Indian Military Aviation

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pragnya
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by pragnya »

how many Mig27 we have and how many were upgraded ? will the non upged ones all be retired soon?
most sources mentin 40 upgraded. BR page mentions a total of 99 including trainers. considering the main flaw is with the engine i don't think any more will be upgraded and even the upgraded ones will start phasing out once LCA/MMRCA birds start arriving.
The MiG-27 continues, however, to be a highly controversial aircraft in Indian service, recently seeing a long spell of grounding. Former IAF flight safety chief Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia has long argued that the MiG-27 engine has fundamental flaws that make it a dangerous machine to fly, and should be phased out forthwith.


SPECIAL REPORT: The Story Of India's MiG-27 Upgrade
the 125 Bisons are expected to be phased out in 2020 I think...they will be used until the last possible moment.
except the Bisons, most are being phased out. the Bisons will retire by 2017 -
“The Air Force has got a clear-cut plan to phase out these aircraft by 2017,” said Antony while replying to a member’s query on flight safety during Question Hour in the Upper House of Parliament.
Phase out MiG-21

it also tallies with LCA mark 2 possibly in full operational production.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by akimalik »

Singha wrote:how many Mig27 we have and how many were upgraded ? will the non upged ones all be retired soon?
the 125 Bisons are expected to be phased out in 2020 I think...they will be used until the last possible moment.
how much of a stretch of imagination it is to see the Mig-21s (and perhaps the 27s) converted into one-way-trip drones post retirement?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by rohitvats »

On the Leh deployment front - Mig-23MF were the first of the fighter able to operate from Leh airfield. There again, I think IAF (especially, the on of the pilot in conjunction with engineer staff) used some on the spot jugaad to get the Mig-23MF going from Leh. There is a story or documentary lying somewhere on this.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Singha »

there was a proposal to re-engine the Mig27 with single-engine version of the AL31F - same one as the J-10.

from 2003: http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/22301/

so it looks like proposal was scrapped.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by chackojoseph »

^^^ I think there was an offer from the Russians.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by SaiK »

..still at 25k ft, the relative weight shedding (fuel) is delta and per the graph posted in the article, there is no significant improvement in the money spent on the jag upgrade to cross the mountains towards NE enemy zone. I guess, I am not including in the thought what is the max one can put into jag without having to change or strengthen the airframe.

in other words, advantage of adding more Rf or Ef would be more valuable assets for IAF rather these upgrades. Now, if this is coming with nice tech transfer, then it would be nice. I definitely agree upgrade is required for jag, but it has limitations where we need to think about the value of the deal, and money spent perhaps going for newer platforms.

?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Dhanush »

Is there any news about the IJT from paanwallas or chaiwallas? Where are the LSPs with the russian engine?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by chackojoseph »

Dhanush wrote:Is there any news about the IJT from paanwallas or chaiwallas? Where are the LSPs with the russian engine?
I think HAL goofed up with this project.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by nachiket »

chackojoseph wrote:
Dhanush wrote:Is there any news about the IJT from paanwallas or chaiwallas? Where are the LSPs with the russian engine?
I think HAL goofed up with this project.
The IJT? Why?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Surya »

regarding Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia's comments

Let me check on this with my friends who have flown 27s for a looooong time

Never heard them complain that they felt unsafe.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by chackojoseph »

nachiket wrote:The IJT? Why?
its way behind schedule. Just one prototype. 2 crashes. No tangible road map.

LCA had real problems like infrastructure, sanctions, in experience etc.

IJT does not and HAL tried to give it more importance.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Gaur »

^^
Two prototypes actually. It was the second prototype that flew at AI 2011.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by shiv »

Gaur wrote:^^
Two prototypes actually. It was the second prototype that flew at AI 2011.
I read news after Aero India that LSP 1 was almost ready. As long as the last crash was not some unexpected failure - and can be explained by the occurrence of an unrecoverable attitude after a test maneuver, testing will continue with the remaining prototype.The funding and orders for an LSP don't come until testing is nearly complete and delays are not unusual in aircraft testing programs.

HJT 16 Kiran first flew in 1964, inducted into IAF in 1973. A test pilot friend of mine died testing a Kiran in the early 1980s.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by chackojoseph »

IJT-36 first flew in 2003.

First AL-55I was mated with IJT-36 in 2007

AL-55I began testing in 2008 Aug

Engine probably came by 2010 (pls correct me).

I am not confident about this project seeing completion if HAL is at helm.
Last edited by chackojoseph on 16 Jun 2011 07:19, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Rakesh »

IAF to soon decide on bidder for Mirage upgrade
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstyp ... sid=245156

Can someone explain this? How are they going to select a lowest bidder if the upgrade is being done in France?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Rakesh »

IAF identifies lowest bidder for trainer aircraft tender
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... 865954.cms
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by SaiK »

Rakesh wrote:IAF to soon decide on bidder for Mirage upgrade
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstyp ... sid=245156

Can someone explain this? How are they going to select a lowest bidder if the upgrade is being done in France?
:rotfl:
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Rakesh »

Perhaps Maurice will do it cheaper in his garage, than Francois can in his factory :)
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by SaiK »

or may be Mademoiselle Bruni can do it cheaper than Madame Bruni. :twisted:
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by VinodTK »

India braces to pre-empt terror attack on its air bases
Prior to the Karachi incident, we started a security audit and instituted measures to strengthen security in and around our air bases. As Kashmir's priority is greater, we have taken up fortifying the air bases in the western sector first as it is closer to Pakistan. Security at bases in the south, east and other regions will be beefed up in phases," Naik said.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Shrinivasan »

Rakesh wrote:IAF to soon decide on bidder for Mirage upgrade
Can someone explain this? How are they going to select a lowest bidder if the upgrade is being done in France?
DDM at its best... looks like cut-n-paste job gone bad. what is holding up is the weapons package's cost? Did we invite bids from multiple sources for the weapons? say Yehudi and French?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Shrinivasan »

What is happening on the Jaguar Engine upgrade front? are we going to invite a fresh proposal or go with the Honeywell bid already submitted?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Singha »

AM Naik has said to media that M2K upg deal will be going to Defmin's desk within a day or two.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Gurneesh »

New Info on a number of projects..

http://idrw.org/?p=2492
India set to decide big military aircraft deals

....................

In an interview for India Strategic’s Paris Air Show edition, the Air Chief said that IAF had already finalized its choice for the combat helicopter while that of the utility helicopter had also been through with the Indian Army, which is the lead buyer in this case. IAF will follow and buy the same helicopter. ................

As for the heavy lift helicopter, “the final report can be expected within the few days,” he said.
................
C-17
Notably, IAF has already finalized a deal to acquire 10 Boeing C 17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft, and there is a decision to add six and “some more” later............
...............
MMRCA
...........
Air Chief Marshal Naik said that in the case of the MMRCA, the last significant milestone in the selection process was over with the completion of the Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) report. The MoD could open the commercial tenders submitted by Eurofighter and Rafale mid-June to determine the lowest, or L-1, bidder...............
...............
However, it would still take a couple of months as it just won’t just be the price mentioned, but the package in terms of direct costs, support programmes, training, offsets and life cycle costs which would determine the winner. The race though is expected to be close...........

AWACS

Air Chief Marshal disclosed that the last of the three Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems Aircraft) had arrived in India in March and deployed.

Two more AWACS mounted on IL 76 platforms had also been ordered.
So, we can expect the combat heli winners to be announced shortly along with the LUH with the heavy to follow some time soon.

Plus according to these timelines we could expect a decision on MMRCA in Oct - Nov.

Exciting times for sure..
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by pragnya »

Rakesh wrote:IAF to soon decide on bidder for Mirage upgrade
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstyp ... sid=245156

Can someone explain this? How are they going to select a lowest bidder if the upgrade is being done in France?
http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 1#p1092741

does it mean the israelis are back?? for me it makes lot of sense to go for a 'limited' upgrade on the M2Ks and rather investing in the MMRCA Rafale and LCA MARK 1/2.

the MICA component can be dealt separately. 8)
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by merlin »

Is the 3rd Phalcon in?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by krishnan »

Strange. So we are going to pay the french as well as the person who is going to do the upgrade?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Bala Vignesh »

Just caught a plane with a pusher prop configuration with canards.. Seems the Saras is back in the air..
Anyone else spot it..
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Juggi G »

Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal P V Naik's Interview By Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd) for India Strategic Magazine’s Paris Air Show Edition

Image

India Set to Decide Big Military Aircraft Deals
..:: India Strategic ::..
India Set to Decide Big Military Aircraft Deals

By Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd)


Published : June 2011

New Delhi. India is set to decide on the world’s biggest combat aircraft deal of this century yet as well as those for new combat, utility and heavy lift helicopters within the next few days, weeks, or months, but all within 2011.

Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, told India Strategic defence magazine that the commercial bids of the two finalists in the race for 126-plus Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCAs) would be opened mid-June (possibly before the Paris Air Show beginning June 20), while those of the combat, heavy lift and utility helicopters and the basic trainer aircraft “anytime between the next few days to few weeks.”

In an interview for India Strategic’s Paris Air Show edition, the Air Chief said that IAF had Already Finalized its Choice for the Combat Helicopter
While that of the Utility Helicopter had also been through with the Indian Army, which is the Lead Buyer in this case. IAF will follow and buy the same helicopter.

As for the Heavy Lift Helicopter, “The Final Report can be expected within the few days,” he said.


All the required reports were either already now with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or just about to be submitted, he said pointing out IAF was well on its way towards transformation by 2022 or 2025.

Boeing’s Apache AH 64D and the Russian Mi 28NE are the two contenders in the race for combat helicopters while Boeing’s Chinook – the Only Helicopter which Can Float on Water – and Russian Rosoboronexport’s Mi 26 are in the fray for the heavy lift role. The utility helicopter race for the Indian Army and IAF has the EADS Eurocopter and Russian Kamov in the race.

There is Another Project for an Indian-Made Multi Role Helicopter Later in the Decade.

Basic Trainer Aircraft

In the basic trainer role, Swiss Pilatus 7. Korean KT 1 and US Beechcraft T 6 have been short-listed by the IAF, and the finalist is also due to be announced.

Existing Combat Aircraft

Notably, except for the Su 30 MKI aircraft and Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, Nearly all the Aircraft with the Indian Air Force (IAF) are Due for Replacement as They were Bought during the 1980s a Quarter Century ago. There is also a need to ensure that the New Systems are in Line with the Revolution in Electronic Warfare Systems, Precision Combat Radars like AESA and Missile Technologies.

The Air Chief did not give any figures, but a rough calculation shows that IAF could be announcing deals worth $ 30 billion, or more, by the end of 2011.

The Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal, for which only the Eurofighter and Rafale remain in the fray, could touch or exceed $ 15 billion if the option for additional 63 aircraft is exercised in addition to the 126 units given in the tender. The three helicopters and the trainer aircraft, along with support and training packages, could be another $ five billion.

IAF has already selected 12 VVIP helicopters from Agusta Westland and 80 multi role Mi 17 1V from Russia. A project to acquire and build some 200 Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft has also already been signed with Russia.

Transport Aircraft

Notably, IAF has already finalized a deal to acquire 10 Boeing C 17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft, and There is a Decision to Add Six and “Some More” Later.

It may be noted that as most deals involve Transfer of Technologies and Offsets, There are Still Additional Costs as the Manufacturers Pass Various Charges Essentially to the Buyer.


He said that IAF had Already Inducted Two of the Six Special Operations C 130J Super Hercules Aircraft ordered from US Lockheed Martin, and by Feb 2012, all of them would be in the IAF inventory.

The Support Infrastructure is in Place, on Time, he said adding: “There are Plans to Acquire an Additional Six C 130J through the same Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from the US Government.

MMRCA Milestones

Air Chief Marshal Naik said that in the case of the MMRCA, the last significant milestone in the selection process was over with the completion of the Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) report. The MoD could open the commercial tenders submitted by Eurofighter and Rafale Mid-June to determine the Lowest, or L-1, Bidder.

However, it would Still Take a Couple of Months as it just won’t just be the Price Mentioned, but the Package in Terms of Direct Costs, Support Programmes, Training, Offsets and Life Cycle Costs which would Determine the Winner. The Race though is Expected to be Close.

Asked if the Eurofighter and Rafale were superior in technologies to the other four contenders – Boeing F/A 18 IN Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F 16 IN, Swedish Gripen and Russian Mig 29 – the Air Chief said: “In all fairness, all the six aircraft in the competition were good, and more or less close to one another in performance. But some of them had to be out, and some had to be in, and that’s it. Let’s say that the two European finalists were the most-compliant in the 600-plus parameters that the IAF selection team had set.”

The Air Chief Observed that Admittedly, the US had the Best of the Combat Radars, Weapons and Systems. But then, Each of the Six Contenders had Given in Writing that they would match the IAF requirements, Including those for Systems to be Sourced from the US.


IAF Transformation

Air Chief Marshal Naik, who is at the vantage point in overseeing the transformation process of the Indian Air Force before his retirement in July, said that By 2020, “as part of our Capability Buildup Plan, IAF would have dedicated combat, medium and heavy lift helicopters In All Sectors to Adequately Meet our Requirements.”

By then MMRCA and FGFA would have been inducted and the existing Mirages, Mig 29 and other aircraft upgraded to serve for some more years.

Pilot Training

It was important, he pointed out, that IAF pilots should be tech-savvy.

“Over a period of time, IAF will be tech savvy not only in terms of weapons and equipment but also in its style of functioning,” he said adding that pilot training is going to be intensified at all levels, and facilities expanded to train more pilots.

AWACS

Air Chief Marshal disclosed that The Last of the Three Phalcon AWACS Had Arrived in India in March and Deployed.

Two More AWACS Mounted on IL 76 Platforms Had also Been Ordered.

The process to augment the electronic surveillance capability with aerostats – balloons with electronic surveillance radars – was continuing.

Air Chief Marshal Naik also said that the Process to Induct More Midair Refuellers was Progressing. EADS’ Airus 330 MRTT and Rosoboronexport’s IL-78 (Mk 90) are Competing.

Private Sector

Air Chief Marshal Naik said that the private sector had to play a great role in defence, aerospace and homeland security, and that the government was now set to facilitate its participation.

There should be fair competition between the state run companies and the private sector but “it is time, the private sector also set up a strong industrial R&D base to make this participation meaningful," he observed.

© India Strategic
pragnya
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by pragnya »

merlin wrote:Is the 3rd Phalcon in?
yes. :P
AWACS

Air Chief Marshal disclosed that the last of the three Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems Aircraft) had arrived in India in March and deployed.

Two more AWACS mounted on IL 76 platforms had also been ordered.
http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1068.htm
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Karan M »

Deserves being posted. Will inform those interested in IAF and wake up copy paste twits like Sengupta so that they don't have to make stuff up regarding the IAF .

PV Naik gung ho about IAF plans, radars network being modernized and optimistic about LCA.

http://spsaviation.net/story_issue.asp?Article=736
SP’s: Could you give the latest update on the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas development/acquisition programme? Does the IAF feel satisfied with the performance of the initial operational clearance (IOC)/ full operational capability (FOC) of Tejas Mk I? What are the shortcomings in operational capabilities that the IAF has had to contend with and how are these proposed to be overcome in the Mk II version?

CAS: As of now, we have seven LCA aircraft and these are being put through their final paces, before induction into the IAF this year. We are expecting two more limited series production aircraft to join the fleet by the third quarter this year. The LCA, in its present form, is a fourth generation aircraft and we are working with HAL to enhance its capabilities. I am hopeful that the aircraft, in its final operational clearance configuration, will be a much more potent platform, to be a ‘fourth generation plus’. We have had certain problems with the thrust-to-weight ratio and have contracted for a higher thrust engine for the LCA Mark II to obviate this problem. Some design improvements have also been planned to address the shortfalls in performance as compared to LCA Mark I aircraft.

SP’s: Just like its combat aircraft fleets, the IAF appears to be in the midst of a crisis in terms of its obsolescent air defence weapons and support systems. What efforts are being made to correct the situation? When the indigenous Akash and the Israeli Spyder AD weapon systems are likely to be inducted to build up the requisite capabilities in this field?

CAS: The current surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems with the IAF may not be the latest, but are still very capable of thwarting challenges posed through the medium of air and space. We have started the process of replacing the surfaceto-air guided weapons with modern, state-of-the art SAM systems. The ageing Pechora fleet will be replaced by the new generation medium range (MR)-SAM system and OSAAK System will be replaced by short-range (SR)-SAM system, which is a new generation low level quick reaction missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a joint venture. In the interim, Spyder low-level quick reaction missile systems are being acquired to plug gaps in our low level air defence network. Spyder SAM System will be operationalised next year. The indigenous, state-of-the art Akash SAM system will be inducted this year . It is an ongoing process and by 2022, the entire air defence (AD) cover will have new generation SAM weapon systems.

SP’s: How is the IAF looking at the problem of replacing a large number of obsolescent ground-based radars to revamp its AD system? Also, what are the various types of radars likely to be inducted to give the IAF ‘full-spectrum’ radar surveillance capabilities?

CAS: Some of the radars on our inventory are reaching the end of their useful life and we plan to reinforce our AD cover with the induction of new radars and sensors. The induction of medium power radars has already commenced in March this year. These radars are expected to be operational by December 2012. IAF is also replacing the existing P-18, ST-68, Indra-I and Indra-II radars with indigenously developed Rohini radars. Some Rohini radars have already been inducted and are operational. All radars will be operational by 2014-15. Apart from these, we would be inducting multi-purpose rifle sight (MPRS- this is a typo for medium power radars), low level transportable radars (LLTRs) and low level light weight radars (LLLWRs). The total percentage of legacy sensors in IAF hence would come down below 20 per cent by 2014-15. Plans are also afoot to set up a centralised command and control system by integrating these sensors through Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS). The recognised air situation picture (RASP) i.e. fused air picture of all military and civil sensors across the country will be available at designated places to control air operations. The inductions in the form of aerostats, airborne warning and control system (AWACS), airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C), LLLWRs and mountain radars is expected to provide seamless coverage irrespective of the terrain, over the entire country. This would greatly enhance our responses by way of reduction in the sensor-to-shooter loop.

SP’s: Has the IAF received all the AWACS platforms initially contracted for? Has the AWACS been fully integrated into the IAF’s operational environment and has it performed according to expectations? How has it changed IAF’s operational thinking vis-à-vis fighting tomorrow’s air wars? Are there plans to acquire more such or similar force-multipliers? Please elucidate.

CAS: We have received and are operating all the three AWACS and they are in the process of extensive operational employment and evaluation. The systems are working exceptionally well and to our satisfaction. Our operators are fully trained to exploit these advanced state-of-the-art systems. AWACS have expanded our information sharing loop and situational awareness, and it is now possible for us to prosecute our operations in a more effective manner. We also plan to acquire three AEW&C Systems from DRDO in the near future. In the long run, there are definite plans to procure additional AWACS.

SP’s: The use of armed remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) in the global war on terror (GWOT) has become more of a norm than exception. Does the IAF, which pioneered the acquisition and operational exploitation of the RPAs in the Indian context, have any plans to acquire similar capability? Could you throw some light on the DRDO autonomous unmanned research aircraft (AURA) being reportedly developed for the IAF which is stated to have the ability to carry weapons internally?

CAS: We are currently operating only unarmed RPAs though armed RPAs will come later in our context. The IAF has been a key partner with the DRDO and we have been encouraging indigenous design and development programme associated with the RPAs. AURA is currently under initial planning stages only and it would be premature to comment on its operational capability or payload capacity.

SP’s: The IAF had reportedly benefited a great deal in the recent past by participating in a large number of international air exercises including the ‘Red Flag’, etc. However, of late, there appears to be a lull in such activities. Could you explain the reason for the ‘draw down’ and what policy the IAF is going to adopt in this regard?

CAS: Bilateral or multilateral exercises are mutually beneficial for all participants and not just the IAF. It will not be completely accurate to say that there is a lull in our participation in international engagements. We had joint exercises with France and UK last year and would be exercising with Oman this year. Our yearly engagement with Singapore continues, in addition to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) participation in the GARUDA 2010 at France making it the first trilateral version of the exercise. Red Flag and Cope India with USA, Anatolian Eagle with Turkey and other exercises with friendly countries are all on the anvil. Having said that, it would be pertinent to add that bilateral exercises are limited by scope and thus lessons learnt are at the operational level. IAF is on its way towards upgrading its training facilities, like instrumented ranges, ACMI, etc and this would facilitate improvement in the scope and objectives of future exercises.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Vipul »

India’s first fighter jet turns 50.

HF-24 (Marut), India's first fighter jet aircraft has completed 50 years since its maiden flight. To commemorate this occasion Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be holding Golden Jubilee celebrations on June 17 at the Ghatge Convention Centre, HAL Airport Road.

From the designers, production personnel, test crew, maintenance personnel to the operational pilots, everyone who contributed to the Marut saga will take part in the Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

On 17 Jun 1961, with Gp Capt Suranjan Das at the controls, the HF-24 took to the air. On 10 May 1964, the first Maruts were handed over to the Indian Air Force. HAL built 129 single seaters and 18 trainers from 1964 to 1977.

The Marut had successfully taken part in the war against Pakistan its squadrons ended the war with four Vir Chakras and a Mention in Despatches the aircraft was immersed in controversy over its engines and that was a problem that remained insurmountable till the very end.

The last sortie of the aircraft was flown on October 8, 1984 on the Air Force Day by Wg Cdr Vikram Pethia before it was de-commissioned.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by suryag »

^^^ very curious generally all fighters seem to have a 30 year lifespan in the iaf(except may be the 23bns), so how did the marut go out of favour just seven years after production completed?
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by rajanb »

Suryagji, From wikipedia on HF-24 "Marut"
The Marut was designed by the famed German designer Kurt Tank, but never realised its full potential due to insufficient power. The basic design was developed by Kurt Tank's team during Tank's days developing jet aircraft in Argentina, which was to be called Pulqui III, as a follow on for the Pulqui II. Tank departed Argentina for India carrying the Marut's concept with him. Although originally conceived to operate in the vicinity of Mach 2, the aircraft in fact turned out to be barely capable of reaching Mach 1,[2] due to the lack of suitably powered engines for the airframe. After the Indian Government conducted its first nuclear tests at Pokhran, international pressure prevented the import of better engines, or at times, even spares for the Orpheus engines. This would be one of the main reasons for this aircraft's early demise.
It was an airframe capable of Mach 2.

Cheers
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by SaiK »

suryag wrote:^^^ very curious generally all fighters seem to have a 30 year lifespan in the iaf(except may be the 23bns), so how did the marut go out of favour just seven years after production completed?
mr. watson says marut versions did not take shape for 30 years life time.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by suryag »

yeah rajanb ji it was able to go supersonic in dives only, sad that the orpheus reheat version crashed and claimed life of Gp. Capt Suranjan das :((IIRC)
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Gurneesh »

Any info on what engines did HAL want for replacing orpheus ?

P.S. HF24 actually had much better TWR than jags !!!
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Juggi G »

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Navy's Farewell to Air Marshal Mukherji
A veteran fighter pilot, Air Marshal Mukherji has over 3,700 hours of flying experience on various fighter aircraft.

He is the only pilot in the history of the IAF to have commanded units with the Mig-21, MiG-23U, MiG-25, MiG-27, and MiG-29 aircraft. He has also served as the Air Attache in the Indian Embassy at Washington.
Air Marshal in Thanjavur
He is one of the very few officers of the Indian Air Force to have commanded three operational Fighter Squadron units. He commanded a MiG 25 Squadron, a MiG 29 Squadron and the Tactics and Air Combat Development establishment of which he is the Commodore commandant also. He is the only pilot in the history of Indian Air Force to have commanded units MiG 21, MiG 23, MiG 25, MiG 27, MiG 29 air craft.
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Juggi G »

Juggi G
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Re: Indian Military Aviation

Post by Juggi G »

Synergy Stalled

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Synergy Stalled
Chief of Integrated Staff (CISC) post remains vacant for months
Sandeep Unnithan
Edition : June 13, 2011


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The truth is, neither the government nor the armed forces wants the CDS. Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik said last week that he opposed the CDS "in the present format". The Real Reason is that the Indian Air Force (IAF) fears a takeover by the Army or worse, Being Ordered Around to Support Ground Forces in a Future Conflict.

Such Fears Translate into a War over Assets.
The Army's independent Para-Brigade, which successfully thwarted the coup in the Maldives in 1988, is India's only Air Assault Formation. It depends entirely on the Air Force for Transport.

The Army was Shocked when the IAF chose to Base its Six New C-130J Special Forces Transport Aircraft at Hindon near Delhi and Not Agra where the Army's Para-Brigade is Based.

The Army recently Unveiled Plans for Creating its own Air Force, A Fleet of over 250 Helicopters, Including 114 Helicopter Gunships, that will Fly in Support of its Three Offensive Strike Corps. Senior Army Officials say They Will Shortly be Rid of Asking the Air Force at Least for Helicopters to Support their Troops.

The Air Force is Creating its own Army, It Plans to Double its Existing Force of around 1,000 Garud Commandos to carry out Tasks including Attacking Enemy Airfields, Once the Preserve of Army Commandos.


The Navy, the only Service backing the CDS, is Still Smarting from the Loss of its Andaman and Nicobar Command. A Decade ago, it gave its Strategic Island Base Located at the mouth of the Malacca Straits-to the Tri-Services Command. Today, it houses an army brigade, a handful of warships and air force helicopters to form India's only tri-services command.

The Delhi-based headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff, which has around 300 Officers, has turned into a Dumping Ground, or, as one bureaucrat puts it, a 'Waiting Room' for the Three Services. The outgoing CISC, Vice Admiral D.K. Joshi, held the appointment for three months, raising eyebrows in the MOD. There are other critical areas like defence purchases where a CDS can infuse jointness.

Over a Decade ago, all Three Services Bought the Same Drones from Israel At Different Unit Prices. Worse, each Drone had a Stand-Alone Ground Station; One Service could not Control a Drone Launched by Another.

The CISC does not have any power over any of the other services and can only make recommendations. Key suggestions like the Creation of an Integrated Logistics Command have been shot down by the armed forces.
Last edited by Juggi G on 17 Jun 2011 01:07, edited 1 time in total.
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