The indigenously developed AEW&CS aircraft is all set to be inducted into the ranks of the Indian Air Force (IAF) during Aero India – 2017. Several sources which are involved with the program have revealed that the aircraft is set to be inducted into the air force in the presence of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the 11th edition of Aero India.
The aircraft which was developed indigenously by India’s premier research agency – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – had performed a flypast in Delhi over the Rajpath on the occasion of the Republic Day.
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.
Three aerial platforms were acquired from Embraer at a cost of US $300 million. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire two aircrafts, CABS – the lead developer – will retain a single platform for further developments and testing.
‘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.
Dehradun based DARE (Defence Avionics Research Establishment) has developed ultra modern self protection and Electronic Warfare (EW) suites for the aircraft. Hyderabad based DLRL (Defence Electronics Research Laboratory) and Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) has developed modern and highly secured network centric systems and satellite based communication systems for the aircraft.
The Phalcon systems which are based on fuel guzzling Il-76 aircraft are extremely costly for short-range targets. ‘Netra’ however is extremely cost efficient and will thus help the air force and its operations.
The development of an indigenous AEW&CS system has come off the ages of experience and data gathered by the developmental agencies. India under the ‘Airavat program’ in the late 90’s unsuccessfully tried developing an aerial surveillance platform. This however failed mid-way after the lone prototype and the test bed platform – a HS -748 aircraft – crashed during one of the test flights.
‘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.
© Karthik Kakoor
