Hmmm… this is interesting >>
AESA set developed for the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. The AESA set consists of an array of Transmitter-Receiver (T/R) modules linked by high-speed processors. Different T/R modules in the array can be allocated to different tasks providing wide range of functions, thus acting as a multimode radar, active jamming system, passive electronic defense system, and communications system. The system generates signals over a wide range of frequencies and pulse patterns in an unpredictable fashion to ensure Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), successfully “fooling“ enemy Radar Warning Receivers (RWR).
The AN/APG-81 uses advanced technology compared to the F-22’s AN/APG-77, but airframe constraints mean that it has fewer T/R modules, thus limiting its range to 165 km.
The radar system will also incorporate the agile beam steering capabilities developed for the APG-77. Since US media reports indicate Bush administration’s clearance for possible transfer of sensitive radar technology like Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA radar of the Super Hornet to India, diplomatic bargaining to secure the AN/APG-81 AESA radar may well bear fruit. Higher echelons of present US administration have repeatedly expressed their desire to witness the emergence of India into a robust continental military power.A Lockheed Martin Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) embedded under the F-35’s nose will provide long-range detection and precision targeting, along with the Northrop Grumman DAS (Distributed Aperture System) thermal imaging system. EOTS will be based on the Sniper XL pod developed for the F-16, which incorporates a “third generation” Mid-Wave Forward Looking Infra Red (MWFLIR) with possibly staring focal plane technology, dual mode laser, CCD TV, laser spot tracker and laser marker. Interestingly, EOTS is not turret-mounted, but has a wide aperture that is blended into the aircraft’s nose contours, covered by a window that is opaque to radar. On their part, DAS sensors fitted at multiple locations on the aircraft consist of multiple infrared cameras providing full-sphere 360-degrees coverage using advanced signal conditioning algorithms. The DAS provides navigation, missile warning and Infra Red Search & Track (IRST) as well as situational awareness.
New Delhi issues requests for ASW helicopters and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, as fighter suppliers line up
[u]India has opened competitions for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and is expected by April to issue a highly anticipated tender for next-generation :confused: fighters.[/u]
Industry sources say the Indian navy is seeking proposals by mid-March for eight maritime reconnaissance aircraft, but that the service has rejected a US government proposal to lease two Lockheed Martin P-3 Orions as an interim solution. The navy has also set a March deadline to receive bids for 16 ASW helicopters, plus eight options, but the manufacturers that were handed the tender – AgustaWestland, Eurocopter, Kamov and Sikorsky – are asking for an extension.
The maritime reconnaissance tender is believed to have been forwarded to BAE Systems, Boeing, EADS, Ilyushin and Lockheed. The latter had hoped to gain an inside track through a December 2005 US Navy offer to lease two P-3s, but this was rejected by New Delhi last month. However, Lockheed still appears well positioned, as Boeing will not be ready to export its 737-based P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft until about 2012 🙁 and other US companies interested in offering refurbished P-3s – including L-3 Communications – will probably be blocked from competing.
Tupolev Tu-142 and Westland Sea King replacements are just two of a long list of new aircraft requirements drafted by New Delhi, and manufacturers have complained that it has yet to release a priority list. [u]A contract for almost 200 multi-role army helicopters is expected to be concluded first, but the selection of the Bell 407
or Eurocopter AS550
[/u] has already been delayed from late 2005 until at least mid-2006.
Fighter manufacturers also have been waiting several months to receive a tender for 126 new aircraft. New Delhi has not moved on the estimated $6-8 billion programme since asking in late 2004 for information on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Mirage 2000-5, Lockheed F-16, RSK MiG MiG-29 and Saab Gripen. Manufacturers expect Dassault’s Rafale
However, industry sources say the inclusion of the additional aircraft types, plus uncertainty over how to measure an expected requirement for 30% direct offsets 🙂 and [u][i]90% technology transfer[/u][/i] 😎 😎 , could extend the evaluation period until 2007 or even 2008.
India, meanwhile, has also announced its intention to pursue an almost $890 million upgrade to its existing air force fleet of MiG-29s with Russia’s RSK MiG.
The latest Eyrie’s have active antenna’s.
The mission radar, the Flygburen Spaning Radar with the Swedish Air Force designation FSR 890, is based on the Erieye side looking airborne radar (SLAR) from Ericsson Microwave Systems. The Erieye SLAR is a long-range radar, fitted with fixed [i]active phased array antennae[/i] and operating within the 2GHz to 4GHz, NATO E to F bands, (the US S band). The 9m-long, 900kg antenna unit is mounted on the upper spine of the fuselage and gives the aircraft its distinctive appearance.
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