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IAF Jaguar Upgrade - The Basics
The Tribune reported on September 9, 2015 that certain issues "over offset clauses involving HAL" were holding up the contract with Honeywell for upgrade of Jaguar engines; these have now been resolved, paving the way for commercial and technical negotiations to start.
Need for Upgrade
The IAF currently operates around 110 (5 1/2 sqns) Jaguar strike fighters powered by Rolls-Royce Adour-811 turbofan engines. The aircraft, which first entered squadron service in the early 80s, is optimized for strike after low level penetration of contested airspace. At medium altitudes, the Jaguar's maneuverability and acceleration are poor. As a result, the fighter is not suitable for stand-off close air support using Precision Guided Munition (PGM).
The IAF is making a doctrinal shift from specialized aircraft to multi-role aircraft, Based on fatigue analysis, the IAF estimates that Jaguars could remain operational till 2030. As a result, the IAF is keen to upgrade the Jaguar with more powerful engine, fourth-generation cockpit and mission avionics, and self protection suite so that it better fits IAF doctrinal thinking.
Upgraded Jaguars will feature all weather precision attack capability with enhanced weapon load.
An Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft. Photo by U.S. Air Force SSGT Mathew Hannen
Upgrade Features
The planned upgrade includes -
- More powerful engines
- Higher capacity alternators
- Multi-mode radar
- Glass cockpit with DARIN-3 navigation and attack avionics suite HOTAS controls and improved HUD
- Auto Pilot
- Helmet mounted Display
Engine Upgrade
The Honeywell F125IN has a max thrust of 43.8kN. In comparison, the existing Rolls-Royce Adour Mk811 engine has a thrust of 32.5kN.
The IAF is seeking a two phase contract with Honeywell. In Phase 1, Honeywell will modify two Jaguar aircraft to use its F-125IN engines.
During Phase 2, HAL will re-engine the remaining Jaguars using technology transferred by Honeywell.
The contract was estimated to be worth $700 million in 2011.
Source:- Thum! Kaun Aata Hai?: IAF Jaguar Upgrade - The Basics
HAL undertook the first flight of Jaguar DARIN III Standard Maritime Strike Aircraft in April this year - HAL's youngest Division - the Mission and Combat System Research & Design Centre (MCSRDC) - undertook the total design and development of DARIN III upgrade, including software, hardware, mechanical, electrical, avionics architecture, design and system design. The total Operational Flight Programme (OFP) software developed by MCSRDC is embedded in an indigenously-developed open system architecture mission computer hardware.
Jaguar DARIN III Standard First Flight
HAL undertakes successful flight of upgraded Jaguar strike aircraft - Oneindia
Recently it also launched an anti-ship Harpoon missile during testing against a target in the Arabian Sea - about 200 nautical miles off India's west coast which was refueled during flight to carry out the mission.
A first for IAF: Anti-ship Harpoon missile fired from fighter jet
The Jaguar remains an important element of the Indian military as, along with the Mirage 2000, the Jaguar has been described as one of the few aircraft capable of performing the tactical nuclear strike role with reasonable chances of success.
