Transport Aircraft for IAF

[Singha]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXnpgVL5 ... r_embedded

looking at this video of C-130J (6th one) departing to India recently and comparing back to the 5th and earlier ones, it seems the Star Safire-III EO kit under chin is mounted on this one at factory. none of the others had it on delivery or in pix thereafter.

also none of them had the AAR probe on ferry flight atleast. this one has it.

[Austin]

Compare the size of MRTA and C-390, Airbus 320, Boring 737 and engine power thereof. you will also conclude that it is 90 ton MTOW

Size as in dimension ? MRTA is a 15 - 20 T military class transport aircraft with MTOW at 68T , C-390 as wiki says is 23.5T payload with 81T MTOW.

A320 and B737 are commercial type and have no limitation/pluses of military aircraft and there are different parameters for commercial and military aircraft.

68T MTOW is a consistent figure from Irkut for a long time , so see no reason how can it go up to 90T just like that when the design house has given those figures.

[vic]

Size as in dimension ? MRTA is a 15 - 20 T military class transport aircraft with MTOW at 68T , C-390 as wiki says is 23.5T payload with 81T MTOW.

A320 and B737 are commercial type and have no limitation/pluses of military aircraft and there are different parameters for commercial and military aircraft.

68T MTOW is a consistent figure from Irkut for a long time , so see no reason how can it go up to 90T just like that when the design house has given those figures.

68T is for tactical lift capacity. C-390 tactical lift capacity is also aroiund 65 tons but MTOW is around 80tons. Irkut has been giving low/tactcal lift capacity of MRTA as they were showing/projecting it as replacement for An-32.

Hence compare dimensions of cabin, wing, length, engine power of C-390, C-130, Airbus 320, Boeing 737, Emb series etc and come to your own conclusion.

[Austin]

Actually if you check the specs of MRTA and C-390 , the latter is a bigger bird with much greater leg.

MRTA specs says at max payload of 20T the range is 2000km ,MTOW at 68T
http://www.uacrussia.ru/en/models/cargo ... rformance/

While C-390 specs says at max payload of 23T the range is 1400 nm or ~ 2600 km ,MTOW at 81T
http://www.embraerdefensesystems.com/en ... rmance.asp

The difference in 13T of MTOW account of mostly the 3 T additional weight and ~ 600 km additional range and perhaps MRTA might end up using more composite , likely a composite wing.

[Gilles]

The "out of production" Il-76 plant in Tashkent delivers yet another new IL-76 and is due to deliver another in May 2012.

http://www.heavyliftpfi.com/content/New ... px?id=3747

Fourth modernised IL-76 in service with Volga-Dnepr

January 6 – Moscow-based main deck air freight capacity provider Volga-Dnepr Airlines has added a fourth modernised IL-76TD-90VD cargo aircraft to its fleet. The new freighter successfully completed its first commercial flight on December 31, 2011 from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport to Bahrain, before returning to Moscow.

The fourth new generation IL-76TD-90VD freighter was built to order at the Tashkent Chkalov Aviation Factory in accordance with a contract signed between UAC - Transport Aircraft and Volga-Dnepr-Leasing at the MAKS 2007 International Aerospace Show. The aircraft, assigned registration RA-76503, was deliveredfrom Tashkent to Ulyanovsk, Russia, in November to be painted in Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ livery.

Dennis Gliznoutsa, vice president for sales, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, says: “The aircraft performs to an extremely high standard for airfreight transportation and is in high demand by our customers. The entry of the fourth IL-76TD-90VD into service facilitates our plans to gain a larger share of the cargo market for shipments in the up to 50 tonnes category of the international market [as] older versions of the aircraft are gradually being taken off the market.”

One of the key benefits for the airline is the fact that the modernised version has a crew of only four, reduced from the Soviet-era manpower requirement.

“Volga-Dnepr Group will continue to implement the programme to grow its new IL-76 fleet. We expect to take delivery of our fifth IL-76TD-90VD in May 2012. It is currently being built at the Tashkent Chkalov Aviation Factory,” says general director of Volga-Dnepr-Leasing, Andrey Pakhomov.

www.volga-dnepr.com

[Surya]

well since the supply chain is humming when is the next IL 76 due?? even the month is fine.

[NRao]

Jan 6, 2012 :: Decision on Multi-Role Transport Tankers for IAF Shortly As Trials Wrap-Up

Meanwhile, it has been increasingly felt in the IAF circle that the preference lies with the A-300 tanker which can be justified after factoring in the MRTTs life cycle cost and its worth in the long run. Sources indicated that IAF officials feel that the A-330 tanker has an edge over the IL-78 due to fuel efficiency and state-of-art technology. While AN-330 may be an expensive choice, it is possible that the IL-76 may prove costlier in terms of spares and man hours in the long run. While India has bought a lot of Russian hardware, the IAF need to diversify is also pronounced due to problems with Russia lately over spares and cost escalation in other projects.

[NRao]

Jan 13, 2012 :: India completes tanker trials

The Indian Air Force has completed its trials of the Airbus Military A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) and Ilyushin IL-78MK.

An Airbus Military spokesman confirmed the trials have been completed. The next stages in the competition will be a trials report and the submission of commercial offers.

The air force conducted both ground trials and flight trials. During the flight trials the IAF tested air-to-air refueling with types such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Sepecat Jaguar. Aircraft handling was also assessed.

Airbus Military said the tests included take-offs and landings at the Himalayan airbase of Leh, at an elevation of 10,682ft (3256m), one of the highest air bases in the world.

[sum]

^^ Errr, what new will be learnt with the same trials done on the same craft within 2 year span?

Couldnt they have directly done the rice negotiation if price was the issue and be done with it?

[Philip]

"Life cycle costs". Is this sometimes a convenient argument to allow the purchase of a more expensive product? However,it would be most interesting from stats,say a CAG report,whether certain weapon systems/products actually lived up to their "life cycle" estimates. There are some obvious data that can guide one,say the fuel consumption by an aero-engine,costs of spares prices fixed for a specified timeframe,etc. There was not too long ago in Vayu,some intriguing articles by one prof./analyst,who explained the diff. in concept between Western and Russian philosophies in design/doctrine of weapon systems and key components like engines,etc.,which explained the diparity between products from west and east in such a comparison.This is where the MOD must be on the ball and prepare non-performance clauses and nail the "loose planks' which can derail cost escalation in the immediate future.One thought coms to mind."Upgrades",where we've seen the hugely expensive M-2000 upgrade costs.How does that quallify then in its true "life-cycle" cost?

[Katare]

Philip,

There are multiple CAG reports, interview, press reports about Il76 and other older Russian plateforms and missiles having all kind of defects, low sorty rates and what not.

[NRao]

How does that quallify then in its true "life-cycle" cost?

Not possible IMHO. How is one going to know what technologies will be available to upgrade in the future? And then how is one to assign a cost today for those unknown technologies?

On west vs. Russian philosophies - life-cycle cost estimation should be possible. Do not see an issue there. The philosophies will vary, but the associated costs - today - are identifiable. A pain in the behind - absolutely.

Actually with the Russians I would be more worried about cost escalation after the life-cycle costs are determined. The West/France may have higher costs up front. The Russians seem to have hidden or pop-up costs.

[koti]

NRao,
Apart from the Gorky case, Russians are mostly business friendly all along. The West on the other hand had a vivid history of sanctioning several of its export products. We don't see this a threat big enough because we never really brought any strategic western systems.

This threat is very important and needs to be factored in when considering western equipment.

OT:French are better then Germans or US to buy from!

[Austin]

Aviastar to Build 'Dozens' of Il-476 Transports by 2020

Aviastar SP, one of Russia's largest aircraft-building enterprises, is to build 10 super-heavy Antonov An-124 and dozens of Ilyushin Il-476 cargo aircraft by 2020, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday at a meeting of the United Aircraft Corporation on military aviation.

"There is a large fleet of Ruslan (An-124) aircraft which will be modernized and refitted by 2020 and also ten new aircraft will be built," said Rogozin, who has responsibility for defense matters and the military-industrial complex.

The Aviastar plant will also produce "dozens" of Il-476 transports, he said.

The Il-476 is an extensively modified variant of the Il-76 freighter, with new engines, reinforced wing, modernized cockpit, and heavier payload.

[sumits]

U.S. Air Force to Get Five More C-17s

US airforce has ordered 5 C-17s for $693 million firm-fixed price contract i.e. $138 million per aircraft.


As per the contract with India:
"The estimated cost of the procurement of the C-17 aircraft is US $ 4.116 billion. The cost at which the aircraft is being supplied to India is commensurate with the cost at which C-17 aircraft is supplied to the United States Air Force and its allies."

Why such a big disparity?

[Nikhil T]

U.S. Air Force to Get Five More C-17s

US airforce has ordered 5 C-17s for $693 million firm-fixed price contract i.e. $138 million per aircraft.


As per the contract with India:
"The estimated cost of the procurement of the C-17 aircraft is US $ 4.116 billion. The cost at which the aircraft is being supplied to India is commensurate with the cost at which C-17 aircraft is supplied to the United States Air Force and its allies."

Why such a big disparity?

Good question. Some reasons I can think of
- 30% offsets requirement that bumped up the final cost to MoD by 8% [high altitude engine test facility, trisonic wind tunnel]
- Training, setting up basic infra
- Membership in the Globemaster Sustainment Partnership

[Surya]

+ 5 spare engines

[NRao]

U.S. Air Force to Get Five More C-17s

US airforce has ordered 5 C-17s for $693 million firm-fixed price contract i.e. $138 million per aircraft.


As per the contract with India:
"The estimated cost of the procurement of the C-17 aircraft is US $ 4.116 billion. The cost at which the aircraft is being supplied to India is commensurate with the cost at which C-17 aircraft is supplied to the United States Air Force and its allies."

Why such a big disparity?

Just to be sure, the 5 ordered last year, cost $963 million.

So,perhaps, the reduction in cost is a agreement that they concluded for these 5.

One more to go for the USAF.

[Pranav]

An 225, the highest capacity military cargo aircraft in the world. Capacity 250 tons. There is only one of these in existence -






http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-225

[Gilles]

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 7s-367749/

The $1.78 billion contract awarded to Boeing on 2 February completes a three-year negotiation process, but it was not immediately clear if it was the full amount. During US President Barack Obama's visit to India in late 2010, the White House said the value of the 10-aircraft deal was $4.1 billion.

The C-17 is generally priced at around $250 million per aircraft, including four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines.

[NRao]

(C-17) Contracts and Key Events

Feb 2/12: Contract. Boeing in Long Beach, CA receives a $1.78 billion firm-fixed-price contract for 10 C-17s, as a Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Indian Air Force. Work will be performed in Long Beach, CA, and is expected to be complete by July 28/14. The ASC/WLMK at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH acts as India’s FMS agent (FA8614-06-D-2006, DO 0009).

The wide difference between Antony’s Dec 12/11 statement and this contract is a good reminder that the purchase contract doesn’t cover everything. As one example, India can expect to pay another $380 million or so for the 40 F117 engines that will equip these planes. They will be installed under this contract, but are not bought under it. Other “Government Furnished Equipment” from both India and the USA also factors into the total program cost, as do initial support contracts in many cases. Based on USAF total costs, Antony’s $4+ billion figure also includes support contracts – a Sept 27/11 C-17 support contract totaled up to $469 million, for an undisclosed period.

Dec 12/11: Budget. Indian defense minister Antony answers a Parliamentary question, and confirms key details about India’s first 10 C-17s:

“Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) have been signed with the Government of the United States (USG) for the procurement of ten C-17 Globemaster aircraft as well as six C-130J aircraft along with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) The estimated cost of the procurement of the C-17 aircraft is US $ 4.116 billion…. The cost at which the aircraft is being supplied to India is commensurate with the cost at which C-17 aircraft is supplied to the United States Air Force and its allies. All ten C-17 aircraft and their associated equipment are expected to be delivered to the IAF between June 2013 and June 2015.”

Dec 8/11: Engines. A $37.8 million fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for 4 F117-PW-100 FMS install engines, and associated data for the C-17 aircraft.

FMS means a Foreign Military Sale airlifter, and potential contracts for 1 more C-17A currently exist with Australia and Kuwait. Australia’s DSCA request was published on Nov 15/11, and it’s in the group (with NATO, Japan & New Zealand) for a reduced 15-day DSCA notification period, so it could be them. At the same time, Pratt & Whitney’s Dec 19/11 release describes a contract to “produce the first four F117-PW-100 engines that will power the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the Indian Air Force. The engines will be delivered in second quarter of 2012.”

Note the consistent figure of around $37-38 million “extra” for engines, above and beyond the contract price to Boeing for each plane. Work will be performed in East Hartford, CT, and is expected to be complete by June 4/12 (FA8626-07-D-2073, no DO given).

Sept 27/11: A not-to-exceed $469 million firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification, covering India’s initial entry into the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership Program’s “virtual fleet” (FA8614-04-C-2004, PO 0436).

[silod]

India needs to start/continue work on :-

Piston 2 seater- Hansa

Turboprop 2 seater- HTT-40

5 to 10 Seater – Mahindra and NAL

20 seater – HAL Dornier and Saras

30 seater – missing – should be extended Saras

50-90 seater – RTA – dropped but should be revived

An-32 category turboprop – none – will be desperately needed after around 5 to 10 years

MRTA is actually 90 ton MTOW aircraft

4 engined turboprop variant to MRTA will always be needed but none planned

NAL – NCA – 90 to 120 seater

120-180 seater – none planned so accept offer of Russia to collaborate on MS-21s

Though the thingie that is missing is the engines:-

We need to develop a line of turboprop engines for a huge number of planned aircraft. We can draw upon the experience of our screw driver brainless assembly of Garrett engines by HAL, if required

Vic Babu,

It is a great wish list? Lekin ye sab accomplish karega kaun???? Our HAL/DRDO?

[Shrinivasan]

^^^if we rope in Mahindras, Tatas and their JV partners, we can have a roadmap to acheive these. Embraer and Dassault are likely partners.

[Singha]

the Brazilian delegation visit was a big opportunity to dump the rotting corpse of the old MTA and shape the MTA-Nuova-brasilia.

sadly we hold on to the fetish that russian transport a/c industry can deliver when they simply have no world market barring a few cash strapped nations on the outer rim.

[Philip]

Singha,you are perhaps being too harsh on good ole Russia.AWST in several issues over the last year gave details of the renewal of the Russian aviation/military industry (which has been restructured) with special attention to transports which they need urgently and have ordered a number of IL-476s in particular. The IL-476 is virtually a new aircraft using the old airframe,and the problems associated with the legacy aircraft are past history/will be after the open tender to support them from any source.Since a dozen+ C-17s are in the pipeline,the heavy-lift inventory looks healthy for the future,but there needs to be more ambitious programmes for the medium to light requirements,esp. for the use of the platform for other pourposes.

The IL-76/476s will be used for future Phalcons,they may also be selected for the tanker contest as we already operate IL-78s,and it may be the cheaper option,we need a medium transport-larger than the EMBs being used for our indigenous AEW system, as a larger platform that can be used for AEW,ASW,EW,tankers,etc. ,which would have greater range and enduranxce and be able to carry more internal eqpt./sensors.A new aircraft the size of the AN-32 would also be very welcome as this aircraft and its size has proven to be a great success over decades,which is why all aircraft are being upgraded in the Ukraine.

The DO-228s also has a naval variant,where a flotation device is attached to the fuselage turnong the aircraft into a seaplane/amphib.This would be very useful for many branches of the military and we are on the search for amphibs for the IN,Coast Guard ,etc.We should identify the types of new aircraft developed.being developed and pick a design that suits us best,as local efforts to develop such aircraft will take inordinate time-just look at Saras,which we cannot afford to lose.Passenger variants o these types can also be built which will make them even more attractive to operate-being built at home,and cost-effective too.

[NRao]

^^^if we rope in Mahindras, Tatas and their JV partners, we can have a roadmap to acheive these. Embraer and Dassault are likely partners.

Srini,

There are plenty of articles from about a year ago on this topic. One such:

July, 2011 :: Indian Consortium May Vie for MTA

You can google and get to the rest.

the Brazilian delegation visit was a big opportunity to dump the rotting corpse of the old MTA and shape the MTA-Nuova-brasilia.

sadly we hold on to the fetish that russian transport a/c industry can deliver when they simply have no world market barring a few cash strapped nations on the outer rim.

++1.

It is worse than that, specially for the IL-476.

Last article from AWST: Dec, 2011 :: Modernized Il-476 Transport Assembled

this:

UAC expects that the new transport will be purchased first by the Russian air force, but the military so far has not placed a contract for this type.

And, from a Russian source: Jan 2012 :: The first flight of Il-476 military transport aircraft has been scheduled for spring 2012

I suspect something is lost in translations, but:

It has been reported earlier that the state order for Il-476 transport aircraft includes at least 100 vehicles. Not only transport version of the aircraft will be acquired, but also the specialized one intended for EMERCOM and the flight data centers. In addition, it is planned to create an AWACS aircraft on the basis of Il-476. The deliveries of the vehicles to the Russian Ministry of Defense should be started in 2014-2015. Russian armed forces have not placed any orders for the new aircraft yet.

The articles in Jan refer to IL-476 orders in the past.

The reason seems to be that the vendor and the State cannot agree on price. Jan 24, 2012 :: State defense order will include more than 100 new-built Il-476 military transport aircraft

It is planned to carry out the production of more than 100 Il-476 military transport aircraft by 2020. These vehicles will be used not only for transportation, but also for special missions on behalf of EMERCOM and as a flight data centers, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports.

The scope of the state defense order for these jets has been declared by vice-premier, Dmitry Rogozin, who has visited Ulyanovsk-based Aviastar-SP. "The deliveries to Ministry of Defense should be started in 2014 - 2015, - he noted. – We will discuss the order’s distribution and the schedule of deliveries with the ministry. We will try to find a solution, when we would be able to start using funds, intended for 2014-2015, this and next year".

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

The testing of Il-476 should be started this spring. "We have launched the production of three aircraft from the pilot batch and signed a contract with UAC – Transport Aircraft. The first two aircraft should be delivered in 2013", - Sergey Dementyev, CEO of Aviastar, explained. Meanwhile, according to Dmitry Rogozin, the question of “fair price” has not been squared by the airframer and the customer. "I believe we should specify the price (in the state defense order), which allows the enterprise’s employees having more than region’s average salary. It is a very important factor, which will be discussed with the Ministry of Defense ". Possibly, such an agreement will also enlarge on the Ulyanovsk aviation plant.

So, seems like the vendor is footing the bill, much like what happened with the PAK-FA.

[Kailash]

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... 7s-367749/

The $1.78 billion contract awarded to Boeing on 2 February completes a three-year negotiation process, but it was not immediately clear if it was the full amount. During US President Barack Obama's visit to India in late 2010, the White House said the value of the 10-aircraft deal was $4.1 billion.

The C-17 is generally priced at around $250 million per aircraft, including four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines.

Such disparity in costs of the same C17 sold to India and UK.. x-post

UK to buy eighth C-17 transport

The UK is to receive another Boeing C-17 strategic transport, with the acquisition to boost the Royal Air Force's fleet of the type to eight aircraft.

Announced by prime minister David Cameron on 8 February, the £200 million ($316 million) purchase represents the potentially final addition to the UK's C-17 fleet, which plays a vital role in sustaining its "airbridge" with Afghanistan. Seven are flown by the service's 99 Sqn from its air transport super base at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

Is there any reasonably accurate estimates on the final costs?

[NRao]

Is there any reasonably accurate estimates on the final costs?

No.There cannot be. Each plane could differ from the previous and for that reason alone the cost from plane to plane could be different. There are other factors: please google or read through previous posts.

The UK is to receive another Boeing C-17 strategic transport, with the acquisition to boost the Royal Air Force's fleet of the type to eight aircraft.

Announced by prime minister David Cameron on 8 February, the £200 million ($316 million) purchase represents the potentially final addition to the UK's C-17 fleet, which plays a vital role in sustaining its "airbridge" with Afghanistan. Seven are flown by the service's 99 Sqn from its air transport super base at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

This 8th C-17 will cost $316 million. One plane.

Hope that helps resolve this concern.

[Aditya_V]

My doubts on this deal

1) First of all, how much are we paying for Beoing C-17's is It $4.1 Billion inclusive of Engines and all contracts , $ 4.1 Billion +$380 Mil for Engines + $1.7 billion mentioned above.

2) US is paying $963 mil for 5 aircraft - 193 mil a piece

3) UK is paying $316 mil.

I know there are offsets and we are purchasing related infra. But why should offsets increase price, things in India can be done cheaper. Infrasture worth $2 Billion. There is just not enough transperency regarding this deal or C-130 why we are paying $200 mil per aircraft.

[Kailash]

FMS is a no-offsets agreement

link

Foreign military and direct commercial sales – "no known offsets" and FMF

Suggest you read the whole thing. Amazing detailing - aspiring that one day India forms a similar export law for its exports, and people queue up to get our products

[NRao]

My doubts on this deal

Natural to have doubts. However, each plane varies and the associated costs vary too. Nations can approach the manufacturers directly and make a deal. FMS has advantages and tend to cost more.

I have been on C-130s that have NO GPS!!!! There is a boat load of difference between machines in C-130s. Not as much in the C-17s, but take a look at some of the interiors of a Aussie C-17 and the older USAF ones. You would not take a second look at the older USAF one.

Do not know which route the UK or the Aussies went - FMA or direct. When they were bought also has to figure into the cost per unit.

FMS is a no-offsets agreement

Very true.

The offsets associated with the Indian C-130 and C-17 are on the part of the manufacturers. Nothing to do with the GotUS/FMS.

[Roperia]

Indian Air force expresses interest in acquiring six more C-17 planes: Boeing

Five of the 10 aircraft will be delivered by next year and the other five in 2014, he said. The deal for supplying ten C-17 aircraft is USD 4.1 billion.

Boeing was also set to deliver first of the maritime petrol airplane, Poseidon P8-I, early next year to the Indian Navy, he told PTI at the Singapore Airshow being held from February 14 to 19. The P8-1 contract is worth USD 2.1 billion.

Boeing is also negotiating to supply 22 AH64 Apache helicopters and 15 CH 47 Chinook helicopters, the Boeing officials said. The Chinook contract is at industrial proposal discussion stage which includes modification to the helicopters to Indian specification," said Lewis.

[SagarAg]

Boeing was also set to deliver first of the maritime petrol airplane, Poseidon P8-I

Before it they were all Diesel.
muahahahhaha.

[NRao]

Feb, 2012 :: Boeing to build 10 C-17 military cargo jets for India in $1.8 billion foreign military sale

...................... FYI only .....................

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, 3 Feb. 2012. Aircraft manufacturers at the Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) Defense, Space & Security segment in Long Beach, Calif., will build 10 C-17 Globemaster III military cargo jets for the Indian Air Force in New Delhi, India, under terms of a $1.8 billion contract modification announced Thursday from the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft sale is part of the Foreign Military Sales program.

[NRao]

Indian Air Force orders 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft.

Aircraft manufacturers at the Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) Defense, Space & Security segment in Long Beach, Calif., will build 10 C-17 Globemaster III military cargo jets for the Indian Air Force in New Delhi, India, under terms of a $1.8 billion contract modification announced Thursday from the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft sale is part of the Foreign Military Sales program.

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

However, unless new orders come in next month or early in the second quarter, Boeing will have to take the risk of buying parts that take a long time to build in order to keep production going beyond mid-2014, in hopes of landing new orders later.

[srai]

My doubts on this deal

1) First of all, how much are we paying for Beoing C-17's is It $4.1 Billion inclusive of Engines and all contracts , $ 4.1 Billion +$380 Mil for Engines + $1.7 billion mentioned above.

2) US is paying $963 mil for 5 aircraft - 193 mil a piece

3) UK is paying $316 mil.

I know there are offsets and we are purchasing related infra. But why should offsets increase price, things in India can be done cheaper. Infrasture worth $2 Billion. There is just not enough transperency regarding this deal or C-130 why we are paying $200 mil per aircraft.

FMS overall deal is $4.1 billion for 10 C-17s (or an average of $410 mil per plane). Under this government-to-government deal, the US Gov will charge 5% for managing the project and will contract out individual pieces, such as planes (Boeing $1.7 billion for 10 planes), engines (PW $380 million for x number of engines), etc, to various manufactures that make C-17 parts. Also, the deal includes support and warranty for x number of years. There is also a 30% offset requirement. When everything is added up, the overall deal is $4.1 billion.

[Austin]

Russian-Indian multipurpose transport aircraft to get PD-14M engines [interfax/keypubs]

MOSCOW. March 6 (Interfax) - PD-14M, a new version of the PD-14 engine, could be installed in a Russian-Indian multipurpose transport aircraft, a source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax-AVN.

"PD-14M engines designed by Perm-based Aviadvigatel are offered for installation in the multipurpose transport aircraft," the source said.

The new engine version has improved take-off traction of 15.6 tonnes. The take-off traction of the engine's basic version, which is installed in the MS-21-300 aircraft, is 14 tonnes, he said.

The multipurpose transport aircraft (MRTA) is a tactical-strategic military transport aircraft. It is designed to carry personnel (up to 140 soldiers and 90 paratroopers). The aircraft may be based at mountainous airfields (up to 3,300 meters above the sea-level). The take-off weight is 68 tonnes. It can carry up to 20 tonnes. The flying range is 2,000 - 4,700 kilometers depending on the load. The ferry range is 7,300 kilometers. The aircraft's first flight is expected in 2016.

[Kersi D]

Boeing was also set to deliver first of the maritime petrol airplane, Poseidon P8-I

Before it they were all Diesel.
muahahahhaha.

NO They were using coal and lignite.

[Cybaru]

The new engine version has improved take-off traction of 15.6 tonnes. The take-off traction of the engine's basic version, which is installed in the MS-21-300 aircraft, is 14 tonnes, he said.

I think there was a proposal to stick a cfm or rr engine on this. I hope we do that and maintain commonality with civilian fleets. The CFM LEAP engines would be ideal given the time frame if this ever gets launched..

[Roperia]

Video 3rd batch of Ukrainian modernized An-32s light transport planes to fly back to India

Back in 2009, the countries clinched the biggest bilateral deal in Ukrainian aviation history to modernize military cargo planes owned by the Indian Air Force.

The upgraded An-32s have updated equipment for operation from airfields up to four thousand meters above the sea level as well as in hot conditions.

The upgrades will help in increasing payload carrying capacity of the aircraft from around 6.7 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes and aim to prolong the airplanes' service life to 40 years.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force assures that not a single Ukrainian plane has been meant to participate in any warfare.

Ukrainian and Indian officials assured that those military cargo planes are to be used for transportation and humanitarian missions.
...

Why this unusual clarification that they are not meant to participate in any warfare?

I have been curious about An-32's use for dropping bombs since this video, released by IAF on their 79th Anniversary, clearly shows at 5:39 an An-32 being used for precisely that.