Embraer Pitches Praetor 600 for Indian AEW&CS Expansion with Double Range as ERJ145 Production Ends

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer has confirmed active discussions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the expansion of India's Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) capabilities, proposing its Praetor 600 business jet as the platform for the program's next phase.

This development comes as a strategic pivot following the cessation of production of the ERJ145, the aircraft currently underpinning India's Netra Mk1 AEW&CS.

The IAF currently operates three Netra Mk1 systems, developed indigenously by India's DRDO on Embraer ERJ145 platforms. These systems provide crucial real-time surveillance and command and control capabilities, playing a vital role in monitoring airspace and coordinating air operations.

The DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) is responsible for developing and integrating the radar and electronic warfare systems onto the chosen aircraft platform. The Netra Mk1 system was notably deployed during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, demonstrating its operational effectiveness.

Seeking to significantly enhance its airborne surveillance network, the IAF had initially planned to procure six additional ERJ145 platforms. However, with Embraer having ended production of the ERJ145 in 2020, transitioning its focus to the E-Jet family and the Praetor series, acquiring new airframes became unfeasible.

Sourcing used ERJ145s from the civilian market presented significant challenges related to availability, varying conditions, and the substantial costs associated with converting them for military use.

Embraer's proposal of the Praetor 600 offers a compelling alternative. Although a super mid-size business jet and smaller than the ERJ145, the Praetor 600 boasts several performance enhancements that could significantly bolster the IAF's AEW&CS capabilities.

Embraer claims the Praetor 600 offers nearly double the operational range of the ERJ145, extending the surveillance reach considerably. This increased range translates to longer loiter times, allowing for more extended monitoring of designated areas. The Praetor 600 also surpasses the ERJ145 with operational range, with 4,018 nautical miles (7,441 km) compared to 1,550 nautical miles (2,870km) of ERJ145.

Furthermore, the Praetor 600's higher service ceiling of 45,000 feet, compared to the ERJ145's 37,000 feet, could potentially enhance radar performance by allowing operations at altitudes where radar waves propagate more effectively.

Its maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.83, slightly exceeding that of the ERJ145, and its superior fuel capacity contribute to increased on-station endurance, enabling longer and more effective surveillance missions.

The Praetor 600, certified in 2019, features a full fly-by-wire flight control system, advanced avionics, and a modern, ergonomic cockpit. These features could potentially translate into reduced pilot workload and enhanced operational efficiency for the IAF.

Embraer's offer to supply six new Praetor 600s directly addresses the IAF's expansion needs while offering a technologically advanced and readily available platform. This proposal could not only fulfill the IAF's requirement for an expanded AEW&CS fleet but also introduce significant operational and technological advantages over relying on aging, repurposed aircraft.

The decision now rests with the Indian Ministry of Defence and the IAF, which will need to evaluate the Praetor 600's capabilities against operational requirements and budgetary considerations.

It may also consider alternative options, such as the previously proposed development of an AEW&C system based on the Airbus A319/320/321 platform, under the project named "Netra Mk2".

 

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[sanket]

Embraer trying to make more money. Used 145s will be just fine for the IAF.

 

[ryan]

Doesn't make sense to go for used 145s when more advanced, longer-range P600s are available. The IAF will again shoot itself in the foot by not thinking long-term and opting for the older platform.

 

[beencensured]

Embraer trying to make more money. Used 145s will be just fine for the IAF.

Yes, They have converted one they can then copy the conversion processes. The other point is of efficiency with cost of operation and other issues should be considered before arriving at decision.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Around 8 meter difference in length between both the platforms. Also, lot of difference between payload capacity. Praetor has not even one third payload capacity when compared to ERJ145. If DRDO can manage its equipment in such a small aircraft, then range and altitude advantage will be there.

 

[Anant]

Doesn't make sense to go for used 145s when more advanced, longer-range P600s are available. The IAF will again shoot itself in the foot by not thinking long-term and opting for the older platform.

Not as easy as it sounds. The Praetor 600 has very little payload compared to the ERJ 145, at 1.5 tons vs the 145's 5.9 tons. It may not be that feasible to therefore develop am AWACS based on the newer but far smaller jet.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Payload will be the criteria here, Embraer is not doing us any favours, it's all buisness.
If we can manage with the smaller payload then ok otherwise it's better to hunt for used ERJ145s for the time being while we embark on making a better alternative ourselves.

 

[Sandeep]

India should stick with the older ERJ145 planes as it has a higher payload capacity and it’s cheaper as it’s not in production but we should try and get the most modern versions with a longer lifespan. It will also require less training and maintenance teams and we can experiment with more modern equipment and technology for future tests and development as it can carry a higher payload.

 

[Koorma]

India always refuses to buy in bigger numbers. The consequences are that later they beg for old models and/or pay twice the price for new models. This happens too often. Does the MoD not learn from its mistakes? Do not they analyse their past decisions?
One can say that they do not have the money, but it has often occurred that a chunk of the allocated budget was not used in certain years. So even financial planning is a disaster.

 

[Koorma]

Around 8 meter difference in length between both the platforms. Also, lot of difference between payload capacity. Praetor has not even one third payload capacity when compared to ERJ145. If DRDO can manage its equipment in such a small aircraft, then range and altitude advantage will be there.

DRDO has a project called Micro Manushya, Micro Equipment. So soon everything will be minimized.

 

[P.K Senapati]

Praetor600 is better than ERJ145 in many ways.
Small in size, more range more operating altitude more speed.
No need to continue with older platforms.

 

[MF]

Embraer trying to make more money. Used 145s will be just fine for the IAF.

Even if the IAF does not choose the Praetor 600, Embraer will make money by choosing the ERJ-145, as the IAF requested the Brazilian company to supply used aircraft and assigned it the task of carrying out complete structural modifications/reconfigurations to install the necessary equipment.

 

[R. Singh]

We should make E-7A seeking tech from USA and Northrop Grumman Hawk eye Sea AWACS for Indian Navy to operate from Islands and shores !