Embraer recently performed the maiden flight of the first of three EMB 145 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft ordered by the Indian Government. The flight was well performed and all planned tests were successfully achieved. It took place at Embraer’s headquarters, in São José do Campos.

“This flight concludes another important phase in this programme and starts the flight test campaign,” said Eduardo Bonini Santos Pinto, Senior Vice President Operations & COO, Embraer Defense and Security. “We are moving toward delivery of the first aircraft during the first half 2012.”

“The flight is a major milestone towards realising the dream of indigenous airborne early warning and control system, which will put India into a select club of countries” said Dr V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri congratulating Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists and Embraer engineers on this achievement.

Based on the proven Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet, the aircraft features an in-flight refueling system, SATCOM capability, a significant increase in electrical and cooling capacities, and a comprehensive set of aerodynamic and structural changes. These improvements will allow the installation of the advanced electronic systems currently being developed by DRDO with Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) as the nodal agency.

Currently, four Embraer Legacy 600 jets are operated by the Indian Air Force for the transportation of Indian VIPs and foreign dignitaries, and a fifth Embraer Legacy 600 is in service with the Border Security Force, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.