Indian Military Aviation- Jan 10 2012

merlin · Post by **merlin** » 04 Aug 2012 10:31

Well at least an ASTOR if not a JSTARS. Got to begin somewhere.

arijitkm · Post by **arijitkm** » 04 Aug 2012 19:11

There is some news earlier.

Elta, Bombardier Pursue Multi-Mission Aircraft Opportunities

With the third Indian Airborne Early Warning (AEW) undergoing final integration, the Israeli company is looking for new opportunities to fulfill India’s thirst for AEW. With the growing interest in smaller platforms Elta is reportedly considering expanding its platform options beyond the Conformal AEW (CAEW) based on the specially modified Gulfstream 550 jet, integrating its AEW system on Bombardier Challenger and Global series aircraft.
.......
The two companies are also planning to integrate ELTA mission systems and radars on turbo-prop powered Dash-8 Q300 and Q400 aircraft optimized for military and civilian maritime patrol missions. AA model of the aircraft carrying a multi-mission package designated EL/I-3360 is on display at IAI’s display at the Israeli Pavilion at Aero-India 2011.

The system on display comprises a Other special mission platforms considered for these platforms are Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Communications Intelligence and Multi-Sensor Platform (MARS) carrying Synthetic Aperture Radar and Electro-Optical payloads.

Hiten · Post by **Hiten** » 04 Aug 2012 20:49

Harpoons on the P-8I Neptune

via http://www.aame.in/2012/08/boeing-p-8i- ... ndian.html

Kakarat · Post by **Kakarat** » 04 Aug 2012 21:19

IAF Sukhoi-30 jets have a design flaw: Air Chief NAK Browne

Air Chief NAK Browne on Saturday said the IAF has identified a "design flaw" with the Russian-made supersonic fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30 though nothing is wrong with its "airworthiness".

"We have identified a Fly-By-Wire problem with the aircraft. It is a design issue and we have taken it up with the designing agency," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function held to mark Golden Jubilee celebrations of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune.
...

arun · Post by **arun** » 05 Aug 2012 17:11

Dummy harpoon missile underslung, Indian Navy P8I (IN 320) escorted by chase plane touching down:

Clicky

m mittal · Post by **m mittal** » 12 Aug 2012 03:56

Haven't heard about HJT-36 Sitara or NAL Saras for a while. Does anyone has any insider info re: the status of these projects. Also any info re: LCH & LOH would be welcome.

I think it would a good idea to post an update on the projects once a month, compiling info from various sources.

Just my 2 paise...

member_22605 · Post by **member_22605** » 12 Aug 2012 22:46

LUH is progressing well (there is no LOH, it was just a research project) we are expecting the GTV to be ready by the year end or early next year.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 13 Aug 2012 03:03

^^^^ What is the GTV?

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 13 Aug 2012 03:12

Ground Test Vehicle

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 13 Aug 2012 05:00

Sitara has dropped below radars, HAL gave it way too much publicity early on.

anand_sankar · Post by **anand_sankar** » 13 Aug 2012 11:33

Probably the only thing nice about being tied to a hospital bed is watching take offs from HAL airport. Lucky to get a room looking bang onto the runway.

count since morning:

2xMig-21
1xHawk

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 13 Aug 2012 12:35

So it was a HAWK which took off

rajanb · Post by **rajanb** » 13 Aug 2012 13:00

The 10:05 one was a MiG and I heard a Hawk circling around later; followed by another MiG. Anand_Sankar, Was it in that order?

In which case my hearing is good

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 13 Aug 2012 15:46

2 Jags, 2 Hawks and 1 Mig 21 this afternoon. Apart from 1 ALH

member_22539 · Post by **member_22539** » 13 Aug 2012 17:44

^^You guys should arm yourselves with cameras with telescopic lenses. It seems nothing gets past you.

anand_sankar · Post by **anand_sankar** » 13 Aug 2012 19:03

@Pandyan, back home, but it was mini air-show out there today!

The flying order was like this today...

1. Mig-21 (early around 8.30 am)
2. Mig-21
3. Hawk (so silent compared to the crotch rocket and the jags)
4. Jaguar
5. Jaguar (two-seater)
6. Hawk
7. Painted white -- couldn't identify

The Jags did a few awesome touch and go's, was lucky the pull out and bank east was exactly framed by my window.

Lots of helos, but did not see any as their circuit was on the other side of the building.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 13 Aug 2012 19:10

why are you in hospital ? broken leg ?

alexis · Post by **alexis** » 13 Aug 2012 21:36

deleted as OT

anand_sankar · Post by **anand_sankar** » 13 Aug 2012 22:41

@Singha: Had to check in for two days for some first line servicing, nothing serious

member_20036 · Post by **member_20036** » 20 Aug 2012 20:39

IAF to deploy mid-air refuelling aircraft in West Bengal
NEW DELHI: The Air Force is planning to deploy six mid-air refuelling tankers aircraft at Panagarh air base in West Bengal, a step that will boostthe striking range of its fighter planes like Su-30 MKIs based along the China border.
IAF is expected to soon award the contract for procuring six mid-air refuelling tanker planes for which Russian-origin Ilyushin-78 and European A-330 MRTT are in the race,sources told PTI here.
At present, six mid-air refuelling planes are based in Agra to cater to the entire IAF.
With the deployment of these tankeraircraft in Panagarh, the striking range of fighter planes like Su-30 MKIs based in Tezpur and Chabua (both in Assam) will be enhanced as these can get fuel mid-air.
Mid-air refuellers are considered force-multipliers as they help in enhancing the strategic reach and the striking range of fighter jets.
Panagarh is an World War II airbase developed by the Americans to launch their aircraft into China during that period. It has been reactivated recently for use by the IAF.
The Il-78 and the European A-330 MRTT are in race for the deal to supply these six tankers deal expected to cost more than USD two billion to the IAF.
At present, the fighter jets deployed in the eastern region are being refuelled by the aircraft based in Agra but the whole exercise is a time-consuming process, the sourcesexplained.
As part of its efforts to strengthen its defences and preparedness along the China border, India has taken several steps such as deployment of squadrons of Su-30 MKI and raising of two additional divisions of the troops there.
It is also reactivating and opening airfields in Arunachal Pradesh and other states in the northeast.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 571024.cms

member_20036 · Post by **member_20036** » 20 Aug 2012 20:39

IAF to deploy mid-air refuelling aircraft in West Bengal

NEW DELHI: The Air Force is planning to deploy six mid-air refuelling tankers aircraft at Panagarh air base in West Bengal, a step that will boostthe striking range of its fighter planes like Su-30 MKIs based along the China border.
IAF is expected to soon award the contract for procuring six mid-air refuelling tanker planes for which Russian-origin Ilyushin-78 and European A-330 MRTT are in the race,sources told PTI here.
At present, six mid-air refuelling planes are based in Agra to cater to the entire IAF.
With the deployment of these tankeraircraft in Panagarh, the striking range of fighter planes like Su-30 MKIs based in Tezpur and Chabua (both in Assam) will be enhanced as these can get fuel mid-air.
Mid-air refuellers are considered force-multipliers as they help in enhancing the strategic reach and the striking range of fighter jets.
Panagarh is an World War II airbase developed by the Americans to launch their aircraft into China during that period. It has been reactivated recently for use by the IAF.
The Il-78 and the European A-330 MRTT are in race for the deal to supply these six tankers deal expected to cost more than USD two billion to the IAF.
At present, the fighter jets deployed in the eastern region are being refuelled by the aircraft based in Agra but the whole exercise is a time-consuming process, the sourcesexplained.
As part of its efforts to strengthen its defences and preparedness along the China border, India has taken several steps such as deployment of squadrons of Su-30 MKI and raising of two additional divisions of the troops there.
It is also reactivating and opening airfields in Arunachal Pradesh and other states in the northeast.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 571024.cms

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 21 Aug 2012 04:41

India, US set to ink $1.4bn deal for 22 Apache helicopters.

India is getting ready to order 22 heavy-duty Apache helicopters for around $1.4 billion, in what will be yet another big defence deal to be bagged by the US.

The US has already made military sales worth over $8 billion to India over the last few years, despite it having lost out to France in the almost $20 billion MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) project to supply 126 fighters to IAF, which is in the final commercial negotiations stage.

In the battle for the attack helicopters, Boeing's AH-64D Apache Longbow met all ASQRs (air staff qualitative requirements) during the extensive field trials conducted by the IAF, while the Russian Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant's Mi-28 Havoc failed to pass muster.

"It's just a matter of time before the contract is inked for the Apaches after final commercial negotiations. Most of the hurdles have been cleared,'' a defence ministry official said. The US and Russia are also locked in battle to supply 15 heavy-lift helicopters to IAF, with the Boeing-manufactured Chinooks pitted against the Russian Mi-26 choppers.

As first reported by TOI earlier, Indian armed forces are looking to induct as many as 900 helicopters in the coming decade, including 384 light-utility and observation, 90 naval multi-role, 65 light combat, 22 heavy-duty attack, 139 medium-lift and 15 heavy-lift, among others, many of them from abroad.

The impending $1.4 billion contract for the 22 Apaches will also include the supply of 812 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 542 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire-II missiles, 245 Stinger Block I-92H missiles and 12 AN/APG-78 fire-control radars, as per the Barack Obama administration's notification to the US Congress.

Among the other military aviation deals already bagged by the US are the $4.1 billion contract for 10 C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlift aircraft, $2.1 billion for eight P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and $962 million for six C-130J 'Super Hercules'' planes. Negotiations are now being finalized for acquiring six more C-130J as well as four more P-8I aircraft.

US deputy secretary of defence Ashton B Carter, on his recent visit to India, had stressed that Washington wanted to be New Delhi's "highest quality and most trusted long-term supplier of technology''. India had emerged as the second-largest FMS (foreign military sales) customer of the US in 2011 with imports worth $4.5 billion, he added.

member_23370 · Post by **member_23370** » 21 Aug 2012 05:32

Why is that piece of joke (AH-64 D) worth 64 mil per piece? It is sanction prone, cannot fly as high as LCH. Does not include ToT and I am sure cannot be used against MUNNA. Its time IA and IAF got over the foreign fetish.

Katare · Post by **Katare** » 21 Aug 2012 05:57

Because the joke is funny!

member_23657 · Post by **member_23657** » 21 Aug 2012 09:52

Bheeshma wrote:Why is that piece of joke (AH-64 D) worth 64 mil per piece? It is sanction prone, cannot fly as high as LCH. Does not include ToT and I am sure cannot be used against MUNNA. Its time IA and IAF got over the foreign fetish.

The $1.4 billion contract for the 22 Apaches will also include the supply of 812 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 542 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire-II missiles, 245 Stinger Block I-92H missiles and 12 AN/APG-78 fire-control radars, as per the Barack Obama administration’s notification to the US Congress

Please provide references which say it cannot be used against munna or chinna and is sanction prone. I am not an advocate of improving US-India relationship, but it is very evident with the number of procurements of-late points are to credible defensive and offensive build-up. I am sure these many missiles and the expensive fire control radars are not procured for practice firing and for war games but for real offensive purpose. The military think tanks wouldn't have gone for such deal if there were clauses of no-use against miscreants.

Brando · Post by **Brando** » 21 Aug 2012 10:50

Why hasn't India opted to buy the Arrowhead system ? The Longbow radar will definitely mandate inspections, why not go full tilt and bite the bullet by getting the Arrowhead system ?? Seems like a cop out not to get the Arrowhead system when you have the option to do so right now and train your crews on it from day 1. Besides, maybe the Apache will finally let India and Israel train together as the Israelis are the best operators of the Apaches this side of the world.

With this purchase India gets more Apache's than Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. Even Israel has only 11 D-model Apaches and Egypt with 36 D- model Apaches doesn't have the Longbow radar. Should India make another purchase of 22 Apaches, the Indian Air Force will be one of the top 5 users of Apaches in the world!

member_23370 · Post by **member_23370** » 21 Aug 2012 21:51

Ah I see. Thanks for the info. I should have googled for the deal. Wow nearly 1600 missiles + support seems well worth the money. I hope I am wrong about Unkil and Munna but as long as IA is not depending on Apaches alone it should be a manageable risk.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 21 Aug 2012 22:12

I have a feeling our longbows are coming with arrowhead as well. nobody after 2005 seems interested in the older kit. atleast in this boeing handout, it looks like arrowhead to me
http://www.stratpost.com/iaf-begins-apache-trials

Viv S · Post by **Viv S** » 22 Aug 2012 04:49

245 Stingers. At the risk of sounding like broken record vis-a-vis US munitions, logistically it probably makes sense to integrate the Stinger on the LCH as well, in lieu of the Mistral. Might even be worth examining the possibility of equipping the Hellfire on the LCH, given the staggering quantities that have been ordered, and the fact that the Helina is likely to face further delays.

chiragAS · Post by **chiragAS** » 27 Aug 2012 14:48

The $1.4 billion contract for the 22 Apaches will also include the supply of 812 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 542 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire-II missiles, 245 Stinger Block I-92H missiles and 12 AN/APG-78 fire-control radars, as per the Barack Obama administration’s notification to the US Congress

Why just 12 FCR? and why mentioned separate. i was always in the impression that these things comes as standard fit.
or are these spare ones?

at todays forex rate, these 22 birds are well above 7500 Crores.

arijitkm · Post by **arijitkm** » 30 Aug 2012 12:14

Russia, India close to signing pact for $600-m Multi-role transport aircraft deal

The joint venture partners for the $600-million multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) project, Russia and India, are set to sign a contract for freezing the preliminary design for the aircraft later this week.

The new development will give the project a much-needed shot in the arm.Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony had earlier raised concern over the delay in project implementation.

Any further delays could turn out to be advantageous for aircraft makers such as Embraer which is developing a similar aircraft called KC 390 and is expected to be fly in 2014, sources in the industry said.

Both the partners, who hold 50 per cent each in the joint venture through HAL and United Aircraft Corporation respectively, signed a contract in May to develop and produce 205 multi-role transport aircraft.

These aircraft will be used for emergency and rescue operations, cargo, etc. The new contract is follow up of the agreement signed between the governments of India and Russia in September 2010.

N.C. Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer of the joint venture company, Multi-role Transport Aircraft Ltd, told Business Line that this new development was a definite step forward towards completion of the project.

The Russian Air Force expects to place orders for 100 of these aircraft while the Indian Air Force is likely to take 45 of them. The rest will be taken by a third party.

Incidentally, the $600-million project is based on 2006 price levels when the project was first conceived. The new multi-role transport aircraft will replace the An24 and An12s.

The MTAs are in the 15 tonne to 20 tonne category and have a range of 2,500 km and can fly at 800 km per hour.

The joint venture is learnt to have been given a specific time-frame for freezing specifications like engine and also the systems and the basic layout apart from vendors.

Priority will be given for carrying out the work in the specified time frame and also to get the right technology and work within the cost.

nelson · Post by **nelson** » 30 Aug 2012 12:55

Bad news. Two IAF Heptrs in mid-air collision. Hate to see that thread up again.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/two-h ... eststories

rajanb · Post by **rajanb** » 30 Aug 2012 13:03

^^^^^^

http://english.samaylive.com/nation-new ... -bein.html

This report says no casualties. Thank heavens.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 30 Aug 2012 13:23

TOI has an update. None of the other media channels are confirming any causalities.

Six Air Force personnel have been killed as two helicopters of Indian Air Force collided midair in Gujarat, according to Times Now.

rajanb · Post by **rajanb** » 30 Aug 2012 13:32

Headlines Today confirms six killed.

karan_mc · Post by **karan_mc** » 30 Aug 2012 13:34

Two IAF’s Mi-17 Choppers have a Mid-air collisions in Gujarat, 6 killed

SAD NEWS , Rip to the Dead

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 30 Aug 2012 13:46

Very Sad Indeed , May their Soul Rest in Peace

karan_mc · Post by **karan_mc** » 30 Aug 2012 13:56

Same above link says 9 Dead Now , Error of Judgement on the pilots part leading to the collisions

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 30 Aug 2012 14:34

>> Any further delays could turn out to be advantageous for aircraft makers such as Embraer which is developing a similar aircraft called KC 390 and is expected to be fly in 2014, sources in the industry said.

satya vachan.

>> Incidentally, the $600-million project is based on 2006 price levels when the project was first conceived.

we all know Rus will use a scraping knife to cut us into pieces on this one. only HAL will happy cobbling this together. total bill = not less than $5 billion

KC390 will be nearly on time, come at a reasonable cost and HAL can still be happy cobbling it together.

arun · Post by **arun** » 30 Aug 2012 22:02

A dozen pictures of the IAF’s AW-101 Helicopters, serial number ZR 338, decked out in yellow primer is available at the bottom of the linked web page :

Clicky