Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[EagleEyes]

Stop the nonsense. Discuss the Indian Air Force. So boys, what has IAF done or changed in this year?

Su-30MKIs seems to be on the schedule.
LCA process seems to be very slow.
MCA still on paper.
PAK-FA, first prototype to fly this year or next?

 

[sabir]

here is a report from moscow defence brief..its pretty old and i m not sure whether it has been discussed before or not. So excuse me if i am repeating or providing stuffs which doesnt go in line with the topic.

Comparative Analysis of Russian Arms Deliveries to China and India

Konstantin MAKIENKO



China and India are the largest importers of Russian weapons. Together they consume about 60-70% of all Russian weaponry and military equipment exports. Therefore, it is worthwhile to compare the qualitative and quantitative parameters of military-technological cooperation of these two countries with Russia.

Air Force weaponry

Quantitatively, China is far ahead of India in the amount of Russian fighter jets it buys. As of the end of 2002, Russia's known commitment to China includes the delivery of about 19 Su-30MKK fighters and licenses for the production of about 180-185 Su-27SK aircraft. In the same period, 76 Su-27SK and Su-27UBK fighters, 57 Su-30MKKs, and an unknown number of kits for the licensed production of Su-27SKs in Shanghai have been delivered. Potential future contracts may include the sale of licenses for the production of up to 200 Su-27UBK/Su-30MKK fighters.

As of the end of 2002, India has received 18 Su-30K fighter jets1, 10 Su-30MKI and 10 MiG-29 fighters. The remaining contract commitments stipulate the delivery of 22 Su-30MKIs and the licensed production of 140 more Su-30MKI aircraft. A future contract will probably include the delivery of 10 more Su-30 MKIs.

Table 1 shows the quantitative parameters of Russian deliveries to China and India as of the end of 2002.

Information found in open sources seems to show that China's program of purchases will result in the acquisition of almost triple the number of heavyweight Su-27/30 fighter jets as compared to India's program. This comparison does not take into account the Chinese program for the development of a domestic F-10 lightweight fighter jet, the fulfillment of which is much more likely than the fulfillment of an analogous Indian project of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

However, a comparison of the qualitative characteristics of the Su-30MKI and Su-30MKK jets shows that the Indian Air Force is betting on the acquisition of much more technologically advanced machines. From one side, this military-technological policy indicates that India is trying to overcome its quantitative inferiority through higher quality - and the flight and technological training of Indian pilots allows this risk. From another side - the realization of this more risky policy will result in a constant lagging from the initial schedule of deliveries from Russia. Evidently, by the time the Indian Air Force has an appreciable grouping of Su-30MKIs at its disposal (i.e. by the end of 2003, when all 40 Su-30MKIs from the 1996 contract will be delivered), the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will begin a program of purchasing advanced Su-30MKs equipped with phased antenna grid radar (FAR) or begin modernizing its giant fleet of Su-27 fighters by installing modern weapons control systems. Thus, the PRC will be able to liquidate its qualitative inferiority to the Indian Air Force, while maintaining a significant quantitative lead.

Table 2 shows the basic differences between the Su-30MKI and the Su-30MKK aircraft as well as the key differences between the Chinese and Indian licensed production programs.

Special attention should be given to the fact that, in the framework of the contract for the licensed production of 140 Su-30MKI fighter jets, India bought a license for the production of an AL-31FP engine2. In the meantime, China, which plans to produce 200 Su-27SK fighter jets at its own factories, does not yet have this right. Thus, Russia maintains a significant influence over the Chinese production of fighter jets and the combat readiness of the PLA Air Force. This situation is becoming more evident considering the fact that the PRC has made the program of developing the F-10 fighter jet dependent on the availability of the AL-31FN engine.

Overall, a comparison of the Chinese and Indian programs shows that China is conducting a military-technological policy that emphasizes the relatively rapid quantitative growth of aviation technology with a more careful and slow qualitative progress. India, on the other hand, is wagering on buying a limited number of extremely modern Su-30MKI fighter jets, which only have one analogue in the world in their class - the American F/A-18E/F aircraft.



Table 1. Russian deliveries of combat aircraft to China and India as of the end of 2002. China
India

Delivered as of the end of 2002
36 Su-27SK

40 Su-27UBK

76 Su-30MKK
18 Su-30K

10 Su-30MKI

10 MiG-29

Russia’s contract commitments as of the end of 2002
19 Su-30MKK

200 SU-27SK (kits for licensed production)
22 Su-30MKI

140 Su-30MKI (kits for licensed production)

Probable contracts
Up to 200 Su-30MKK (licensed production)

AL-31F/FN engines (licensed production)
10 Su-30MKI

Total number of 4th-generation fighter jets after the carrying out of all planned purchases from Russia
350-500
200



Table 2. Basic differences between the licensed production programs of the PRC (Su-30MKK) and India (Su-30MKI) Su-30MKI
Su-30MKK

FAR radar
Yes
No

Front horizontal guiding fin
Yes
No

Controlled engine thrust vector
Yes
No

French and Israeli components
Yes
No

Licensed production of the AL-31F/FN engine
Yes
No




Navy weaponry

The same tendency can be observed in the sphere of navy technologies: India is pursuing a fairly risky technological policy, importing weaponry not yet in use by the Russian Navy, which contains components from other coun­tries. China is more conservative in its pur­chases - the technological demands grow less rapidly, but the purchases are made in large quantities.

The qualitative difference in the surface vessels that India has ordered - as in the case with the Su-30MKK fighter jet - is a weapons system that has not been used by the Russian fleet. The frigates from the 1135.6 class have never been built before, and they contain subsystems of foreign production. These include Indian navi­gation and communication systems, German wa­ter purifiers and Danish energy installations3. While, unlike in the case of Su-30MKI deliver­ies, there have been no delays in the export-ori­ented construction of 1135.6-class frigates, the risks of the emergence of defects and shortcom­ings in construction at the exploitation stage remain.

On the contrary, the PRC has obtained a system that is very familiar to the Russian Navy, since about 17 Sovremenny-class destroyers have actively been used by the Russian fleet for over 20 years. As in the case of the fighters, demands for the weapons system were raised with the acquisition of the second batch. Modernized destroyers will have a reinforced air defense and a more long-range anti-ship missile complex. It is possible that ships from the second batch will carry anti-ship missiles with effective range close to the limits of Missile Technology Control Regime - from 280 to 300 kilometers4.

Overall, the PRC received four submarines and two surface ships from Russia in the 1990s, and placed orders for two surface ships and eight submarines. India received four submarines and ordered three surface vessels, the transfer of which will take place in 2002-2003.

Air Defense and Ground Forces

There is not much sense in comparing China's and India's purchases in the sphere of air defense and ground forces, since unlike China, India did not make any major air defense system purchases in the 1990s. Right now, it is very likely that India's integrated air defense will be built on the basis of Israeli armaments systems5. With regard to ground forces weaponry, China



Table 3. Russian deliveries of Navy weaponry to the PRC and India in the 1990s China
India

Surface Vessels
2 Project 956E (Sovre­menny class) destroyers

2 956ME-class destroyers
3 1135.6-class frigates

Effective range of the mis­sile complex
120 km for the Project 956E
280 km

Stealth elements in the con­struction of the hull
No
Yes

Presence of analogues in the Russian Navy
Yes
No

Submarines
2 Project 877EKM (Kilo class) submarines

2 Project 636 (Kilo class) submarines

Contract for 8 submarines of the project 636
4 Project 877EKM (Kilo class) submarines

Modernization of 4 877EKM-class submarines

Target Detection Systems
No
9 Ka-31 EW helicopters

Sea Snake target-search system module

Naval Aviation and Air-borne Missiles
28 Su-30MKK aircraft,

Х-31A (AS-17)
No

Potential purchases
12-22 Su-30MKK aircraft
Admiral Gorshkov (Kiev class) aircraft carrier,

20-40 MiG-29K fighters

3 1135.6-class frigates (second batch)

Project 677 submarine




aims to fulfill its needs through national production. Indian orders for armaments for their ground forces are placed with several different states, but the largest of these contracts - an $800 million contract for the purchase of 310 T-90S main battle tanks - is with Russia.

Conclusion

The following conclusions can be made from a comparison of Chinese and Indian purchases of Russian weaponry:

The PRC is currently focusing on modernizing its Air Force, while the Indian Army, despite actively purchasing aviation equipment, is still giving priority to the purchase of naval armaments.

India is buying more technologically advanced armaments, taking greater technological risks, and thus jeopardizing the initial schedule for the delivery of aviation technology.

China is carrying out a less technologically ambitious, but much more realistic program of purchasing models that are outdated, but very familiar to the Soviet army and Russian industry.

The PRC generally buys larger batches of aviation armaments than India does.

Russia not only allows the transfer of more technologically advanced armaments to India, but also allows the sale of licenses for the production of critical subsystems needed for these armaments. The best example of this is the sale to India of licenses for the production of the AL-31F aircraft engine. Deliveries of such high-technology armaments and production technologies for critical subsystems to China are blocked by the Russian Defense Ministry.


Moscow Defense Brief

 

[Mig-29]

CAG raps IAF over purchase of Hawk aircraft in 2004.

CAG has rapped the Indian Air Force for buying the Hawk advanced trainer aircraft in 2004 on the basis of its requirements in 1987, compromising operational and training requirements of the service. "The supply and production of the aircraft was based on air staff requirements that were not reviewed since their issue in 1987. The restriction in utilisation of aircraft would compromise operational and training requirements," the report said. India had signed a contract with BAE Systems in 2004 to supply 66 trainer aircraft, 24 of which were to be supplied in the fly-away condition and the rest license-manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL). The report also slammed the IAF for taking 22 years to finalise the deal for the aircraft, the need for which was felt in 1982 itself. "Inordinate delay in acquisition of these trainer aircraft, which is essential for improving the skills of IAF pilots graduating from lower speed aircraft to advanced high performance fighter aircraft, has affected pilot safety," it said. The CAG said due to pending integration of electronic weapons suite, the aircraft could not be used for tactical weapon training, limiting the operational use of the aircraft. The Government auditors also revealed the anomalies in the pricing of spares for the aircraft exceeding the contracted rates. "Scrutiny of prices for these spares revealed that the firm had charged excess amount of UKP 8,37,108 for the fixed spares as the pricing was done for each line item based on unit price and contracted rates were not implemented," it said. Scrutinising the development of Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) aircraft by HAL, CAG said the delay in manufacturing and supply of trainer aircraft has denied the pilots the stage II training opportunity on these aircraft.

ASIAN DEFENCE: CAG raps IAF over purchase of Hawk aircraft in 2004

 

[sancho]

Stop the nonsense. Discuss the Indian Air Force. So boys, what has IAF done or changed in this year?

Su-30MKIs seems to be on the schedule.

Yes and will have a boost next year when additional MKIs from Russia arrives.

LCA process seems to be very slow.

Depends on which version you mean? MK1 will start production next year, MK2 capabilities are not decided yet, because some of it could be related on MMRCA (same engine maybe same radar).

MCA still on paper.

And will be on paper for the next years

PAK-FA, first prototype to fly this year or next?

That depends on Russia and is not really related on India, cause the Indian version will fly only after 2015.

 

[Mig-29]

IAF presses HAL for more Sukhois


Keen to deploy its most potent fighter jets at strategic airbases on both the eastern and western fronts, IAF has asked Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to step up the production rate of the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKIs. IAF till now has inducted 98 of the 230 twin-engine Sukhois contracted from Russia, with HAL tasked to manufacture 140 of them under transfer of technology, under three deals worth a total of around $8.5 billion. IAF wants HAL to step up the production rate from the current 14 to at least 18 Sukhois per year, as also "not bunch them towards the end of the year", said a senior officer. Apart from the initial figure of 140 Sukhois, HAL will also be assembling 40 more of these "air dominance" fighters, the procurement of which was fast-tracked through the last $1.6-billion contract. "The first lot of these 40 Sukhois should begin to roll out from 2011 onwards," said the officer. Defence minister A K Antony, on his part, contends India will have a fleet of 230 Sukhois by 2015. IAF, however, may be forced to go in for another deal for the ‘heavy’ category Sukhois if the gigantic $10.4-billion project to acquire 126 new ‘medium’ multi-role fighter aircraft and the proposed induction of seven squadrons (18 jets each) of the indigenous ‘‘light-weight’’ Tejas Light Combat Aircraft are ‘‘delayed beyond a reasonable timeframe’’. The slow pace of deliveries from HAL has meant that the first of the two Sukhoi squadrons earmarked for Tezpur (Assam) in the eastern sector will only be fully operational by early-2010. Four Sukhois were based in Tezpur in mid-June as part of the overall strategy to bolster military capabilities along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control to counter China’s build-up of military infrastructure in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and south China. Incidentally, IAF has identified Chabua (Assam), Halwara (Punjab) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan) as the new airbases to house the Sukhois as they come in. It already has Sukhoi bases in Pune and Bareilly, with the former also housing a dedicated training squadron for rookie pilots. ‘‘But with Sukhois not available in required numbers, training and flying operations are obviously being adversely impacted,’’ said the officer. Fresh inductions are also crucial because IAF is grappling with a sharp dip in the number of its fighter squadrons, down to just 32 from its ‘‘sanctioned strength’’ of 39.5. IAF, of course, having already inked a Rs 3,840-crore deal with Russia to upgrade its 69 MiG-29s by 2011, is looking to sign a Rs 10,000-crore contract with France for a similar package for its 51

Mirage-2000s to enhance its combat potential. "While a Sukhoi-30MKI, capable of simultaneously operating as a bomber and an interceptor, can be loosely said to be equal to three MiG-21s, numbers do matter at the end of the day,’’ said another officer. "We will only start feeling good as a force around 2015 and achieve 39.5 squadrons by 2017 or so. We would like 42 squadrons by 2022," he added.

ASIAN DEFENCE: IAF presses HAL for more Sukhois

 

[Mig-29]

Deal for SU-30s deprives industry of Rs 2,711 crore


The mighty SU-30s are the pride of the IAF, but their procurement has generated some turbulence. A deal to procure 40 such aircraft has apparently deprived the Indian industry of Rs 2,711 crore in offset benefits. This has happened because the Ministry of Defence and the IAF failed to go in for an offset clause as stipulated in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). In order to arrest declining force levels, the IAF concluded a contract worth Rs 9,000 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in March, 2007, for the supply of 40 aircraft. These were to be delivered in phases between 2008-11.While revealing this in its latest report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has also pointed out that the IAF did not have any funds allocated for this acquisition and funds were diverted from other programmes. Further, the delivery schedules have been pushed from 2011 to 2012. Against eight aircraft to be delivered in 2008-09, only two were delivered till February, 2009.The DPP classifies acquisitions as Buy-Indian, Buy and make with Transfer of Technology (ToT) or Buy-Global. Offset clause is applicable in the latter two cases. The MoD and IAF categorised the procurement as Buy-Indian on the grounds that the procurement was a repeat order for equipment developed through ToT.

The CAG termed this categorisation as incorrect. Buy-Indian implied that the indigenous content is a minimum of 30 per cent when an Indian vendor integrates the systems. In the said contract, however, the indigenous content was just five per cent, with 95 per cent of the material being imported. The MoD maintained that categorisation of the procurement was discussed by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and it was decided to procure the aircraft in the Buy-Indian category taking into account the urgency of procurement, indigenous content and price link and insistence of the offset clause would have delayed negotiations and negated price advantages.The CAG termed the ministry’s contentions as unacceptable as adherence to the DPP was mandatory. It pointed out that the advice of the Defence Offset Facilitation Agency was not obtained in the matter. Moreover, the DAC was not empowered to supersede provisions of the DPP.

ASIAN DEFENCE: Deal for SU-30s deprives industry of Rs 2,711 crore

 

[Mig-29]

AgustaWestland to bag India''s VVIP chopper deal

New Delhi, July 29 (PTI) India is just a step closer to buying 12 VVIP helicopters that would fly President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and has zeroed in on a British-Italian major AgustaWestland product that flies the US President. "We are on the verge of signing a deal with AgustaWestland to buy 12 of its EH-101 executive helicopters for our VVIP transport squadron," top Air Force officers told PTI today.

EH-101, which is used by America as ''Marine One'' to fly President of the United States or POTUS, has been selected as the helicopter that would form the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, as the VVIP transport squadron is called. Its closest competitor was the US aerospace major Sikorsky''s S-92 Superhawk helicopter, the VVIP helicopter used for ferrying the Queen of England.

The IAF had issued the tenders or Request for Proposals (RFP), in Defence parlance, for the 12 VVIP helicopters last year. Eight of 12 helicopters being bought would be configured to accommodate VVIPs and their staff and equipped with communication gizmo to help keep a tab on governance all the time.

AgustaWestland to bag India''s VVIP chopper deal - Yahoo! India News

 

[sudhir007]

Poor network hits Sukhoi deployment
NEW DELHI, July 30 – India’s plans to bolster its military strength along the border with China by deploying its potent Sukhoi fighter jets in Tezpur have been badly hit due to poor infrastructure at the front line airbase, reports PTI. “Tezpur’s infrastructure is inadequate to deploy and operate the heavier Su-30MKIs. The infrastructure development plan for the airbase in Assam is awaiting a nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security,” a top IAF officer told PTI here today.

The plan includes strengthening the tarmac of the airbase, which had till recently operated only MiG-21 variants, so that it can handle the Russian-origin Sukhoi air superiority multi-role fighters, the officer said.

India had on June 15 formally inducted four Su-30MKIs in Tezpur in anticipation of having a full squadron of 18 Sukhois at the airbase this year.

But now the plans have been postponed till mid 2010, when the infrastructure project would be completed, the officer said, adding the full squadron currently based in Lohegaon near Pune will move to Tezpur only then.

The slow delivery of SU-30MKIs by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has also contributed to the delay in deploying the squadron in Tezpur.

The IAF officer said the Air Force had two years ago asked HAL to increase Sukhoi’s rate of production to 18 aircraft a year instead of the then rate of 14 aircraft.

The IAF is showing urgency in the matter as it plans to have new Sukhoi bases in the east and north of the country. It has identified Chabua in Assam, Halwara in Punjab and Jodhpur in Rajasthan as the new airbases to operate Sukhois from 2010.

At present, the IAF has five Sukhoi squadrons in two Sukhoi bases in Lohegaon, which is the home base for the aircraft where all squadrons are raised and rookie pilots are trained, and Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.

The IAF currently has about 100 Sukhois in its fleet out of the 230 that it contracted from Russia for USD 8.5 billion, under which 140 of the aircraft would be manufactured by HAL through technology transfer.

HAL would also produce 40 more of these fighters under a fast-track procurement order for USD 1.6 billion placed two years ago. The first of these 40 Sukhois would roll out from 2011, the officer said.

Defence Minister A K Antony had recently informed Parliament that IAF would have a 230-strong fleet of Sukhois by 2015.
The Assam Tribune Online

 

[Mig-29]

C-130J simulator for IAF


The C-130J full-mission simulator that will be installed at Hindan for the Indian Air Force by early next year (deal signed in Paris on June 15). The simulator, built by CAE, will be the first Herc-sim to feature the CAE-Moog FCS proprietary True(TM) electric motion technology (Photo 2), which apparently provides more accurate and authentic motion cues for pilot training than legacy hydraulic motion systems installed on most simulators. According to literature on the technology, benefits of the technology also include "reduced overall simulator operating costs through lower energy consumption and less scheduled maintenance". Photo 3 shows the electric motion cabinet, which doesn't require a hydraulic power unit (HPU) room, and therefore saves space as well.







LiveFist - The Best of Indian Defence: C-130J Simulator For Hindan AFS

 

[Mig-29]

IAF MiG-29 upgrades may be delayed

The cost escalation and time overrun that is plaguing the multi-billion dollar Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier deal could soon haunt another mega Indo-Russian defence deal. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is worried over the likely delay in the MiG-29 upgrade programme.For the IAF, already facing a serious depletion of fighter squadrons owing to a number of aircraft being ‘number plated,’ the delay in deliveries of the frontline MiG-29 could mean compromising India’s air superiority.


In a contract signed in March 2008 of nearly $850 million between India and the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RSK MiG) , the MiG-29 was to have been upgraded from an aerial interceptor and air dominance aircraft to a fighter-bomber capable of striking mobile and stationary targets on the ground and at sea with high-precision weapons under all weather conditions.As per the contract, 54 single-seat fighters and eight trainers are being refurbished.


While six aircraft will be upgraded by the MiG-29’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the remaining aircraft will be refurbished with kits supplied by RSK MiG at the IAF’s 11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) at Nasik. As per the original schedule, the first upgraded MiG-29 was scheduled to fly into India in March 2010.However, officials from the OEM told The Hindu that there will be a delay of at least eight months in the arrival of the first upgraded aircraft. The Russians are attributing this to a delay in the IAF finalising the ‘buyer furnished equipment.’


The delay will translate into a year-long delay in the start of production aircraft at 11BRD. Fourteen aircraft are scheduled to roll out of 11BRD between April 2010 and March 2011.Under the contract, the IAF have to indicate to RSK MiG the list of equipment and their physical dimensions that they want fitted on the upgraded MiG-29’s. Many of these items are to be sourced or integrated by Indian companies.The upgrade programme had also run into rough weather last year after a Russian Air Force MiG-29 crashed in December, with talk of the IAF even toying with decommissioning the fighter.

However, with the Russians furnishing the reasons for the crash - structural faults in the aircraft due to corrosion on the fin root ribs – and after the IAF conducted a thorough inspection of its entire fleet, flying recommenced.
ASIAN DEFENCE: IAF MiG-29 upgrades may be delayed

 

[ironman]

There is a thread already exists about the Su-30 MKI upgrade. Unfortunately that is not containing the entire information. So here goes the full article.

More Bang For The Buck ​

Written by Prasun K.Sengupta

The pre-planned product improvement roadmap for the Su-30MKI continues to make steady progress, with two Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKIs, delivered in mid-2002, being dispatched to United Aircraft Corp (UAC) of Russia’s Irkutsk-based facility (IRKUT Corp) where both airframes will be strengthened and refurbished, and their navigation-and-attack system will be upgraded in order to arm the aircraft with the BrahMos supersonic air-launched cruise missile for both maritime strike and ground attack. Thus, while all structural and electrical work will be undertaken at Irkutsk, the Tikhomirov-NIIP will upgrade the Su-30MKI’s existing NO-11M ‘Bars’ passive phased-array radar’s performance and operating modes by incorporating a radar target extraction LRU. Once all this has been done, the two upgraded Su-30MKIs will be flown back to India to begin the weapons qualification test-firings, which will be jointly conducted by BrahMos Aerospace and the IAF.

And come 2014, UAC, together with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will begin upgrading the first 100 IAF Su-30MKIs by modifying their airframes to make them stealthy, converting the existing ‘Bars’ into an active phased-array radar, enhancing the situational awareness by incorporating active electronically scanned transmit/receive arrays on the aircraft’s wings, and beefing up the defensive-aids suite by installing a combined radar/laser warning system and a missile approach warning system. Tikhomirov-NIIP had by last November begun laboratory-level tests of a ‘Bars’, which was fitted with an AESA array made up of X-band transmit/receive modules built bt Istok JSC. Since then, another two ‘Bars’ radars have been modified as part of the R & D phase, which will last until 2012, and will be followed by flight qualification a year later. Incidentally, Tikhomirov-NIIP has also developed the Irbis-E passive phased-array radar for the Su-35BM and will soon begin work on modifying the Irbis-E into an active phased-array radar, which will go on board the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) that will be co-developed by UAC and HAL. In addition, both UAC and Tikhomirov-NIIP have come together to develop the ‘smart skin’ concept under which an AESA array’s transmit/receive modules can be placed anywhere on board the Su-30MKI to generate the relevant radiation field required for achieving more than 180-degree field-of-view.

Yet another radical upgrade of the Su-30MKI being developed by UAC concerns the possible modification of the airframe to give it stealthy features. Accordingly, both the existing air intakes will be radically reshaped, while the belly section of the Su-30MKI will be modified to house a conformal compartment that will house a wide array of mission-oriented precision-guided munitions (PGM), including Vympel JSC’s new-generation RVV-SD beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and RVV-MD within-visual-range air-to-air missile, and Tactical Missiles Corp’s Kh-38ME modular air-to-surface PGM. The integrated defensive aids suite (IDAS) now being co-developed by the DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) and EADS Defence Electronics will include a radar/laser warning receiver, full multi-spectral detection-capable missile approach warning system, and probably a towed-decoy, this being the Ariel Mk3 high-power, fibre-optic linked system.

Each of the upgraded Su-30MKIs will be powered by twin uprated versions of the NPO Saturn/UMPO AL-31FP turbofan. Russia has already funded the development of this turbofan (which will be uprated by 20%), which will provide non-afterburning supersonic cruise speeds, will have a 6,000-hour technical service life, and will come equipped with three-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles (moving +/-15 degrees vertically and +/-8 degrees horizontally) as well as full authority digital electronic controls. The single-crystal turbine blades of the turbofan will be treated with a new-generation corrosion-protection coating developed by Urals-based PRAD, which will dramatically extend the service life of those AL-31FPs that are exposed to severe sand erosion. This very same turbofan has also been selected to power the twin-engined tandem-seat FGFA.

Last Updated ( Monday, 27 July 2009 )

 

[ironman]

AN-32 :A New Lease Of Life​

The Ministry of Defence on June 13 inked a US$397 contract with Ukraine’s Foreign Trade Enterprise to begin the long-overdue service life extension programme for 105 An-32B twin-engined STOL tactical transports of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under this contract, six An-32Bs will be flown to AVIANT Kyiv Aviation Plant in Kiev in successive batches (between this year and 2013) and both their airframes and engines will be subjected to overhauls and extensions to their total technical service lives (TTSL) to enable them to be flightworthy for the next 15 years, and will also be equipped with an all-glass cockpit avionics suite of Israeli and Indian origin. The remaining 99 An-32Bs will be similarly upgraded and refurbished by the IAF’s Kanpur-based Nos1 and 4 Base Repair Depots. The joint team of AVIANT and Israel Aerospace Industries’ LAHAV Division had last February emerged as the winner of the competitive tendering process. Once upgraded to the An-32B-110 standard, the airlifter will be able to operate from high-altitude air bases and advanced landing grounds in mountainous areas (with ambient temperatures of up to 55 degree Celsius, and airfield heights of up to 4,500 metres above sea level).

The powerplant of this aircraft will comprise twin Motor Sich-built ZMKB Progress AI-20D Series 5M engines each driving a four-blade Stupino AV-58 series propeller, and with a time-between-overhaul (TBO) of 4,000 hours and assigned serviceable lifetime of 20,000 hours. It will also feature a modified digital engine control system which will automatically de-rate on-shaft power depending on the ambient temperature, and automatically engage the ‘extreme power mode’ when an engine fails during takeoff.
Maximum takeoff weight for the An-32B-110 will be increased up to 28.5 tonnes, and maximum payload up to 7.5 tonnes. This will considerably improve the An-32B-110’s efficiency as a freighter, enabling the transportation of a 7.5-tonne payload out to a distance of 1,000km, and a 5.5-tonne load out to 2,000km.
The all-glass cockpit’s will be night vision goggle-compatible, and will comprise twin heads-up displays, up to five AMLCDs (including a moving map display, and twin flight management system displays. The integrated defensive aids suite will be supplied by Bharat Electronics Ltd, while SLN Technologies Pvt Ltd will supply the digital flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

Other on-board mission avionics to be installed will include Honeywell-built LTN-101 inertial navigation system, traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) and weather radar (capable of ground mapping, meteorological monitoring and ground beacon localisation), and a HAL-built MkXI IFF transponder and TACAN. Instrumentation of Ukrainian origin will include dual AHS-85 attitude heading reference system, AIM-505 standby attitude indicator, Dual-channel VIR-432 VOR/ILS aids, ALT-4000 radar altimeter, APS-65 automatic flight control system for provide landing approaches in conformity with Category II regulations of the ICAO, DME-432, and ADF-462 automatic direction finder.

The entire avionics suite will linked to all the component line-replaceable units via MIL-STD-1553B digital databus. All upgraded An-32B-110s will be be maintained in an ‘on-condition basis, involving only 3.5 maintenance man-hours per flight hour in the line maintenance phase.

Periodic maintenance will be undertaken at the air base after every 300 flight hours (or six months), while depot-level maintenance will be conducted at base repair depots after logging in 10,800 flight hours or 13 years of operation.
Last Updated ( Monday, 27 July 2009 )

 

[ironman]

Jaguar: Battle Royal​

This promises to be the mother of all combat aircraft-specific upgrades: up to 120 existing SEPECAT/HAL-built Jaguar IS interdictor/strike aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be re-engined as well as re-equipped with a fourth-generation combined cockpit/mission avionics suite along with a related defensive aids suite, all of which will result in the twin-engined Jaguar IS being reborn as a formidable all-weather platform with enhanced technical service life, enhanced weapons carriage capability (especially precision-guided munitions, or PGM), and also a platform capable of undertaking dedicated suppression of enemy air defence (SEADF) missions.

Last month, the IAF set up a high-level systems evaluation committee whose first task will be to identify a suitable turbofan for the re-engining component of the massive upgrade-cum-service life extension programme. The engine evaluation-sum-selection process will be overseen by K V L Rao, the former Project Director (propulsion systems) of the Defence Research & Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is leading the R & D efforts of the Tejas Mk1 and projected Mk2 light combat aircraft (LCA). Bidding for supplying up to 280 turbofans (including 40 spare engines) are UK-based Rolls-Royce and US-based Honeywell, with the competitive evaluation process being expected to reach its conclusion by next month. Honeywell is offering its F125IN, a 43.8kN thrust (with afterburning) turbofan, while Rolls-Royce, whose Adour Mk811 (rated at 32.5kN thrust with afterburning) presently powers the Jaguars, has proposed its Adour Mk821 turbofan. Honeywell, which first showcased the F125IN at the Aero India 2009 expo in Bangalore last February, claims that its proposed solution boasts “improved pilot safety, lower maintenance costs and outstanding reliability”. Honeywell has also since stated that the F125IN’s modular construction and integral dual full-authority digital engine control system (FADEC) would save the IAF US$1.5billion in life-cycle costs as compared to its competitor. Rolls-Royce, on the other hand, claims that its Mk821, which is built on the proven technology of the preceeding Adour engines, “offers a low-risk route to the twin benefits of greater thrust and lower life-cycle costs”. According to the aero-engine manufacturer, choosing the Mk821 will also offer a high degree of commonality with the Adour Mk871 turbofan that currently powers the BAE Systems/HAL Hawk Mk132 lead-in fighter trainers now in delivery to the IAF. Rolls-Royce recently demonstrated the successfull installation and ground-testing of an Adour Mk821 engine in an ex-Royal Air Force Jaguar at Cosford, which was witnessed by IAF officials. During these tests the Adour Mk821 ran at full reheat and reportedly passed all performance targets set down by the IAF. The tests were conducted by Rolls-Royce’s Chief Test Pilot Phill O’Dell, who said: “As a former RAF Jaguar pilot myself I was impressed with the performance and functionality that the Mk821 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 Mk821 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 IAF. We believe that we have proved that the Adour Mk821 meets all IAF performance requirements at the lowest risk”. The Mk821, according to Rolls-Royce, includes several technology inserts from other civil and military programmes and has been specifically designed for the IAF’s operational requirements, offering the twin benefits of greater thrust and lower life-cycle costs.
Vicki Panhuise, Honeywell’s Vice President for Military Aircraft, claimed that the F125N “will transform the IAF Jaguars by improving mission performance, enhancing pilot safety, reducing pilot workload, and reducing maintenance events and costs”. “The F125IN powerplant is significantly lighter and much more powerful than the aircraft’s current engine. It has an advanced FADEC system, modular construction, integrated engine health monitoring system and best-in-class thrust-to-weight ratio—all designed to give the IAF the best engine with the lowest operating and maintenance costs,” Panhuise added. It was in 2007 that the F125IN was successfully demonstrated to the IAF in Bangalore on board an existing IAF Jaguar IS. Its on-condition engine maintenance design leads to maximum time-on-wing, extending the first off-wing inspection interval to more than 10 years of service.

As far as the to-be-upgraded Jaguar IS’ cockpit/mission avionics go, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) last February revealed a prototype DARIN-3 suite at the Aero India 2009 expo, which includes an all-glass cockpit, HOTAS controls, core avionics computer, new-generation stores management system and digital map generator, wide-angle HUD, and an integrated defensive aids suite (IDAS) now being co-developed by the DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) and EADS Defence Electronics. The IDAS will include a radar/laser warning receiver, full multi-spectral detection-capable missile approach warning system, and a towed-decoy, this being the Ariel Mk3 high-power, fibre-optic linked system. Once a threat has been detected, located, and identified by the on-board radar warning receiver, a jamming signal is generated by the towed-decoy by using a techniques generator based on digital-RF-memory (DRFM) components, which will produce a full range of noise and deception signals between 4.5GHz and 18GHz. The RF signal is converted into modulated laser pulses and transmitted down the 100 metre-long fibre-optic cable to the decoy, which contains a transmitter. The Ariel Mk3 also incorporates a phased-array beam-steering device, providing full spherical coverage with 1.2 kW of power. The twin modular lightweight countermeasures dispensing systems will probably be pylon-mounted. As for mission avionics, the Jaguar IS will be retrofitted with a modified nose section (like that on board the IAF’s existing Jaguar IM maritime strike aircraft) to accommodate a lightweight active phased-array multi-mode radar (like the Vixen 500e from Selex Galileo or SABR from Northrop Grumman) for both scanning for and tracking hostile airborne targets, as well as moving ground target indication. In addition, for engaging in all-weather precision strikes as part of effects-based air operations, the upgraded jaguar IS will be equipped with two pod-mounted sensors: the 196kg EL/M-20600 radar targetting pod (RTP) from Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Division, and RAFAEL Advanced Defence Systems’ Litening-3 laser designator pod. The former integrates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, ground moving target indication (GMTI) and precision target tracking into a single sensor. The RTP thus provides high-quality radar images of ground targets and terrain from standoff ranges, even through clouds, rain, fog, battlefield smoke and man-made camouflage, thus also catering for immediate post-strike bomb damage assessment (BDA). For undertaking SEAD missions, the upgraded Jaguar IS will be equipped with twin wide-band jammers and up to four high-speed anti-radiation missiles of an as yet undetermined type.

A wide range of PGMs will available for the upgraded Jaguar IS, including the AASM from SAGEM (belonging to France’s SAFRAN Group), Raytheon’s JSOW, MBDA’s Diamond Back, Israel Military Industries’ (IMI) modular standoff vehicle (MSOV) and Delilah multi-role cruise missile, and Raytheon’s Paveway 4 or Israel Aerospace Industries’ Griffin-3 laser-guided bombs. The Diamond Back features a unique joined tandem-wing design that extends the wings from a compact storage position. The deployed wings provide a diamond-shaped platform with excellent manoeuvrability and glide characteristics. The Diamond Back’s wing assembly has successfully demonstrated low-cost range extension technology that can triple the standoff range of of direct-attack munitions. This unique wing assembly, when integrated with tail-controlled GPSW-guided weapons like smaller diameter bombs, provides standoff and cross-track manoeuvrability for a significantly expanded footprint. The larger footprint not only provides additional survivability for the delivery aircraft, but also allows the attack of multiple, widely separated targets from a single release point, and attacks against multiple targets from a single release point. The MSOV is a glide weapon using GPS navigation to reach a pre-planned target at maximum range before dispersing its load of sub-munitions or exploding a unitary warhead. Weighing 1,050kg (2,310lb), including a payload of up to 700kg, the MSOV is 3.97 metres (13 feet) long and has a deployed wingspan of 2.7 metres. The weapon is designed for release from an altitude of up to 35,000 feet ASL, and has a maximum range greater than 120km (65nm). Raytheon, meanwhile, has started integrating its munitions control unit (MCU) on an existing IAF Jaguar IS testbed.
The MCU is a plug-and-play system that enables integration of modern weapons on legacy aircraft with minimal modifications to aircraft wiring and no changes to the flight and stores management software. Once the MCU is integrated on an aircraft, aircrews can employ both existing standofff PGMs and air combat missiles while using the aircraft’s existing weapons management system. Raytheon began integrating its MCU on the Jaguar IS in the second quarter of 2009 and plans to finish the work in less than 24 months. For self-protection, a wide range of within visual range air combat missiles are available, these including RAFAEL’s Python 5 (already on board the Jaguar IM), Raytheon’s AIM-9X, DIEHL/BGT’s Iris-T, and MBDA’s AIM-132 ASRAAM.

Last Updated ( Monday, 27 July 2009 )

 

[sancho]

the existing air intakes will be radically reshaped, while the belly section of the Su-30MKI will be modified to house a conformal compartment that will house a wide array of mission-oriented precision-guided munitions (PGM)

The integrated defensive aids suite (IDAS) now being co-developed by the DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) and EADS Defence Electronics will include a radar/laser warning receiver, full multi-spectral detection-capable missile approach warning system, and probably a towed-decoy, this being the Ariel Mk3 high-power, fibre-optic linked system.

Each of the upgraded Su-30MKIs will be powered by twin uprated versions of the NPO Saturn/UMPO AL-31FP turbofan. Russia has already funded the development of this turbofan (which will be uprated by 20%)which will provide non-afterburning supersonic cruise speeds, will have a 6,000-hour technical service life, and will come equipped with three-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles (moving +/-15 degrees vertically and +/-8 degrees horizontally) as well as full authority digital electronic controls.[
The single-crystal turbine blades of the turbofan will be treated with a new-generation corrosion-protection coating developed by Urals-based PRAD, which will dramatically extend the service life of those AL-31FPs that are exposed to severe sand erosion. This very same turbofan has also been selected to power the twin-engined tandem-seat FGFA

Really great news if that all is true! The RCS reduction, new defense aids with Towed Decoy, AESA radar and engine commonality to coming FGFA are perfect improvements and will make the bird even more leathal!

Airbus 330 MRTT shortlisted, Eurocopter fennec favourite for LUH, co-development with EADS on IDAS for MKI and Jaguar, Technical assistance and possibly EJ 200 engine for LCA, plus the offer on EF partnership. EADS is really pushing hard for the indian market!

 

[navtrek]

Armed forces to induct 800 choppers in next few years

Supersonic fighter jets may grab all the eyeballs. But it's also raining helicopters for armed forces, who want to induct as many as
800 "rotary-wing birds" over the next few years at a cost of well over Rs 20,000 crore.

Yet another helicopter deal was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security on Tuesday evening, with the around Rs 950 crore acquisition of five Russian Kamov-31 early-warning helicopters getting the final nod, said sources.

The contract for Ka-31s, which will bolster Navy's long-range capability to detect airborne and surface ship threats, is to be inked in a month or so.

With the E-801M Oko (Eye) airborne electronic warfare radar mounted beneath the fuselage, a Ka-31 can simultaneously track up to 40 airborne and surface threats, with a 360 degree coverage, from 100 to 200 km away depending on the target's size.

Navy already has nine Ka-31 helicopters, inducted in 2003-2004, which operate from its solitary aircraft carrier INS Viraat and three Talwar-class "stealthy" guided-missile frigates as well as shore-based air stations.

Of the 800 new choppers, around half will come from foreign aviation majors. The different projects are:

VVIP: The multi-million dollar deal to acquire 12 VVIP helicopters, with self-protection suites to tackle hostile missiles and other threats, has been finalised with Italian aviation major AgustaWestland for its three-engine AW-101 choppers.

Multi-Role: Navy is hunting for multi-role helicopters (MRHs), armed with cruise missiles and lightweight torpedoes for advanced anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Though the tender has been floated for only 16 choppers as of now, Navy wants around 60 MRHs eventually. Capable of ferrying 15 soldiers and being refuelled in mid-air, each such 10-tonne helicopter will come for around Rs 110 crore.

Light Utility: India has sought bids from six foreign firms to supply 197 `light utility and observation' helicopters (LUHs), in a Rs 3,000 crore project, to service Siachen, Kargil and other high-altitude areas.

Another 187 such choppers will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd by 2016-2017 to fulfil overall requirement of 384 LUHs for Army (259) and IAF (125) to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleets.

Attack Helicopters: IAF has re-launched its hunt for 22 lethal attack helicopters to add to its feet of Mi-35 gunships. It wants these gunships to be highly-agile, have good armour protection and a 20mm calibre turret gun, as also be capable of firing 70mm rockets with a 1.2-km range and missiles with at least 7-km range.

Medium-Lift: IAF will induct 80 Russian Mi-17 V-5 helicopters during 2010-2014 under a $1.2 billion deal already inked in December 2008. Weaponised for combat operations, the Mi-17s will ferry troops and supplies to even high-altitude areas.

ALH: HAL is already manufacturing `Dhruv' Advanced Light Helicopters, with 168 of them to be inducted into Army and IAF by 2013-2014. Incidentally, the 145 Army ALHs came for Rs 11,237 crore, with CAG criticising the deals since the choppers have "technological gaps".

LCH: HAL is also developing the 5.5-tonne twin-engine Light Combat Helicopter. IAF has projected an initial requirement for 65 LCHs, armed with a 20mm turret twin-barrel gun, cluster bombs, rocket pods as well as missiles.

Armed forces to induct 800 choppers in next few years - India - NEWS - The Times of India