Facing dwindling numbers, Jaguar upgrade crucial for Indian Air Force

[CONNAN]

The IAF is down to 34 squadrons against 42 authorised. This would dip to 30 squadrons by the end of this decade, as nine squadrons of MiG-21 and MiG-27s retire

With no movement on the contract for 126 Rafale fighters, with the Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) far in the future, and the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) being built in insignificant numbers, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is making up numbers by upgrading older fighters, often at significant cost.

The IAF is down to 34 squadrons, against 42 authorised. This would dip to 30 by the end of this decade, as nine squadrons of MiG-21 and MiG-27s retire, with only three Sukhoi-30MKI and two Tejas squadrons due for induction.

In the circumstances, the IAF is extending the life of two Mirage 2000 squadrons, three MiG-29 squadrons and six Jaguar squadrons for 15-20 years. On Wednesday, French vendor, Thales, handed over the first two upgraded Mirage 2000-I fighters in Paris. Over the next 7-10 years, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will upgrade another 49 Mirage 2000s in Bengaluru for Rs 12,100 crore.

Meanwhile, 69 MiG-29 fighters are being upgraded for $964 million, an exercise the government says will be completed by 2016.

Now, a key IAF concern is to rejuvenate its fleet of 123 Jaguars. In Bengaluru last month, IAF boss, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, highlighted the urgent need to put new engines on the Jaguar, a $2 billion (Rs 12,000 crore) procurement that the defence ministry has stalled for years.

The IAF bases two Jaguar squadrons each in Ambala, Jamnagar and Gorakhpur. Termed "deep penetration strike aircraft", the Jaguar is designed for low-level strikes against enemy ground targets: air bases, land forces and warships. Powerful engines are essential, since enemy radar would pick up the Jaguars' ingress into enemy territory, and scramble fighters to intercept them.

Said Raha, "[The Jaguar] is a very capable aircraft but it has some shortfalls in terms of engine power. We are also upgrading it by putting in an auto-pilot and some close combat missiles and an upgraded navigation system and weapon aiming systems."

The "re-engining programme" involves replacing the Jaguar's underpowered Rolls-Royce Adour 804/811 engines with newer, more powerful engines. Poised to bag this contract is US firm, Honeywell, whose F-125N engine generates 43.8 KiloNewtons (kN) of thrust, significantly higher than the 32.5 kN of the Jaguar's current engines.

The defence ministry, however, is reluctant because Honeywell is the only vendor in the fray. In response to an IAF tender in 2010, British company Rolls-Royce declined to quote, apparently because it had no suitable engine. Pratt & Whitney, the other big US engine-maker, was unwilling to transfer technology.

Ministry sources say Rolls-Royce muddied the water by lobbying for upgrading the Jaguar's existing engine, rather than fitting a new one. With HAL manufacturing the new Adour Mk 871 engine for the IAF's Hawk trainer, Rolls-Royce argued it could cheaply build an upgraded Adour engine for the Jaguar, with many common parts.

After dithering for two years over this proposal, the defence ministry issued a fresh tender in October 2012, to which Honeywell offered the F-125N engine, and remains the sole bidder. The MoD remains undecided.

On December 19, 2011, the government stated in Parliament that the Jaguar upgrade would be completed by December 2017. That is a far cry, with the contract still to be negotiated. Only, after that would Honeywell begin manufacturing the engines.

Sections in the IAF argue it is wasteful to fit a powerful, new engine on 30-year fighters, many of which have already flown 4,000 of the 6,000 hours specified as the Jaguar's service life. Others point out that fighters are routinely given service life extensions, after inspections of the air frame.

To be sure, HAL has accumulated a high degree of expertise on the Jaguar, having manufactured many, overhauled the entire fleet and developed world-class navigational-attack systems (termed DARIN 2 and DARIN 3) that allow pilots to fly blind to a target hundreds of kilometres away, and release their bombs precisely.

The Jaguar is also being equipped with lethal Textron CBU-105 "sensor fuzed weapons", which the IAF procured in 2010 through the US government. This weapon, usually delivered over enemy tank concentrations, breaks up into a large number of smart "bomblets", which guide themselves to the tanks and penetrate their turrets from above.

Facing dwindling numbers, Jaguar upgrade crucial for Indian Air Force | Business Standard News

 

[Screambowl]

please change the engine also .. it's old now

 

[CONNAN]

please change the engine also .. it's old now

Old news no concrete info available on the current status hope members can update @sancho @Abingdonboy

Honeywell Announces High Performance F125IN Aircraft Engine to Give Jaguar Fighter Aircraft Superior Mission Capability, Improved Pilot Safety and Reliability

ELAHANKA, INDIA, February 10, 2009 – Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced its F125IN engine, a 9850lbf (43.8kN) thrust engine that will deliver high performance, improved pilot safety, lower maintenance and outstanding reliability.

“This thrust class engine is built around Honeywell’s proven expertise in the design and production of aircraft systems, which is evident in the F125IN engine, an outstanding propulsion system for military aircraft,” said Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell Vice President, Military Aircraft. “The engine will transform the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs.”

The F125IN powerplant, which is currently being considered for the Indian Air Force Jaguar re-engining program, is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft’s current engine. It has an advanced dual full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best in class thrust-to-weight ratio – all designed to give the military the best engine with the lowest operating and maintenance costs.

“The F125IN will provide the Indian Air Force Jaguar fleet with a modern, reliable and safe propulsion system that will transform the capabilities, performance and safety of the aircraft in combat,” Panhuise added. “In significantly improving single engine thrust performance, this increases pilot safety and aircraft survivability.”

In 2007 the F125IN was successfully demonstrated for the Indian Air Force in Bangalore. The engine is projected to save the Indian Air Force more than Rupees 7000 Crores ($1.5 billion) in life-cycle costs compared to other upgrade options being considered. The F125IN permits the Jaguar to perform missions never before possible with the current engine.

The F125IN is the designation of the F125 engine for the Jaguar application, benefiting from more than 540,000 hours of operational experience on the F125. The non-afterburning version of this engine is the F124 aircraft engine, which has a long record of demonstrated success in powering military aircraft, including three highly successful re-engining programs.

Superior mission reliability is delivered by the F125’s resistance to bird strikes, low unscheduled engine removal rate and low in-flight abort rate. The F125IN modern on-condition engine maintenance design leads to maximum time-on-wing, extending the first off-wing inspection interval to over 10 years of service.

The F124-GA-200 engine provides primary propulsion power for the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 aircraft. In 2008 Honeywell’s International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC) was awarded a contract to deliver F124-GA-200 engines to Alenia Aermacchi for its Advanced Jet Trainer M-346. The F124-GA-200 is a low bypass ratio engine selected in numerous competitions for its ability to meet the most rigorous requirements of modern trainers. It is the latest variant in the F124 family that also includes the F124-GA-100 for the Aero Vodochody/CzAF L-159 and the Boeing/DARPA X-45A UCAV.

With more than 45 years of engine development expertise, 65,000 fielded propulsion systems, and more than 241 million service hours, Honeywell engines have a history of proven performance. Honeywell is also leader in other aircraft systems for the military, air transport and business jet segments. These include leading edge avionics and safety systems – including the Early Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), runway incursion avoidance systems, and global support services.

A global diversified technology and manufacturing leader, Honeywell has significant operations in cities throughout India, with more than 8,000 people working in multiple locations. Honeywell has several partnerships in India, including the licensed manufacture of the TPE331 engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Honeywell Announces High Performance F125IN Aircraft Engine to Give Jaguar Fighter Aircraft Superior Mission Capability, Improved Pilot Safety and Reliability

 

[Screambowl]

Old news no concrete info available on the current status hope members can update @sancho @Abingdonboy

Honeywell Announces High Performance F125IN Aircraft Engine to Give Jaguar Fighter Aircraft Superior Mission Capability, Improved Pilot Safety and Reliability

ELAHANKA, INDIA, February 10, 2009 – Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced its F125IN engine, a 9850lbf (43.8kN) thrust engine that will deliver high performance, improved pilot safety, lower maintenance and outstanding reliability.

“This thrust class engine is built around Honeywell’s proven expertise in the design and production of aircraft systems, which is evident in the F125IN engine, an outstanding propulsion system for military aircraft,” said Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell Vice President, Military Aircraft. “The engine will transform the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs.”

The F125IN powerplant, which is currently being considered for the Indian Air Force Jaguar re-engining program, is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft’s current engine. It has an advanced dual full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best in class thrust-to-weight ratio – all designed to give the military the best engine with the lowest operating and maintenance costs.

“The F125IN will provide the Indian Air Force Jaguar fleet with a modern, reliable and safe propulsion system that will transform the capabilities, performance and safety of the aircraft in combat,” Panhuise added. “In significantly improving single engine thrust performance, this increases pilot safety and aircraft survivability.”

In 2007 the F125IN was successfully demonstrated for the Indian Air Force in Bangalore. The engine is projected to save the Indian Air Force more than Rupees 7000 Crores ($1.5 billion) in life-cycle costs compared to other upgrade options being considered. The F125IN permits the Jaguar to perform missions never before possible with the current engine.

The F125IN is the designation of the F125 engine for the Jaguar application, benefiting from more than 540,000 hours of operational experience on the F125. The non-afterburning version of this engine is the F124 aircraft engine, which has a long record of demonstrated success in powering military aircraft, including three highly successful re-engining programs.

Superior mission reliability is delivered by the F125’s resistance to bird strikes, low unscheduled engine removal rate and low in-flight abort rate. The F125IN modern on-condition engine maintenance design leads to maximum time-on-wing, extending the first off-wing inspection interval to over 10 years of service.

The F124-GA-200 engine provides primary propulsion power for the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 aircraft. In 2008 Honeywell’s International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC) was awarded a contract to deliver F124-GA-200 engines to Alenia Aermacchi for its Advanced Jet Trainer M-346. The F124-GA-200 is a low bypass ratio engine selected in numerous competitions for its ability to meet the most rigorous requirements of modern trainers. It is the latest variant in the F124 family that also includes the F124-GA-100 for the Aero Vodochody/CzAF L-159 and the Boeing/DARPA X-45A UCAV.

With more than 45 years of engine development expertise, 65,000 fielded propulsion systems, and more than 241 million service hours, Honeywell engines have a history of proven performance. Honeywell is also leader in other aircraft systems for the military, air transport and business jet segments. These include leading edge avionics and safety systems – including the Early Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), runway incursion avoidance systems, and global support services.

A global diversified technology and manufacturing leader, Honeywell has significant operations in cities throughout India, with more than 8,000 people working in multiple locations. Honeywell has several partnerships in India, including the licensed manufacture of the TPE331 engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Honeywell Announces High Performance F125IN Aircraft Engine to Give Jaguar Fighter Aircraft Superior Mission Capability, Improved Pilot Safety and Reliability

how long are we going to cope up with it. The fuselage and the engine. Its wear and tear is something worrisome.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Old news no concrete info available on the current status hope members can update @sancho @Abingdonboy

Honeywell Announces High Performance F125IN Aircraft Engine to Give Jaguar Fighter Aircraft Superior Mission Capability, Improved Pilot Safety and Reliability

ELAHANKA, INDIA, February 10, 2009 – Honeywell (NYSE: HON) today announced its F125IN engine, a 9850lbf (43.8kN) thrust engine that will deliver high performance, improved pilot safety, lower maintenance and outstanding reliability.

“This thrust class engine is built around Honeywell’s proven expertise in the design and production of aircraft systems, which is evident in the F125IN engine, an outstanding propulsion system for military aircraft,” said Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell Vice President, Military Aircraft. “The engine will transform the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs.”

The F125IN powerplant, which is currently being considered for the Indian Air Force Jaguar re-engining program, is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft’s current engine. It has an advanced dual full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best in class thrust-to-weight ratio – all designed to give the military the best engine with the lowest operating and maintenance costs.

“The F125IN will provide the Indian Air Force Jaguar fleet with a modern, reliable and safe propulsion system that will transform the capabilities, performance and safety of the aircraft in combat,” Panhuise added. “In significantly improving single engine thrust performance, this increases pilot safety and aircraft survivability.”

In 2007 the F125IN was successfully demonstrated for the Indian Air Force in Bangalore. The engine is projected to save the Indian Air Force more than Rupees 7000 Crores ($1.5 billion) in life-cycle costs compared to other upgrade options being considered. The F125IN permits the Jaguar to perform missions never before possible with the current engine.

The F125IN is the designation of the F125 engine for the Jaguar application, benefiting from more than 540,000 hours of operational experience on the F125. The non-afterburning version of this engine is the F124 aircraft engine, which has a long record of demonstrated success in powering military aircraft, including three highly successful re-engining programs.

Superior mission reliability is delivered by the F125’s resistance to bird strikes, low unscheduled engine removal rate and low in-flight abort rate. The F125IN modern on-condition engine maintenance design leads to maximum time-on-wing, extending the first off-wing inspection interval to over 10 years of service.

The F124-GA-200 engine provides primary propulsion power for the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 aircraft. In 2008 Honeywell’s International Turbine Engine Company (ITEC) was awarded a contract to deliver F124-GA-200 engines to Alenia Aermacchi for its Advanced Jet Trainer M-346. The F124-GA-200 is a low bypass ratio engine selected in numerous competitions for its ability to meet the most rigorous requirements of modern trainers. It is the latest variant in the F124 family that also includes the F124-GA-100 for the Aero Vodochody/CzAF L-159 and the Boeing/DARPA X-45A UCAV.

With more than 45 years of engine development expertise, 65,000 fielded propulsion systems, and more than 241 million service hours, Honeywell engines have a history of proven performance. Honeywell is also leader in other aircraft systems for the military, air transport and business jet segments. These include leading edge avionics and safety systems – including the Early Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), runway incursion avoidance systems, and global support services.

A global diversified technology and manufacturing leader, Honeywell has significant operations in cities throughout India, with more than 8,000 people working in multiple locations. Honeywell has several partnerships in India, including the licensed manufacture of the TPE331 engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Honeywell Announces High Performance F125IN Aircraft Engine to Give Jaguar Fighter Aircraft Superior Mission Capability, Improved Pilot Safety and Reliability

The DARIN III upgrade is going on for around 70 Jaguars but the re-engining is stuck because of this single-vendor situation. Hopefully the DM can solve this mess but, despite all his rhetoric, his record is patchy thus far when it comes to resolving procurement bottlenecks.

 

[Screambowl]

Handing over of the two Mirage-2000 I/TI aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
On 25th Mar, Ambassador Arun K. Singh attended the ceremony marking the handing over of the two Mirage-2000 I/TI aircraft to the Indian Air Force at Istres Air Force Base. This marked an important milestone in the progress of the Mirage-2000 Upgrade programme. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of Thales and Dassault Aviation, the two lead companies involved in the upgrade, as well as representatives of DGA and the French Air Force. The aircraft will soon be flown back to India. Rest of the M-2000s of the IAF would be upgraded by HAL in India. A good example of Indo- French Defence Cooperation.

@Abingdonboy @sancho

 

[C130]

upgrade JAG and buy super hornets then they won't have to worry about budget

 

[MokshaVimukthi]

This is one area where the RM has failed so far.

He must force an early decision on the IAF and get the ball rolling.

 

[Mike_Brando]

upgrade JAG and buy super hornets then they won't have to worry about budget

Okay,pack a squadron of Super Hornet and send them to New Delhi and btw please give us your Swiss bank a/c no. so that we can wire you the moneyD

 

[HariPrasad]

please change the engine also .. it's old now

Yes actually engine change was planned but withdrawal of one one company resulted into single competitor left which resulted in failure of tender. Engine change shall give Jags a better weight carrying capability add to the speed also.

 

[MilSpec]

We have around a 140 Mig 27 Air frame lying around too, sticking an AL31F engine with DARE III upgrades will provide immediate relief to falling squadrons for the IAF.

Jag upgrades need a MMR radar, hopefully the same one as the LCA.

 

[CONNAN]

how long are we going to cope up with it. The fuselage and the engine. Its wear and tear is something worrisome.

Until we make a breakthrough in MMRCA deal and what ever fighter GOI buys will fill the roles of Jags and Mig 27

 

[C130]

Okay,pack a squadron of Super Hornet and send them to New Delhi and btw please give us your Swiss bank a/c no. so that we can wire you the moneyD

oh. buy 26 straight from Boeing. build 100. get ToT on the engine that is also used on Tejas Mk.2.

maybe start building JDAM kits in india get ToT JSOW-C

 

[HariPrasad]

Mig 27 with Al 31 engine can be a great aircraft but i had read somewhere that even with upgrades Mig 27 shall not be a very reliable aircraft. It will be potent but unreliable aircraft. Perhaps that is why IAF extends the life of Mig 21 but retires Mig 27 which is comparatively a new Aircraft.

 

[MilSpec]

Mig 27 with Al 31 engine can be a great aircraft but i had read somewhere that even with upgrades Mig 27 shall not be a very reliable aircraft. It will be potent but unreliable aircraft. Perhaps that is why IAF extends the life of Mig 21 but retires Mig 27 which is comparatively a new Aircraft.

I feel there are ulterior motives of the brass behind it. The upgrade for about a 100 airframes will be chaeaper than buying 10 of these shiny new toys...