SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a Seeking Expression of Interest (EOI) for the identification of an industry partner for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of the Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite for LCA Mk1A. Companies with over 10 years of experience in the production of complex airborne mission systems, such as Avionics, Radar, and EW Systems, have been invited to participate in the bidding process.
The EW Suite for LCA Mk1A has been jointly developed by CASDIC in Bangalore and DLRL in Hyderabad. It consists of a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) system and an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) Pod. The Indigenous RWR system incorporates the latest RF and Digital technologies and is a fully digital solution with powerful real-time signal processing using advanced algorithms.
The purpose of the Advanced Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) Pod is to protect the aircraft against ground-based acquisition radars, fire control radars, anti-aircraft artillery, and airborne multimode radars. The ASPJ Pod is a state-of-the-art jammer system based on Active Phased Array (APA), ultra-wideband DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory), and an in-built cooling system. It comprises various subsystems, including the Exciter Receiver Processor (ERP), Active Transmit Receive Unit (ATRU), Vivaldi Antenna Array Unit (VAAU), and an Air Cycle Machine (ACM)-based cooling system.
CASDIC and DLRL have developed the EW suite through collaborations with various industry partners. The supply chain for the Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), subsystems, and components has been established. The selected industry partner for the ToT is required to source the LRUs, subsystems, and components from the specified supply chain, integrate, test, certify, and deliver the EW suite for LCA Mk1A aircraft as per the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirements.
The EW system is currently undergoing developmental flight trials on the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft). Qualification testing (QT) of a few LRUs has been completed, and others are currently undergoing QT. Once the developmental trials and QT of the system are completed, CASDIC will obtain production clearance.
The industry partner sourcing the ToT will also be responsible for establishing a System Test Rig, Automatic Test Equipment, Ground Handling, and Ground Support Equipment required for the production and maintenance of the EW system. They will need to establish an MOU with the specified supply chain for the production and maintenance of the LRUs, subsystems, and components of the EW Suite. Additionally, the industry partner should have the capability to produce and supply 10-12 EW systems per year to meet the IAF’s requirements.
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