India Issues Global Tender for Maritime Recon Planes

[ejaz007]

India Issues Global Tender for Maritime Recon Planes

NEW DELHI — India is on a global hunt to procure nine medium range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft equipped with anti-ship missiles.

The tender, worth more than $2 billion, was sent to overseas defense majors Alenia of Italy; US-based Boeing and Lockheed Martin; Saab of Sweden; Germany’s EADS, France-based Dassault; Embraer of Brazil and Bombardier of Canada.

The latest global tender is a rebid of tender floated in 2008 to buy six MRMR aircraft. That was withdrawn later because none of the vendors could meet the qualitative requirements of the tender.

In the latest tender, the nine MRMR aircraft will replace the Indian Navy’s Islanders (BN-21A) surveillance aircraft, which were used for coastal surveillance for many decades. The Islander aircraft, bought in 1976, will be given to the Coast Guard or could even be gifted to foreign countries,said an Indian Defence Ministry source. India has already donated two Islander aircraft to Myanmar.

The MRMR should have an endurance of about four hours and a range of about 400 nautical miles. Indian Navy sources said the range was lowered from the earlier planned range of 500 nautical miles and endurance of six hours. No reason for this dilution is known.

The current procurement is in addition to the purchase of 12 long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft purchased from Boeing on a government-to-government basis for more than $3 billion. Eight P-8I Poseidons were contracted in January 2009 for $2.1 billion and another four P-8Is were contracted last month for more than $1 billion.

The latest tender requires the MRMR to be equipped with anti-ship missiles, and is not specific on the supply of anti-submarine missiles, which would require bigger aircraft, said an executive of an overseas company who refused to be identified. In addition, the tender requires the supply of spares along with two engines.

The MRMR must be able to perform maritime reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare, electronic intelligence, electronic support measures, communication intelligence, search-and-rescue and medical evacuation.

The MRMR aircraft needs to be powered by two engines, which the tender says should be of current production generation and have full authority digital engine control system. The overseas defense company executive said the engine requirement is not very clear as the price of an aircraft could vary on the choice of the engine.

On weapons capabilities, the MRMR needs to have detection-and-tracking capability against air targets. The aircraft must also carry and launch at least two anti-ship missiles on surface vessels at ranges of at least 100 kilometers.

On its surveillance capabilities, the aircraft should be able to track up to 200 surface targets automatically.

The MRMR will be used in tropical conditions prevailing in the Indian Ocean region. As such the aircraft and its engines and all other systems should be optimized for prolonged operations over salt-laden seas.

India Issues Global Tender for Maritime Recon Planes | Defense News | defensenews.com

 

[indianpunjabi]

does not russia build such plane ?

 

[anant_s]

SAAB 200 MPA

 

[anant_s]

Alenia Italy

 

[Dash]

What about the diet version of P8I? they wil be the best because of commonality

 

[SwAggeR]

What about the diet version of P8I? they wil be the best because of commonality

I think that would be best bet but nevertheless technical evaluations are always needed.

does not russia build such plane ?

They are not invited as per OP , which means Russia doesn't build one.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Boeing, USA
There are persistent rumors that Boeing will offer a modified version of the P-8i to fill the medium range role as well. A modified P-8i would offer commonality, handle required industrial offsets smoothly, and may include some savings due to a larger order volume, but the platform itself is not cheap. Cost is likely to be the biggest stumbling block for this option.

Unsurprisingly, Boeing is starting to look at options beyond its P-8A. Bombardier’s Challenger 600 long-range business jet seems to be the target platform for the rumored “Maritime Surveillance Aircraft.” It would reportedly use the same core internal systems used aboard the P-8, but its sensor and weapon array would differ. The idea isn’t unprecedented. There’s also some talk in Britain of adding maritime patrol capabilities to its Challenger-based Sentinel R1 ground surveillance jets.

IAI, Israel
Beyond the P-8i, the other rumored MPA holdover is a maritime patrol version of Dassault’s Falcon 900, which was reportedly submitted by Israel’s IAI Elta in the competition that the P-8i eventually won. The tri-engined aircraft offers more attractive operating costs than a P-8, and its 4,100-4,500 nautical mile/ 7,600-8,330 km unrefueled range would allow for deployments across the Indian Ocean, as well as long patrols of India’s coastline. Israel has a good reputation for delivering India capable and reliable military equipment, and a MRMR aircraft that can also fill high-end roles may be attractive, but the Falcon 900 will be more expensive than several of the other rumored contenders.

A 2nd rumored IAI option would be its ELI-3360 modification of Bombardier’s Q400 turboprop . It would offer less range and performance, in exchange for lower costs. Dash-8 models serve with the Coast Guards of several nations, and operate in maritime patrol roles, but they haven’t been armed. August 2013 reports suggested that this would be the option offered, but the Israelis play their cards very close to the chest.

Embraer P-99, Brazil
In a similar vein, Brazil’s Embraer modifies its own ERJ-145 regional jets into sophisticated surveillance platforms. India’s DRDO is already using this model as the base for a locally-produced mid-tier AEW&C airspace control plane, and other Embraer versions exist for land and maritime surveillance.

The P-99 MPA/ EMB-145MP has been ordered by Mexico (2), and an armed variant is rumored as a contender for India’s MRMR as well. At 1,876 miles/ 3,019 km, its range is less than the Falcon’s, but still more than adequate for the requirement. Embraer, like Canada’s Bombardier, is working to make inroads into India’s civil aviation industry, and those efforts will help position the firm for industrial offset requirements.

Antonov AN-148-300 MP, Russia
In 2009, Antonov touted a maritime patrol version of their jet-powered AN-74 transport, which was unveiled to the broader aviation public at Aero India 2009. By 2013, however, the firm had shifted course, and confirmed that they’d offer the AN-148-300 MP instead. It’s also a high-wing twin-jet, but the engines are mounted under the wings, instead of within them. The general tradeoff between a transport like the AN-74 and a regional passenger jet like the AN-148 is a swap of short-takeoff and internal load for more efficient operation at altitude, which usually translates into better maritime range and time on station.

In India’s case, the AN-148 is also competing for the military’s light transport requirement, and a handful are in service with Indian civilian carriers. Antonov is still competing for more civilian sales in India. Success would improve the possibility of military maintenance partnerships with local airlines, which can cut costs while offering the required industrial offsets.

The next 3 rumored contenders are turboprops. They offer more economical low-level flight costs than jets, in exchange for shorter ranges, and slower transit time to patrol areas or emergency situations.

Alenia ATR-42/72, Italy
EADS subsidiary ATR and Alenia Aeronautica have crated variants of popular ATR regional passenger turboprops, for military use. The ATR-72 ASW has been ordered by Turkey to fulfill maritime patrol requirements. It offers a long Magnetic Anomaly Detector in the back that helps it find submarines, and pylons/launchers for weapons. It is rumored to be an MRMR candidate.

The smaller ATR-42 Surveyor includes only sophisticated surveillance gear. It has already been ordered by Italy, Nigeria, and Libya, and has attracted interest from Pakistan. It’s a rumored candidate for the Indian Coast Guard’s MMP.

Airbus Military C295 ASW, Spain

EADS other subsidiary EADS-CASA has carved out a leading role for its maritime surveillance turboprops, and passed that along as part of the expanded Airbus military division. The CN-235MP Persuader is in service with a number of countries, including the US Coast Guard, and has just been ordered by South Korea’s Coast Guard. Unsurprisingly, it’s a rumored candidate for India’s Coast Guard MPP. If so, it’s likely to be a very strong candidate, and the affiliation with Airbus gives them good industrial benefits options.

The larger C-295 ASW has been ordered by Chile. It uses the same surveillance core as the CN-235 Persuader, and is equipped with under-wing stations to carry weapons and other stores. A common MRMR/MPP purchase is possible using the C-295, as modified C-295 light transport aircraft already serve in a search and rescue role with a number of countries.

Lockheed Martin SC-130 “Sea Hercules”, USA
The 4-engine C-130J Hercules is in wide use around the world as a transport aircraft, including India. A number of specialty variants have been designed with roll-on/ roll-off containers, and armed variants have added hardpoints on the wings. The “Sea Hercules” is being designed to a $150 million cost, and will be developed in 3 stages:

Stage 1 will involve roll-on/ bolt-on radar and electro-optical sensors, and accompanying processing workstations.
Stage 2 would add wing-mounted, anti-surface weapons, along with upgraded workstations and weapon control systems.
Stage 3 would be a full anti-submarine conversion, including sonobuoys, a magnetic anomaly detector boom, extra fuel pods, and 2 added bays for 6 Harpoon missiles.

Saab 2000 MPA
In May 2011, Saab joined the competition, offering its Saab 2000 MPA turboprop, along with the firm’s phased array maritime radar and RBS-15 anti-ship and land attack missiles. Like many other MRMR competitors (R-99, Falcon, AN-148, ATR-72), the aircraft is a modified business/ regional transport plane.

In its Maritime Patrol role, the Saab 2000 MPA maintains a cruising speed of 350 knots, and can operate at a maximum range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, with mission endurance exceeding 9.5 hours. Those figures depend on conditions and flight profiles, of course – the same plane would cover a 200 nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 5.5 hours at an altitude of only 2,000 ft, or extend patrol times by flying up to 31,000 feet and relying on its radar. Saab is also touting the 2000 MPA’s ability to operate from high altitude airfields, taking off with maximum load and fuel even at very hot temperatures.

Saab also offers an AWACS variant of this aircraft family for airspace command and control, and counts Pakistan among its customers. That’s good, in that it offers proven operational capability in similar conditions. It’s bad because India has historically been reluctant to share platforms with Pakistan, but that has happened – vid. IL-76/78 transports. The RBS-15 Mk.3 is a fine missile, but it may also be a drawback. Success depends on India’s reaction to adding yet another anti-ship missile type, on top of its existing stocks of Russian (Klub, BrahMos), French (Exocet), and American (Harpoon) weapons.

 

[Dash]

I think that would be best bet but nevertheless technical evaluations are always needed.

Well, while thats true, but from my POV either take LM or Boeing...LM is not bad considering its a turboprop and easy to maintain alongside IAF ones..

 

[Echo_419]

How about Modified version of P-8I will reduce Logistics costs

 

[he-man]

i am all for antonov just to balance things with eastern bloc(ukraine and russia).......also its been ordered by many civil operators in india,,,,we need to balance our act

 

[[Bregs]]

India might go for either Boeing, Israeli or Antanov from Russia

 

[he-man]

India might go for either Boeing, Israeli or Antanov from Russia

antonov must be selected......otherwise we risk antagonizing russians(and ukranians) .......off late all these contracts have gone to west

 

[anant_s]

Boeing, USA
There are persistent rumors that Boeing will offer a modified version of the P-8i to fill the medium range role as well. A modified P-8i would offer commonality, handle required industrial offsets smoothly, and may include some savings due to a larger order volume, but the platform itself is not cheap. Cost is likely to be the biggest stumbling block for this option.

Unsurprisingly, Boeing is starting to look at options beyond its P-8A. Bombardier’s Challenger 600 long-range business jet seems to be the target platform for the rumored “Maritime Surveillance Aircraft.” It would reportedly use the same core internal systems used aboard the P-8, but its sensor and weapon array would differ. The idea isn’t unprecedented. There’s also some talk in Britain of adding maritime patrol capabilities to its Challenger-based Sentinel R1 ground surveillance jets.

IAI, Israel
Beyond the P-8i, the other rumored MPA holdover is a maritime patrol version of Dassault’s Falcon 900, which was reportedly submitted by Israel’s IAI Elta in the competition that the P-8i eventually won. The tri-engined aircraft offers more attractive operating costs than a P-8, and its 4,100-4,500 nautical mile/ 7,600-8,330 km unrefueled range would allow for deployments across the Indian Ocean, as well as long patrols of India’s coastline. Israel has a good reputation for delivering India capable and reliable military equipment, and a MRMR aircraft that can also fill high-end roles may be attractive, but the Falcon 900 will be more expensive than several of the other rumored contenders.

A 2nd rumored IAI option would be its ELI-3360 modification of Bombardier’s Q400 turboprop . It would offer less range and performance, in exchange for lower costs. Dash-8 models serve with the Coast Guards of several nations, and operate in maritime patrol roles, but they haven’t been armed. August 2013 reports suggested that this would be the option offered, but the Israelis play their cards very close to the chest.

Embraer P-99, Brazil
In a similar vein, Brazil’s Embraer modifies its own ERJ-145 regional jets into sophisticated surveillance platforms. India’s DRDO is already using this model as the base for a locally-produced mid-tier AEW&C airspace control plane, and other Embraer versions exist for land and maritime surveillance.

The P-99 MPA/ EMB-145MP has been ordered by Mexico (2), and an armed variant is rumored as a contender for India’s MRMR as well. At 1,876 miles/ 3,019 km, its range is less than the Falcon’s, but still more than adequate for the requirement. Embraer, like Canada’s Bombardier, is working to make inroads into India’s civil aviation industry, and those efforts will help position the firm for industrial offset requirements.

Antonov AN-148-300 MP, Russia
In 2009, Antonov touted a maritime patrol version of their jet-powered AN-74 transport, which was unveiled to the broader aviation public at Aero India 2009. By 2013, however, the firm had shifted course, and confirmed that they’d offer the AN-148-300 MP instead. It’s also a high-wing twin-jet, but the engines are mounted under the wings, instead of within them. The general tradeoff between a transport like the AN-74 and a regional passenger jet like the AN-148 is a swap of short-takeoff and internal load for more efficient operation at altitude, which usually translates into better maritime range and time on station.

In India’s case, the AN-148 is also competing for the military’s light transport requirement, and a handful are in service with Indian civilian carriers. Antonov is still competing for more civilian sales in India. Success would improve the possibility of military maintenance partnerships with local airlines, which can cut costs while offering the required industrial offsets.

The next 3 rumored contenders are turboprops. They offer more economical low-level flight costs than jets, in exchange for shorter ranges, and slower transit time to patrol areas or emergency situations.

Alenia ATR-42/72, Italy
EADS subsidiary ATR and Alenia Aeronautica have crated variants of popular ATR regional passenger turboprops, for military use. The ATR-72 ASW has been ordered by Turkey to fulfill maritime patrol requirements. It offers a long Magnetic Anomaly Detector in the back that helps it find submarines, and pylons/launchers for weapons. It is rumored to be an MRMR candidate.

The smaller ATR-42 Surveyor includes only sophisticated surveillance gear. It has already been ordered by Italy, Nigeria, and Libya, and has attracted interest from Pakistan. It’s a rumored candidate for the Indian Coast Guard’s MMP.

Airbus Military C295 ASW, Spain

EADS other subsidiary EADS-CASA has carved out a leading role for its maritime surveillance turboprops, and passed that along as part of the expanded Airbus military division. The CN-235MP Persuader is in service with a number of countries, including the US Coast Guard, and has just been ordered by South Korea’s Coast Guard. Unsurprisingly, it’s a rumored candidate for India’s Coast Guard MPP. If so, it’s likely to be a very strong candidate, and the affiliation with Airbus gives them good industrial benefits options.

The larger C-295 ASW has been ordered by Chile. It uses the same surveillance core as the CN-235 Persuader, and is equipped with under-wing stations to carry weapons and other stores. A common MRMR/MPP purchase is possible using the C-295, as modified C-295 light transport aircraft already serve in a search and rescue role with a number of countries.

Lockheed Martin SC-130 “Sea Hercules”, USA
The 4-engine C-130J Hercules is in wide use around the world as a transport aircraft, including India. A number of specialty variants have been designed with roll-on/ roll-off containers, and armed variants have added hardpoints on the wings. The “Sea Hercules” is being designed to a $150 million cost, and will be developed in 3 stages:

Stage 1 will involve roll-on/ bolt-on radar and electro-optical sensors, and accompanying processing workstations.
Stage 2 would add wing-mounted, anti-surface weapons, along with upgraded workstations and weapon control systems.
Stage 3 would be a full anti-submarine conversion, including sonobuoys, a magnetic anomaly detector boom, extra fuel pods, and 2 added bays for 6 Harpoon missiles.

Saab 2000 MPA
In May 2011, Saab joined the competition, offering its Saab 2000 MPA turboprop, along with the firm’s phased array maritime radar and RBS-15 anti-ship and land attack missiles. Like many other MRMR competitors (R-99, Falcon, AN-148, ATR-72), the aircraft is a modified business/ regional transport plane.

In its Maritime Patrol role, the Saab 2000 MPA maintains a cruising speed of 350 knots, and can operate at a maximum range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles, with mission endurance exceeding 9.5 hours. Those figures depend on conditions and flight profiles, of course – the same plane would cover a 200 nm Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 5.5 hours at an altitude of only 2,000 ft, or extend patrol times by flying up to 31,000 feet and relying on its radar. Saab is also touting the 2000 MPA’s ability to operate from high altitude airfields, taking off with maximum load and fuel even at very hot temperatures.

Saab also offers an AWACS variant of this aircraft family for airspace command and control, and counts Pakistan among its customers. That’s good, in that it offers proven operational capability in similar conditions. It’s bad because India has historically been reluctant to share platforms with Pakistan, but that has happened – vid. IL-76/78 transports. The RBS-15 Mk.3 is a fine missile, but it may also be a drawback. Success depends on India’s reaction to adding yet another anti-ship missile type, on top of its existing stocks of Russian (Klub, BrahMos), French (Exocet), and American (Harpoon) weapons.

Great set of pictures and info.
i suppose both lockheed & boeing stand a good chance to win here given the excellent manner they executed contracts for C 130 J and ongoing C 17 + P 8i.

off topic: if Boeing wins, i guess that might also brighten chances of sales of E2D for IAC 2 perhaps.

 

[Abingdonboy]

i am all for antonov just to balance things with eastern bloc(ukraine and russia).......also its been ordered by many civil operators in india,,,,we need to balance our act

antonov must be selected......otherwise we risk antagonizing russians(and ukranians) .......off late all these contracts have gone to west

So what? If they can't win on merit eff them. Why should the Indian military get sub-standard equipment just Because of poltical/diplomatic considerations? It's not like India has 10s of billions tied up in Russian arms deals or hasn't been undertaken Ukraine's largest ever defence deal (AN-32 upgrade for IAF).

The days when India bought sub-standard equipment is over. Now it is the best and the best only.

 

[egodoc222]

sea Hercules looks like an attractive proposition...