Transport Aircraft for IAF

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ShauryaT
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by ShauryaT »

Boeing C-17s, Shashikant Sharma, & accountability
It is curious that the Indian press and media that does raises hell when it comes to anything going wrong with ex-Russian military hardware is strangely silent and fails even to report the findings of the Comptroller and Accountant General regarding problems with Western and US-sourced equipment and platforms. .....

As per the offset contract (of June 2011), simulator services in India were to be made available by July 2013 for the planes inducted in the period June 2013-December 2014. Audit observed that Boeing “was yet to setup” the simulator through its Indian Offset partners — ....

CAG faults IAF for not assessing “suitability of its runways before induction”. The result is sheer “underutilization of pay load capacity”, according to CAG, with C-17s carrying as little as 17 tonnes on sorties and averaging around 26-35 tonnes. ....The cost penalties are huge considering the cost per flying hour is Rs 43. 19 lakh, which CAG deems “imprudent”.

In other words, there is no obligation for Boeing and the US Government to deliver, other than the aircraft itself, on the contracted services and infrastructure related to efficient operations of this aircraft. .....

But here’s the nub of the whole issue. How did this substantively flawed and faulty contract pass muster with the Ministry of Defence, and who is responsible for it? Well, the Director-General, Acquisitions, in MOD in June 2013, when the LOA was signed was one Shashikant Sharma, IAS, and hence directly responsible for accepting this contract. Sharma demitted the office of DG, Acquisitions, the next month (in July 2013) but not before concluding the Augusta-Westland VVIP helicopter deal — remember that scam? — for which he was rewarded with posting as Defence Secretary, retiring from which capacity he was appointed CAG by the Manmohan Singh’s Congress party government. And it is as CAG that he now pronounces on the shortfalls of the C-17 contract, which he was originally responsible for in the first place!!

As stated in earlier blogs, Shashikant Sharma on his retirement as CAG in 2017, needs to be investigated for his hand in the Agusta scam, but also for the C-17 fiasco. Unless accountability becomes the norm, the present phenomenally lax system, ultimately of financial resources mismanagement, will persist, and India willfully reduced, by its minders, to a pauper.
shiv
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by shiv »

Where is Philip?
Pratyush
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Pratyush »

Finally a "scandal "with us purchased equipment. I would love to know the per sorties avg lifted by the IL 76.

Before commenting on the utilisation rates for C 17.
MohdKav
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by MohdKav »

Length of Runways, isnt really a scam. It is something that be easily rectified and can act as a advantage.
rohitvats
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by rohitvats »

Next time when anyone posts anything from Bharat-Karnad, it should be explicitly mentioned as such. At least one would not waste time by cliking such links.

He has been using filthy language against IAF for sometime now. Wonder what privilidge IAF did not extend to him!
JTull
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by JTull »

Airbus C295W demonstrates air-to-air refuelling (Tanker) capability
Image

Airbus Defence and Space has successfully demonstrated the Airbus C295W medium transport as an airborne tanker. The C295W, equipped with a palletized air-to-air refuelling unit and associated computer control system, conducted multiple contacts with a standard Spanish Air Force C295 in a test flight on 29 September. Both crews reported extremely smooth operation at various speeds as low as 110kt. The system is intended for refuelling turboprop aircraft, helicopters, and eventually unmanned aerial vehicles. Possible applications include special operations and extending the range of search and rescue aircraft. Further trials with a helicopter receiver are planned before the end of the year.

Video Link
Pratyush
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Pratyush »

Interesting, opens up the possibility of using IAF transporters as refulers.
Philip
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Philip »

Here! Did I not say aeons ago that the C-17 deal which appeared out of PC Sorcar aka Snake-Oil Singh's hat,was a trade-off for the N-deal? Boeing was about to close down the C-17 line and dear Old Snake-Oil was ever-willing to oblige. Mark Tully once told me that he (Snake-Oil) was obsessed with the N-deal.
Those who watch closely know that there was one set of stds for the US and another for Ru and the rest.

However,I do not deny the capability of the bird.In retrospect,it has given the IAF extra capability.nevertheless,at a huge cost,which when you examine the venerable IL-76s,now in a new upgraded avatar,come infinitely cheaper,3-4 for the cost of just one C-17 (no longer in production too),which have been used to ferry our IAF teams to take part in US air exercises (Red Flag,etc) in Alaska!

New IL-78 tankers are on the anvil,upgrades of all/most IL-76s and surely in the future more of them.A few more for the extra AWACS Phalcons already reportedly on order.

The pending decision is for the LTA/MTA.This should be speeded up asap as the AVROs are antiques.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Singha »

Pratyush wrote:Interesting, opens up the possibility of using IAF transporters as refulers.
The midas had palletized fuel tanks. But who will fit the 3 refueling hoses, pump system and operator station on all transporters?
Singha
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Singha »

The c17 can lift large sam systems, brahmos and pinaka telar, agni1,radars and even t90 tanks into theater which il76 of any mark cannot.

The old soviets used an22 for this and now an124. Its the an124 which flies to syria routinely
Singha
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Singha »

Il76 is good as people mover and para brigade nd russian vvd units use il76 mostly
JTull
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by JTull »

Singha wrote:
Pratyush wrote:Interesting, opens up the possibility of using IAF transporters as refulers.
The midas had palletized fuel tanks. But who will fit the 3 refueling hoses, pump system and operator station on all transporters?
C295 solution truly seems different as per the video. The back ramp is opened and the pallet uncoils the hose. Seems pallets can just roll-on/roll-off with minimal effort of securing them in the hold.

Some more details here
JTull
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by JTull »

And here

Image

Image

Image

Image
JTull
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by JTull »

India should push ahead with this project to replace Avros and An-32s. Seems very versatile (link) with AWACS and XTOL (Extreme take off and landing) capabilities in the works.
Cybaru
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Cybaru »

I thought we shortlisted it and CCS approved. Not sure what remains at the moment. This would be a good addition. Add some extra IL476 and we can take our time on getting our heads out of our rears and start working on MTA on our own. We can do this!! Or get Airbus defence as consultant. They don't have a plane in the MTA category.
Philip
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Philip »

Apart from the LTA/MTA,we need to get a larger platform for our indigenous AEW bird now using EMB aircraft.Embraer have become embroiled in an intl. scam which may affect the Indian conrtact too for the 3 aircraft supplied.In case EMB's become "tainted",there are other options.

In the same size are two Ru aircraft,Sukhoi's Superjet and the MC-21 (ntended to replace the Yakovlev Yak-42, Tupolev Tu-134, Tupolev Tu-154, and Tupolev Tu-204/214s in service) .An Airbus Boeing rival. The smaller SSJ-100 is in the EMB class,5 yrs in service and over 77 built.Mexico's Interjet uses it also on US routes.has western engines. Either of these two types could be built in India if large civvy orders materialise.

For the tankers,the IL-78 upgraded version appears to be the IAF's choice,esp on price and commonality with existing aircraft.IL-76s/476s are being acquired for the extra Phalcons.

The largest number required is still the LTA/MTA to replace Avros and later on the upgraded AN-32s.Here the EU contenders are in pole position,though the R co.'s supposed tie-up with the UKR/Antonov may spring a surprise.We've operated Antonov's (AN-12s and AN-32s) v.successfully in the past,the bigger bird still going strong in some parts of the world.

We should also look forward with newer versions of the DO-228 s well since the aircraft has been built for decades by us RUAG own the co. now,which we've could've obtained for a song.There is an OZ design for a DO amphib too.
Philip
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Philip »

Is yet another deal being steered towards the US's way? There's nothing wrong with the IL-78s,which we operate,new upgraded ones in production at low cost.These very tankers few halfway across the globe to take part in US air exercises and support our fleet of Jags and MKIs. At this rate we will have such a variety of aircraft types in every segment which will make maintenance,etc. a nightmare.The IAF is the most profligate of the 3 services on this score and is suffering for it.

http://www.defencenews.in/article/Boein ... r_to_India
Boeing offers KC-46 tanker to India
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
By: Stratpost
U.S. aviation giant Boeing has offered India its KC-46 mid-air refueling aircraft, shortly after the withdrawal of the USD 1 billion Indian Air Force (IAF) tender for six tankers in July. This was the second time a tender for the aircraft was cancelled. The Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) had been selected both times, beating the Russian IL-78, an aircraft already operated by the IAF. The European aerospace and defense company had extended the validity of its bid several times before the tender was withdrawn.

Sources in the IAF told StratPost that Boeing has already sent in representatives to brief New Delhi on the aircraft. Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar was also apprised of the capabilities of the aircraft during his recent visit to the U.S.

Boeing’s KC-46 program was selected by the USAF for its USD 51 billion KC-X tanker requirement. The KC-46 is based on Boeing’s 767 commercial airliner.

Boeing has never participated in either of the two Indian tanker contests, but had admitted the possibility that it might offer the aircraft to India, in the event it was finally selected for the U.S. tanker program. At this point, it remains unclear if the defense ministry and the IAF will issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the third time or if they will choose the government-to-government approach to purchase the type without a tender.
Kartik
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Kartik »

Not exactly related to transport aircraft for the IAF, but hey, its MRTT, so in a way its a part time transport too. So it's going to be KC-46, Airbus A-330 MRTT and Il-78MD-90A MRTT.

Someone please start a new thread for Indian Military Aviation, the old one is over 100 pages and locked.

posting article in full from AW&ST
The Indian air force is working to define its qualitative requirements for an aerial tanker to replace its seven Ilyushin Il-78MKIs after scrapping plans to buy six AirbusA330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTT), and will accept offers from any global vendor capable of meetings its needs.

A high-ranking Indian air force official tells Aviation Week that the tender for six Airbus tankers was withdrawn related to cost concerns and an ongoing reassessment of requirements. The official stressed that the demand for more tanker capacity is greater now than ever, and the acquisition process will resume when the requirements and quantity have been revalidated. He anticipates an “open and transparent competition” between the Airbus A330 MRTT, Boeing KC-46 or other aircraft capable of meeting India’s needs. The official says Russia could even offer its new Ilyushin Il-78MD-90A-based multirole tanker, which is slated to begin testing in 2017.

“We talk about an open and transparent competition,” the Indian official says. “We don’t say we need this airplane or another. We state what capabilities the air force needs; whichever manufacturer can meet those needs obviously goes into the competition. It’s a global tender. Every country or industry that has the capability and can prove it will be cleared to respond, and there are people who can respond even if they cannot meet the qualifying requirements. Everybody is free to respond, [but] only those who meet the qualitative requirements will be considered.”

...

Boeing has an entrenched presence in India on the commercial and military side, with New Delhi ordering the company’s C-17 Globemaster III, P-8i aircraft and AH-64E Apache and CH-47 Chinook rotorcraft. The company will almost certainly pitch its Boeing 767-based KC-46 tanker to India, having now entered low-rate production for the U.S. Air Force after resolving significant development issues that had set the program back. Airbus will be looking to revive the A330 MRTT deal, which is worth $1-2 billion. The wide body tanker can double as a troop or executive transport aircraft and has long been the Indian air force’s preferred choice over Russian alternatives or a purpose-built Boeing KC-767.The A330 type is operated by Australia, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and UK. South Korea signed for the type last year.

The KC-46 is being procured by Japan, and Israel has expressed interest too. Thanks to the reset of India’s tanker acquisition, Boeing now has the time needed to enter its now fully developed KC-46A in New Delhi’s third tanker race since 2006. In August, Boeing secured U.S. Air Force contracts worth $2.8 billion for production of the first 19 operational KC-46s.

“Since the start of the program there has been strong interest from nations looking to modernize their air refueling capabilities,” Boeing said of its KC-46 in an Oct. 13 email. “Recently, with the KC-46 successfully completing the Defense Department’s Milestone C requirements, a number of potential international customers have reengaged with Boeing and we look forward to continuing our conversations with them.”
Indranil
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Indranil »

Kartik wrote:Not exactly related to transport aircraft for the IAF, but hey, its MRTT, so in a way its a part time transport too. So it's going to be KC-46, Airbus A-330 MRTT and Il-78MD-90A MRTT.

Someone please start a new thread for Indian Military Aviation, the old one is over 100 pages and locked.
It is here and I am going to cross-post this post there.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by JTull »

IAF C-17 lands at Mechuka forward landing ground in Arunanchal Pradesh, 29 Km from Sino border



This should answer some of the questions about it's capabilities vis-a-vis IL-76.
Kakarat
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Kakarat »

Longer video of IAF C-17 lands at Mechuka
Manish_P
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Manish_P »

Cooly efficient

Any idea of the load-out ?
(apologies if mentioned in the video... youtube banned at workplace :( )
vaibhav.n
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by vaibhav.n »

Mechuka Valley on map. IAF usually has An-32 sorties to Mechuka ALG. Along is the district HQ.

Mechuka is a relatively large and wide river valley with low rolling hills all the way from Along. The terrain is less drastic than is experienced on the way to areas as Tawang . Ideal for any Armour that may be deployed.

Arunachal map

An-32 landing

BCM Road Trip to Mechuka
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by yensoy »

Stupid question... but is it possible to "harden" any typical A-320 or B-737 for Air Force Transport use? A320 has a higher stance than the 737, and the earliest specimens supplied to Indian airlines had double bogie landing gears for poor airstrips. The interior baffle/floor can be removed and a rear door added. Sticking with civilian models gives huge cost advantages, parts/logistics commonality and crew/servicemen familiarity.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by yensoy »

Thank you Zynda. As far as positioning personnel, guns, ammunition and supplies in remote places like Leh, Mechuka, Andamans etc - can a subfleet of converted commercial transport aircraft be used? Unless we are doing an airdrop over Siachen, do we really need the Il-76? Of course versatility is lost somewhat, and in an actual war situation the number of frontline air transport aircraft will be only a subset of the fleet. But there may be benefits in exploring this as we build better airstrips in the remote locations. China flies commercial aircraft into Nyingchi airport which is right across the border from Mechuka (of course the terrain is vastly different between Tibetan plateau and Arunachal). I also see a lot of armymen flying commercial these days (especially to Leh).
Gilles
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Gilles »

Many will no doubt recall this thread where I claimed that the Pavement Classification of the C-17 would in fact prevent if from going to most runways and that this aircraft was not able to and on 3000 and 3500 foot runways on a routine basis as claimed.

viewtopic.php?t=5291&start=320

It is therefore of no surprise to me to run into this July 2016 CAG report:

http://www.cag.gov.in/sites/default/fil ... gement.pdf
3.1.6 Non exploitation of capabilities of C-17 due to inadequate runways C-17 aircraft is capable of conveying payload of 70 tonnes with short field landing capability on 3500 feet runways including its capability to operate from high altitude austere airfield. However, for its effective operations at higher loads, it requires runway pavement to be of certain minimum quality. The quality of pavement is indicated through its pavement classification number (PCN). For operation of C-17 aircraft, runway was upgraded with PCN value to 75 at AFS, Hindan.
In order to operate C-17 aircraft with full pay load, Head Quarter Western Air Command (HQ WAC) decided (December 2014) for PCN evaluation during 2015-16 in respect of five Air Force bases (Sirsa, Sarsawa, Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur) where runway resurfacing was planned for 2016-17. HQ WAC also decided (December 2014) for PCN evaluation in respect of four other airfields (Hindan, Awantipur, Chandigarh and Thoise) which were upgraded/resurfaced during 2015.
Since runways did not possess the required PCN and were not strong enough to withstand full impact, the aircraft was operating with lesser payload being carried. Although, the Maximum All Up Weight (AUW) of C-17 aircraft was 265 tonnes however aircraft was operating with average AUW of 216 tonnes.
Thus, IAF had not assessed suitability of its runways before induction of C-17 fleet and as a result of runways with lower PCN, C-17 aircraft was operating with lesser payload. Air HQ stated (April 2016) that the C-17 aircraft is capable of operating from runways with lesser PCN value in case situation demands such operation. Air HQ further added that the Audit statement holds good partially in respect of 14 airfields which were
found unsuitable for operation of C-17 because of low PCN values and ground manoeuvring requirements.
Reply of Air HQ may be seen in perspective that the C-17 fleet had been operating with the reduced payload.
Thus, there were delays in completion of specialist infrastructure and simulators required for training to pilots and loadmasters. Further, there was under-utilisation of operational capabilities of C-17 aircraft due to non-availability of runway with appropriate PCN and lack of ground equipment at various bases.
This is PCN problem is an issue the IL-76 does not have. It's PCN is almost half of the C-17's......
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Viv S »

Gilles wrote:Many will no doubt recall this thread where I claimed that the Pavement Classification of the C-17 would in fact prevent if from going to most runways and that this aircraft was not able to and on 3000 and 3500 foot runways on a routine basis as claimed.
Airstrips where the C-17 is expected to operate on a 'routine' basis is being resurfaced and are, for the most part, more than lengthy enough (the runway at Leh for example is over 9000 ft). Some of the infrastructure plans are behind schedule (and that is what the CAG report was alluding to).


In Siachen, a faster response system
The changes in the air-support are projected to match the changes on the ground: the IAF wants its ALG (advanced landing ground) at Nyoma in South Eastern Ladakh facing Aksai Chin (about 25 to 30km from the Line of Actual Control with China — a few seconds in flight) to be upgraded into a full-fledged base. It is doing that in Kargil where the runway is being lengthened. At Thoise, where we were diverted because bad weather made it impossible for the V5 to cross the Khardung La last evening, there is now a heated hangar for helicopters. C-17 Globemaster III aircraft of the IAF land in Thoise regularly as does a civilian plane chartered as a “courier” by the army.
As far as make-shift high altitude ALGs go, the C-17 is not expected to make 'routine' visits.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Paul »

C17 flew over my house in S Bangalore. Probably on those remonetization trips to Mysuru.
Indranil
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Indranil »

Gilles,

Happy to see you back. What you were saying then was obvious, and therefore this CAG report is no surprise to me.

But, I don't think that IAF selection committee is a fool. They would have known this pretty well as well. Note, that they did not parrot the lines from the brochure. They did not refute the reporters whose comprehension is brochure-deep or who went gung-ho after a trip in a C-17 in an airshow. The truth is IAF needed the C-17s because the IL-78s service record is abysmal. It is not because the plane or the design is bad. It is because the after sales services of cash strapped Ilyushin is horrible. Plus, C-17s additional payload carrying capacity means that they can now actually take some loads to the hot and high places. All this carrying tanks to Leh and stopping within 3000 feet and all are part of the circus, i.e. called Indian defense procurement. We have our clowns just like any other country. IAF knows it and plays along to get what is needed.

But I hope you keep posting here. I loved your posts.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Gilles »

Viv S wrote: Airstrips where the C-17 is expected to operate on a 'routine' basis is being resurfaced and are, for the most part, more than lengthy enough (the runway at Leh for example is over 9000 ft). Some of the infrastructure plans are behind schedule (and that is what the CAG report was alluding to).
I was claiming that too. The USAF had to make or resurface special "unpaved" runways for the C-17 to operate into, runways that could handle the aircraft's hi PCN (I remember posting that the C-17 has a PCN similar to that of a Boeing 707, which is not know as a bush aircraft).
The C-17 is never operated into regular unpaved, dirt or grass runway like a C-130 or Il-76 can.

So after selling this aircraft as a huge land and go-anywhere bush aircraft to the IAF, the same IAF had no choice but to upgrade a series of runways to accommodate same aircraft.........

Now that the wedding is celebrated and the marriage is consumed.......
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Viv S »

Gilles wrote:So after selling this aircraft as a huge land and go-anywhere bush aircraft to the IAF, the same IAF had no choice but to upgrade a series of runways to accommodate same aircraft.........
You know this how? The CAG report seems to suggest that the IAF & MoD were aware of the aircraft's PCN specs all along, presumably knew what the upgrades to the runways would cost and therefore made an informed decision while ordering the aircraft. Which is already running a critical air bridge to Siachen (Thoise).
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by JTull »

Since we're on the subject of retrospectively comparing C-17 to IL-76, could we also look at what are the availability rates for both. That is, what part of each fleet is down at any time (on average) as compared to brochure/promised/contracted rates?
Gilles
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Gilles »

Viv S wrote: You know this how? The CAG report seems to suggest that the IAF & MoD were aware of the aircraft's PCN specs all along, presumably knew what the upgrades to the runways would cost and therefore made an informed decision while ordering the aircraft. Which is already running a critical air bridge to Siachen (Thoise).
Oh dont misunderstand me, there is no doubt in my mind that the IAF knew all along that these runway upgrades would have to be done, but this appeared nowhere in the brochures and the sales pitches to sell the aircraft. In any documentation, press releases etc provided by both Boeing and whatever customer who was looking to buy the aircraft and trying to convince the bean counters to fork out the required money, it was always presented as a huge bush aircraft that could land on any unsurfaced airstrip, as long as it was at least 3500 feet long. Earlier publications (before the IAF expressed its interest) even claimed 3000 feet.....
Gilles
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Gilles »

JTull wrote:Since we're on the subject of retrospectively comparing C-17 to IL-76, could we also look at what are the availability rates for both. That is, what part of each fleet is down at any time (on average) as compared to brochure/promised/contracted rates?
Good point. But for the comparison to be fair, one must also look at factors which are not directly related to the aircraft.

How much was invested in spares inventory for the IL-76 fleet vs the the Boeing fleet ?
How much was invested in after purchase support for the IL-76 fleet vs the Boeing fleet ?

When a C-17 is down, a Boeing technician is right there to fix it and has the required spare part on inventory. This was planned in the purchase contract.

Is this the case for the IL-76/78/A-50 fleet ?

A friend of mine once bought a 1974 Ferrari. He took it to a Ferrari garage to have it looked over, The technician went over the car with a fine toothed comb and prepared a list of items that had to be taken care of. My friend asked the technician how much all that would cost. The technician looked at him with a surprised look and replied that whomever asked such questions could not afford a Ferrari.

Whether you buy a 1974 or a 2016 Ferrari, it is still a Ferrari and both must be maintained as such.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Viv S »

Gilles wrote:Oh dont misunderstand me, there is no doubt in my mind that the IAF knew all along that these runway upgrades would have to be done, but this appeared nowhere in the brochures and the sales pitches to sell the aircraft. In any documentation, press releases etc provided by both Boeing and whatever customer who was looking to buy the aircraft and trying to convince the bean counters to fork out the required money, it was always presented as a huge bush aircraft that could land on any unsurfaced airstrip, as long as it was at least 3500 feet long. Earlier publications (before the IAF expressed its interest) even claimed 3000 feet.....
Well that may be relevant to a customer that needed such a capability (maybe the USAF). All IAF ops, including those involving the C-130J & the Il-76, are conducted from surfaced airstrips.
Whether you buy a 1974 or a 2016 Ferrari, it is still a Ferrari and both must be maintained as such.
Given that the C-17 was a more economical aircraft per unit cargo (flyaway) than the Il-476*, making a comparison to the 'Ferrari' is odd... unless you see the Il-76 in the mould of an Alfa Romeo perhaps.

*May have changed after the Ruble crash last year.
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by rohitvats »

Gilles wrote:<SNIP>So after selling this aircraft as a huge land and go-anywhere bush aircraft to the IAF, the same IAF had no choice but to upgrade a series of runways to accommodate same aircraft.........Now that the wedding is celebrated and the marriage is consumed.......
Your position with respect to published capabilities of C-17, and those not published, is well known. And they may hold good in case of opposing the Canadian purchase decision. But it would be prudent to not bring the same line of argument for the IAF purchase or the way we intend to employ the aircraft. Indian transport aircraft scene is pretty different.

1. First things first, India is not about to embark on expeditionary war. Something which might require an a/c like C-17 to land on short unpaved runways.

2. IAF has a very large network of airfield available across the entire length and breadth of the country. So, even if C-17 cannot land with it full permissible load on these airfields, it is still better than having to land on unpaved airfield in the middle of nowhere.

3. IAF is in the process of lengthening and updating almost its entire network of airfields across the country. This involves not only the runways but pretty much everything else. It is even updating its Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) to take large aircrafts like C-130 and C-17. These ALG are basically a runway in forward, inaccessible areas with basic set-up to support transport aircraft and helicopter operations. Most of them are located along Sino-Indian border in our north-eastern states. Some are in eastern Ladakh in our north, again along India-Tibet borders. Areas which will be scene of action if balloon goes up between India and China.

Recently, C-17 landed on an ALG where earlier an An-32 used to land. This ALG happens to be under 50 km from the Sino-Indian border in one of our north-eastern states and situated at an altitude of 6,000 feet. It has a runway which is under 4,500 feet.

An An-32 can carry between 5-6 tons. If a C-17 can bring in between 20-30 tons to ALG like these, that itself is a big advantage. Not to forget that cargo-hold dimensions of C-17 allows for many large-sized objects to be carried. So, where earlier IAF would've required almost half+ squadron of An-32, a single C-17 can do the task. It also makes on ground logistics easier.

I don't recall an IL-76 ever landing on any of our ALG in north or eastern India.

4. Coming to the weight aspect as mentioned in CAG report who mentioned, the report errs on a crucial aspect - it assumes that every logistic sortie of C-17 needs to happen with full load capacity. It never works that way.

An IL-76 which can theoretically carry ~40 tons of payload, is never able to carry this maximum capacity. This is because the cargo hold dimensions ensure that it is filled up by volume much before full payload capacity is utilized. Only in case of compact payload like a T-72 tank does an IL-76 utilize it full payload capacity.

If the CAG was to undertake an assessment on similar lines for IL-76, it would point out similar under-utilization as well!

However, there is another aspect to this argument.

This is what USAF website page on C-17 says about the a/c:
Maximum payload capacity of the C-17 is 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms), and its maximum gross takeoff weight is 585,000 pounds (265,352 kilograms). With a payload of 169,000 pounds (76,657 kilograms) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 feet (8,534 meters), the C-17 has an un-refueled range of approximately 2,400 nautical miles. Its cruise speed is approximately 450 knots (.74 Mach)
Lets look at the data:

Empty weight - 128,100 kg
Full fuel capacity - 82,124 kg
Payload capacity - 76,657 kg
Max AUW - 2,65, 352 kg.

So, it seems to achieve full payload capacity, about 21.5 tons of less fuel than max fuel capacity needs to be carried. And this as per the above quoted statement from USAF website gives a range of 2,400 nautical miles or about 4,500 km.

Now, at its maximum from north to south, India is under 3,500 km in length. C-17s placed in center of India (where we do place IL-76) would require max radius of ops of 2,000 km. That is HALF of what C-17 can do with max payload!!!

In our case, given the radius of action and PCN restricton of AUW of 216 tons, a C-17 can carry 60 tons payload with ~30 tons of fuel to ensure it reaches the farthest corner of the country. Even if we give more leeway, a single C-17 can carry about 55 tons with 35 tons of fuel and still serve almost every nook or cranny of this country.

That is about 20 tons more than what an IL-76 can carry.

All the airfields mentioned in the CAG report that you mentioned are within 1,000 km of the base from where C-17 operate. In our case, the payload and fuel capacity of C-17 along with our operational requirement, gives tremendous capability.
Philip
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Joined: 01 Jan 1970 05:30
Location: India

Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Philip »

The IL-476 in production in Russia costs one-third/one-fourth of a C-17 which is no longer in production.Plus the load is now around 52t ,range 4000+km .“The IL-76MD-90A is based on the same airframe and fuselage of IL-76 aircraft.”
Il-76MD-90A is capable of carrying 126 parachutists or 145 troops in single deck arrangement and 225 troops in double-deck arrangement. It can also be installed with special equipment to carry 114 injured persons.Full details here;
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.word ... ft-russia/

New platforms are being procured for the extra Phalcon/AWACS for the IAF.perhaps new IL-78 tankers too. If we need extra C-17s we'll have to buy them second-hand.
Nick_S
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Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Nick_S »

Exclusive: Indian Air Force Now Won't Ferry Personnel On Its Main Transporter Aircraft Following Crash Inquiry

by Sudhi Ranjan Sen

http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2016/12/15 ... n-homepage
Russia-made medium transporter aircraft AN-32–the mainstay workhorse of the Indian Air Force (IAF)--will no longer ferry personnel, or civilians, the Indian Air Force has told the Ministry of Defence. It has also recommended that the entire fleet of AN-32s to be replaced as soon as possible. :eek:

The findings of the Court of Inquiry—recently accepted by the Indian Air Force—says the crash was caused due to a phenomena called "icing"

The Court of Inquiry has established the pilot tried to avoid bad weather and had even deviated from course. "This indicates pilot awareness," the official said. But why the pilot couldn't take anti-icing measures is not very clear.

In India, icing is typically witnessed between altitudes of 22,000 and 24,000 feet, where the temperatures range between 0 degrees Celsius and minus 15 degrees Celsius.

"Recovery was possible had the pilot climbed higher—above 25,000ft. But these aircraft are old and to climb higher, the pilot would have had to reduce weight. That would mean dumping the load over the sea which was not possible in this case," the official said. The ill-fated transporter was carrying personnel.

This is why the IAF has now told the defence ministry that AN-32 will only carry load that can be dumped over sea in case of an emergency. This means no transporting personnel from now on.
Paul
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Joined: 25 Jun 1999 11:31

Re: Transport Aircraft for IAF

Post by Paul »

IOW More Hercules?
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