Scene hots up for Aero India 2011

Conquering skies

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is busy readying the venue - the Yelahanka Air Force Station -  for the event.

Of the defence PSUs, the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will display the indigenously developed Network Centric Warfare technologies. It makes use of computer processing power and networking communications technology to provide shared information of the battle space among defence forces. The NCW solutions include Command and Control System, a major display on Air Space Management; Multi-Sensor Tracking, Situation Simulator and Tactical Algorithm for Air Defence applications; Battlefield Management System for supporting military users of all levels in a tactical battle area - from the individual soldier up to the Battalion HQ; Coastal Surveillance System, an all-weather 24x7 surveillance system for safeguarding the nation’s coastline.

BEL will also showcase Software Defined Radios, Next Generation Bulk Encryptor and High Data Tactical Radio, Radar Finger Printing System (RFPS), an airborne equipment that carries out Fine Grain Analysis; Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), a computer-used onboard aircraft for flight control functions; and Identification Friend or Foe, an electronic system which can determine the intent of an aircraft.

The highlight of BEL’s outdoor display will be the entire range of sub-systems that constitute Akash, the indigenous guided missile air defence weapon system. Another major system is Weapon Locating Radar, the state-of-the-art passive, phased array radar which has undergone successful user trials. Both these systems have been designed by the DRDO.

Airbus Military

Although Airbus Military, the military aircraft-producing wing of Airbus Industry is participating in the airshow, it will not demonstrate any aircraft at the event. However, the company began its promotion in the City much in advance, with its Market Development head, Didier Vernet announcing on Friday that it was in the race to supply six mid-air refuelling transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The firm is competing with the Russian-made IL-78 to supply the Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport.