BTW, another Indian Navy helo tender in the future?

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-26/india/30444134_1_helicopters-anti-surface-warfare-maritime-patrol-aircraft

India is all set to formally launch the hunt for over 75 heavy-duty “stealthy” naval helicopters with potent anti-submarine and anti-warship warfare capabilities, as also customized for amphibious assaults and commando operations against conventional, terror, piracy and other threats.

The Defence Acquisitions Council, chaired by defence minister A K Antony, on Friday discussed the mega naval multi-role helicopter (NMRH) project, which is likely to cost well over $2 billion.

The ‘stealth’ bit is probably just journalistic exaggeration.

With the speed at which this government handles defence deals I wonder if the current tender will be resolved by the time the new one is floated.

Italy is different. Export version of AWACS will have no problem.

What do you think about this?Isnt Turkey not in NATO? Turkey is far bigger threat to Russia as Turkey economics is now dominated by well known money.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100616/159449041.html
The Turkish military has a great need for S-300 and S-400 long-range missile defense systems,” Rosoboronexport CEO Anatoly Isaikin said. “Russia has expressed its readiness to participate in a tender for the delivery of such systems.

Even if Italy had any serious interest in Russian weapon systems(which I seriously doubt) the A-100 only exists on paper right now. In that form it most certainly won’t compete with the Wedgetail and CAEW that are already flying on multiple planes.

But its not really that much progress is it? considering how long ago the JVs were first muted! considering the urgent need of the program you have to wonder the reason for procrastinating.

Bureaucracy. What else? Further bolstered by the chronic fear of another Bofors-style scam which has compelled the UPA Defence Ministry to take its sweet time with each and every defence deal (that isn’t a ‘repeat order’ of something the NDA govt ordered before) and ensure no steps are skipped.:(

It doesn’t help that our ministers and civil servants are absolutely adamant not to give the armed forces any power over deciding defence purchases(at most they can state criteria, test and make recommendations) despite often knowing jack about defence besides the prices(eg. The KC330 MRTT acquisition being cancelled and Scorpene delayed by years simply because the Finance Minister found it too expensive).

Witcha: thats right.

And is the podded system available for export?

Russia’s Baltic radar to monitor missile launches across Europe, Atlantic

Which model is this Baltic radar? I take it this will be Russia’s version of the PAVE PAWS?

EADS has promoted an AWACS version of the C-295 with a Phalcon suite, so I don’t see why a C-27-based system wouldn’t be viable. It may lack in range compared to the 737 or IL-76, but it would be more than adequate for Italy’s size.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMFQH1tVv-A

I’m sure many of you have seen this, but it could be some interesting background for those that haven’t:
http://frn.beedall.com/masc.htm

@Witcha
I doubt APG-80 has a range of 300KM vs fighter sized targets, that would make it superior to the F22! Most ranges vs fighter targets I’ve seen for the APG-80 are under 150KM. 250KM could be the range again 50 elephants flying in close formation wrapped in tin foil? 😀

I think its unlikely that this system will have two APG-80 style radars either, the power requirements when adding in the stations would be immense, especially from a helicopter (and something like a Merlin already has one radar!).

Here is a source for the Searchwater 1 AEW range, though the current system should outperform it.

“Searchwater 1 AEW is quoted as having a maximum detection range of between 113 and 161 km when focused on a 7 m² radar cross-section target at an operating altitude of 3,408 m.”

:shrug:

Ranges are of course subjective, since simply stating it outright doesn’t take into account different target sizes, directions(head-on, above or below etc) and other factors.

I’ll just point to these figures I gleaned from f-16.net of fighter radar ranges sourced from Aviation Week and Space Technology (AW&ST), 2000/02/07. Don’t quote me on these, though.

The maximal effective tracking range of the fighters for RCS = 1m2 target:

F/A-22: 200 km
JSF: 160 km
F-15C (AN/APG-63 V2): 144 km
F-18E (AN/APG-79): 128 km
F-16E (AN/APG-80): 112 km
F-15C (AN/APG-63): 96 km

In any case the number of T/R modules in the two pods can be increased if necessary.

Italian AF Chief of staff presented the following three aircraft as options at Dubai:

Boeing 737 airborne early warning and control, Ilyushin A-50, and Israel Aerospace Industries’ G550 conformal airborne early warning.

I would say 737 has the best chance.. but if Russia offers a deal to buy Italian debt.. A-50 could be gravy :diablo:

If they even invited the A-50 why were the E-3 and Erieye left out?:D

Ultimately it’ll be a contest between the Wedgetail and the Eitam. And judging by past competitions the Wedgetail is the likely winner.