The first Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system aka Prying Plane will be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 14, the first day of Aero India 2017, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr S Christopher said the second platform would be inducted by April this year. DRDO has already spent Rs 2,400 crore on the programme, which was sanctioned in October 2004.
Built on Embraer EMB-145, the AEW&C System project is being executed by DRDO lab Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS). The aircraft was extensively modified to accommodate the mission system being developed indigenously by various DRDO labs.
The AEW&CS (Air-Borne Early Warning and Control System) aircraft is based on a Brazilian manufactured Embraer ERJ-145 jet platform and has been cherished as ‘Netra’ by the forces. The aircraft following its induction will serve as the ears and eyes of the air force.
The state-of-the-art electronic surveillance aircraft was developed by the Bangalore based Centre for Air-Borne Systems (CABS) – which is one of DRDO’s leading laboratories for answering the surveillance needs of the forces. The development of the system started in October, 2004 following the centre’s approval.
‘Netra’ showcases a high amount of indigenous technology and has emerged as one of the biggest success stories of the developmental agencies. Bengaluru based CABS is the designated lead developer, designer, systems integrator and the chief system testing agency. LRDE (Electronics and Radar Development Establishment), a pioneer and leader in radar technology, has developed the AESA radar systems and all associated emitting and receiver modules.
Netra’ utilising its highly advanced AESA radar systems and the electronic sensors can detect, identify, classify and track multiple targets at long ranges. Two radiating planar arrays which are fitted in an active antenna array unit can detect and track targets as far as 500 kilometres away.
The system can pick up both aerial and ground based targets and utilizing the secure communication links it can then transmit acquired data to air-borne and surface based friendly assets. The aircraft can operate in multiple modes notable among them are the search, track-while-scan and priority track modes.
The aircraft can provide the ground exploitation stations with solid ‘Recognisable Air Surveillance Picture’ and further guide fighters and missiles on long range targets with pin-point accuracy. ‘Netra’ will be capable of tracking hundreds of aerial and ground targets simultaneously and can further communicate and control at least 40 friendly aircraft.
The indigenously developed Mission System Control is the heart and the brain of the aircraft. It has been fitted with advanced IFF probes and also SATCOM systems. Missile Approach Warning systems and the Radar Warning Receiver systems will guard the aircraft against incoming missiles.
The aircraft is an extremely cost efficient solution for IAF’s much sought C4ISR capabilities. Several countries have already shown their interest in the platform. The induction of ‘Netra’ to the ranks of the air force will help it look deep into enemy territory and shall add the much delayed aerial surveillance and command centre’s capabilities.
Source:- Life Of Solider
from Indian Defence Update http://ift.tt/2lBWITz
via IFTTT
No comments: