Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has carried out the maiden flight of avionics-upgraded Jaguar aircraft ‘Darin III.’
“This is significant moment for HAL as the upgrade will result in major operational improvement with regard to all-weather air-to-ground, air-to-sea and air-to-air capabilities through the incorporation of multi-mode radar,” said Dr R. K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.
The aircraft upgrade incorporates new avionics architecture including mission computer (MC), engine and flight instrument system (EFIS), solid state digital video recording system (SSDVRS), solid state flight data recorder (SSFDR) and additional functions in inertial global positioning system (INGPS), autopilot, radar and RWR.
The upgrade also covers modern navigation, EW and weapon delivery system, with INGPS using primary and reversionary modes, man-machine interface (near glass cockpit), with two smart multi-function display and head-up display.
The HAL release said the total design from system requirement capture, specification preparation, software, hardware, electrical, mechanical design and development has been done indigenously by HAL at its Mission and Combat System Research & Design Centre (MCSRDC).
The aircraft trial modification is done by HAL’s Overhaul Division. The fleet compliance will also be carried out by HAL.