Indian Military Aviation

sum · Post by **sum** » 15 Dec 2008 19:36

18 MiGs lost since 2005, says Antony

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force has lost 18 MiG aircraft from its fighter fleet in the last
three years.

"A total 18 MiG series fighter aircraft have crashed in the past two years and the current financial year till December 5," Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha.

On the reasons behind the mishaps, he said "the major causes of these crashes are human error, technical defects and bird hits."

The IAF investigated every accident through a Court of Inquiry and remedial measures were taken to check their recurrence in the future, the Minister said in a written reply to a question.

"Besides, a continuous and multi-faceted effort is always underway in the IAF to enhance and upgrade flight safety," he added

Listing out the measures, the Minister said enhancing the quality of training to improve the skill levels, ability to exercise sound judgment and situational awareness of pilots was being pursued.

"Constant interaction with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), both indigenous and foreign, is also maintained to overcome the technical defects of aircraft," he added.

Antony said the IAF was undertaking anti-bird measures to counter the threat posed to aircraft.

Apart from the aircraft lost, the government had paid over Rs 12 lakh as compensation, he added.

Nihat · Post by **Nihat** » 15 Dec 2008 23:49

sum wrote:Link
18 MiGs lost since 2005, says Antony

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force has lost 18 MiG aircraft from its fighter fleet in the last
three years.

"A total 18 MiG series fighter aircraft have crashed in the past two years and the current financial year till December 5," Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha.

On the reasons behind the mishaps, he said "the major causes of these crashes are human error, technical defects and bird hits."

The IAF investigated every accident through a Court of Inquiry and remedial measures were taken to check their recurrence in the future, the Minister said in a written reply to a question.

"Besides, a continuous and multi-faceted effort is always underway in the IAF to enhance and upgrade flight safety," he added

Listing out the measures, the Minister said enhancing the quality of training to improve the skill levels, ability to exercise sound judgment and situational awareness of pilots was being pursued.

"Constant interaction with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), both indigenous and foreign, is also maintained to overcome the technical defects of aircraft," he added.

Antony said the IAF was undertaking anti-bird measures to counter the threat posed to aircraft.

Apart from the aircraft lost, the government had paid over Rs 12 lakh as compensation, he added.

However , we would rather continue to use non - upgraded Soviet era migs rather than order more than just one Squadron of indigenous LCA.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 15 Dec 2008 23:55

6 Migs per year with the high number of hours the IAF flies is not a bad record. It had gotten as high as 14 - 15 per year (IIRC) around the period 2001 - 2003.

Nihat · Post by **Nihat** » 16 Dec 2008 00:07

Vivek K wrote:6 Migs per year with the high number of hours the IAF flies is not a bad record. It had gotten as high as 14 - 15 per year (IIRC) around the period 2001 - 2003.

It's still bad though , the pilots in those machines are invaluable - at least we can put a price on the planes , not on the pilots.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 16 Dec 2008 00:42

How many pilots died in these crashes?

K Mehta · Post by **K Mehta** » 16 Dec 2008 12:43

I have a question for gurus.
With regards to the fighter planes, we have always believed that the reduction of fighter plane types to just 4/5 (LCA, MRCA, FGFA, MCA and Su-30MKI), the logistics problems would be reduced. However we havent been counting the UAVs in it. The UAVs add another dimension in the logistics. With recon and even ground attack roles (Laser designator now, UCAV roles later) being now given to the UAVs will the problem of logistics still remain? Another problem that might happen would be overlap of roles. Will UAVs be the next logistics nightmare? considering the different types of UAVs we are already using, with more to be inducted, this situation seems to be looming at us?
JMTs

karan_mc · Post by **karan_mc** » 16 Dec 2008 14:32

Russia to supply 80 helicopters to India within three years

Russia today said that all the 80 'M-17' helicopters, contracted this month under a whopping $1.5bn dollar deal, would be delivered to
India within the next two to three years. Director of Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev said these new helicopters which would augment the ferrying capacity of the IAF considerably, would be supplied under the deal signed during President Dmitry Medvedev's maiden visit to New Delhi.

The value of the contract also includes the training of helicopter operating crew.

"Under the contract the Indian side will buy 80 M-17 military-transport helicopters on the turnkey basis. The deliveries will be carried over a span of 2-3 years and also includes the training of crews," Director of Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Mikhail Dmitriyev was quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS.

The range of action of the Mi-17 helicopters which are already in service with the IAF is over 700 kms and the chopper can transport 4,000 kgs of cargo in the cabin and another 4,500 kgs hanging outside the helicopter.

http://www.idrw.org/2008/12/16/russia_t ... years.html

Training of crews?? donot we have enough pilots and instructors to teach new batch of pilots ??

p_saggu · Post by **p_saggu** » 16 Dec 2008 14:53

What manner of Bird is this in one of our AFB's? UAV?

K Mehta · Post by **K Mehta** » 16 Dec 2008 15:06

karan_mc wrote:Training of crews?? donot we have enough pilots and instructors to teach new batch of pilots ??

I think its mainly due to changes in equipment, or maybe this includes simulators. We need to send atleast one batch of training crew to either learn the new equips or new aircraft flying, I guess.
JMTs etc. Mind you the article is from a Russian media, loss in translation can be expected.

p_saggu wrote:What manner of Bird is this in one of our AFB's? UAV?

Looks like that, looks like Rustom more than any Israeli UAVs though.

p_saggu · Post by **p_saggu** » 16 Dec 2008 16:18

Looks like Rustom

My thoughts exactly. This is one of those AFBs relatively closer to the frontline, BTW

, could the rustom already be deployed then or is she undergoing trail by fire?

Jagan · Post by **Jagan** » 16 Dec 2008 17:29

p_saggu wrote:
Looks like Rustom
My thoughts exactly. This is one of those AFBs relatively closer to the frontline, BTW , could the rustom already be deployed then or is she undergoing trail by fire?

which airfield is the above? could just be an aircraft wreck.

p_saggu · Post by **p_saggu** » 16 Dec 2008 17:44

Can I say it here? Or I could mail you...

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 17 Dec 2008 11:07

as you CAE now owns MACMET.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bang ... 847908.cms

Copter simulator to take off next year
17 Dec 2008, 0025 hrs IST, TNN

Bangalore : All aspiring helicopter pilots, including those who'd like to fly the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), can now
look forward to a hi-tech training centre. This first-of-its-kind centre in South Asia, which has received all clearances including $57 million, will come up in the new year.

The centre will be a CAE-HAL combine. CAE Canada is a world leader in helicopter simulators and will set up the centre on the outskirts, most likely in Devanahalli with HAL airport as an alternative location. "This centre will be the first of its kind this side of the Suez," a top defence official said.

The centre will train pilots in civilian and military flying. CAE will design and manufacture one full-mission simulator featuring its revolutionary roll-on and roll-off cockpit design, which enables cockpits representing various helicopter types to be used in the simulator.

CAE and HAL plan to provide cockpits for three variants of the HAL-built ALH Dhruv -- one cockpit each for the army, air force, navy and civilian variant of the Dhruv. Also, there may be a cockpit each for Bell 412 and Eurocopter if Bangalore is a good market for them. Other military and civilian helicopter platforms will be added as the market develops.

"The simulator offers both flight and maintenance training, and provides customers initial, conversion, recurrent and mission training. It will feature multimedia classrooms, computer-based training and a training management information system," defence experts said.

The simulator will be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and Joint Aviation Authority Level D with the ability to interchange all three cockpit modules for the Dhruv, as well as any additional helicopter cockpits added in future. When a cockpit is not in the full-mission simulator, it will be used as a fixed-based flight training device (FTD).

AT THE TRAINING CENTRE

* Simulator that gives the feel of flying a helicopter

* Cockpits of various helicopters in one simulator

* Cockpits of three variants of India's ALH

* Will help pilots use weapons and shoot

* Will help pilots in altitude stability

* Will help pilots move from one cockpit to another

Juggi G · Post by **Juggi G** » 17 Dec 2008 16:16

‘Coercion? God forbid, if something happens...’
Indian Express

‘Coercion? God forbid, if something happens...’
Manu Pubby
Posted online: Dec 17, 2008 at 0108 hrs

New Delhi : In 2001, when India mobilised troops on its western border after the attack on Parliament, the biggest worry at Air Headquarters was numbers. With lack of replacements depleting the fighter squadron strength, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, who had just taken charge, was concerned that the fighter numbers were probably not adequate. All he wanted was to “keep the existing fleet going”.
Seven years down the line, as India again talks about coercive diplomacy after the Mumbai terror attacks, the situation has worsened, especially in the IAF which is grappling with delays in procurement, bureaucratic wrangles and bad planning.

“Where is this talk about coercion when you cannot defend? When your defences are weak, what are you going to coerce with?” asks Krishnaswamy.

The former Air Chief has reason to be angry.

Consider this: the squadron strength of the IAF is at an all time low with only 32 fighter units operational. The only new acquisition since 2001 has been three squadrons of the Su-30 MKI. All other programmes, including a deal to purchase 126 fighters and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, will take at least five years to fructify before new aircraft enter service.

While it has been argued that with the induction of multi-role fighters, numbers can be cut down by replacing older generation aircraft with technologically superior fighters, the IAF maintains there can be no replacement for sheer force levels.

“The depleting number of aircraft cannot be made up merely with better technology. Numbers in war are important. The counter to falling aircraft strength is adding more airplanes,” says former Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi.

Analysts say modern fighters can carry out a number of different missions but in a full blown conflict, sheer numbers count and the rapidly depleting force level is affecting the capability of the IAF to carry out wide scale operations in the event of war.

“Given that the LCA project is running behind schedule, India has no option but to acquire more aircraft from other sources. The operational capability of the air force would till then continue to suffer,” says Tyagi.

What’s more worrying, even the reliability of the numbers that the IAF possesses is questionable. More than a third of IAF’s operational strength consists of obsolete MiG-21 aircraft. These aircraft are so ancient, says Krishnaswamy, that it is a “Miracle how they are Maintained”.

Other frontline aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, are due for upgradation. The Mirage, which proved its mettle during the Kargil war by delivering precision guided bombs on enemy positions, is in urgent need of modernisation but the process has been stuck in bureaucratic wrangles. While negotiations with France have been on for more than two years, the deal has been in the “final phase” of consultations for close to six months. Insiders say an agreeable price has not been reached yet.

A deal was finally signed with Russia to upgrade the MiG-29s earlier this year after two years of negotiations but it will take a good three years before the refurbished fighters enter service.

Adding to this is the slow pace at which acquisition programmes move. The “criminal delay” in issuing tenders for the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal, for example, has peeved off most air force analysts. The MMRCA was mooted in 1999 as an interim measure to compensate for the delay in the indigenous LCA project.

But it took the government nine years to issue global tenders after the requirement was first put up. “It even took the government three years after sending out request for interests to come up with a proposal. The frustration is with the system. The IAF may have beautiful plans but the question is, are the bureaucrats willing?” says Pushpindar Singh Chopra, President, Society of Aerospace Studies.

This strange reluctance in signing contracts for defence procurement has also badly hit the air defence cover. India has not purchased new radars for the air force in the last 17 years. Despite repeated IAF requests, acquisitions have been stuck at various levels and the country’s air defence plan has remained unchanged since 1976.

The latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) says that India’s air defence system is based on a model formulated in 1976 and the government has not yet cleared any of the revised air defence plans of the IAF that were submitted since that year despite “significant changes in security scenario”.

With a 47 per cent shortage of radar equipment, there are gaping holes in radar coverage of the country. While radars of all types are grossly inadequate, the shortage is most acute when it comes to low level transportable radars. India holds just 24 per cent of these radars that are vital to detect threats from low flying aircraft.

The IAF was left scrambling for these very radars to protect vital installations after an IB alert last month warned that terrorists may be planning an aerial strike by using small aircraft.

The CAG report squarely blamed the government for not clearing the acquisition plans of the IAF. A major reason for the inordinate delay, perhaps, were political compulsions of the government after objections were raised by the Central Vigilance Commission on the purchase of Israeli radars.

The “go slow” started after the Barak controversy that indicted Israeli firms like the IAI and Rafael. Defence Minister A K Antony, admitting that radar acquisitions had taken a back seat ever since 1991, claimed things are now “on the right track”.

But no procurement has been made since 2006, the year Antony took charge. This despite a senior Defence Ministry official warning a Parliamentary panel that the current radar coverage is “just sufficient to cover the border area only” and there is “no defence in depth for our indepth vital areas on vital points”.

Compromising the air defence network even more are the consistent delays in the indigenous Akash air defence system being developed by the DRDO that have disrupted IAF plans time and again. The flawed air defence system, that repeatedly failed tests, even prompted then Air Chief Marsha Tyagi to say that “I had to change everything to make up for the delay”.

But efforts to procure the Spyder air defence systems too hit a roadblock after objections were raised to dealing with the Israeli manufacturer. After three years of hectic lobbying by the IAF, the deal was finally signed last month. While the systems will take a few years for induction, the air force has clearly lost out in air defence. This, after the theory of intensive air defence of airbases, with multiple layers of surface-to-air weapons concentrated around the main base, originated as early as Operation Brasstacks of the mid-80s.

While analysts say the IAF is far ahead of its competitor in the west, the Pakistan Air Force is fast catching up with a new generation of Chinese fighters, including 115 JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighters and the new FC-10s.

“If something, god forbid, happens tomorrow, the first thing you have to do is defend before you coerce somebody. We have a good Su-30 force but that’s the end of it. And you can’t use it all,” says Krishnaswamy.

The danger here, analysts say, is a repeat of the situation like the 1965 war when the IAF struggled to match up with Pakistan and failed to give India a decisive edge in battle. “What we lack is an overwhelming air force against which the enemy would not stand a chance once it is launched. At present, we may be ahead but the gap is narrowing instead of widening,” points out a top analyst.

Criminal Neglect :-

Authorised strength

39.5 squadrons

Current Strength

32 squadrons

MiG-21 | 13 squadrons: Of the 13, six Bison squadrons will remain in service after 2012. LCA was to start replacing it by 1999, but hasn’t yet entered service. 126 MMRCA project delayed by 4 years

MiG-27 | 5 squadrons: Ground attack fighter being upgraded by HAL

Su 30-MKI | 3 squadrons: 230 multi role aircraft will be in service eventually. IAF’s most potent asset

MiG-29 | 3 squadrons: Due for modernisation, contract signed in March 2008. Upgradation will allow air superiority fighters to also carry out ground attacks

Mirage-2000 | 3 squadrons: Due for upgradation, contract still not signed. Used in Kargil; has a nuclear role

Jaguars | 5 squadrons: Specialised deep penetration strike fighter with maritime strike role. Being modernised

The Gaps :-

AWACS : Have signed an Israel-Russia deal for three `Phalcon' AWACS to boost air defence. Delivery delayed by more than 6 months after Russia delays delivery of aircraft.

Radars : Just over 50 percent of sanctioned radar strength working. Proposal to procure aerostat radar delayed. Major gaps in radar coverage after deals to procure Israeli radars delayed.

Evaluations on for 19 Low Level transportable radars, 19 medium power radars. The RFPs were cancelled twice,

Special Operations : Deal signed to procure 6 Hercules C 130 J special operations aircraft signed last year, deliveries in 2011 but difficulties expected in delivery of certain crucial parts as India has not signed the end user agreement with US.

Air Defence : Spyder missile systems for air defence just signed with Israel after delay over CBI probe, corruption allegations.

Trainers : Hawk trainers finally arrived in 2008 after 20 year delay.

vishals · Post by **vishals** » 17 Dec 2008 20:38

IAF reactivates airbase near Delhi, deploys MIG-29s

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed MiG-29 fighter aircraft at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad on the outskirts of Delhi following escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan.

The deployment of fighter aircraft at the Hindon airbase follows the heightened threat of an aerial attack on New Delhi.....

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/iaf-reactiva ... 796-3.html

IBN and Timesnow are reporting increased Security and No Fly Zones on Nuclear installations and other important locations, + news of Mig-29s redeployed in Hindon Airbase.. Is this defensive measure as the news suggest or securing vital assets before aerial strikes began on TSP...

sunilUpa · Post by **sunilUpa** » 18 Dec 2008 20:39

Singapore and Indian Air Forces conduct joint training

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are conducting the Joint Military Training (JMT) 2008 programme at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, India, from 24 Nov to 17 Dec.

JMT 2008 involves the deployment of the RSAF's F-16C/D fighters, RBS-70 fire unit and Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar (PSTAR), together with the IAF's MiG-27 squadron.
Besides creating opportunity for both air forces to interact and train together in realistic and challenging environments, this joint training also enhances mutual understanding and interoperability between the two air forces, and underscores the warm defence relations shared by Singapore and India.

JMT 2008 is conducted under the Bilateral Agreement for the Conduct of Joint Military Training and Exercises in India between the RSAF and the IAF, which was signed in October 2007.

Excellent news! IAF will get first hand experience with RBS-70..pokis have them too.

vavinash · Post by **vavinash** » 19 Dec 2008 08:15

Not to mention the F-16 C/D's that Porkis don't yet have. I hope GOI is working overtime to block the F-16's and OHP frigates to the pigs.

kit · Post by **kit** » 19 Dec 2008 11:40

Everything looks like extensive preparations for some close encounters of the Pig kind

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/rbs70/
RBS 70 Short-Range Anti-Aircraft Missile, Sweden

Avinash R · Post by **Avinash R** » 20 Dec 2008 19:06

Aerospace power has revolutionised forms of warfare: IAF Chief

Hyderabad | Saturday, Dec 20 2008 IST

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal F H Major today said the Aerospace Power had revolutionised all other forms of warfare and had undergone profound changes with ever accelerating advances in technology.

Addressing the newly-commissioned officers after awarding the President's Commission to flight cadets on behalf of the President of India, he said the present decade was likely to see even more rapid changes in weapon technology, which might fundamentally alter the very nature of warfare.

''You, being a part of these changes, should acquire full understanding and knowledge of application of new technology to exploit the true potential of Aerospace Power. The nation is proud of the Indian Air Force and its dedication. It is now your privilege to join this fine service and serve the nation,'' he said.

Earlier, the Chief of the Air Staff reviewed and witnessed the combined graduation parade of the flight cadets of all branches of Indian Air Force, who completed their basic and professional training at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal on the city outskrits.

At least 97 flight cadets passed out from the Academy and had joined active duty in the rank and file of the Indian Air Force to ensure security of the skies. Five officers from Indian Navy and one officer from Indian Coast Guard also got their flying wings at the function.

Avinash R · Post by **Avinash R** » 20 Dec 2008 19:25

IAF plan to link civilian, defence radars takes off
20 Dec 2008, 0629 hrs IST, Rajat Pandit , TNN

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indi ... 865521.cms

NEW DELHI: After an excruciating 10-year delay, the critical requirement for the country to have a fully-automated network to integrate the wide array of military radars with each other as well as with civilian radars is finally making some progress now.

The first of the five nodes of IACCS (integrated air command and control system) will be operational in the western sector facing Pakistan by early-2009, said defence ministry sources on Friday. IAF, in fact, wants 10 IACCS nodes to cover the entire country but the government has approved only five so far. IAF had moved the IACCS case as far back as December 1998 since Indian airspace is far from impregnable. But government apathy hampered its timely implementation.

Something like IACCS becomes even more crucial today in light of intelligence reports holding that terror could strike through the aerial route after the maritime one. As earlier reported by TOI, India’s air defence coverage has several gaping holes, especially over central and peninsular India, which can be exploited by ‘‘hostile’’ aircraft quite easily.

At present, command and control of air defence operations is exercised manually from ADDCs (air defence directional centres) located in different sectors.

The automated IACCS, once it comes up, will enable quick transfer of data from low-level transportable radars (LLTRs), high-power static radars and medium-power radars as well as ground stations of AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) and aerostat radars to one central place. With multi-sensor tracking and data fusion ensuring ‘‘a filtered and composite real-time air situation picture’’ at one central place, air defence operations will be much swifter.

sunilUpa · Post by **sunilUpa** » 20 Dec 2008 22:42

Massive practice by Indian Air Force planes in Jamnagar

sum · Post by **sum** » 21 Dec 2008 15:05

{edited}

Chandragupta · Post by **Chandragupta** » 21 Dec 2008 19:40

Can anyone tell me how many fighters does the IAF have that are equipped with BVR capability? The approximate number, that is.

Mig-21 Bison has BVR, does'nt it? And what about Mig-29, were they upgraded with BVR missiles? How many BVR capable fighters do the pigs across the border have?

sum · Post by **sum** » 21 Dec 2008 20:35

Related question is:

What is the current inventory of paki F-16s (including the few upgraded ones delivered recently)? I mean to ask about ONLY the actual number they have and not what they have been promised/are expecting?

IIRC, they have had around 36 older block models since a long time though i doubt that it is the true figure since few might have been cannibalized and so, all 36 wont be in flight worthy condition...

kmc_chacko · Post by **kmc_chacko** » 21 Dec 2008 21:25

32 + 14 (recently delivered) = 46 (as per PakDef)

but as per wiki, Lockheed Martin F-16A/B = 44 nos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ai ... _Air_Force

sum · Post by **sum** » 21 Dec 2008 21:31

kmc_chacko wrote:32 + 14 (recently delivered) = 46 (as per PakDef)

but as per wiki, Lockheed Martin F-16A/B = 44 nos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ai ... _Air_Force

But are these reliable numbers?

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 21 Dec 2008 22:12

All our air defence/dominance squadrons are capable in BVR, save for legacy MiG-21 fighter variants like MiG-21M and MiG-21Bis.

1. MiG-21 Bison
2. MiG-29B
3. Su-30MKI
4. Mirage-2000

The missiles are:

1. R-27 (both semi active and heat seeking variants)
2. R-77
3. Super-530D

Only attack sqns - MiG-27ML and Jaguar are without BVR air-to-air capability.

Chandragupta wrote:Can anyone tell me how many fighters does the IAF have that are equipped with BVR capability? The approximate number, that is.

Mig-21 Bison has BVR, does'nt it? And what about Mig-29, were they upgraded with BVR missiles? How many BVR capable fighters do the pigs across the border have?

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Dec 2008 11:22

I just saw 6 planes doing a T-formation over BLR. looks like surya
kirans painted white and red.

a hawk in yellow primer is having some real fun, screaming around
at low level doing horizontal rolls....could be some kinda "rogue
warrior" air vice marshal/air commodore type who dropped in for
lunch and insisted on taking 'er out for a spin.

Singh · Post by **Singh** » 22 Dec 2008 16:25

WOW just saw Saran helicopter team over ASTE....
They were flying around for 20mins atleast.
I guess warming up for Feb

aditp · Post by **aditp** » 22 Dec 2008 16:58

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/14221522.htm

DRDO to develop long-endurance UAV

NEW DELHI: India's premier defence research agency, DRDO, will develop a medium-range and long- endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in association with an Indian industry partner.

“To reduce the time for design, development and subsequent transfer of technology to an industry for bulk production of a MALE UAV, DRDO has been authorised to associate with a production and development partner (PADP) from eligible industries on a compe titive basis,” said the Defence Minister Mr A K Antony said in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Monday.

To select the development partner, the DRDO has released a request for proposal (RFP), he said. “DRDO has shortlisted four industries consortia through a transparent process and released a RFP for PADP,” Mr Antony said.

The selected PADP will work with DRDO during the design and development of the UAV and absorb the technologies. “The PADP would become the system integrator and provide product support after induction,” he said.

Replying to another question, the minister said the Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur is working on fresh water algae to use them as source for bio-diesel. “DRL is trying to identify a fresh water algal strain in North-Eastern region as a source of higher lipid content, which can be converted in to bio-diesel,” he said.

“The laboratory is collecting samples of micro algae from different districts in North east for identification of a strain, which has higher amount of lipid contents for bio-fuel production,” he added. - PTI

Anshul · Post by **Anshul** » 22 Dec 2008 17:06

Singh wrote:WOW just saw Saran helicopter team over ASTE....
They were flying around for 20mins atleast.
I guess warming up for Feb

Saw an AN-32 practising aborted landings.It comes in for landing..seems to touch down and takes off a full power.Then it does a circuit all the way till Yelahanka AFS.Those AI-20DMs have a mind boggling smoke trail...goes on for miles.They remind me of bitches in heat....extremely attractive for manpads

Kakarat · Post by **Kakarat** » 23 Dec 2008 12:29

Serial production of IDAS for India
Saab recently received two serial production orders for the Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) for the Indian Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. The combined value of these orders from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is approximately SEK 196 million.

The IDAS will be installed on India’s weapon systems version of Advanced Light Helicopter, also known as Dhruv, to provide these platforms with Electronic Warfare self-protection. The helicopter features a modern glass cockpit with which the IDAS system is fully integrated.

These two production orders follow initial orders for development and prototype deliveries as well as the first series production order received earlier this year for the Indian Dhruv helicopter.

The development and production will take place at Saab Avitronics in Centurion, South Africa.

IDAS is the world’s most comprehensive integrated Electronic Warfare suite for airborne platforms and has been the choice for the Denel Rooivalk and Oryx, NH Industries NH90, Agusta Westland Super Lynx 300 and A109, Boeing CH47 Chinook, Eurocopter Cougar and Super Puma.

Designed from the outset as a fully integrated modular system, IDAS combines radar, laser, UV missile approach warning and countermeasures dispensing functions in a single system controller.

Its modular system architecture allows IDAS to be configured for any one or any combination of the three sensor types.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 23 Dec 2008 12:33

today is HAL Day , hence the flypast practise yesterday.

p_saggu · Post by **p_saggu** » 23 Dec 2008 13:32

Pics pics, please post pics !

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 23 Dec 2008 17:56

Details of the PAK-FA (AWST/DTI) to debut next year and be in production 5 years hence.The aircraft will be between the JSF and F-22 in size and more capable than the SU-30MKI/Flanker family.Stealth capability classified,plasma shield for the radar.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0607/

neerajb · Post by **neerajb** » 23 Dec 2008 18:18

Kakarat wrote:Serial production of IDAS for India

What happened to the all Israeli 33 million USD Dhruv avionics deal which included EW package too? Is it a move to increase the export potential of Dhruv to countries which are averse of Israel?

Cheers....

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 23 Dec 2008 18:25

I think that was for the vanilla version, this is for the WSI and LCH, note the reference to two serial production orders.

Ravishankar · Post by **Ravishankar** » 23 Dec 2008 18:30

The latest issue of Vayu mentions the productions of Skylark UAV by HAL, I for one didnt know that we had this UAV!!!

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 23 Dec 2008 20:40

Where are the Phalcons? Still no sign?

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 23 Dec 2008 20:49

HAL, Russia's UAC ink pact on 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) inked a pact to jointly develop and produce a fifth generation fighter aircraft, a top HAL official said on Tuesday.

"We (HAL and UAC) are moving forward as per schedule. We (have) just done the general contract yesterday. I went to Delhi and signed the general contract," HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja said.

HAL officials noted that under a preliminary inter-governmental agreement signed in October last year, the advanced multi-role fighter is being developed by Sukhoi, part of UAC, along with the Bangalore-headquartered defence PSU.

According to reports, Russia and India would simultaneously develop two versions of the aircraft -- a two-seat version to meet the requirements of India and a single seat version for Russian Air Force.

UAC had begun building a prototype of the jet fighter which would feature high manoeuvrability and stealth to ensure air superiority and precision in destroying ground and sea targets, reports said.

Asked about the proposed investment in the venture, Baweja said it was very difficult to say at this stage and added: "It will be quite a lot".

He told reporters on the sidelines of the celebrations of HAL Day that the Navratna company has put on the backburner its MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul of civil aircraft) venture plans at HAL airport following a slowdown in the world civil aviation market.