Embraer aircraft with Indian Early Warning and Control 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).