Airborne Warning and Control System
A commemorative postage stamp on the Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS), an airborne radar picket system :
Issued by India
Issued on Oct 8, 2012
Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Airborne Warning and Control System – AWACS.
Credits :
Stamp / FDC : Suresh Kumar
Cancellation : Alka Sharma
Type : Stamp, Mint condition
Colour : Multi colour
Denomination : 500 Paise
Stamps Printed : 0.3 Million
Printing Process : Wet Offset
Printer : India Security Press, Nashik
About :
- The long cherished dream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) of having a radar system in the sky came into reality with the induction of the first Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft on 28th May, 2009, as a result of a tripartite agreement between India, Russia and Israel. With the induction of AWACS, India joined an elite group of nations with a radar system capable of tactical surveillance of airborne and surface targets simultaneously.
- The IL-76 based AWACS has not only enhanced the electronic footprint of the IAF much beyond that of ground based sensors, but will also boost the network centric warfare operations. The AWACS provides all weather airborne early warning, air battle management and command and control functions for tactical and strategic operations.
- AWACS has the distinction of being unique in many aspects. It carries the largest and the heaviest dome mounted on any aircraft in the world. The complex radar system is the world’s first 360° active phased array antenna system. AWACS scores heavily over ground based systems and provides the cutting edge to our defence forces. It has extremely effective on board signal intelligence-gathering systems which assist in building an accurate and composite picture of the ongoing battle and help in future operational and tactical strategies. AWACS has resulted in a paradigm shift in air operations over our skies and beyond, as it can effortlessly bridge airborne platforms and ground entities for rapid, decisive and coordinated operations. It also possesses air-to-air refuelling capability with which it can stay aloft for much longer periods.
- The personnel of 50 Squadron of Indian Air Force, also known as ‘Adwitiya’ which means ‘Second to None’ or ‘Unique’ are the men behind this magnificent machine.
- Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.
[…] Airborne Warning and Control System is an aircraft equipped with sophisticated radar, communication and other electronic equipment to […]