NEW DELHI, Nov 30: Achieving another milestone with regards to capacity building, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Embraer transport aircraft on Thursday successfully carried out Air to Air Refuelling (AAR) for the first time.
“The capability will help aircraft specialised to conduct Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) function to fly a long duration flight beyond the aircraft’s stated endurance,” IAF Spokesperson Wing Commander Anupan Banerjee said.
The “Probe and Drogue” air-to-air refuelling methodology practiced by IAF pilots requires exceptional flying skills as the receiving aircraft has to accurately insert the receptacle probe into the basket shaped drogue trailing behind the fuel tanker aircraft.
During the process of Air-to-Air Refuelling both aircraft have to maintain extremely accurate flying parameters.
IAF is one of the few Air Forces in the world to demonstrate this capability and the Embraer AEW&C has also proved its prowess in the category, he added.
A mere 10 minute in-flight refuelling can generate additional four hours of flying endurance.
The achievement has given a tremendous boost to Indian Air Force’s operational capability.
AWACS, which has been mounted on IAF’s Embraer platform provides a capability to see deeper into enemy territory.
The Airborne Surveillance System is a game changer in air warfare.
This system was developed and evaluated through collaborative efforts between DRDO and the IAF, with coordination for certification clearance and quality assurance by CEMILAC and DGAQA.
The AEW&C system has undergone all weather and environmental trials and has been accepted by the IAF for induction. (UNI)
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