HAL Tejas | Updates, News & Discussions-[Thread 2]

[Sri]

Source: Thum! Kaun Aata Hai?: Tejas LCA EW Suite Explained


Tejas LCA is to be equipped with an EW suite developed by DRDO's Defense Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) in collaboration with Israel.

The EW suite contains radar illumination, laser illumination and missile-lock warnings, a radar jammer and a flare dispenser.

The suite is capable of dealing with multiple simultaneous threats from air or ground.

Radar Warning and Jammer Suite (RWJS)
The EW suite centerpiece is an integrated Radar Warning and Jammer Suite (RWJS) that can detect when the aircraft is being illuminated by enemy radar, determine the type of radar (ground based or airborne) and its operating mode (track-while-scan, lock-on); alert the pilot and facilitate neutralization of any radar guided surface-to-air or air-to-air missile threat through Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) based signal jamming.

Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) is an electronic method for digitally capturing and coherently re-transmitting RF signal such that the transmitting radar cannot distinguish it from other returns that it receives and processes as targets.

The re-transmitted signal can be tweaked to create false range targets both behind (reactive jamming) and ahead of (predictive jamming) the target intended for protection. Slight variations in frequency can be made to create Doppler (velocity) errors in the victim receiver as well. DRFM can also be used to create distorted phase-fronts at the victim receive antenna which is essential for countering monopulse radar angular measurement techniques. [via Wikipedia]

The DARE RWJS provides 360-deg coverage.

Previous generation fighters, like IAF Jaguars, are equipped with just a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), which could only alert the pilot to hostile radio frequency emissions, but not jam them.

If the DARE EW Suite clears its currently underway (January 2015) trials, Tejas would become the first Indian fighter aircraft to be fitted with a Radar Warner and Jammer equipment.

The DARE RWJS is similar to ELT/568(V)2 developed by Italy's Elettronica S.p.A. and EL/L-8247/8 developed by Israel's ELTA.

Typically a RWJS can be integrated with any airborne platform’s avionics, including Chaff and Flares Dispenser, Missile Warning System, Laser Warning System, Towed RF Decoy and Multi-Function Display. It is flight-line re-programmable. Using PC-based equipment and user-friendly human-machine interface, threats and jamming EW techniques may be easily updated.
RWJS Functioning
Typically RWJS functions as follows:

1. The RF signals received via the receiving Antennas are amplified by Front-End Amplifiers and fed to the advanced Channelized Receiver in the Central Unit.
2. The Receiver measures all the RF signals parameters such as PRF, PRI, PW, direction etc., building pulse descriptors that are fed to the Central Processor.
3. The Central Processor extracts the threats according to priority and level of lethality and provides the situation awareness to the pilot via the Multi-Function display.
4. Upon detection of a lethal threat, the Central Processor activates the Jammer, selecting the appropriate EW technique for each threat. The jammer is capable of responding simultaneously to several threats by implementing Power Management techniques.

EW Suite Development Progress
The suite was test flown for the first time on Tejas PV1 on January 10, 2015 at HAL airport in Bengaluru. According to a DRDO press release "the equipment was noted to be detecting Radar signals operating in and around the flight path."

Over the coming few months, ADA and DARE will be scheduling further sorties to evaluate the system in various signal scenarios.

An EW system developed by DARE for MiG-29 UPG reportedly was rejected by the IAF due to performance shortfalls.

The suite was earlier tested on the ground using simulation. Airborne testing on PV-1 was initially expected to start in November 2013 or early December 2013.

In October 2013, Deccan Herald reported that DRDO has fitted the EW suite on LCA PV-1.

PV-1 had been on the ground since 2001-02, having flown 242 test flights till then. According to MoD's annual report for 2013-14, Ground Acceptance Test (GAT) has been completed.

IDP Sentinel members can remain updated on the Tejas project by visiting the link below.

 

[Water Car Engineer]

 

[CONNAN]

Advanced jammers to help Tejas evade enemy radars

By: Sandip Dighe

DRDO develops Electronic Warfare suit system to increase the combat aircraft's capability

The fighting capability of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has been given a significant boost with an advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suit system. The new system will give pilots an additional capability of nullifying the effect of radars by appropriate jamming mechanism.

The suit has been developed by the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory specialising in avionics and electronic warfare systems for combat aircraft.

DRDO scientists are confident of this system adding an important capability to the LCA and help the Indian Air Force (IAF) with its operation preparedness. Tejas's first flight sortie with the EW equipment operational took place on Saturday. "The equipment was noted to be detecting radar signals operating in and around the flight path," a DRDO official told Mirror.

An official from IAF, who did not wish to divulge his identity, told Mirror, "We cannot carry out operations if the enemy detects our aircraft through the radar. Appropriate systems to jam the enemy's radar would be of a great help for the pilot. This will be a positive development for the IAF."

Ravi Kumar Gupta, scientist and director of public interface at the DRDO headquarters in Delhi, said, "The existing EW systems fitted on various combat aircraft are basic EW equipment known as Radar Warner Receiver (RWR) to provide warning to the aircraft pilot in case of detection of a radar threat. By using the new technology, the pilot will get exact information about the enemy's radar capability. It will also give the pilot the capability to nullify the effect of radar threats by jamming it appropriately."

Upon being asked whether DRDO is planning to develop advanced EW system for Indian fighter aircraft like MIG-29, Sukhoi-30 Mk1 and Mirage-2000, Gupta said, "The DRDO will very soon come up with systems which can be used in MIG aircraft too."

Advanced jammers to help Tejas evade enemy radars - Pune Mirror

 

[sudhir007]

 

[Water Car Engineer]

Well, we'll hopely see NLCA arrestor hook test in 8 or so months, here's some relevant images.

Arrestor Hook 1:4 model

arrestor hook test rig

Single seat NLCA with it's hook

 

[sancho]

Well, we'll hopely see NLCA arrestor hook test in 8 or so months

Why do you think so? The NP 2 roll out (if not further delayed) should be this month and it should be disappointing if it doesn't come with the hook already. So why wait so long for arrested landings?

 

[Water Car Engineer]

Why do you think so? The NP 2 roll out (if not further delayed) should be this month and it should be disappointing if it doesn't come with the hook already. So why wait so long for arrested landings?

It said it in a recent article that the test will be done 6-8 months time.

 

[sancho]

It said it in a recent article that the test will be done 6-8 months time.

Ok, man that's slow.

 

[rockstarIN]

Flash News..

LCA SP-1 will be handed over to IAF on 17th January 2015.

(Tarmak 007)

 

[vsdave2302]

@Oscar life cycle costs can only be calculated for a fighter plane which has completed a certain number of years in service as it requires a calculations of which spare parts are needed more and which are needed less.

No,

Life cycle cost is cost of acquisition, Present valu of operating, Maintenence, upgradation and any other expense related to fighter operation till it is retired. Salvage value if any should be deducted from the cost.

 

[sancho]

First Light Combat Aircraft likely to be handed over to IAF tomorrow

Thirty-two years after the project was sanctioned, the first of the indigenously-built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is finally expected to be handed over to the IAF tomorrow.

This will be the start of a process of induction of the fighters being built at home under a project which has already estimated to have cost the exchequer over Rs 17,000 crore.

The first LCA is being handed over to the IAF after Initial Operational Clearance-II, which signifies that Tejas
is airworthy in different conditions, sources said...

First Light Combat Aircraft likely to be handed over to IAF tomorrow - The Economic Times

 

[CONNAN]

IOC-II achieved ;First LCA to be handed over to IAF tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Thirty-two years after the project was sanctioned, the first of the indigenously-built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is finally expected to be handed over to the IAF tomorrow.

This will be the start of a process of induction of the fighters being built at home under a project which has already estimated to have cost the exchequer over Rs 17,000 crore.

The first LCA is being handed over to the IAF after Initial Operational Clearance-II, which signifies that Tejas is airworthy in different conditions, sources said.

The IOC-I was granted to the aircraft, being built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in January 2011.

The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is expected by the year-end.
"The aircraft is ready and we are trying to hand it over to the IAF tomorrow," the sources said.

If all goes well (?

), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is visiting the HAL headquarters tomorrow, will hand over the aircraft to the IAF chief Air Marshal Arup Raha.
The first IOC was granted after the aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight on September 30 last year.

The sources said 20 aircraft will be built by 2017-2018, to make the first squadron of the aircraft.
The LCA programme was initiated in 1983 to replace the ageing MiG-21s in IAF's combat fleet but has missed several deadlines due to several reasons.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's LCA Project Group has has been upgraded to a full-fledged division to look after production in a systematic way with more investments.

HAL has carried out around thousands of sorties of LCA and conducted outstation flight trials at Leh, Jamnagar, Jaisalmer, Uttaralai Gwalior, Pathankot and Goa for cold weather, armament and weapon deliveries, MultiMode Radar (MMR), Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), hot weather and missile firing flight trials, its officials have said.

Tejas has also successfully demonstrated weapon delivery capability during weapon trials at Jamnagar and Jaisalmer, HAL officials said.

Bharat Rakshak • View topic - LCA News and Discussions, 22-Oct-2013

 

[definitelynotIndian]

so IAF got the plane or not?

 

[sancho]

... Empowered Committee on LCA meeting

OneIndia has learnt that Parrikar, who is still getting a grip of various projects under his command, will chair a meeting of Empowered Committee that looks into the progress of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas...

...At ADA, Parrikar is expected to be given a complete presentation on LCA project. "The Empowered Committee on LCA is normally chaired by the Indian Air Force Chief and this time it will be the minister. The minister will take a look at the achievements so far. He would also want to know the pending points of FOC (Final Operational Clearance)," the official said. The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha will also be present during the review. Parrikar had last month stated that the Tejas will be given the FOC at the end of 2015 and is expected to share his ideas to fasten the project. He is said to have studied the problems that contributed to the delay and is expected to seek some explanations from the ADA-HAL combo...

...A low-key Tejas handing over event likely HAL is leaving no stone unturned to make the minister's visit a memorable one. Parrikar will be shown HAL's helicopter manufacturing capabilities.
"He will also be visiting the LCA series production (SP) manufacturing facilities being set up by HAL. The first SP-1 Tejas is likely to be handed over to IAF on the occasion," an HAL official said.
However, an IAF official confirmed to OneIndia that the handing over will be a symbolic affair with the aircraft having completed only four flights so far. "It's so far flown by an ADA Test Pilot and there's more work left before it can be handed over," the official said.
The handing over of SP-1 will set the induction process rolling for the IAF...

OneIndia Exclusive: Parrikar to review DRDO, HAL projects in Bengaluru - Oneindia

 

[Krate M]

@sancho I thought that the test pilots were from NFTC not ADA. NFTC is a part of IAF is it not?