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.