Embraer Delivers First AEW&C Aircraft to India

PRESS RELEASE | São Paulo, August 16, 2012 | Embraer Defense and Security today delivered the first EMB 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) class of aircraft to the Government of India, in a ceremony held at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The delivery follows successful completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Later on the aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force after integration of missions systems of DRDO by CABS in India.
The collaboration with DRDO in such a complex program strengthens the ties between Brazil and India”, said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President & CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are very proud to meet the expectations of our clients in providing CABS, DRDO with this platform.”

This EMB 145 AEW&C features major capabilities such as in-flight refueling system, significant increase in electric and cooling capacity and a comprehensive set of structural changes to which will allow the installation of the advanced mission systems that have been developed by India’s CABS (Centre for Air Borne Systems) along with its work centers of DRDO”, said Dr. Elangovan, Chief Controller R&D (Avionics & Aero) of DRDO.

The success of this programme is the symbol of cooperation between India and Brazil”, said Dr. Christopher Programme Director AEW&C and Director CABS. “The airborne Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) designed and developed by CABS, is now flying on top of this modified Embraer aircraft is one example of such cooperation. CABS, DRDO will integrate all other mission systems in India and deliver it to Indian Air Force”.

Remaining AEW&C aircraft are due to be delivered to the Indian Air Force as part of a contract signed in 2008 that includes a comprehensive package for training, technical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment. These aircraft, upon entry-into-service, will join four Embraer Legacy 600 jets – currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the transportation of Indian government officials and foreign dignitaries – and a fifth Embraer Legacy 600 which belongs to the Border Security Force (BSF), under India’s Home Ministry.

DRDO PRESS RELEASE | In a landmark event the EMB-145I aircraft designed and developed for AEW&C role has been delivered to Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by M/s Embraer for ferry to India. With ownership of the aircraft transferred to DRDO, the aircraft has been flagged off by the Indian Delegation comprising of Mr G Elangovan, DS & CC R&D (Avionics & Aero), Dr K Tamilmani, DS & CE, CEMILAC, Dr S Christopher, DS, Programme Director (AEW&C) & Director, CABS, Mr MS Easwaran, Associate Programme Director (AEW&C), Air Cmde B Banerjee, PD (AFPT), Air Cmde Rippon Gupta, PD, C4ISR at M/s Embraer, Sao Jose dos Compos, Brazil. The Factory Acceptance Test including Ground and Flight tests have been successfully completed and met operational targets set by CABS and Embraer.

One of the major achievements of CABS is the design, development and testing of 10m x 1m x 0.5 m Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) weighing 1600 kg. The structural AESA with dummy electronics is certified for airworthiness by the Brazilian certification agency, ANAC, equivalent of FAA in USA. The aircraft is fitted with AESA and the airworthy units from other workcenters of DRDO have been flight tested prior to ferry to India.

The aircraft after its arrival in India later this month will be integrated with Mission Systems Avionics and will commence the developmental trials of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System for IAF, after successful Ground Evaluation clearances by DGAQA and CEMILAC.

16 thoughts on “Embraer Delivers First AEW&C Aircraft to India”

  1. Very good.It is critical that as far as possible EW capabilities are designed,sourced and built in India itself.
    CABS works AEWS is a critical step in this direction.
    It is paramount that we induct as many indigenous products as quickly we can once they reach a minimal standard of acceptability.Only when domestic systems are deployed will we be able to evolve better and upgraded products.

  2. Hey Shiv,
    Please excuse for being Off Topic.
    If you have the time can u shed some light on why 4 of the original Su-30 Mks show parked at Trishul at Bareilly.Earlier almost all were seen lined up at Lohegaon.

    The story on the Sukhoi-30 MKI has been kind of sketchy. Would greatly appreciate a write up on the mighty Sukhoi seeing as it is THE fighter of the IAF at this time.
    Things like the procurement history,how many built by HAL, how many came as CKD,SKD kits, the differences between the various marks, the upgrade plans, the SUPER -30, future procurements all would be very interesting.

    Coming back to what I started with what happened to the original 18 some of them famously wearing the Tricolor?

  3. I am sure this is not an apples to apples comparison, but I ask if someone can confirm if 2008 contract to 2012 delivery is slower than that with C-130J. But, then again C-130J probably didn't have all the modifications that Embraer had to make to make a AEW&C version for India.

    ANyway, this is good news for India.

  4. what kind of radar is being installed .. LRDE has any radar? im surprised.
    when they dont have a Tejas radar how can they have Awacs radar?

  5. Don't ask silly questions . . . How one can modified a plane without knowing the shape, size and weight of equipments e.g Radar? Although i'm nor a technical neither i am an expert but a 10th class student…so i could be wrong…

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