Indian Military Aviation- Jan 10 2012

SagarAg · Post by **SagarAg** » 19 Feb 2013 07:35

pandyan wrote:From livefist.
IAF Statement: February 22, 2013 would witness the Indian Air Force demonstrate its operational capabilities by day, dusk and night at the sprawling facility of the Pokharan Range, the largest air –to-ground weapons firing range for training in delivery of heavy armament, near Jaisalmer, in the arid Rajasthan Sector in an Exercise named – Iron Fist.

Showcasing more than 30 types of platforms and Weapons Systems amounting to a participation of over 200 aircraft, this Fire Power Display will demonstrate the day and night employability of air power by frontline fighter aircraft of the IAF including - Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG-21,MiG-27, MiG-29 and Hawks. The transport aircraft would include – C130J, AN-32, Embraer and IL-76, while Mi-8, Mi-17 V5, Mi-17 1V and Mi-35 Attack Helicopters will constitute the Rotary Wing ingredients.

Being a display of armament delivery skills by pilots at the end of their training year, the exercise also aids commanders and planners to gain better insight into the potential and deployment capabilities of aerial weapons.

The IAF would also be showcasing, for the first time, its Surface to Air Missile Systems and its latest aircraft Pilatus PC-7 Mk II. The events at - Iron Fist intend to display various aspects of Fire Power like- Air Defence Operations, Counter Surface Force Operations, Urban Warfare and Combat Search Rescue Operations.

Light Combat Aircraft and Light Combat Helicopter, two of the most prestigious indigenous projects would also form a part of the display.
.....
My jaw dropped and hit the floor when I read the above. LCA finds a mention after pilatus. LCA and LCH would also form a part of the display...

And what is pilatus doing in iron fist?

LCA and LCH should have been mentioned in the first line of statement like:
" For the first time in IAF exercise/history indigenously built LCA Tejas and LCH will display their might with live firing demo as a part of Iron Fist display."

Bala Vignesh · Post by **Bala Vignesh** » 19 Feb 2013 11:30

But what the hell is a light trainer with no weapons capability doing in a fire power display???

member_22539 · Post by **member_22539** » 19 Feb 2013 11:43

Bala Vignesh wrote:But what the hell is a light trainer with no weapons capability doing in a fire power display???

Isn't it obvious, some people are obviously in love with any thing foreign. It is disgusting to see such colonial mindsets in this century.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 19 Feb 2013 12:15

Can the Pilatus PC-7 Mk2 serve any combat role whatsoever? Perhaps as a Forward Air Control aircraft, a role that the HAL Krishak performed in the 1960s. It can carry a gun pod on its 2 underwing hard points.

Bala Vignesh · Post by **Bala Vignesh** » 19 Feb 2013 12:26

I remember reading/hearing that the PC-7's had no wiring for weapons firing.. They were to be used solely for flight training.. And what's the point of having a FAC aircraft for a firepower demo???

PratikDas · Post by **PratikDas** » 19 Feb 2013 12:28

To fly some photographers? If so, I wouldn't complain

nikhil_p · Post by **nikhil_p** » 19 Feb 2013 15:58

Pilates are necessary for the maintenance of musharaff in good health!

After all the hulabaloo over the westland deal, I think they want to show something which is 'good'

Also, we were able to do a jugaad of using dumb bomb with guidance...we will do additional jugaad to fit a LMG in the rear seat! with the trainee doing shooting hain jee.

image hosting

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 19 Feb 2013 16:19

IAF all set for first day & night exercise - Iron Fist - Another Report, this time from ET

Indian Air Force will conduct its first day-night exercise to demonstrate combat and fire prowess at Rajasthan's Pokharan firing range on February 22, marking the debut of indigenously developed light combat aircraft Tejas.

The mammoth fire power exercise 'Iron Fist' in the skies over the Thar desert will also see weaponised advanced light helicopter 'Rudra' in action and participation of latest aircraft Pilatus PC-7 Mk II and over 100 fighter, transport aircraft and helicopters with equal number on standby, defence spokesperson S D Goswami said.

Different aircraft which include Sukhoi 30, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Mig 27, MIG 21, MIG 29, attack helicopters, UAV and high-tech AWACS will display their potential, he said.

The event will also showcase transport aircraft like AN-32, Embraer, IL-76, IL-78 and C-130J while Mi-17V5 and Mi-25, Mi-35 attack helicopters will constitute the rotary wing ingredients. Pilatus-7, the state of art trainer aircraft, will also be part of the show and fly past.

The live action will be monitored by Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and an unmanned aerial vehicle will stream live video images of the targets set for destruction. The air defence activities will include firing of surface-to-air guided missiles, Goswami said.

Mock radar sites, tanks marshaling yards, terrorist camps, runway, BMP and convoys will be among other targets the IAF pilots will seek to destroy during the exercise.

Troop inspection of Garuds (IAF's special force) and NSG to neutralise a mock terrorist camp and display by para jumping team 'Akash Ganga' will also be part of the event at Pokran firing ranges.

Besides the fire demonstration, the IAF's helicopter aerobatics display team 'Sarang' will perform along with Akash Ganga team.

"Sukhois will give enthralling performance by forming a trishul in the sky," Goswami said.

Vintage aircraft Tiger Moth, the first basic trainer aircraft of the IAF, will be another attraction at the event. The aircraft will showcase IAF's golden past, he said.

Tiger moth was the primary trainer for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

The event would be witnessed by President Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A K Antony, Air Chief Marshal NAC Browne, foreign military attaches of various countries and senior officials from the government and armed forces.

member_20453 · Post by **member_20453** » 19 Feb 2013 17:22

Nikhil T wrote:RIL Jamnagar refinery on foreign UAV radar?

I wonder, do they have any SAM cover over this plant. I think all key intsllations like this need SAM cover asap and the best kind, a couple of Pantsir launchers would do. I think we should order Pantsir asap. this thing makes sense, can fire 12 missiles and has nice auto canon incase anyone gets close.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_2 ... sir-s1.jpg

We can order around 1000 such launchers and make them at home under TOT. Major, IAF, IN and IA bases as well as critical installtions like nuke plants, airports, dams etc can have these. They are mobile, can pop-up in a moments notice and have enough frepower to take on most threats.

nikhil_p · Post by **nikhil_p** » 19 Feb 2013 18:29

Septimus P. wrote:
Nikhil T wrote:RIL Jamnagar refinery on foreign UAV radar?

I wonder, do they have any SAM cover over this plant. I think all key intsllations like this need SAM cover asap and the best kind, a couple of Pantsir launchers would do. I think we should order Pantsir asap. this thing makes sense, can fire 12 missiles and has nice auto canon incase anyone gets close.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_2 ... sir-s1.jpg

We can order around 1000 such launchers and make them at home under TOT. Major, IAF, IN and IA bases as well as critical installtions like nuke plants, airports, dams etc can have these. They are mobile, can pop-up in a moments notice and have enough frepower to take on most threats.

The JN refinery is very close to our airbase (about 15-17 miles). An armed helo/fighter can easily be scrambled quickly. Also, long range radar/missiles from the JNAB should be able to defend easily.

A Sharma · Post by **A Sharma** » 19 Feb 2013 20:14

Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 fighter plane crashes at Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan; 2 pilots eject safely

Anurag · Post by **Anurag** » 19 Feb 2013 20:40

One, glad the pilots ejected safely and two, curious what caused the crash.

SagarAg · Post by **SagarAg** » 19 Feb 2013 21:10

Anurag wrote:One, glad the pilots ejected safely and two, curious what caused the crash.

As per Tarmak007:

SOURCES: The Su-30 MKI which crashed couldn't recover after firing weapons at Iorn Fist. It was part of HAL's Phase-1 production line.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Feb 2013 22:14

So the Su-30 MKI was crash martyred in Iron Fist!

Meanwhile Nightwatch notes Iron Fist

18 Feb 2013

India: For the record. The Times of India reported, the Indian Air Force will conduct its first ever day-night exercise and will display its full combat capability during exercise "Iron Fist." The training will be held at the Pokhran firing ranges in Western Sector in Rajasthan on 22 February.

"Work at the new air strip on Pokhran range is operationally ready for this mega event which would be witnessed by President Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A. K. Antony," plus foreign air and defense attaches, defense spokesperson S. D. Goswami said.

Comment: Work-ups began more than a week ago and major rehearsals are taking place this week. More than 100 aircraft will participate. This firepower demonstration is for Pakistan's benefit as much as for India's.

I recall that Kargil intrusion happened in May 1999 right after the Pokhran Air power exercises and yet it took the IAF ~3 weeks to get ready by last week of May 1999.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 19 Feb 2013 22:50

SagarAg wrote:As per Tarmak007:
SOURCES: The Su-30 MKI which crashed couldn't recover after firing weapons at Iorn Fist. It was part of HAL's Phase-1 production line.

Where did you get that from ??? Tarmak has this

------Original Message------
From: PRO INDIANAIRFORCE
Subject: PRESS RELEASE - Su-30 CRASH
Sent: Feb 19, 2013 8:34 PM

---
"33"
pib.nic.in
pib.mod.in

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
*****

New Delhi – 19 February, 2013

IAF Su-30 AIRCRAFT CRASH

One Su-30 aircraft of the IAF crashed at Pokharan Range on 19 Feb 2013 at about 1920h. The aircraft was on a night flying training mission. Both the pilots ejected safely. There is no reported damage to any civil property or life on ground. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate into the accident.

PJ/CMG

SagarAg · Post by **SagarAg** » 19 Feb 2013 23:14

Sagar G wrote: Where did you get that from ??? Tarmak has this

Check this out.

Sagar G · Post by **Sagar G** » 19 Feb 2013 23:30

SagarAg wrote:Check this out.

Ok got it but what's up with dragging HAL into this at this initial stage ???

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Feb 2013 23:57

No just an identifier of the batch.

member_20067 · Post by **member_20067** » 21 Feb 2013 08:58

What kind of Camo is this?

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 21 Feb 2013 09:20

Looks like a high visibility paint scheme.

member_20067 · Post by **member_20067** » 21 Feb 2013 09:58

Why does IAF Mi-17s have black paint outside exhaust outlet whereas Mi-35s don't?

member_20067 · Post by **member_20067** » 21 Feb 2013 10:01

ok.. so standard configuration for Mi-35 includes exhaust suppressor which can be fitted optionally it seems

Kakarat · Post by **Kakarat** » 21 Feb 2013 18:55

Will there be a Telecast of the event on TV?

Kakarat · Post by **Kakarat** » 21 Feb 2013 22:32

Indranil · Post by **Indranil** » 21 Feb 2013 22:36

Kakarat wrote:

Who the hell makes such grotesque ads?!!! And what the hell is an F-16 doing there?

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 21 Feb 2013 22:37

That F-16 is a target for Akash SAM

member_20067 · Post by **member_20067** » 21 Feb 2013 22:41

totally useless ad.. cummon the folks who designed this ...

SagarAg · Post by **SagarAg** » 21 Feb 2013 23:37

Kakarat wrote:

dafaq?

I hope its by some clueless fan and not MoD/DD.

Austin wrote:That F-16 is a target for Akash SAM

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 21 Feb 2013 23:42

The latest edition of FORCE Magazine carries interview of Chief of Air Staff - NAL Browne. Some important points which clarify lot of questions raised on the forum:

1. No of Squadrons - 34 Combat Squadrons.
2. MMRCA - Price Negotiation Committee (PNC) has finalized technical and off-set related issues. ToT related aspects are being finalized.
3. Air-to-Air Refueler - 6 operational on IL-78; contract being finalized for 6 more A-330 MRTT. Contract likely to be finalized in next financial year.
4. AWACS - 03 IL-76 based Phalcon AWACS operational; additional 02 being negotiated for. However, he does not mention the platform on which these 02 AWACS will be installed. 03 domestic AEW&C sanctioned in 2004 - 02 systems likely to be operational by 2014-15. Development of 02 AWACS by DRDO sanctioned in January 2011. By 2017, it is expected that IAF will have 5 x AWACS+2 x AEW&C.
6. C-130 and C-17 - Requirement for additional 06 C-130J aircraft is being processed. Talks about only 10 C-17 being contracted as of now.
7. LCH/CH-47/AH-64D - R&D of LCH is being funded by IAF and requirement of IAF stands at 65 helicopters. CH-47 and AH-64D contract likely to be frozen 2013-14 time frame.
8. Jaguar DARIN-III: Upgrade of DARIN-1 Jaguars to DARIN-III underway. Entire process to be completed by 2017-18 time frame. Re-engine with F-125IN to be completed by 2023. Upgrade elements include - HOTAS, auto-pilot mode, VOR/ILS/TACAN, glass cockpit and other avionics.
9. Su-30MKI - Of the 42 ordered, 14 to be delivered by Russia while rest to be manufactued by HAL.
10. FGFA: First prototype to be delivered by 2014 with two more in 2016 and 2017. Serial production expected in 2022.
11. Akash SAM uint is already operational and more units are expected to enter service.

KrishnaK · Post by **KrishnaK** » 21 Feb 2013 23:50

rohitvats wrote:Re-engine with F-125IN to be completed by 2023

10 years to be done with that ! How much longer do we expect to be flying them ?

sankum · Post by **sankum** » 22 Feb 2013 00:11

Army, HAL sign Rs 300 cr deal for 20 Cheetal choppers

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Feb 2013 07:21

KrishnaK wrote:
rohitvats wrote:Re-engine with F-125IN to be completed by 2023
10 years to be done with that ! How much longer do we expect to be flying them ?

they might skip the oldest airframes. does anyone know the age distribution of our airframes. there was a bunch that came from UK in mid 80s before HAL line was setup.

if B52 airframes made in 50s can still fly around, so the Jags from the late 80s. looks like the airframe is very durable looking at plans.

nash · Post by **nash** » 22 Feb 2013 08:03

Please some one made the video of that exercise .....

member_20067 · Post by **member_20067** » 22 Feb 2013 08:15

Will there be live streaming?

member_23455 · Post by **member_23455** » 22 Feb 2013 11:24

Prithwiraj wrote:Will there be live streaming?

IIRC not on the official site but there are heaps of unofficial streaming websites for DD National.

merlin · Post by **merlin** » 22 Feb 2013 11:29

rohitvats wrote: 4. AWACS - 03 IL-76 based Phalcon AWACS operational; additional 02 being negotiated for. However, he does not mention the platform on which these 02 AWACS will be installed. 03 domestic AEW&C sanctioned in 2004 - 02 systems likely to be operational by 2014-15. Development of 02 AWACS by DRDO sanctioned in January 2011. By 2017, it is expected that IAF will have 5 x AWACS+2 x AEW&C.

That should be 5 x Phalcons and 3 x AEW&C. All 3 AEW&C should be operational by 2017, not just two.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 22 Feb 2013 12:35

Please please record the stream will be the first time we will see Tejas in action live

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 22 Feb 2013 12:41

For the first time, IAF a/c land at the new Thanjavur Air Base - The Hindu

During the recently-concluded annual exercise “Dakshin Prahar”, conducted by the Southern Air Command (SAC), Indian Air Force (IAF) Fighter Aircrafts, zoomed across the sky in Thanjavur. Two deep penetration fighter aircrafts took to the skies from the newly-constructed runway of the Air Force Station in Thanjavur.

“It is pertinent to note that this is the first-time fighter aircraft landed in this airfield in the last seven decades”, said a press release from the Air Force Station, Thanjavur, on Thursday.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Feb 2013 12:48

from deep in the Chola heartland the flag of India shall rise again....time to convert it into a P8 , awacs and maritime strike base second to none.

merlin · Post by **merlin** » 22 Feb 2013 12:51

I have a question on data links used/proposed to be used by the IAF.

There are currently 3 data links that I know of

1. BEL Data Link
2. BEL Data Link 2
3. Operational Data Link (ODL) by IAI

Any links/additional information about each of them, specs and status?