IAF's C-130J Super Hercules to be Upgraded with "Senior Scout" Advanced ISR Systems!

[Chanakya's_Chant]

Senior Scout system for IAF C-130J Explained

Senior Scout is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system built into a trailer-like container that can be rolled on and off C-130 aircraft.​

India and US after renewed and enhanced Defense Framework Agreement have agreed to work on Joint development and Production of four key defense Projects and one of them is to enhance Indian air forces C-130J with specialized electronic intelligence kits called as “Senior Scout ” which is a Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system.

Senior Scout, a pallet mounted communications and electronic intelligence system, built into a trailer-like container that can be rolled on and off C-130 aircrafts. Senior Scout container also accommodates operators who collect SIGINT (signals intelligence), ELINT (electronic intelligence) and COMINT (communications intelligence).

While Senior Scout system is a plug and use system, IAF’s C-130J will require some minor level of permanent modification to integrate antenna arrays which will be clipped onto the tail, paratroop doors, and main landing gear doors of C-130J aircrafts .

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system can configure standard C-130 aircraft for tactical signals intelligence, providing capabilities that exploit, geo-locate and report communications intelligence and signals of interest to the air and ground component commanders. Permanent modification required on aircraft is not time-consuming and can we completed in a weeks time in each aircraft according to Lockheed Martin and can be carried out at base level in India itself.

First Senior Scout system was fielded and was used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. latest Senior Scout shelter has been enhanced to be structurally compatible with the newest C-130J aircrafts operated by IAF and System interfaces too were updated lately.

Senior Scout fills a distinct gap in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) with its capability to exploit a growing number of low power tactical targets challenging India’s intelligence efforts. It provides near-real-time signal intelligence to war fighters operating in area and ground forces.

Source:- Senior Scout system for IAF C-130J Explained | idrw.org

 

[Abingdonboy]

A nice addition to the IAF's capabilities.

 

[Ind4Ever]

What it can detect ? Radar ? Or tank movements ?

 

[Abingdonboy]

What it can detect ? Radar ? Or tank movements ?

SIGNIT and ELINT so it will be sucking up electronic emissions and such.

 

[Ind4Ever]

SIGNIT and ELINT so it will be sucking up electronic emissions and such.

Yes but how does it work ? It has minimum an dc maximum range ? Article says technicians will be operating these modules . Still I don't get what it can be used in the battle field . Like missile batteries radars etc

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Yes but how does it work ? It has minimum an dc maximum range ? Article says technicians will be operating these modules . Still I don't get what it can be used in the battle field . Like missile batteries radars etc

The System can read, record and classify all kinds of Electronic Emissions; whether from Sensors or Comms. of the adversary.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

A nice addition to the IAF's capabilities.

The modularity of the Herk is awesome. I for one, would go along with acquisition of the Sea Hercules for the IN, both as a MRMR platform and then with payload/eqpt interchange as an AAR for IN's Helos. Later if acquisition of E-3 or Ospreys come through, then they can refuel them also.

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

The System can read, record and classify all kinds of Electronic Emissions; whether from Sensors or Comms. of the adversary.

Can this roll on/roll off system be used on other platforms such as the C-17 and II-76?

 

[Badbadman]

We need more C130's then I guess.

 

[Chanakya's_Chant]

US to sell India $96 million support for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
The aircraft will enable the Indian Air Force to remain mission-ready for disaster relief and international humanitarian assistance​

Inside Senior Scout ISR System​

The US State Department has approved the sale of $96 million worth of follow-on support for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to India to enable the Indian Air Force to remain mission-ready for disaster relief and international humanitarian assistance needs like in quake-hit neighbouring Nepal.

Pentagon's arm handing foreign military sales notified the US Congress of this possible sale to India last week saying the "proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region."

"This proposed sale of additional equipment and support will enable the Indian Air Force to sustain a higher mission-ready status for its C-130J fleet," the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

India needs this support for its Super Hercules aircraft to ensure its aircraft operate effectively to serve its transport, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief needs, the agency said.

India, it said has requested for follow on support for five years for their fleet of C-130J Super Hercules that includes 8 spare AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing Systems and 6 spare AN/ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receivers. It also wants to buy up to 9,000 flare cartridges, spare and repair parts, configuration updates, support and test equipment, publications and technical data, technical services, personnel training and training equipment.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship," DSCA said.

It would also help "improve the capabilities of a major South Asian partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress and stability in South Asia."

The principal contractor will be the Lockheed-Martin Company in Marietta, Georgia, DSCA said.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, it said.

The proposed sale will also not require the assignment of any additional US Government or contractor personnel to India.

There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale, DSCA said.

Source:- US to sell India $96 million support for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft | Business Standard News

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Can this roll on/roll off system be used on other platforms such as the C-17 and II-76?

This is custom-built for the Hercules and capitalizes on the performance of the Hercules in the air.