SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a prominent Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, has received the crucial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a comprehensive upgrade of nearly 60 Dornier-228 aircraft. These aircraft are already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy, and this modernization initiative represents a substantial step forward in enhancing their operational capabilities.
The Dornier-228 is a versatile and reliable multi-purpose light transport aircraft. HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur has been manufacturing these aircraft since 1985. Over the years, HAL has produced approximately 125 Dornier-228s, establishing the aircraft as a trusted workhorse for various military and civil applications.
Cockpit and Avionics Upgrade
The planned upgrades for these Dornier-228 aircraft encompass both the cockpit and avionics systems, introducing advanced technology to enhance their performance and mission capabilities. Some of the key upgrades include:
- Glass Cockpit: The aircraft will be equipped with a modern glass cockpit, providing pilots with state-of-the-art Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) displays. These customizable primary and multi-function flight displays offer improved situational awareness and ease of operation.
- Flight Management System (FMS): The upgrade includes the installation of a Flight Management System, which plays a crucial role in route planning, navigation, and optimizing flight trajectories.
- Synthetic Vision System (SVS): The SVS offers synthetic 3D views of the terrain, enhancing the pilot’s awareness of the surroundings and aiding safe navigation, especially during adverse weather conditions.
- Highway-In-The-Sky (HITS): This technology provides flight symbology, helping pilots maintain precise and accurate flight paths.
- Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS): TAWS is vital for preventing controlled flight into terrain accidents by providing timely alerts and guidance.
- Enhanced Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS): The EICAS upgrade ensures that critical aircraft systems are monitored and any anomalies are promptly communicated to the crew.
- Autopilot Upgrade: The aircraft’s autopilot system will be upgraded to include both VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) approved autopilots, enhancing flight control capabilities.
- Advanced Radios: The upgrade will include modern UHF and VHF navigation and communication radios, ensuring reliable and effective communication.
- ADAHRS Upgrade: The Attitude and Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) will be upgraded, providing accurate attitude and heading data to the aircraft’s systems.
- Interfaces and Sensors: The upgrade package encompasses all necessary interfaces and sensors required for seamless integration and operation.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes