India has received its first Embraer EMB-145 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

The first of three aircraft was delivered at Embraer's São Josė dos Campos headquarters, says the Brazilian airframer.

The aircraft has undergone ground and flight tests, meeting targets set by Embraer and the Centre for Airborne Systems unit of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Following the integration of DRDO mission systems, the aircraft will subsequently be handed over to the Indian air force. India ordered the three aircraft under a $208 million deal in 2008.

EMB-145 India 

Embraer

The aircraft is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar in a fairing above the fuselage. The radar was developed by the DRDO. Designed based on the ERJ-145 regional jet, the EMB-145 features an inflight refuelling probe and enhanced cooling capacity.

Ten EMB-145 based AEW&C aircraft have previously been produced for Brazil, Greece and Mexico. All are equipped with Erieye surveillance radars produced by Saab Microwave Systems.

Source: Flight International