Starting from 1984 the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation started the project for an indigenous AEW platform, to achieve a force multiplier. In 1991 the Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) was set up to develop such an aircraft. This resulted in a Hindusta Aeronautics HS748 fitted with a rotodome radar on its top. This testbed had its maiden flight during mid 1988, with only pylons fitted. The tests lasted until 1990. As a result, was chosen another platform, the Russian built Ilyushin Il-76 Candid similar to the Beriev A50 Mainstay. With the system not likely to be available until after the year 2000, consideration has been given to acquiring an AEW capability from a foreign source since 1995 to counter regional force structure developments.

Characteristics

Length: 20.42 m
Height 7.57 m
Maximum take-off weight: 23,133 kg
Engines: Two Rolls-Royce Dart RDa.7 Mk 536-2 turboprops with a maximum rating 1,700 kW
Normal operating speed: 243 knots
Maximum ceiling: 7,620 m
Full-laden range: 1456 km

More Links for this aircraft:

Spyflight.co.uk

Indian Air Forces

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