Will Be Used To Develop Surveillance Program

Last week, Embraer and the government of India signed a deal for three EMB 145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) jets. The contract includes a comprehensive logistics package comprised of training, technical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment.

The ERJ-145 platform is currently being used on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Brazil, Mexico and Greece. The three aircraft ordered will join the AEW&C Program under the responsibility of India’s Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO).

"Embraer is proud to have the Indian Government as a customer. Our relationship started in 2003 with the purchase of five Legacy aircraft for transporting public officials," said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Embraer Executive Vice President, Defense and Government Market. "In our commitment to a long-term relationship with the Indian Government, we look forward to continue collaborating in strengthening the country’s airborne operational capabilities."

The first delivery is scheduled for 2011. The three aircraft will be outfitted by the customer with cabin equipment and mission systems, and will join four Legacy jets in operation by the Indian Air Force (IAF) used to transport Indian VIPs, as well as foreign dignitaries. A fifth Legacy belongs to the Border Security Force (BSF), under India’s Home Ministry.

The EMB 145 AEW&C is a member of Embraer’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) family of aircraft and systems. It is based on the ERJ-145 regional jet, with more than 1,000 aircraft flying worldwide and over 12 million flight hours accumulated by more than 100 operators.

The primary mission of the EMB 145 AEW&C --equipped with a powerful air surveillance radar and command and control system, plus a complete set of mission support systems, such as electronic measures, communication systems with data link, and self-protection devices -- is to detect, track and identify targets in its patrol area and transmit this information to friendly forces, in order to provide them with an accurate and comprehensive operational picture.

FMI: www.embraer.com