Revival
However, by mid 2002 the project was "re-activated", according to various news reports. As of March 2007, CABS was working on developing another indigenous airborne early warning (AEW) system. According to the Defence Minister, completion of development activities and commencement of user trials should occur in 2012. The platform selected this time is Brazilian Embraer with CABS AESA Radar.
The new system will be based on the Embraer EMB-145 aircraft and an active phased array radar. IAF and army propose to use this mini-AWACs systems as a compliment to the larger AWACS system being imported from Israel. The Union Cabinet has already given a green signal to the development of such an aircraft-based system.
Goals of the AEW & C Program:
- AEW
- Nodal AWACS function(s) in the National Grid (functioning in tandem with Phalcon)
- Comint capabilities.
- Sigint capabilities.
- IFR capabilities.
- Functions/features
- Asynchronous/Synchronous Datalink between 40 aircraft.
- Hybrid Inertial/Satellite Navigation System.
- Integrated IFF with mode-4 capability.
- Multiple Redundant Air to Air datalinks.
- Multiple Redundant Air to ground datalinks.
- Satcomm Links.
On August 17, 2012, India received the first Embraer 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft, built with Indian technology. It is claimed as a major breakthrough in mounting an electronic eye in the sky for India.
The aircraft is fitted with Indian airborne Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar, giving it the capability to detect missiles and hostile fighters at all angles. Programme Director, Christopher was quoted by the media as saying, "The new EMB 145 would have airborne Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar designed by DRDO’s Banglaore-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS). DRDO will integrate other mission systems in India and deliver the aircraft to the Indian Air Force,”.
Dr. Elangovan, Chief Controller Research & Development of DRDO, said the aircraft was upgraded to have major capabilities such as "in-fight refuelling system, significant increase in electric and cooling capacity and a comprehensive set of structural changes to allow installation of advanced mission systems."
Read more about this topic: Airborne Surveillance Platform
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