was offered still used Searchwater, merely coupling Cerberus with the advantages of a VTOL platform capable to fly on greater distances and, even more important, higher altitude for better detection range.
Lokheed is not AESA indeed, no. But it is also the tender less likely to be picked up, the most risky, and admittedly the most innovative in its way, since it is totally different from what we have seen so far.
As to the attitude, it wasn’t my intention having any attitude, but i was pointing out facts. I apologize if i did sound rude.
Apology accepted, in this case at least.
About the AESA, I remember seeing at least one V22 concept that had a triangular radome over the fuselage, presumably a fixed phased array radar. Also given the larger size and capacity of the V22 it could accomodate something much bigger than Searchwater.
As for Lockheed’s plan,
…
The two potential bidders for the project, known as Crow’s Nest, are proposing radically different solutions.
The Thales/AgustaWestland team is offering to use the existing Searchwater 2000 radar and Cerberus mission control system from the Sea King in what it calls a “low-cost, low-risk” solution to provide the airborne surveillance and control capability for the new Queen Elizabeth carriers when the first of two warships enter service in 2016.
…
Industry executives at the show said the company is looking at using a Northrop Grumman AESA radar adapted from a fighter application.
Under the Lockheed plan, several radar arrays are believed to be dotted around the Merlin fuselage to give the 360-degree coverage demanded by the RN.
From the above link.
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