Boeing has received the first international version of Raytheon’s APY-10 surveillance radar for installation onboard the Indian Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
In January 2009, India signed a $2.1bn contract with Boeing for the acquisition of eight P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to replace the Indian Navy’s aging fleet of Tupolev Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprop aircraft, following which Boeing subcontracted Raytheon for the production of eight APY-10 radars for use on the aircraft.
The APY-10 is a long-range surveillance radar that can provide accurate information for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission support under all weather in day and night conditions.
Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems Business Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems vice president Tim Carey says: "Our APY-10 radar will provide the Indian navy with proven, low-risk technology built on generations of successful Raytheon maritime radar systems."
The adaptable and configurable APY-10 radar provides detection and tracking of airborne targets, allowing the crew to detect threats in the air as well as at sea in air-to-air mode.
Additionally, the interleaved weather and surface search capability provides the cockpit with up-to-date weather avoidance information while performing surveillance missions.
India is the first international customer for the Boeing-developed P-8I, a variant of the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon.
The P-8I can perform a wide range of missions including anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, long-range intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance over land and water.
The aircraft features open system architecture, advanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2012 and will be completed by 2015.
Image: Indian Navy’s P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to be equipped with Raytheon’s APY-10 surveillance radar. Photo: Boeing.
