DRDO's LRDE Achieves Milestone in Cooling System of Upgraded Su-30 MKI AESA Radar, Unlocking Full Potential

Defense News ,India :-  India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making great strides in improving its own fighter aircraft technology. One notable accomplishment comes from the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), which has been working on important upgrades for the Su-30 MKI fighter jet.

Cooling System Breakthrough​

The LRDE has made a significant breakthrough with its Vapor Cycle Cooling System (VCM). This cooling system is designed to handle the high heat generated by the Su-30 MKI's new radar, known as the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA). The VCM, named G2A, is crucial for making sure the radar works at its best.

The closed-loop VCM has the impressive ability to absorb 10.5 kW of heat load. A working prototype of the cooling system was showcased at Aero India 2021, indicating that it is ready to be integrated into the upgraded fighter jet.

Enhanced Radar Capabilities​

In addition to the cooling system, LRDE is working on a better version of its Uttam AESA Fire Control Radar (FCR). The upgraded radar is expected to have around 1200-1400 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs), a significant increase from the current setup. This improvement is projected to enhance the Search and Track range of the Su-30 MKI to nearly 350 km. This is a big advantage for the Indian Air Force.

Indigenous Technology Advancements​

The successful development of the VCM and ongoing improvements to the Uttam AESA radar show the growth of India's own defense technologies. These achievements highlight India's commitment to giving its Su-30 MKI fleet top-notch capabilities, reinforcing its dedication to maintaining a strong defense position in protecting the country's airspace.