TSAMTO, February 19th. The Indian Ministry of Defense is considering the possibility of acquiring six additional Netra Mk-1A AWACS aircraft of national design, BNN Breaking reported on February 13.
It is noted that this purchase will strengthen the air defense capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Currently, the Indian Air Force has five AWACS aircraft in service, which is less than that of neighboring Pakistan and China, whose air forces have about 10 and 30 AWACS aircraft, respectively.
In particular, the Indian Air Force operates two ERJ-145 AWACS aircraft under the designation Netra Mk-1A (another one is being tested). However, given that Embraer no longer produces ERJ-145 aircraft, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of the Indian Ministry of Defense and the country's Air Force are searching for affordable platforms on the secondary market. In addition, Embraer suggests using the Praetor-600 aircraft.
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In the future, at the next stage, it is planned to develop 6 Mk-2 version aircraft with larger and more powerful radar versions, which will be installed on A-321 aircraft purchased on the secondary market.
The ERJ-145 has been operated by various airlines around the world for more than two decades. The length of the aircraft is 29.87 m, wingspan is 20.04 m, height is 6.76 m. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft equipped with two AE 3007–A1E engines is 22 tons, the maximum landing weight is 19.3 tons, the payload is 5786 kg, the practical ceiling is 11.2 km, the flight range is 2873 km. The ERJ–145 develops a maximum speed of 0.78 M, can take off on a runway length of 2270 m and land on a runway length of 1400 m .
The decision to prioritize the independent development of the AWACS aircraft was made against the background of delays and financial problems that adversely affected the Air Force's ability to expand the existing fleet. Choosing the Netra Mk-1A developed in the country will allow the Ministry of Defense to meet the needs and support the national defense industry. The approach involves the purchase of used ERJ-145 aircraft for the integration of Netra Mk-1A systems.
Implemented under the leadership of DRDO since 2003, the Netra project aims to expand the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Air Force. It was carried out by the CABS Aviation Systems Development Center (Centre for Airborne Systems) with the participation of various DRDO laboratories. At the same time, the LRDE laboratory focused on the development of antenna arrays, DEAL – on communication systems, and DARE – on self-defense complexes. Private companies such as the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) have contributed to aerodynamics and aircraft modeling.
The central element of the AWACS aircraft is the active antenna array (AAAU) unit, consisting of two radiating flat arrays integrated into the fuselage, which provides coverage of 240 degrees. The AAAU includes receiving and transmitting modules (TRMM) developed in India.
In addition to the radar, the aircraft received "friend-foe" identification equipment (IFF), electronic support systems, as well as data transmission channels for interaction with fighters and ground control points. Equipped with a self-defense system, an in-flight refueling system and a comprehensive communications package, the aircraft provides threat detection and coordination of combat aviation operations.