The Indian AEW&C project detailed
Embraer and the Indian Government have signed a deal for three EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) jets. The contract includes a comprehensive logistics package comprised of training, technical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment. The first delivery is scheduled for 2011. The three aircraft will be outfitted by the customer with cabin equipment and mission systems. Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), a unit of DRDO is the central agency for integration and delivery of the AEW&C.
Embraer-145 has been the aircraft of choice by the IAF as per their operational requirement (OR) since 2002 when it was evolved. There have been no changes over it. The platform was evolved with DRDO and IAF panel. IAF has chosen Embraer-145 due to commonality with the Embraer executive jets it already operates. These 3 AEW&C jets will join four Legacy jets in operation by the Indian Air Force (IAF) used to transport Indian VIPs, as well as foreign dignitaries. A fifth Legacy belongs to the Border Security Force (BSF), under India’s Home Ministry.
The aircraft is estimated to have an endurance of 5 hours from take off to landing. 5 hours total endurance means an operational endurance of 3 -3.5 hours of the AEW&C. 1-2 hours are reserved for taking off in and reaching the particular spot and then coming back. Initially the IAF wanted total endurance of 5-6 hours. In last 3 years, IAF has introduced new elements like IFR probe, communication support measures, SATCOM etc. A fuel to weight study found that the new systems will give an endurance of 5 hours. The introduction of the IFR will give the AEW&C an extended endurance of another 5 hours. Logically the IAF has asked for 7 extra executive chairs for additional 5 operators and 2 pilots. Hence there has been 3 years delay in the signing of Embraer platform.
The AEW&C designed to accomodate 5 re-configurable controller workstations. The work stations can be re-configured for electronic warfare consoles or communication consoles etc.
DRDO’s Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU) or the Primary radar is designed to have a range of 200 kms for 2 sqm target as per the OR by the IAF. In international comparison table it translates to 5 sq meters target or RCS can be detected at a range of 300 kms in normal mode of operations and 375 kms for extended modes, i.e. while not looking 240 degree all the time. The secondary radar is designed to be of same range but for functions like identification Friend or Foe etc. The radars can function both in air mode and surface mode.
The primary AESA antenna will be built in CABS. The central processing unit and radar processing units are made by the LRDE. Secondary radar is entirely built in CABS and has a PESA Antenna. The secondary radar will be tested in 3 months by CABS.
The AEW&C is expected to have a 60 degree blind spot in both front and back. IAF can have 360 degree coverage with 3 antenna combination instead of 2 antennas side by side, but, that means pushing the deliveries further. It will be looked at a further date.
The first prototype is expected to be ready by 2012, i.e, one year from the date of receipt of the first aircraft. After that it will undergo a flight testing of 200-300 hours to become fully operational.
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