HAL Seeks Airborne Early Warning And Advanced Radar Systems for Dual Band Multirole Helicopter Platform
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is advancing its vision of a robust, technologically sophisticated helicopter fleet with the introduction of the Dual Band Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) program. As part of this initiative, HAL has released two critical Requests for Information (RFI) aimed at equipping its new helicopter variants with state-of-the-art radar systems designed for diverse, high-stakes operational environments.
The first radar system sought is an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar intended for the DBMRH-AEW variant. This system is set to transform India’s air defense operations by providing comprehensive aerial surveillance and precise tracking capabilities. HAL’s requirements for the AEW radar are ambitious. The radar must operate in either the S or C frequency bands, offering a full 360° coverage in azimuth and up to ±60° in elevation. The radar's detection capability is specified to identify objects with a Radar Cross Section (RCS) of 2 m² at over 300 km, ensuring long-range operational effectiveness. A key design challenge is the need for a conformal antenna that integrates seamlessly into the helicopter’s structure while maintaining a weight under 700 kg. These requirements emphasize both high performance and a streamlined, helicopter-adapted design.
Parallelly, the DBMRH-S variant, tailored for special operations, requires a more specialized surveillance radar. This radar will empower the helicopter with low-altitude operational prowess, critical for missions demanding extreme stealth and precision. The surveillance radar must be lightweight, with specifications limiting it to 40 kg, and energy-efficient, with power consumption capped at 1.5 kW. Despite its compact form, it needs to deliver robust capabilities, such as terrain following, terrain avoidance, and extensive ground and sea surveillance. To be effective in diverse environments, the radar should detect small objects over 15 nautical miles and large sea targets up to 65 nautical miles away. Additional features like ground mapping, weather analysis, and beacon interrogation make this system invaluable for covert and high-risk missions.
Both radar systems must align with India’s broader defense manufacturing goals, encapsulated in the "Make in India" initiative. This means that vendors, whether local or international, must be prepared for collaboration and technology transfer, fostering growth in India's defense ecosystem. HAL’s timeline is clear: the AEW radar should be ready for integration by June 2027, while the surveillance radar needs to be prepared by March of the same year. To meet these deadlines, selected vendors are required to set up design and production facilities within five years.
The strategic focus of HAL on these radar capabilities underscores India's commitment to modernizing its aerial defense infrastructure. Equipped with these radars, the DBMRH fleet will significantly enhance India's situational awareness and defensive readiness. By leveraging advanced technologies, these helicopters will serve a dual role in aerial and maritime defense, thus expanding India’s strategic operational capabilities across varied threat environments.
HAL’s efforts reflect a broader trend in global defense, where nations are increasingly focusing on integrating airborne radars that operate in challenging environments. With the integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, these radars are capable of high-resolution imaging and quick target detection, even in complex, cluttered environments like urban landscapes or stormy seas. In the realm of airborne surveillance, AESA radar is often a game-changer, offering precision and adaptability essential for modern combat and reconnaissance missions. These developments are poised to keep India’s defense technology in step with global standards and adversary advancements.
