AEW&C and AWACS Systems: Key Differences and Capabilities

Description

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Context:

The Indian Air Force (IAF), is looking at 12 early warning aircraft under two different programmes.

Details:

One of them is a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft, akin to the three Netra systems in service.
The other order pertains to six AEW&C systems under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that would be mounted on Airbus A-321 aircraft.

Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System

It is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft.

AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2).

General characteristics:

*Feature*	*Description*
*Detection Range*	Can detect aircraft up to 400 km (220 nmi) away, out of range of most surface-to-air missiles.
*Coverage with Multiple Aircraft*	Three aircraft in overlapping orbits can cover the whole of Central Europe.
*Proximity Detection*	Indicates both close and far proximity range on threats and targets.
*Sensor Extension*	Helps extend the range of sensors, aiding in offensive operations by making aircraft harder to track.
*Radar Stealth*	Reduces the need for offensive aircraft to keep their own radar active, minimizing enemy detection.
*Communication Capabilities*	Communicates with friendly aircraft, directing fighters towards hostile or unidentified flying objects.

What Distinguishes AWACS From AEW&C?

Feature	AWACS	AEW&C
*Full Form*	Airborne Warning and Control System	Airborne Early Warning and Control
*Aircraft Types*	Installed in E-3 and Japanese Boeing E-767	Independently created by India
*Rotation Capability*	360° (Phalcon, imported from Israel)	270°
*Coverage Area*	Wider coverage area	Limited coverage area
*Durability and Longevity*	More durable and long-lasting	Less durable in comparison
*Technology Sophistication*	More advanced	Less sophisticated than AWACS
*Purpose*	Covers enemy territory with superior range	Covers enemy territory, but with limitations
*India presently operates two types*	Phalcon AWACS: It is Developed by Israel. Provides 360-degree radar and exceeds 400 kms. India currently operated 3 Phalcon.	Netra AEW&C: Developed by DRDO in collaboration with IAF. Provides 240-degree coverage of airspace and over 200 kms range.

The following are the different types of airborne early warning and control systems:

Type	Manufacturer	Aircraft Platform	Radar System	Special Features	Current Usage
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)	Boeing	Boeing E-3 Sentry (Boeing 707) / Boeing E-767 (Boeing 767)	Westinghouse radar (now Northrop Grumman)	First AEW to use pulse-Doppler radar; rotodome (rotating radome) for tracking targets in ground clutter.	Used by several countries, Boeing E-767 is used solely by Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
E-2 Hawkeye	Northrop Grumman (initially Grumman)	Grumman E-2 Hawkeye	AN/APY-9 radar (in the E-2D variant)	Detects fighter-sized stealth aircraft using UHF radar; upgraded from older variants with Litton L-304 digital computer.	Used by the United States and several other nations.
Beriev A-50	Beriev	Ilyushin Il-76	"Shmel" radar	Non-rotating disc radome; based on the Ilyushin Il-76 airframe; replaces Tupolev Tu-126 AEW aircraft.	Used by the Russian Air Force.

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Embraer

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/102438/OPS/GBBDD5J0G.1+GHGDE5LEK.1.html

Reference- https://www.ssbcrack.com/2022/08/what-makes-awacs-different-from-aewc.html

https://www.nature.com/articles/nindia.2019.171

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRDO_AEW%26CS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_early_warning_and_control

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the development and deployment of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft in India, considering factors of operational requirements and budgetary constraints. (150 words)