AWACS will change Asia's military dynamics

[sunnyv]

There was news in Force magazine that IAF wanted new platforms for E/L 2075 radar system as a follow on order was being negotiated.
And DID reported that Israel pushed heavily new E/L- 2085 based G-550 platform giving similar range and performance like IL76 and IAF buyed that presentation and was interested in changing that IL76 platform. I dont know how come this new order still is negotiated with IL76 only and not new one

Can anyone clarify for what that circular rota-dome is retained in A50 modified for IAF , since it has no function.

And Indian AWACS is a L-band radar , while SAAB one that PAF is operating is S band . Now wont that translate into better resolution and tracking of jets when S band is used.

 

[Armand2REP]

Phalcon AWACs only use ground data links right now. What is IAF going to choose for the ODL?

 

[LETHALFORCE]

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4643485

India To Open Competition for New Aerostats

NEW DELHI - India, which bought three radar-equipped aerostats from Rafael in 2005, has thrown open the competition for a new batch of three to the global market.

Last month, Indian Air Force officials asked the Defence Ministry to prepare a request for information, which is to be issued in the next two to three months to BAE Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Rosoboronexport and Thales, ministry sources said. The aerostats must be able to carry a payload of 2,400 kilograms to 15,000 feet for 28 days at a stretch, including radars that can spot aircraft and missiles up to 30,000 feet and out to 300 kilometers.

The Air Force intends to integrate the aerostat radars with the three Airborne Warning and Control System AWACS being purchased from Israel.

The balloon-borne radars can virtually act as AWACS themselves, an Air Force official said.

India has deployed its three aerostats along the Pakistani border in the state of Punjab.

The country eventually seeks to own 13, the Air Force official, said.

The payload would consist of air and surface surveillance radars, electronic intelligence and communication intelligence gear, and V/UHF radio telephony equipment and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system.

The Navy also wants to buy aerostats for coastal security.

The new batch will be bought at a competitive price, said analyst Mahindra Singh.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

There was news in Force magazine that IAF wanted new platforms for E/L 2075 radar system as a follow on order was being negotiated.
And DID reported that Israel pushed heavily new E/L- 2085 based G-550 platform giving similar range and performance like IL76 and IAF buyed that presentation and was interested in changing that IL76 platform. I dont know how come this new order still is negotiated with IL76 only and not new one

Can anyone clarify for what that circular rota-dome is retained in A50 modified for IAF , since it has no function.

And Indian AWACS is a L-band radar , while SAAB one that PAF is operating is S band . Now wont that translate into better resolution and tracking of jets when S band is used.

S bands are more commonly used in weather forecast ,the range is usually limited compared to L band. S band radars also require a lot more power than L band radar. S band radar have attenuation problems. S band is used in more commercial application like maritime radar, communication satellites etc.. L band is strictly used for military applications.

 

[death.by.chocolate]

There was news in Force magazine that IAF wanted new platforms for E/L 2075 radar system as a follow on order was being negotiated.
And DID reported that Israel pushed heavily new E/L- 2085 based G-550 platform giving similar range and performance like IL76 and IAF buyed that presentation and was interested in changing that IL76 platform. I dont know how come this new order still is negotiated with IL76 only and not new one

Can anyone clarify for what that circular rota-dome is retained in A50 modified for IAF , since it has no function.

And Indian AWACS is a L-band radar , while SAAB one that PAF is operating is S band . Now wont that translate into better resolution and tracking of jets when S band is used.

You'll were obviously jibbed by the Israeli's - just kidding!

The Phalcon operates in "L-Band" it does not mean it is incapable of higher frequencies. The instantaneous bandwidth that can be achieved by an AESA radar is only limited by the number of T/R modules, typically by sub array partitioning at least a 10 X increase in instantaneous bandwidth can be achieved. In lay person speak this means the Phalcon is capable of at least X-Band possibly higher but limited by the number of T/R modules and array partitioning that can consequently be achieved.

I guess the Phalcon has way more T/R modules than the Erieye, so advantage Phalcon.

Score Erieye 0, Phalcon 1

Operating in L-Band offers some long range benefits. For instance, 'Faraday's rotation' a phenomenon by which radio waves experience a rotation of polarization vector when propagating through the ionosphere due to the large quantities of charged particles in that layer of the Earth's atmosphere. Faraday's rotation is proportional to the square of the radar wavelength, so the effect is more pronounced when operating at higher frequencies READ L-BAND BETTER, S-BAND WORSE.

An L-Band radar with a circularly polarised antenna is able to negate 'Faraday's rotation' effect for long range operation.

Score Erieye 0, Phalcon 2

Can anyone clarify for what that circular rota-dome is retained in A50 modified for IAF , since it has no function.

The IAF Phalcon radar is a triangular array, the best radome shape for the IAF Phalcon is the shape of a guitar plectrum(pick) but I guess changing from a circular radome to a plectrum shaped rodome is something the IAF did not think was cost justified for the corrsponding aerodynamic efficiency gain plus the plectrum shape is patented by Boeing so it can't be used by the Israeli's.

 

[nandu]

First IAF AWACS Begins Operational Flying, After 300 Hours !!

http://chhindits.blogspot.com/

 

[nitesh]

http://www.defpro.com/news/details/16267/

07:53 GMT, June 24, 2010 23 June 2010 – EADS Defence & Security (DS) will supply consultancy services to the Indian Armed Forces in developing the system architecture of its Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) programme.

DS has been awarded yesterday a two-digit-million Euro contract by the Indian Defence Research Design Organisation (DRDO) to provide support in the development of system architecture with particular regard to certification and mission equipment optimisation.

 

[Oracle]

ToI Bangalore edition reported 2 more AWACS other than the 3 Phalcon for the IAF. Any idea about that Nitesh?

 

[EagleOne]

this is the link to the abouve news
http://www.defenceforum.in/forum/sh...ACS-other-radars-to-make-airspace-impregnable

 

[SHASH2K2]

India to get two more AWACS, other radars to make airspace impregnable
BY: Rajat Pandit, TNN,

India will go in for two more AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), the "formidable eyes in the sky", after the last of the three Israeli Phalcons already ordered is inducted in December.

IAF is also on course to induct a wide array of radars, from 19 LLTRs (low-level transportable radars) and four MPRs (medium-power radars) to four Aerostat and 30 indigenous medium-range Rohini systems, towards making Indian airspace as impregnable as possible.

All this is in tune with the crucial plan underway to set up five nodes of IACCS (integrated air command and control system) across the country, with the first one coming up in the western sector facing Pakistan, to plug existing gaps in the country's air defence coverage.

Seamless data transfer from civilian and military radars as well as AWACS, all networked under IACCS, will make it possible to get the "air situation picture" at a central place in realtime. This will ensure that swift counter-measures can be mounted to thwart aerial threats soon after they are detected.

"We have already moved the case for two more AWACS," IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik told TOI. These will be in addition to the three Phalcon AWACS already contracted under the $1.1 billion project finalised with Israel and Russia in March 2004.

The complex project, under which the Israeli 360-degree Phalcon early-warning radar and communication suites were mounted on Russian IL-76 heavy-lift military aircraft was hit by several technical delays.

Consequently, the first AWACS arrived in India only in May 2009 and the second in March 2010. The third is slated to be inducted by this year-end.

"Phalcon AWACS are tremendous force-multipliers. We are having an excellent experience with them. They will get their final operational clearance by October-November," said ACM Naik.

IAF's capabilities to detect and track troop build-ups or aircraft movements even deep inside enemy territory, much further than ground-based radars, have certainly registered a quantum jump with AWACS.

Apart from detection of incoming cruise missiles and aircraft from over 400-km away in all-weather conditions, AWACS are also used to direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy jets.

Moreover, IAF and Navy are also on course to induct nine more Aerostat radars after getting two Israeli EL/M-2083 radars in 2004-2005 for $145 million. Similarly, IAF is slated to begin inducting 19 LLTRs from October 2011 onwards, while deliveries of light-weight LLTRs will commence soon. Four MPRs are expected to be delivered by December 2011.

Incidentally, India is also pursuing a Rs 1,800 crore mini-AWACS project indigenously. Under this, the indigenous AEW&C systems developed by DRDO will be mounted on three Embraer-145 jets, being obtained from Brazil for $210 million.

http://indiandefenceinformation.blogspot.com/

 

[Patriot]

SPE C IA L
MISSION AIRCRAFT

Airborne Asia-Pacific Surveillance

In a region that contains three indigenous nuclear powers, at least one regional super power, three of the world's economic super powers, is bordered
by the world's only global super power and is largely oceanic, it would indeed be surprising if the Asian-Pacific regions did not take airborne surveillance seriously. While maritime patrol provision can betaken as a given, the nations of the region have also equipped themselves with photo reconnaissance,
ground surveillance and SIGnals INTelligence (SIGINT) platforms and it is with this last trio of capabilities that this article concerns itself.
by Martin Streetly.[/B]



Taking these in order, AMR identifies Australia, the People's Republic of China (PRC), India, Japan, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Malaysia and
Pakistan as all operating land-based photo reconnaissance aircraft. In more detail, the Australian capability is vested in a small number of RF-111C aircraft which will (if not already) have been withdrawn from service by the end of 2010. The PRC capability is vested in the JZ-8 fast jet which is equipped with a centreline equipment pod that probably contains cameras and/or a Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR). For its part, India's
secretive Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is known to operate a Gulfstream business jet that is equipped with a Long-Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) sensor for stand-off reconnaissance duties.

Elsewhere, the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) operates a mixed fleet of RF 4EJ and RF-4EJKai tactical reconnaissance aircraft. Of the two, the RF-4EJKai is probably the more interesting as it is a conversion of the standard F-4EJ fighter and is capable of carrying a series of podded reconnaissance systems, with the range including a LOROP camera, the Analyseur de Signaux TACtiques (ASTAC) SIGINT system and the
X-band (8 to 12.5 GHz) SLAR-2000 SLAR. Of these, ASTAC and SLAR-2000 are Thales France products, with the JASDF's ASTAC pods having been produced under licence by Japanese contractor Mitsubishi. Moving north, South Korea flies a mixture of RF-4C and RF-5A tactical reconnaissance jets, with the F-5 also providing Malaysia with its capability in the form of the RF-4E. Last but not least, the Pakistan Air Force continues to operate a number of Mirage IIIRP (and, possibly, Mirage 5DR) aircraft in the role.

Moving on to ground surveillance (which in this context can be taken to mean Electro- Optical (EO) or radar-based over-land surveillance, with the latter dividing into Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR – imaging) and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) modes), the inherent EO capability of Australia's AP-3C maritime patrol fleet has been used extensively in support of land operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Within the PRC orbit, a group of four Tu-154M/D aircraft hold out the intriguing prospect of a Chinese Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) type capability.
All four aircraft are equipped with a canoeshaped radome beneath their forward fuselages which is identical in configuration to that illustrated in promotional literature for a locally produced SAR that is known to have definitely been installed aboard one such platform (aircraft B-4029). As with many things PRC, whether the described aircraft are equipped with such a sensor, whether or not the noted SAR is an experimental or operational system and whether or not it incorporates a GMTI capability remains enigmatic. Mention of GMTI brings the reader neatly to a second Chinese programme that centres on a sensor-equipped variant of the Z-8 helicopter.

Here, a single example equipped with a large deployable sensor head at the rear of its main cabin has been identified. Frequently identified as being an airborne early warning platform, this analyst believes that the type is more likely to be a battlefield surveillance aircraft that is equipped with a GMTI radar along the lines of the French Army's now retired HORIZON helicopter system. Alongside these Australian and Chinese applications, the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) operates four Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 800XP business jets that have been modified to Hawker 800RA radar surveillance
configuration under the 'Peace Krypton' programme. Produced by a consortium of L-3 Communications Integrated Systems (formerly E-Systems) and Lockheed Martin, the 'Peace Krypton' aircraft are equipped with a SAR that is believed to be a variant of the Lockheed Martin Advanced
Imaging Radar System (LAIRS) and to offer GMTI, navigation and SAR operating modes out to ranges of 185 km. Used for border surveillance
between the two Koreas (and as a means of reducing the Republic's dependence on the United States to defend itself), AMR believes that the four Hawker 800RAs are assigned to the RoKAF's 39th Tactical Reconnaissance Group based at Seongnam.

At this point, attention is turned to Japan's OP-3C multi-sensor ocean surveillance platform which is an intelligence gatherer rather than a maritime patrol aircraft. Operated by the Japanese Maritime Self- Defence Force's (JMSDF) 81st Kokutai (Air Squadron) out of Iwakuni, the four OP-3Cs
have all been converted from 'line' P-3C maritime patrol aircraft and are equipped with a sensor suite that includes a SLAR, a Goodrich Reconnaissance Systems DB-110 EO/Infra-Red (IR) camera system, an IR search and track system, a Global Positioning System-based navigation capability
and satellite communications.
Functionally, AMR understands that the OP-3C is used to "image" surface ship targetsof- interest, process acquired data in-flight and transmit imagery and data in near realtime to "command posts and friendly ships". While all of the foregoing represent interesting capabilities, the region's airborne SIGINT platforms are perhaps the most beguiling not least because of their generally low profile. Indeed, so low is that of Australia's supposed 'Peace Mate' P-3C aircraft that the country's government vehemently denies its existence! Despite this, usually reliable sources suggest that United States (US) contractor E-Systems modified a single Australian P-3C for COMmunications INTelligence (COMINT) collection within the 3 to 300 MHz band under the 'Peace Mate' programme and that the capability has been used operationally in connection with the East Timor crisis. 'Peace Mate' is also supposed
to have included a modified C-130 that was developed by Tenex Systems and was equipped with predominantly US-sourced SIGINT equipment. As to whether or not 'Peace Mate' exists or is but a figment of fevered journalistic imagination, AMR can only report that the Royal Australian Air
Force does retain a single P-3C for "test and trials" work and that the aircraft is based at Edinburgh in New South Wales alongside
the Service's Information Warfare Wing.

Equally enigmatic is Singapore's reported use of both the C-130 and the Fokker 50 in the SIGINT role. In order, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RoSAF) is understood to have acquired a single C-130 that has been outfitted with at least a 3 to 300 MHz band COMINT capability (probably sourced from Israel) and is operated in concert with the service's Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft. In terms of operational usage, this aircraft is
said to have flown patrols along the Thai and Malay coasts and to have regularly monitored activity in the Bay of Bengal. The RoSAF's use of the Fokker 50 in the SIGINT role is far more tenuous and rests on circumstantial evidence that ties Fokker's sale of a 'Black Crow' Fokker 50 electronic reconnaissance aircraft to an unidentified customer to the RoSAF's Fokker 50UTA transport aircraft serial number 713. If 713 is the described
'Black Crow' SIGINT platform, it may have been equipped with an ARGOSystems AR-7000 mission suite that is capable of both COMINT and ELectronic INTElligence (ELINT) collection. Intriguing though the above may seem, it must be stressed that as with the 'Peace Mate' programme, the evidence
for such an RoSAF capability is at best tenuous and the reader must make up their mind as to the truth or otherwise of the foregoing reports.
On much more solid ground is PRC contractor CETC's Shaanxi Y-8 based SIGINT platform that was first publicised during the 2008 Defence Services Asia trade show inKuala Lumpur. Here, the capability was based around the KZ800 ELINT suite which has been described as being able to detect,
analyse, identify and locate land-based and shipboard radars operating within the 1 to 18 GHz frequency range. Elsewhere within the PRC orbit, the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army is known to operate at least single examples of at least three other SIGINT systems based on the Y-8 together
with at least one Tu-154M/D SIGINT platform. All of the Y-8 systems have been associated with the 'Gaoxin' ('High New') programme and have (respectively) been assigned the designations Y-8CB, Y-8 (DZ) and Y-8T designations by Western sources. Again, all three types were first identified during the 2004 to 2007 period, with the Tu-154M/D platform believed to have entered service during 1998.

On the other side of the Chinese coin, the Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) is known to operate a single C-130H transport that has been modified for SIGINT collection under the designation C-130HE. As such, the platform is equipped with an Airborne Electronic Surveillance System (AESS) and
was role modified jointly by Lockheed Martin and Taiwan's Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology. Over time, the RoCAF C-130HE aircraft has been operated under the umbrella of the Service's 6th Combined Wing and is home-based at Pingtung. Moving north, India's RAW organisation
includes in its inventory a Boeing 707-337C airliner that is equipped for SIGINT collection. Here, the platform was almost certainly fitted out by US contractor E-Systems, features large antenna 'cheek' fairings on both sides of its forward fuselage and was most recently based at Indra Gandi/Palam
International Airport near Delhi. It is perhaps worth noting that some or all of RAW's An-32 and Il-76MD transports may also have been SIGINT modified, a proposition that can not be currently confirmed. Within the Japanese military, both the JASDF and the JMSDF feature SIGINT aircraft
within their inventories. In order (and aside from the already described RF-4JKai/ASTAC combination), the JASDF is reported to operate a fleet of up to four YS-11EB (YS-11EL according to some sources) SIGINT platforms that, at sometime in their careers, were equipped with the J/ALR-2
mission suite. As of the period November 2009 to April 2010, all four of these aircraft were being reported as being assigned to the service's Denshi Hiko Sokuteitai (Electronic Intelligence Squadron) at Iruma. For its part, the JMSDF's Iwakuni-based 81st Kokutai operates a fleet of five Kawasaki EP-3 SIGINT SIGINT platforms in addition to the already described OP-3Cs. As such, the EP-3 is platforms alongside its Hawker 800RA radar surveillance aircraft. Developed under the 'Paekdu/Peace Pioneer' programme, the Hawker 800SIG is equipped with an E-Systems developed mission suite
that is reported to be both COMINT and ELINT capable and as offering a frequency coverage that has an upper limit within the Ka-band (26.5 to 40 GHz). Last but not least, The Royal Thai Air Force's Takhli-based 402 Squadron operate a pair of Israel Aerospace Industries Arava 201 transports that have been fitted out for SIGINT collection. As such, the pair may be equipped with the Elta Systems EL/L-8310 ELINT sub-system and a COMINT capability built around the company's EL/K-1xxx series receivers, with the whole being packaged as a roll-on/rolloff capability.
equipped with 'low' and 'high' band collection sub-systems that have been developed by Japanese contractors NEC and Mitsubishi respectively. Readers should note that in the EP-3 mission suite context, the equipment designations NH/LR-107 and NH/LR-108 have been mentioned.

Of the two remaining identified regional SIGINT aircraft operators (South Korea and Thailand), the RoKAF's 39th Tactical Reconnaissance Group operates a quartet of Hawker Beechcraft Hawker 800SIG SIGINT platforms alongside its Hawker 800RA radar surveillance aircraft. Developed
under the 'Paekdu/Peace Pioneer' programme, the Hawker 800SIG is equipped with an E-Systems developed mission suite that is reported to be both COMINT and ELINT capable and as offering a frequency coverage that has an upper limit within the Ka-band (26.5 to 40 GHz). Last but not least,
The Royal Thai Air Force's Takhli-based 402 Squadron operate a pair of Israel Aerospace Industries Arava 201 transports that have been fitted out for SIGINT collection. As such, the pair may be equipped with the Elta Systems EL/L-8310 ELINT sub-system and a COMINT capability built around the
company's EL/K-1xxx series receivers, with the whole being packaged as a roll-on/rolloff capability.




http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue

 

[RPK]

India asks for enhanced systems on third Il-76 AEW

India asks for enhanced systems on third Il-76 AEW

The third Ilyushin Il-76 airborne early warning aircraft ordered by the Indian air force will carry additional systems for enhanced performance. The AEW aircraft is expected to arrive later this year in Israel for preparation by Israel Aerospace Industries' Elta Systems subsidiary, for delivery to India in 2011.

Two converted Il-76s carrying the Elta AEW Phalcon suit have already been delivered to India. Based on their operational experience India's Defence Research and Development Organisation has asked IAI to add to the third aircraft systems for enhanced performance.

IAI has no comment on the request, but it is understood that the additional systems may include sensors that would improve the "threat picture" even under adverse conditions.

In the meantime, India experts are visiting Israel regularly.

The Indian ministry of defence is seeking proposals to further bolster AEW capabilities with either additional converted Il-76s or smaller platforms such as the Gulfstream G550 with Israeli systems.

Earlier this year India requested a proposal from IAI for another three Il-76s. That deal could be worth around $1.5 billion.

 

[nitesh]

This will a good compliment to AWACS fleet:

India to have ‘giant eyes’ in the skies

It will be India's eyes in the sky, the ones that from 70,000 feet can keep tabs over the entire Indian subcontinent.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is developing an indigenous unmanned High Altitude Airship (HAA) – a towering Zeppelinlike aircraft – to closely monitor the country's coastline, borders and the Maoist "red corridor", said a scientist associated with the project.

Former Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment Director, Dr M L Sidana, who is overseeing the DST-funded project told Express that the HAA can be used for resource mapping, safeguarding high-value off shore assets and disaster management.

The airship will be powered by solar panels and will have regenerating fuel cells which will make it operational during night also.

"The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has been asked to prepare a feasibility study, which has been completed and will be shortly submitted to the DST. Following the approval, a Technology Demonstrator weighing about 50 kg will be built and later we can go for the production of the final version that can carry payloads weighing 2,000 kg," said Sidana.

The HAA will place India in the select club of US, Japan, Korea, UK, Switzerland and Germany.

Sidana said by placing 15 to 20 airships, the entire Indian subcontinent can be under surveillance, as one airship can survey land area of 600 km from a height of 21 km.

The HAA will be placed at a geostationary position and would have capabilities similar to a satellite at fraction of the cost, said Jitendra Singh, an NAL scientist who is part of the project.

"As the airship will be very close to the earth's surface, it can capture and send data quickly compared to other surveillance systems. The HAAs can also be used for antisubmarine warfare and airborne early warning as it can help in ballistic or cruise missile defence with its ability to send images in quick time," said Singh.

 

[EagleOne]

Embraer aircraft with Indian warning system to fly by 2011

An Indian built Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEWCS) will be integrated into the Brazilian Embraer-145 Aircraft, which will fly in the country in January 2011, said a senior official of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The AEWCS comprises radars that look far and deep providing command and control for battle management functions with data link for both tactical and defence forces, DRDO Chief Controller Prahlada said.

'And the aircraft with the Indian AEWCS will be flying in India by the end of 2011 (after tests),' he said, during an interaction with the media here Friday.

India and Brazil have signed a deal to jointly integrate the DRDO's AEWCS onto a Brazilian airborne platform. Three Brazilian Embraer-145 aircraft will carry the Active Array Antenna Units (AAAU), developed by DRDO.

'Three modified EMB-145 aircraft will be developed under this agreement,' Prahlada said.

The Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (LRDE), one of the DRDO laboratory, is building the primary sensors, communication systems and data link.

The Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) is making self-protection systems, electronic warfare suites and provide communication support systems.

The heart of the radar is from the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment. The integration of the systems, mission computer, display and data handling is being done by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

Embraer aircraft with Indian warning system to fly by 2011

 

[Sri]

AWACS Developed by DRDO to Roll Out in January 2011; Flight Tests in 2011

AWACS Developed by DRDO to Roll Out in January 2011; Flight Tests in 2011 | India Defence

Agency reports out of Bangalore have quoted Mr. Prahlada, R&D Chief of DRDO, confirming that indigenous Airborne Warning and Control Systems developed by DRDO will begin to roll out in January 2011. The DRDO is working on integrating these AWACS onboard the Brazilian aircraft EMB-145 as per Indian Air Force's requirement

Flight tests are expected in India later in 2011. Prahlada termed the indigenous AWACS as "very cost-effective" and "probably the cheapest in the world".

Officials said the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) was being developed by the Bangalore-based Center for Airborne Systems (CABS), a lab under the DRDO for the IAF. Under a deal signed between India and Brazil in 2008, Embraer aircraft manufacturer was entrusted to modify its EMB145 to carry Active Array Antenna Unit by India on the aircraft's fuselage.

Three modified EMB-145 aircraft would be developed under the agreement. The indigenous AWACS would detect, identify and classify threats present in the surveillance area and act as a command and control center to support air operations.

 

[prahladh]

AWACS Developed by DRDO to Roll Out in January 2011; Flight Tests in 2011

AWACS Developed by DRDO to Roll Out in January 2011; Flight Tests in 2011 | India Defence

Agency reports out of Bangalore have quoted Mr. Prahlada, R&D Chief of DRDO, confirming that indigenous Airborne Warning and Control Systems developed by DRDO will begin to roll out in January 2011. The DRDO is working on integrating these AWACS onboard the Brazilian aircraft EMB-145 as per Indian Air Force's requirement

Flight tests are expected in India later in 2011. Prahlada termed the indigenous AWACS as "very cost-effective" and "probably the cheapest in the world".

Officials said the AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) was being developed by the Bangalore-based Center for Airborne Systems (CABS), a lab under the DRDO for the IAF. Under a deal signed between India and Brazil in 2008, Embraer aircraft manufacturer was entrusted to modify its EMB145 to carry Active Array Antenna Unit by India on the aircraft's fuselage.

Three modified EMB-145 aircraft would be developed under the agreement. The indigenous AWACS would detect, identify and classify threats present in the surveillance area and act as a command and control center to support air operations.

Hurray. Does he mean the first one will roll out in Jan-2011. How much does it cost when he says "very cost-effective".

 

[roach]

I have a question.
So does this mean that during peacetime, our AWACS just fly inside Indian Airspace and practice picking up and analyzing Pakistani aircraft flying inside Pakistan? Or do we need to hide the capability of the Radar by not transmitting?

 

[Anshu Attri]

pioneer news-

 

[plugwater]

IAF planning to induct 10 Airborne Warning and Control Systems

NEW DELHI: Having already procured three Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), the Indian Air Force is planning to induct ten such eyes for boosting the country's air defence.

In the near future, the IAF will place fresh orders for two more PHALCON AWACS in addition to the three procured earlier.

But in the long run, it has plans of inducting a total of ten such aircraft in its fleet, Defence Ministry officials told PTI here.

With ten aircraft, the IAF hopes to provide round the clock vigil across all the frontiers, the sources said.

India inducted its first AWACS system in Delhi this year and the second was inducted into the fleet in June.

Officials said the third aircraft is expected to join the fleet by the end of this year in December. The AWACS deal was initiated in 2004 between India, Israel and Russia.

The project involved the Israeli Phalcon early-warning radar and communication suites which had to be mounted on the Russian IL-76 heavy-lift military aircraft. The deal was to the tune of USD 1.1 billion.

AWACS has complimented the IAFs capability in terms of detection and the tracking of troop build-ups or aircraft movements in border areas and enemy territories.

Besides detection of incoming cruise missiles and aircraft in a 400 kilometre range in all-weather conditions, AWACS is useful to direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy planes.

It will provide a much enhanced situational awareness and the capability to truly project aerospace power.

India is also working on a Rs 1,800 programme to develop its indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control system, which will be put on the three Embraer-145 jets being acquired for $210 million from Brazil.

IAF planning to induct 10 Airborne Warning and Control Systems - The Times of India

 

[ahmedsid]

I have a question.
So does this mean that during peacetime, our AWACS just fly inside Indian Airspace and practice picking up and analyzing Pakistani aircraft flying inside Pakistan? Or do we need to hide the capability of the Radar by not transmitting?

The Aircrafts will be on Vigil, and used for Surveilance and snooping. We wont keep the radars in training mode or anything as such, because it defeats the purpose I feel. Someone may elaborate