Naval Air: Long Eyed Helicopters Go South

Archives

August 10, 2009: India has ordered another five Ka-31 AEW (Air Early Warning) helicopters. India first ordered some of these unique helicopters ten years ago, and now have nine of them. Originally known as the Ka-29 RLD, the Ka-31 was a development of the Ka-29 ASW/transport helicopter.

The Ka-31 is equipped with E-801 surveillance radar (mounted beneath the fuselage, and extends its "dish" when in the air). This allows for a 360 degree scan once every ten seconds. The radar control software can detect up to 200, and track 20, targets simultaneously. Range of the radar for aircraft is 150 kilometers, and surface targets up to 250 kilometers. The Ka-31 carries a communications system that can handle satellite communications, and automatically transmits radar data to ground and ship-based receivers via an encrypted communications link.

The Ka-31s are operated from land bases, as well as aircraft carriers and larger frigates, like the Talwar class ships.

 

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   contribute   Close