Indian Air Force News & Discussion - 15 Dec 2016

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 15 Jan 2017 00:49

Rakesh wrote:ACM Dhanoa flies a MiG-21M...

https://twitter.com/zone5aviation/status/819524479168618496

Air Chief flies MiG-21
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSRF_nPp_xM

Bala Vignesh · Postby **Bala Vignesh** » 16 Jan 2017 15:42

Rakesh wrote:The irony was the people who live in the area were nonchalantly just walking about their business. I was the only mad man who was screaming.....Su-30, Su-30, Su-30!!!!

You should try HAL airport!! The people there are the least bit bothered about the kind of exotic birds that dot their air space and here I am left breathless running up and down the stairs to my terrace to catch glimpses of them..

Yagnasri wrote:Mango question - Can't Jags do high altitude bombings etc with the new engines they are getting?

Last I heard this project was shelved!! Is it still alive and kicking??? Any timelines???

abhishek_sharma · Postby **abhishek_sharma** » 17 Jan 2017 16:55

Ejecting At Night From a Doomed, Disintegrating Sukhoi: A Hero’s Story

Old story: Published in 2014

Aditya_V · Postby **Aditya_V** » 17 Jan 2017 17:17

Yagnasri wrote:Mango question - Can't Jags do high altitude bombings etc with the new engines they are getting?

Last I heard this project was shelved!! Is it still alive and kicking??? Any timelines???[/quote]

Not really wasnt the first Darin I to Darin III upgraded Jag with a New Honeywell engine. Aparently 61 of Darin 1 jags are being upgraded to Darin III

abhishek_sharma · Postby **abhishek_sharma** » 17 Jan 2017 18:12

‘Time To Go, Ram’: When An Indian Air Marshal Punched Out Of A Mirage 2000

Old but great story.

Philip · Postby **Philip** » 17 Jan 2017 18:27

MP's line from his Ind. Exp. quote about the increased serviceability of MKIs and helos to "60%" (Global std. 70-75%)

“The biggest problem I faced was after sales service. Defence PSUs considered after sales service as an expense and not an investment.

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 18 Jan 2017 21:41

Indian Air Force and Royal Air Force of Oman to hold joint exercise
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/iaf-and-royal-air-force-of-oman-to-hold-joint-exercise/articleshow/56606005.cms

https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/821729555584909312

https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/821726202217926657

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 18 Jan 2017 21:43

The IAF wants a twin-dome simulator for Hawk Mk.132 conversion, continuity & mission training
https://twitter.com/livefist/status/821636593849171972

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 19 Jan 2017 22:12

RSAF to train with Indian Air Force for another 5 years, under renewed bilateral pact
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rsaf-to-train-with-indian-air-force-for-another-five-years-under-renewed-bilateral-pact

Singapore, India renew air force agreement for another 5 years
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-india-renew-air-force-agreement-for-another-5-years/3449996.html

India, Singapore renew bilateral air force training agreement
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-singapore-renew-bilateral-air-force-training-agreement-4482053/

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 19 Jan 2017 22:13

Russia unveils super-Jet 'MiG-35’, offers it for Indian Air Force: Report
http://m.indiatvnews.com/news/world-russia-unveils-super-jet-mig-35-offers-it-for-indian-air-force-report-365568

Bala Vignesh · Postby **Bala Vignesh** » 20 Jan 2017 20:04

Rakesh wrote:Russia unveils super-Jet 'MiG-35’, offers it for Indian Air Force: Report
https://twitter.com/search?q=INdian%20Air%20Force&src=typd

Rakeshji,
The link doesn't show anything regarding the MiG 35.. kindly confirm if the link is correct??

shiv · Postby **shiv** » 20 Jan 2017 20:33

Philip wrote:MP's line from his Ind. Exp. quote about the increased serviceability of MKIs and helos to "60%" (Global std. 70-75%)

“The biggest problem I faced was after sales service. Defence PSUs considered after sales service as an expense and not an investment.

An explanation for this idiocy has been posted before. DPSUs wanted the armed forces to pre-order spares that would have to be importe d- leading to vast cost escalation and when the forces were unable to pre-order those spares HAL/DPSU would sell their stuff and not be able to service them at will - but call for tenders, import spares etc after they were needed yesterday.

We find a lot of mocking of CISMOA here but without taking sides we have to learn from the Americans. Their attitude is that the stuff they give anyone is "on lease" but they do such a goddam thorough job of keeping spares available and keeping equipment working that no one can touch them No wonder they are the world's largest arms suppliers

DPSUs need to factor in the cost of lifetime support, I hope things have moved in that direction :-o

JTull · Postby **JTull** » 20 Jan 2017 21:11

+1

And, until they get this part right, should stop dreaming of being an exporter. Else, we're bound to see plenty of negative press just like Dhruv sale to Ecuador.

Cybaru · Postby **Cybaru** » 20 Jan 2017 22:27

shiv wrote:DPSUs need to factor in the cost of lifetime support, I hope things have moved in that direction

That would be great if all new purchases (local/foreign) came with 75% uptime guarantee, that put cost of building support infrastructure, stocking of high value parts and appropriate training of personnel right upfront.

shiv · Postby **shiv** » 20 Jan 2017 22:34

JTull wrote:+1

And, until they get this part right, should stop dreaming of being an exporter. Else, we're bound to see plenty of negative press just like Dhruv sale to Ecuador.

That is too "dharmic" an attitude towards business. Apart from the fact that at least two Ecuador accidents were due to poor flying. Unless we persist and take flak from customers and learn - we cannot wait till we think we have a "perfect" product to export. Even if it is perfect there will be complaints and bad press. We still laugh at made in China but that never stopped them for exporting. Japan too started of that way.

Not to forget that we have exported Chetaks, Dhruvs, Do 228s and ships to other countries as well - but we hear too much about Ecuador.

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 21 Jan 2017 00:16

Bala Vignesh wrote:The link doesn't show anything regarding the MiG 35.. kindly confirm if the link is correct??

Balaji...my deepest apologies. I have fixed the link in the original post. Please recheck.

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 21 Jan 2017 06:47

India to buy cannon ammo for Su-30MKI, Mi-35 gunships from Russia
http://www.defenseworld.net/news/18287/India_To_Buy_Cannon_Ammo_For_Su_30MKI__Mi_35_Gunship_From_Russia#.WIK0abYrJQM

The Indian Armed Forces (IAF) has considered buying 50,000 rounds of 30mm GsH ammunition for Su-30 fighter jets and more than 60,000 rounds of 12.7 mm ammo for Mi-35 gunships, Sputnik News reported today.

50k for 200+ Rambhas and 60k for only ~20 Mi-35 gunships? The numbers don't make sense.

shiv · Postby **shiv** » 21 Jan 2017 06:55

Rakesh wrote:
50k for 200+ Rambhas and 60k for only ~20 Mi-35 gunships? The numbers don't make sense.

Cannon is only "just in case" for Su-30. It is an integral part of the attack package for Mi 35.

Videos show Mi 35 going "brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" . Never heard Su 30 cannon but aircraft cannons are usually "brrrrrrp" and thats it (Please nobody remind me that this is not true for A-10. Thanks)

andy B · Postby **andy B** » 21 Jan 2017 07:37

shiv wrote:
Rakesh wrote:
50k for 200+ Rambhas and 60k for only ~20 Mi-35 gunships? The numbers don't make sense.

Cannon is only "just in case" for Su-30. It is an integral part of the attack package for Mi 35.

Videos show Mi 35 going "brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" . Never heard Su 30 cannon but aircraft cannons are usually "brrrrrrp" and thats it (Please nobody remind me that this is not true for A-10. Thanks)

Doc ji on top of that MKI only carries ca 150 rounds each whereas the Mi35 that IAF has still has the orignal Yak B 50 cal three barrel fire breather. The Mi35 carried ca. 1500 rounds IIRC and like you said would chew up rounds quick smart given integral weapon.

Doc ji for your viewing pleasure su30sm firing off gsh 30 in trials this thing is an absolute monster! :twisted:

Prithwiraj · Postby **Prithwiraj** » 21 Jan 2017 08:53

How many Mi-35 frame are we really left with? It is in 20s or higher 40s?

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 23 Jan 2017 22:03

Nicobar as an IAF base in the Indian Ocean: Strategic Asset or Liability?
http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news ... liability/

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 24 Jan 2017 01:45

IAF's Garud commandos to be equipped with new arms and bullet proof jackets
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/iafs-garud-commandos-to-be-equipped-with-new-arms-and-bullet-proof-jackets/1/862847.html

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 24 Jan 2017 20:58

Boeing 777-300ER: The next Air India One aircraft
http://www.defenceaviation.com/2016/12/ ... craft.html

and in lighter vein.....

A forwarded tweet from Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd)
https://twitter.com/Chopsyturvey/status ... 0254202881

Bala Vignesh · Postby **Bala Vignesh** » 24 Jan 2017 21:49

Strange that they are going for a 300ER instead of a 200LR.. The LR gives the maximum range for a slightly lower carrying capacity..

Zynda · Postby **Zynda** » 24 Jan 2017 22:21

Most likely the 300ER will be fitted with extra fuel tanks in the cargo bay giving it a long intercontinental range with MTOW.

Kakarat · Postby **Kakarat** » 25 Jan 2017 22:43

Vayu Sena Medal for Squadron Leader Rijul Sharma and Squadron Leader Ramesh Verma, they are real ~~Heroes~~ Superheroes, Please read their stories

https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/824282451472093184
https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/824286718236819456

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 26 Jan 2017 00:10

Indian Air Force flight simulator attracts students
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 766756.cms

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 26 Jan 2017 21:21

Interesting! Maybe sniffing India's looming tanker fight..
IAI to also showcase its B767 MMTT tanker capability at Aero India this year.
https://twitter.com/livefist/status/824617365547556864

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 26 Jan 2017 21:23

Air Marshal SRK Nair, AOC-in-C Training Command awarded PVSM for his meritorious service
https://twitter.com/writetake/status/824430446629023744

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 27 Jan 2017 04:50

I never heard anything about the Honeywell upgrade for the longest time. And now this...

IAF Jaguar deep-penetration strike jets at Republic Day.
Fleet set for an engine replacement, with beefier Honeywell F125N turbofans.
https://twitter.com/ShivAroor/status/824556376475054080

Added Later -->
Indian Air Force Confirms Jaguar Re-engine Plan
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ ... ngine-plan

Indian Air Force Gives Thumbs Up to Upgraded 'Bomb Trucks'
https://sputniknews.com/military/201611231047752629-india-jaguar-fighter/

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 27 Jan 2017 04:51

Parade at Rajpath ends with fighter jet flypast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8q7viNRXg8

Check the video from 7:20 onwards...the announcer talks about upgraded MiG-29s. Any latest update on how far the upgrade process is going?

Added Later: I found a link stating that the upgrade for the 67 MiG-29s is almost done....

India nearing completion of MiG-29 aircraft upgrades
http://www.ibtimes.co.in/india-nearing- ... des-694908

Rakesh · Postby **Rakesh** » 27 Jan 2017 04:57

All in all, good news. Jaguar upgrade is underway, Mirage 2000 upgrade is progressing and MiG-29 upgrade is also near complete.

Surya · Postby **Surya** » 27 Jan 2017 06:04

Is that correct? the Honeywell engines already tried out?

I thought that selection process was stuck somewhere

any other confirmation

Cybaru · Postby **Cybaru** » 27 Jan 2017 08:17

Probably just the darin3 for now.

Austin · Postby **Austin** » 27 Jan 2017 18:27

MiG-29 Service Center opens in India this year

Lukhovitsy (Moscow region), January 27 - RIA Novosti. RAC "MiG" In 2017 opens in India service center for maintenance of MiG-29, said Friday the general designer - Vice-President for Innovation KLA Sergei Korotkov.

"We offer foreign customer subscription service system In addition to the delivery of the aircraft themselves, we are ready to build on the territory of a foreign customer country service center for their services ... This service center MiG-29 fighter aircraft is scheduled to open in 2017 in India.",

https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20170127/1486615420.html

Varoon Shekhar · Postby **Varoon Shekhar** » 27 Jan 2017 18:35

"Group Captain N Chaturvedi, the station PRO, was quoted saying that the upgraded aircraft contains 90 per cent of indigenous spare parts. He also added that many of the parts were locally produced."

Very good news of course! But the language, 'contains..indigenous spare parts..added that many of the parts were locally produced" Well, yes, isn't that what's meant by 'indigenous spare parts'. Or are they talking about being made at a HAL unit, as opposed to outsourced to various private companies? The article doesn't make that clear at all. But nice information, I always assumed that the vast majority of spare parts for the Mig-29 were procured from Russia, the Mig-21 series is a different story.

suryag · Postby **suryag** » 27 Jan 2017 19:12

This is very welcome given the single digit serviceability of the 29s

kit · Postby **kit** » 27 Jan 2017 20:35

http://www.defenceaviation.com/2014/09/boeing-might-stop-manufacturing-fighter-planes.html

So far this year, the company is said to have delivered nine of its F-15 Eagle fighters, 31 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, along with EA-18G Growlers. By moving at a pace of manufacturing of four every month, the Super Hornet/Growler will provide a total of 47 airplanes in 2014. However, the F-15 has no monthly delivery program the company delivered two planes in January, April & June respectively and one in February, March & July and not any in the month of May or August

Karan M · Postby **Karan M** » 27 Jan 2017 20:45

Varoon Shekhar wrote:"Group Captain N Chaturvedi, the station PRO, was quoted saying that the upgraded aircraft contains 90 per cent of indigenous spare parts. He also added that many of the parts were locally produced."

Very good news of course! But the language, 'contains..indigenous spare parts..added that many of the parts were locally produced" Well, yes, isn't that what's meant by 'indigenous spare parts'. Or are they talking about being made at a HAL unit, as opposed to outsourced to various private companies? The article doesn't make that clear at all. But nice information, I always assumed that the vast majority of spare parts for the Mig-29 were procured from Russia, the Mig-21 series is a different story.

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today ... 11BRD.html

Varoon Shekhar · Postby **Varoon Shekhar** » 27 Jan 2017 21:27

^
Thanks, uplifting! And these base repair depots are distinct from OFB centres, and not under them, I presume.I remember reading that the Russians were impressed with some of the modifications, indigenisations of Mig aircraft made by either units like these, or by HAL itself. And in a few cases, they were adopted by the Russians for their own planes.

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