IAF plans for 100 combat missiles for Jaguar

[Gabbar]

IAF plans for 100 combat missiles for Jaguar

In a bid to add more firepower to its fighter fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to acquire over 100 close combat air-to-air missiles for the Jaguar aircraft. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the acquisition of over 100 of these close combat missiles has been sent to five missile manufacturers including the Raytheon Corporation from United States, Israeli Raphael and European missile consortium MBDA.

“We have received the RFP from the Indian Defence Ministry for close combat air to air missiles for the Jaguar fighter aircraft. We are looking to understand the requirements of the IAF and after that we will decide about the missile that can be offered to them," Raytheon Vice President Dennis J Carroll said in Paris. We have not yet gone through the details of the Indian requirements but we can offer our AIM-9X and AMRAAM for close range combat requirements," Carroll said. The Israelis are expected to offer the Derb-5 missile in the contract.

With these missiles on-board the Jaguar, IAF wants to improve the lethality of the fighter aircraft in close range air-to-air combat with enemy aircraft. It has the role of striking deep inside the enemy territory since they were inducted in the IAF in early 80s. The IAF is also in process of finalising its plans for having a new engine for the Jaguar aircraft. Two major global engine manufacturers are already in race to provide their engines for the programme including the American Honeywell and the British Rolls Royce. India has around 100 Jaguars based at different locations across the country including a maritime squadron to carry out operations over sea.

 

[sancho]

Anybody knows what the total cost of Jags upgrade could be? Is it really a good idea to spend that money for an upgrade? I mean around 40 of those (100?) are new and the rest could be replaced by MKIs in numbers and capabilities (deep penetration strike & maritime patriole). Isn't it the same way IAF do it with Mig 27? 40 were upgraded and the rest will be replaced, most likely by MKI, because it could use the same weapons and no new logistic must be added.
If we have 90 MKIs inducted now still 140 are ordered, what would match the numbers of Jags and Mig 27 that needs to be replaced pretty good.

With Mki, LCA, MMRCA as new aircrafts and already ugraded Mig 21 Bison, Mig 27 and 29, I don't see why we have to upgrade that much more old aircrafts instead of replacing them now. I would rather upgrade and keep Mirage 2k than Jags.

 

[heartwinlion]

IAF looks to refurbish its Jaguar fleet: Rediff.com news

IAF looks to refurbish its fleet of Jaguars

India has awarded a contract to US defence manufacturer Raytheon to integrate the Munitions Control Unit on the Jaguar fighters, to enable the aircraft to fire even the latest US-made missiles.

"The MCU is a system that enables integration of modern weapons on legacy aircraft such as the Jaguar with minimal modifications to aircraft wiring attached to the weapons without any changes on other systems," Raytheon Vice President for Missiles Systems Harry Schlute told PTI.

He added that after the integration of the MCU on the fleet of over 100 Jaguar aircraft in the IAF, pilots would be able to fire American-origin missiles such as the Paveway precision-guided missiles, AIM-9M Sidewinders and Mavericks.

Majority of the IAF missiles are of the Russian and the French origin. Schlute said that Raytheon had started the integration of the MCU on Jaguars in the second quarter of this year and plans to finish the work in less than 24 months. India has recently released a global tender for acquiring over 100 close combat range missiles for the Jaguars and Raytheon is one of the contenders in the contract.

The IAF is planning to carry out modifications and add more capabilities in the aircraft, which was inducted by India in the early 80s.

The Indian Air Force also plans to acquire combat air-to-air missiles for the Jaguar series aircraft it uses. The Request for Proposal for the acquisition of these close combat missiles has been sent to five manufacturers including the Raytheon Corporation, Israeli Raphael and European missile maker MBDA.

Raytheon has confirmed receiving a request and said that they could offer their AIM-9X and AMRAAM missiles to fulfill the order.

The IAF also plans to replace the engines on the Jaguars and have contacted Honeywell [Get Quote] and Rolls Royce for the requirement.

 

[ironman]

Raytheon to upgrade Jaguar's missile-firing system​

Ajit K Dubey
Paris, Jun 16, 2009 (Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX) --

India has awarded a contract to US defence manufacturer Raytheon to integrate the Munitions Control Unit (MCU) on the Jaguar fighters, to enable the aircraft to fire even the latest US-made missiles.

"The MCU is a system that enables integration of modern weapons on legacy aircraft such as the Jaguar with minimal modifications to aircraft wiring attached to the weapons without any changes on other systems," Raytheon Vice President for Missiles Systems Harry Schlute told PTI.

He added that after the integration of the MCU on the fleet of over 100 Jaguar aircraft in the IAF, pilots would be able to fire American-origin missiles such as the Paveway precision-guided missiles, AIM-9M Sidewinders and Mavericks.

Majority of the IAF missiles are of the Russian and the French origin. Schlute said that Raytheon had started the integration of the MCU on Jaguars in the second quarter of this year and plans to finish the work in less than 24 months.

India has recently released a global tender for acquiring over 100 close combat range missiles for the Jaguars and Raytheon is one of the contenders in the contract.

IAF is planning to carry out modifications and add more capabilities in the aircraft, which was inducted by India in the early 80s.

 

[heartwinlion]

As per the news coming up IAF want to change jaguar engine with Honeywell (F-125IN) or Rolls Royes (Adour Mk871) can any body have the detail of these 2 engine.

 

[Gabbar]

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

Honeywell’s 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.”

 

[Gabbar]

Rolls-Royce engine test proves Adour MK 821 is fit for Indian Jaguar requirement



Rolls-Royce has successfully installed and tested the Adour Mk 821 engine in a Jaguar aircraft to prove its capability and suitability for the Indian Air Force’s Jaguar upgrade requirement.

The Mk 821 engine was installed into a Royal Air Force Jaguar for the ground test at Cosford, which was witnessed by a representative of the Indian Government. The installation went smoothly and required no airframe changes. During testing the Adour Mk 821 ran at full reheat and passed all performance targets set down by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The test was conducted by Rolls-Royce Chief Test Pilot Phill O’Dell who commented: “As a former RAF Jaguar pilot myself I was impressed with the performance and functionality that the Mk 821 delivered. This had no adverse affect on the aircraft, highlighting the ease of the integration process and the compatibility of the engine with the airframe. This is no real surprise as they were literally made for each other.”

Martin Fausset, Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace, said: “As the only engine certified for the Jaguar we were always confident that the Adour MK 821 could be successfully installed without any aircraft modification, even with the new technologies and enhanced performance, but this exercise has allowed us to demonstrate this high level of compatibility to the Indian Air Force.

“We believe that we have proved that the Adour MK 821 meets all Indian Air Force performance requirements at the lowest risk.”

The Mk 821 includes several technology inserts from other civil and military programmes and has been specifically designed for the Indian operational requirements, offering the twin benefits of greater thrust and lower life cycle costs.

The Adour engine has been developed by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca and the Mk 871 variant is currently in licensed production with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s new Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer. The Mk 871 shares a high degree of commonality with the new Mk 821 variant, offering potential benefits to both the Indian Air Force and HAL in support of India’s objective of self-reliance.

 

[Gabbar]

As per the news coming up IAF want to change jaguar engine with Honeywell (F-125IN) or Rolls Royes (Adour Mk871) can any body have the detail of these 2 engine.

MK871:
Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.
The Group has a broad customer base comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. It employs around 39,000 people worldwide people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people.
In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested over £800 million on research and development, two thirds of which has the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products. The primary technology investment area is aimed at reducing noise and emissions.
Annual sales were £9.1 billion in 2008, of which 52 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book at the end of 2008 stood at £55.5 billion, providing visibility of future levels of activity.
Rolls-Royce is the world's number two defence aero engine company with 160 customers in 103 countries.
The company offers engines in all key defence market sectors - combat, transport, helicopters, trainers, patrol, maritime and reconnaissance - and is well positioned on a number of new programmes that will deliver products over the next decade and beyond.
Rolls-Royce has a long and proud history of partnership with India. In 1932 the company supplied Gipsy engines to power Dragon Rapide DH-89 aircraft operated by Tata Airlines - the forerunner to Air India. In the defence sector, Rolls-Royce celebrated the 75th anniversary of its partnership with the Indian Air Force in 2008, a milestone that coincided with the induction of the latest Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers in India - powered by Rolls-Royce engines.
In 2006, the company celebrated the 50th anniversary of its partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore, the largest defence manufacturing company in India. The partnership started with the licenced production by HAL of the Orpheus in 1956 and HAL became a supplier to Rolls-Royce in 2003 exporting ring forgings to the UK for use in civil aero engines. The relationship continues to flourish, with HAL partnering Rolls-Royce on the AJT’s Adour Mk871 engine. HAL is producing over 44 of the engines at its facility in Bangalore, where it has been producing Adour Mk811 engines for the Jaguar since 1981.
Rolls-Royce is expanding its presence in all its business sectors in India. India’s new value-based airlines have selected the V2500 engine for cost effective operations and last year the Group invested in a new Marine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Navi, Mumbai.
In India the energy business has more than 100 gas turbines in service generating power and driving gas compressors for on-shore and off-shore applications, 14 RB 211s with the remainder being Avon and 501 engines. In addition more than 250 Rolls-Royce reciprocating engines operate in India. Total installed capacity of Rolls-Royce energy customers in India exceeds 1500MW. Rolls-Royce gas turbines will power an extension to one of India’s major gas pipelines for Gas Authority India Limited. The Group is also in the process of increasing its Bangalore-based design engineering efforts.

F-125IN: inserted link!!!

 

[ironman]

PARIS AIR SHOW: Rolls-Royce tests engine upgrade for Indian Jaguars ​

By Craig Hoyle

Rolls-Royce revealed during the show that it has installed and tested its Adour 821 engine in a Sepecat Jaguar strike aircraft in support of a potential upgrade for the Indian air force. "The installation went smoothly and required no airframe changes," says the company, which ground-ran the propulsion system at up to full reheat using an ex-UK Royal Air Force example. "We believe we have proved that the Adour 821 meets all Indian air force performance requirements at the lowest risk," says Martin Fausset, managing director of Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace.

 

[heartwinlion]

MK871:
Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.
The Group has a broad customer base comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries. It employs around 39,000 people worldwide people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries and has businesses headquartered in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Scandinavia and China. This global presence allows the Group to access long-term international growth opportunities with its technology, presence, partnerships and people.
In 2008, Rolls-Royce and its partners invested over £800 million on research and development, two thirds of which has the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products. The primary technology investment area is aimed at reducing noise and emissions.
Annual sales were £9.1 billion in 2008, of which 52 per cent came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book at the end of 2008 stood at £55.5 billion, providing visibility of future levels of activity.
Rolls-Royce is the world's number two defence aero engine company with 160 customers in 103 countries.
The company offers engines in all key defence market sectors - combat, transport, helicopters, trainers, patrol, maritime and reconnaissance - and is well positioned on a number of new programmes that will deliver products over the next decade and beyond.
Rolls-Royce has a long and proud history of partnership with India. In 1932 the company supplied Gipsy engines to power Dragon Rapide DH-89 aircraft operated by Tata Airlines - the forerunner to Air India. In the defence sector, Rolls-Royce celebrated the 75th anniversary of its partnership with the Indian Air Force in 2008, a milestone that coincided with the induction of the latest Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers in India - powered by Rolls-Royce engines.
In 2006, the company celebrated the 50th anniversary of its partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore, the largest defence manufacturing company in India. The partnership started with the licenced production by HAL of the Orpheus in 1956 and HAL became a supplier to Rolls-Royce in 2003 exporting ring forgings to the UK for use in civil aero engines. The relationship continues to flourish, with HAL partnering Rolls-Royce on the AJT’s Adour Mk871 engine. HAL is producing over 44 of the engines at its facility in Bangalore, where it has been producing Adour Mk811 engines for the Jaguar since 1981.
Rolls-Royce is expanding its presence in all its business sectors in India. India’s new value-based airlines have selected the V2500 engine for cost effective operations and last year the Group invested in a new Marine maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Navi, Mumbai.
In India the energy business has more than 100 gas turbines in service generating power and driving gas compressors for on-shore and off-shore applications, 14 RB 211s with the remainder being Avon and 501 engines. In addition more than 250 Rolls-Royce reciprocating engines operate in India. Total installed capacity of Rolls-Royce energy customers in India exceeds 1500MW. Rolls-Royce gas turbines will power an extension to one of India’s major gas pipelines for Gas Authority India Limited. The Group is also in the process of increasing its Bangalore-based design engineering efforts.

F-125IN: inserted link!!!

Im just ask to give me engine detail not company profile. I want to compare both engine who is best for IAF.

 

[proud_indian]

A very Simple question from fellow members.
Why indian government keep on injecting millions of $ (even billions in some cases) in these old junkies while result is same as they keep on crashing as last Mig 21(i think bison)? Shouldn't they put this money on new planes like increasing the numbers of MMRCA? I know these birdies has served us very well and i think they deserve rest now. This is something like knee transplant of Atal bihari Vajpayee to serve BJP for another five years (by the way i liked him) or wasting money on your old P4 or even P3 computer supported DDR 1 ram that is at least 3 times costlier that DDR2 ram.
plz give your suggestion.

 

[Hellfire]

A very Simple question from fellow members.
Why indian government keep on injecting millions of $ (even billions in some cases) in these old junkies while result is same as they keep on crashing as last Mig 21(i think bison)? Shouldn't they put this money on new planes like increasing the numbers of MMRCA? I know these birdies has served us very well and i think they deserve rest now. This is something like knee transplant of Atal bihari Vajpayee to serve BJP for another five years (by the way i liked him) or wasting money on your old P4 or even P3 computer supported DDR 1 ram that is at least 3 times costlier that DDR2 ram.
plz give your suggestion.

actually the platforms are being decided in view of the platforms being fielded by the opposing forces in the region namely PLAAF and PAF ..... wherein the upgraded Jaguars have been found to be fit for a couple of more years especially with DARIN III and the works and dedicated platforms for ELINT/deep penetration/maritime strike roles being demarcated and suitably upgraded.

as for air crashes, the problem was not in the "Bison" upgraded versions, rather in the older unupgraded ones and it has less to do with the platform than with the poor Quality control at HAL which was being given the sole charge of maintenance.

Spares usually are being purchased from countries like Ukariane/Bulgaria etc which do not have the necessary skills/QR for manufacture of the spares. The determinant is the cost. Russian original manufacturer costs more per piece. As such, the babus of GoI wanted to show savings.

This problem was noted in AK series of rifles purchased for IA for CI grid where the purchase was of Ukrainian make, which frequently jammed leading at times to a soldier preferring the FN 7.62 mm SLR which was always reliable.

 

[sancho]

A very Simple question from fellow members.
Why indian government keep on injecting millions of $ (even billions in some cases) in these old junkies while result is same as they keep on crashing as last Mig 21(i think bison)? Shouldn't they put this money on new planes like increasing the numbers of MMRCA? I know these birdies has served us very well and i think they deserve rest now.

That's what I meant, with many new incoming MKI, LCA, MMRCA in the next years there is no need to upgrade all the old fighters (already done with Bisons, 40 Mig 27, Mig 29 on the way and possibly Mirage 2k).
Even if the Jags will be upg they never will be the first choice in any mission! MKIs have way more range and payload for maritime patrole, or deep penetration missions. The Mirage 2k can use all the weapons that the Jags also use, but are multi role capable and with the upgrade they can use Mica BVR missiles, or maybe even AASM. If Rafale or F18SH wins MMRCA I think there is no doubt which fighter will be send for strikes.
I don't see any reason for new engines, new weapons and costly stuff like that. Only parts that keeps the bird flying for some more years are needed, anything else is wasted money and only to please US (F125IN, Sidewinder...).

 

[Gabbar]

Panel to suggest powerful engine for Jaguar


BANGALORE: The Indian Air Force has set up a committee to indicate which new engine will be suited to power India’s frontline but overweight and underpowered Jaguar tactical light strike fighter.

The new, lighter, high performance engine will allow the IAF to improve the Jaguar’s mission performance, especially in medium and high level sortie profiles, undertake missions which are not possible with the existing engine, reduce pilot workload and cut maintenance cost.

Headed by K.V.L. Rao, an aero engine expert and former project director (propulsion systems) with the Aeronautical Development Agency, the committee has been tasked with choosing between proposals from Honeywell and Rolls Royce, both of which have replied to the request for proposal that was sent out as part of the programme for new engines for Jaguar.

The multi-billion dollar programme will see an acquisition of 280 engines, including spare engines for around 120 aircraft. The committee is expected to submit its findings before the end of June.

While Honeywell is offering its F125N, a 43.8 kilo Newton (kN) thrust engine, Rolls Royce, whose Adour Mk811 (32.5 kN) presently powers the IAF’s Jaguars, proposes its Adour Mk821 turbofan.

Of 1970s vintage, the Anglo-French designed Jaguar has been with the IAF since 1979, when the first of the two twin-engine fighter aircraft landed in India. But from the beginning, the IAF, which has over 100 Jaguars — acquired either directly from BAE Systems or built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited — has persistently complained of a lack of thrust from the aircraft’s Rolls Royce / Turbomeca manufactured Mk804E or Rolls Royce Mk811 engines, especially during critical hot weather and high altitude missions.

According to flight test engineers who were part of the team which oversaw the arrival of the first Jaguars from Britain, the high-hot weather the aircraft would have to operate in in India is the bugbear of the Rolls Royce engines. The IAF even asked Rolls Royce to tweak the engines to enhance its power, but post tweaking and a number of crashes, the IAF had the engines de-rated back to their original specifications.

According to Honeywell — which showcased F125N at the Aero India 2009 air show in February — its engine boasts “improved pilot safety, lower maintenance costs and outstanding reliability.” Officials from Honeywell claim that the modular construction of F125N, with its advanced, dual full authority digital engine control system, would save the IAF $1.5billion in life cycle costs as compared to its competitor. Variants of F125 fly the Aero Vodochody CzAF L-159 and the Boeing DARPA X-45A Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle.

Rolls Royce claims that Mk821 which is built on the proven technology of the Adour aero engines, “offers a low risk route to the twin benefits of greater thrust and lower life cycle costs.” Choosing the Mk821 also offers a high degree of commonality with the Mk871 variant which flies the IAF’s recent acquisition, the Hawk trainer.

 

[heartwinlion]

India Wants Air-to-Air Missiles for Its Jaguars - Defense News

India Wants Air-to-Air Missiles for Its Jaguars

NEW DELHI - India is on a global hunt for air-to-air close-combat missiles along with helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) for the Air Force's British-made Jaguar ground-attack aircraft. Bids for the procurement, valued at more than $100 million, have been sent to MBDA of France, Rafael of Israel, Diehl Defense of Germany, Raytheon of the U.S. and Rosoboronexport of Russia.

The Air Force also is improving its Jaguars through the incorporation of stealth technology, an engine with higher thrust and advanced avionics. The Air Force wants to raise the combat capability of its Jaguar aircraft to be comparable with the Russian-made Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft in its fleet.

Precision-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles will be acquired later, an Air Force official said.

As part of the upgrade, Thales is supplying autopilot systems for the Jaguar, and Rafael is supplying laser designator pods.

The Jaguars also will be equipped with Magic-2 and R-77 missiles. Communications and radio navigation systems are being built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), and the mission computer is being provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

HAL and DRDO also have teamed up to develop software for the upgrades. Elta Electronics Industries of Israel is supplying other radar equipment, including electronic countermeasures.

In the current bid, the Indian Air Force has a requirement for 384 fire-and-forget missiles, 130 HMDs and 226 launchers.

The Air Force requires that the missiles be able to scan the target area for hostile aircraft and then lock on after launch. The missile also should be capable of firing backwards, employ thrust vector technology and have an infrared imaging system.
The missile must have a range of more than 10 kilometers and a top speed of Mach 4.