DRDO ready to deliver AEW&C to Air Force

[Gessler]

The Saab 2000 AEW&C airborne early warning and control aircraft is a variant of the Saab 2000 regional transport turboprop aircraft equipped with the spine-mounted Saab Systems Erieye PS-890 side-looking reconnaissance radar.
The first customer for the Saab 2000 AEW&C, the Pakistan Fiza'ya (the Pakistan Air Force), placed the order with Saab, based in Stockholm, in June 2006 for Skr6.9bn. The Government of Pakistan renegogiated part of the contract in May 2007 due to financial crisis within the country. The contract value was reduced to Skr1.35bn.
The first of four aircraft was rolled out in April 2008 and entered into service in October 2009. The second aircraft was delivered to Pakistan in April 2010 to monitor Indian airspace. Thailand announced the selection of the Saab 2000 AEW&C in June 2007.
The aircraft, fully equipped for airborne early warning and control, can also be used for national security missions, border control, airborne command and control, disaster management coordination and for emergency air traffic control.
"The Saab 2000 airborne early warning and control aircraft is a variant of the Saab 2000 regional transport turboprop aircraft."
Saab 2000 AEW&C programme

Saab Surveillance Systems is the lead contractor for the Saab 2000 AEW&C programme. Saab Aerotech is responsible for the development and modification of the Saab 2000 regional aircraft to the AEW&C configuration. Six other Saab business units are also contracted for major elements of the programme.
The outer wing sections have been strengthened, as has the roof of the fuselage, to accommodate the weight of the Erieye antenna and its housing. The vertical tail area has been increased to provide improved stabilisation.
Main cabin

The main cabin is fitted with five mission operator consoles on the starboard side.
The windows on the starboard side of the main cabin have been removed. The cabin is air-conditioned and fitted with an active noise cancellation system.
The aft section of the main cabin accommodates fuel tanks and mission equipment. Two auxiliary fuel tanks are installed on the starboard side in the mid fuselage section immediately aft of the mission consoles.
The mission operator consoles perform: system and sensor management; mission planning and simulation; track data processing; asset management and control; identification and allocation. The display systems incorporate digital maps and use high-resolution flat-panel colour displays and touch input display controls. The main cabin aft section also accommodates the electronic warfare equipment, the Erieye equipment and the Erieye power units.
Erieye surveillance radar

Saab Microwave Systems (formerly Ericsson) is the lead contractor for the Erieye surveillance radar. The Erieye radar is operational on a number of other aircraft including the Saab 340, Embraer R-99 and Embraer EMB-145. Erieye is an active phased array pulse Doppler radar operating in the 3.1GHz to 3.3GHz band. The radar is operational from three minutes after take-off and during climb and provides an effective surveillance area of 500,000km².
"The main cabin is fitted with five mission operator consoles on the starboard side."
The Erieye radar has an instrumental range of 450km and detection range of 350km against a fighter aircraft sized target in dense hostile electronic warfare environments and at low target altitudes. The system is capable of tracking multiple air and sea target over the horizon and provides above 20km altitude coverage, 360° coverage and has sea surveillance capability. The radar incorporates an identification friend or foe interrogator. The system comprises an active phased array pulse Doppler radar with a secondary surveillance radar.
The fixed dual sided electronically scanned antenna array is installed in a rectangular housing, dorsally mounted above the fuselage.
Electronic warfare suite

The aircraft's electronic warfare suite is based on the Saab Avitronics HES-21 electronic support measures (ESM) and self-protection suite. The HES-21 also provides a ground-based support system (EGSS), which provides mission data for the aircraft electronic warfare system and for analysis of recorded data.
Electronic support measures

The electronic support measures (ESM) system comprises digital narrow band and wide band receivers and associated antennae, providing close to 100 % probability of intercept (POI). The digital receiver is equipped with interferometer antenna arrays.
The ESM obtains the electronic order of battle (EOB) data and intercepts, characterises and identifies signals, defines their direction of arrival, generating and displaying warning information. The ESM system operates autonomously and allows real time ESM analysis and presentation to the ESM operator on board the aircraft. ESM data is recorded during missions for post mission tactical and technical analysis. Information is transferred to other onboard systems including the command and control system and the radio data link-controller.
The radar receivers cover low band (7GHz to 2GHz), mid band (2GHz to 18GHz) and high band (28GHz to 40GHz).
The digital RF receiver provides very high sensitivity and selectivity and uses fast Fourier transforms (FFT) and channelisation signal processing techniques. The ESM's wide band and narrow band receivers provide 360° coverage, and close to 100% probability of intercept. The system provides high sensitivity and selectivity in dense and hostile signal environments.
Self-protection system

The self-protection system (SPS) comprises: defensive aids control system, radar warning, laser warning, missile approach warning and chaff and flare dispenser systems. The self-protection suite provides selection and, in automatic mode, the initiation of the chaff and countermeasures sequences.
"The Erieye radar has an instrumental range of 450km and detection range of 350km."
The laser warning system is based on the Saab Avitronics LWS-310 laser warner operating in the 0.5 to 17 microns wavelength bands. Spatial and spectral coverage is provided by an array of three sensors on each side of the aircraft.
The missile launch and approach warner (MAW) is based on the Saab Avitronics MAW-300, which can simultaneously monitor and track up to eight threats. It has four sensors, two on each side, and each with 110° azimuthal coverage to provide the overlapped 360° spatial coverage.
The chaff and flare dispensing system (CFDS) comprises a dispenser control unit, (CFDC) with a cockpit mounted display and control panel, defensive aids suite computer with a threat library database, two BOL electromechanical dispensers and six BOP pyrotechnical dispensers.
The BOL dispenser is a high-capacity, 160-cartridges, electro-mechanical chaff dispenser. The BOL dispensers are installed in the fairings under the wingtip-mounted radar warning pods. The dispenser incorporates vortex generators which provide chaff blooming characteristics and a chaff cloud Doppler response.
The BOP dispenser is a pyrotechnic dispenser carrying Nato standard rectangular cartridges or magazines of 39 1in² cartridges. The dispenser has the capability to dispense different ammunition types concurrently. The BOP dispensers are housed on each side of the underside of the fuselage to the aft of the wings.
Engine

The aircraft is fitted with two Rolls-Royce AE 2100A turboprop engines developing 3,095kW. AE 2100A is a two shaft gas turbine engine equipped with a 14-stage high pressure (HP) compressor driven by a two-stage HP turbine. The engine also features a planetary reduction gearbox connected to the propeller. It also features a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) to manage both engine and propeller.
The length and diameter of the engine are 11.8in (0.29m) and 19in (0.48m) respectively.
Saab 2000 performance

The aircraft can climb an altitude of 9,144m in 15 minutes. The maximum cruise and patrol speed of the aircraft are 629km/h and 296km/h respectively. The range is 3,218km. The take-off run of the aircraft is 1,400m and the maximum endurance is 9.5 hours. The aircraft weighs around 14,500kg and its maximum take-off weight is 23,000kg.


From AirforceTech.....

Now can anyone post DRDO made AEWC performance.....

I would be able to give you a much more detailed report after the LSTAR-based DRDO radar is in service,
but as far as I know as of now...the AEW&CS has 1,244 T/R modules packed in approx 155 TRMMs
(each containing 8 individual modules). Each individual module has a 200-watt power output (totally 248 kW maximum
output). This is plenty for for detecting a 2-square meter target at a range of 300 km.
But you can be sure it isn't gonna use all that power for just detecting stuff...

A general fighter-sized target with externally-carried weapons/fuel tanks can have RCS between 3 - 6 square meters.
Large fighters like Flankers, F-15s or J-11s have even bigger RCS.

This easily puts it way ahead of Erieye, which is understandably built around older technology. Not just in mere
range figures, but also in electronic warfare capabilities, ECM/ESM, as well as operating modes. It's a better
radar in the overall.

The radar's maximum detection range is not officially disclosed but a few reports put it around 400km.

The operating band of the radar also allows for a bigger frequency-range than Erieye.

--

In terms of the aircraft, the jet-powered EMB-145 inherently has greater performance specs (speed, altitude etc.)
than the turboprop -2000. It can cover more ground sooner. Our's also comes with IFR capability allowing for
a much better on-station time.

In terms of systems, the EMB-145I is again equipped with a much broader spectrum of situational awareness
systems than the Erieye platform, or even the KJ-200's platform for that matter. I already did a comparison
here : DRDO AEW&CS Comparison With Contemporary Beam AEW Systems | Indian Defence Forum

 

[Abingdonboy]

I would be able to give you a much more detailed report after the LSTAR-based DRDO radar is in service,
but as far as I know as of now...the AEW&CS has 1,244 T/R modules packed in approx 155 TRMMs
(each containing 8 individual modules). Each individual module has a 200-watt power output (totally 248 kW maximum
output). This is plenty for for detecting a 2-square meter target at a range of 300 km.
But you can be sure it isn't gonna use all that power for just detecting stuff...

A general fighter-sized target with externally-carried weapons/fuel tanks can have RCS between 3 - 6 square meters.
Large fighters like Flankers, F-15s or J-11s have even bigger RCS.

This easily puts it way ahead of Erieye, which is understandably built around older technology. Not just in mere
range figures, but also in electronic warfare capabilities, ECM/ESM, as well as operating modes. It's a better
radar in the overall.

The radar's maximum detection range is not officially disclosed but a few reports put it around 400km.

The operating band of the radar also allows for a bigger frequency-range than Erieye.

--

In terms of the aircraft, the jet-powered EMB-145 inherently has greater performance specs (speed, altitude etc.)
than the turboprop -2000. It can cover more ground sooner. Our's also comes with IFR capability allowing for
a much better on-station time.

In terms of systems, the EMB-145I is again equipped with a much broader spectrum of situational awareness
systems than the Erieye platform, or even the KJ-200's platform for that matter. I already did a comparison
here : DRDO AEW&CS Comparison With Contemporary Beam AEW Systems | Indian Defence Forum

And let's not forget this is the less powerful/capable AWACS in Indian service- the Phalcon AWACS is significantly more powerful/capable.

 

[Gessler]

And let's not forget this is the less powerful/capable AWACS in Indian service- the Phalcon AWACS is significantly more powerful/capable.

Ofcourse. It may even be the best & most capable AEW&C system in the world. It is significantly ahead
of types such as E-3 Sentry. But the best part is that it's capabilities are highly classified.

A little biscuit for those interested : It's search range is above 700 km.

 

[UKBengali]

I would be able to give you a much more detailed report after the LSTAR-based DRDO radar is in service,
but as far as I know as of now...the AEW&CS has 1,244 T/R modules packed in approx 155 TRMMs
(each containing 8 individual modules). Each individual module has a 200-watt power output (totally 248 kW maximum
output). This is plenty for for detecting a 2-square meter target at a range of 300 km.
But you can be sure it isn't gonna use all that power for just detecting stuff...

A general fighter-sized target with externally-carried weapons/fuel tanks can have RCS between 3 - 6 square meters.
Large fighters like Flankers, F-15s or J-11s have even bigger RCS.

This easily puts it way ahead of Erieye, which is understandably built around older technology. Not just in mere
range figures, but also in electronic warfare capabilities, ECM/ESM, as well as operating modes. It's a better
radar in the overall.

The radar's maximum detection range is not officially disclosed but a few reports put it around 400km.

The operating band of the radar also allows for a bigger frequency-range than Erieye.

--

In terms of the aircraft, the jet-powered EMB-145 inherently has greater performance specs (speed, altitude etc.)
than the turboprop -2000. It can cover more ground sooner. Our's also comes with IFR capability allowing for
a much better on-station time.

In terms of systems, the EMB-145I is again equipped with a much broader spectrum of situational awareness
systems than the Erieye platform, or even the KJ-200's platform for that matter. I already did a comparison
here : DRDO AEW&CS Comparison With Contemporary Beam AEW Systems | Indian Defence Forum

Let us not get carried away here.

This is the first AWACs that India has produced and at best it will get close but not be as good as the Swedish system.

Sweden has been producing top radars for decades and India is still a fair bit behind Sweden. I am sure that India will catch up in the future but it is not there yet.

 

[Gessler]

Let us not get carried away here.

This is the first AWACs that India has produced and at best it will get close but not be as good as the Swedish system.

Sweden has been producing top radars for decades and India is still a fair bit behind Sweden. I am sure that India will catch up in the future but it is not there yet.

One can say the same thing about Chinese AWACS.

We aren't there yet because our radar isn't operational yet. But as a system, the LSTAR radar is clearly ahead
of Erieye. It's all in the electronics & software. Sweden can also build an equal or better radar if they start anew,
but Erieye is quite old, despite the upgrades.

 

[acid rain]

Let us not get carried away here.

This is the first AWACs that India has produced and at best it will get close but not be as good as the Swedish system.

Sweden has been producing top radars for decades and India is still a fair bit behind Sweden. I am sure that India will catch up in the future but it is not there yet.

Sweden is a country not much bigger than one of our state. The westerners work on unison sharing knowhow among themselves, so pandering about Sweden know how doesn't really count for much.

 

[Kinetic]

here it explained fairly

Awesome!!! DRDO

 

[UKBengali]

One can say the same thing about Chinese AWACS.

We aren't there yet because our radar isn't operational yet. But as a system, the LSTAR radar is clearly ahead
of Erieye. It's all in the electronics & software. Sweden can also build an equal or better radar if they start anew,
but Erieye is quite old, despite the upgrades.

China... They have a newer radars that build on KJ-2000. There is a new one that is dubbed KJ-3000 which will probably be up there with anything from elsewhere.

The thing is that China has massive experience in radars with both fighter(JF-17/J-10/J-11B), SAM(HQ-9), ship(type-052C/D) and AWACs(KJ-200/2000). What they produce now will probably be top-rate.

India has very little experience with radars and so naturally will be expected to be behind at this stage.

 

[ni8mare]

Let us not get carried away here.

This is the first AWACs that India has produced and at best it will get close but not be as good as the Swedish system.

Sweden has been producing top radars for decades and India is still a fair bit behind Sweden. I am sure that India will catch up in the future but it is not there yet.

who said you that?
drdo aew&c is by far much better in term of electronic sensors and performance compare to eireye ,,compare

to

 

[UKBengali]

who said you that?
drdo aew&c is by far much better in term of electronic sensors and performance compare to eireye ,,compare
to

Source: DRDO ready to deliver AEW&C to Air Force | Page 2

You really think paper specs mean anything?

Sweden has been producing radars for decades all the way from fighters, missiles, ships and AWACs,

India only recently started producing radars. There is one thing to be proud of being what India has achieved but another to be unrealistic.

Like I say I expect India to start catching in the future but it is not there yet. This is a good start and Indians should rightly be proud but to start making incredible claims does no one any favours,.

 

[Secur]

drdo aew&c is by far much better in term of electronic sensors and performance compare to eireye ,,compare

Based on?

 

[Gessler]

China... They have a newer radars that build on KJ-2000. There is a new one that is dubbed KJ-3000 which will probably be up there with anything from elsewhere.

The thing is that China has massive experience in radars with both fighter(JF-17/J-10/J-11B), SAM(HQ-9), ship(type-052C/D) and AWACs(KJ-200/2000). What they produce now will probably be top-rate.

But Sweden/Western countries have been building advanced radars for a much longer time than China. Also
their work standards & quality is better. See what I'm getting at?

India has very little experience with radars and so naturally will be expected to be behind at this stage.

Duh. Very little experience compared to US or France maybe... We're quite good at radars. Although
the availability of better foreign equipment limited our scope for production.

Project Airavat (1980s) -

Sure I agree this is our first full-fledged AWACS system, while Erieye is a more tried-and-tested system. But
that doesn't mean it is more advanced or more capable. I have just proven in my previous posts how.

At best I can agree Erieye is more refined (result of being fine-tuned over decade-plus of operation).

 

[Abingdonboy]

You really think paper specs mean anything?

Sweden has been producing radars for decades all the way from fighters, missiles, ships and AWACs,

India only recently started producing radars. There is one thing to be proud of being what India has achieved but another to be unrealistic.

Like I say I expect India to start catching in the future but it is not there yet. This is a good start and Indians should rightly be proud but to start making incredible claims does no one any favours,.

Mate no one is saying that India is ahead of Sweden in this field (although it won't be long before that is true) but in this specific instances the Indian system IS (and by a clear margin) superior to the Swedish system. The Erieye radar first entered service in 1996, the Indian radar will enter service in 2014- an 18 year gap. This is HUGE in technological terms. Moore's law states that every 18 months processor speeds, or overall processing power for computers doubles. The system developed in the late 2000s is inherently likely to be that much superior to one produced in the late 1980s- simple as that.

It may even be the best & most capable AEW&C system in the world.

That is certainly my belief...


Let's hope the IAF bite the bullet and go for the follow on order for 2-3 more of these machines.

 

[UKBengali]

Mate no one is saying that India is ahead of Sweden in this field (although it won't be long before that is true) but in this specific instances the Indian system IS (and by a clear margin) superior to the Swedish system. The Erieye radar first entered service in 1996, the Indian radar will enter service in 2014- an 18 year gap. This is HUGE in technological terms. Moore's law states that every 18 months processor speeds, or overall processing power for computers doubles. The system developed in the late 2000s is inherently likely to be that much superior to one produced in the late 1980s- simple as that.


That is certainly my belief...


Let's hope the IAF bite the bullet and go for the follow on order for 2-3 more of these machines.

Erieye has not been standing still. It is being upgraded as newer processors and technology comes on-line.

Anyway, if people want to believe that India, that has never built an AWACs before, and has little experience in radars in general has produced something better than Sweden then I certainly don't want to argue with them.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Erieye has not been standing still. It is being upgraded as newer processors and technology comes on-line.

Anyway, if people want to believe that India, that has never built an AWACs before, and has little experience in radars in general has produced something better than Sweden then I certainly don't want to argue with them.

You're working off purely anecdotal evidence fuelled by your own pre-conceived hypothesis, there's very little to actually support your claims other than resorting to India bashing.