Thanks but I was hoping for a detailed response from someone who would like to explain what different objectives/scenarios are we looking at for the two AWACS.
Any reasons why its mounted on a propeller driven aircraft and not a jet one?
(maybe it doesnt have aerial refulling capability and hence propeller driven, not sure though)
Also why not the disc shape of radar. This shape only gives 300 degrees cover.
AEW&C and AWAC are nowadays having nearly the same functions, in early AEW systems the command element was missing, which is now there in the current ones but as mostly AWACS systems are placed on bigger platforms, thus they have more space for command and control functions, while in AEW&C platforms which are mostly on 2 engine aircraft, command and control functions would still be there but not on the scale as we can see on a 4 engine bigger platform.
So the Indian platform would be having a more detailed command control functions, can call it a flying airport control tower, while in the smaller 2 engine AEW&Cs, Ground Control Station GCS is there to give further assistance in the command and control section, as the AEW&C feeds continuous data to GCS and who then also perform command and control functions.
The Saab 2000 PAF got are believed to be refurbished ones, so one reason for going with them would be lower cost compared to a brand new platform, plus they are propeller driven, thus low fuel consumption and can stay for a loner time period, i believe 9.5hrs or so is its flying time duration non stop or loitering capability, and hopefully the maintenance would be not difficult compared to a jet driven aircraft.
"It is also able to incorporate high-speed dash with low speed loitering capability and inherent fuel efficiency that meets demanding AEW&C requirements for performing a 180 turn in less than 30 seconds with an endurance of more than 9 hours."
And as for shape, well that we have to ask the Swedes for why making such shape
But what i think is that a balance beam shaped radar will have less aerodynamic effects on the aircraft, thus less changes and structural changes would be needed, as with a ratadome shaped radar, the aerodynamic effects are greater, thus the structural changes required would cost money and afect the flight performance of the aircraft also, decrease its speed and loitering time.
And the beam shaped radars and ratadome shaped radars have cost difference too, thus with structural changes, overall price of the system will go up.
And if you look at map of Pakistan, we have not a huge width, lack strategic depth, so by looking at the map, this system is good as it has to detect things coming from Indian side, which it will effectively. The 360 degree lacking would be fulfilled in the Chinese AEW&C as they would have full coverage.
Hope i was brief.