Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[RPK]

Explosive device found near air force base in Punjab


Chandigarh, Jan 25 (IANS) A explosive device was found near Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Halwara base in Punjab’s Jagraon town Monday, two days after two grenades were discovered near an IAF station near Zirakpur town, police said.
“This bomb-like object was placed in a Maruti car with a Haryana registration number and abandoned on the road. We have found urea, petrol, detonator type wire and a Chinese mobile phone inside the car,” Jaswinder Singh, investigating officer of the case, told IANS.

“From the preliminary investigation, it seems that somebody had tried to explode this bomb,” he said, adding forensic experts had been called.

Jagraon town is around 100 km from Chandigarh. Punjab Police also found two grenades near the Highground IAF station in Zirakpur, about 10 km from Chandigarh, Saturday.

A bomb was also discovered Jan 18 outside a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling plant in a town in Patiala district. It was defused by the bomb disposal squad of Punjab Armed Police (PAP).



More at : Explosive device found near air force base in Punjab Explosive device found near air force base in Punjab

 

[RPK]

IAF Restarts Mid Tankers Procurement | India Defence Online

The Indian Ministry of Defence has released a new request for information (RFI) for the acquisition of six new in-flight refuelling aircraft. Although the Indian Defence Ministry did not reveal the requirements or procurement schedule, it confirmed that a new RFI has been issued for vendors.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been in dire need of a new fleet of mid-air refueling aircraft. Last year, the Ministry of Defence cancelled an ongoing contract for the mid-air refueling aircraft. The contract was stalled in September last year after the Finance Ministry questioned the need to purchase a new fleet of tankers other than the Ilyushin IL 78s already in service. The Finance Ministry also raised objections to the high price of the European Airbus 330 MRTT aircraft which was selected.

As for the IAF, it has a fleet of Ilyushin Il-78MKI tankers and was expecting an improved version through the previous proposal for up to six new aircraft. IAF has clearly communicated to the Indian Defence Ministry that it needs an improved version of the refuelling aircraft.
The cancellation of the earlier contract was a setback to the IAF as well as the European giant EADS. The IAF will now have to wait for another five years for the new fleet of mid-air refueling aircraft. As for EADS, losing the estimated $2 billion deal to supply six refueling aircraft for the IAF is a serious blow. Earlier, it suffered a similar setback after the army light helicopter deal, in which the consortium’s Eurocopter was the frontrunner, was cancelled in 2007 due to an unfair selection procedure.

As for the new RFI for the mid-air refueling aircraft, it has been sent to various global players like Boeing and EADS. EADS subsidiary Airbus Military had earlier also supplied information on its Airbus A330-based multirole tanker transport and now will be back in the fray. As for the US Boeing, it has the KC-767 tanker/transport based on its commercial 767 platform. Boeing is also contemplating the development of a variant of its larger 777 design.

The IAF plans to give a trans-Oceanic reach to its fleet with the midair refuelers. All major aircraft with the Indian Air Force including the Sukhoi, Mirage, MiG-27, MiG- 21, MiG-29 and Jaguar are to be fitted for midair refueling. IAF officials said flight refueling tankers are the key to extending the reach of long-range transport and fighter jets by making them fly longer distances. For instance, the reach of fighters such as SU-30 and Mirage-2000 will expand dramatically if they are refueled in mid-air.

 

[RPK]

Delay in IJT programme irks IAF idrw.org

A technical hitch in the recently installed Russian AL-55 I turbofan engine has turned out to be the latest irritant causing a further delay in the indigenous Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) programme.

The delay has infuriated the Indian Air Force (IAF) for whom the trainer is being built.

Designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), the IJT, called the Hindustan Jet Trainer – 36 (HJT-36), is meant to replace the IAF’s aging Kiran trainer that is currently used for the second stage of pilot training.

Discovered during a routine test flight, the malfunction in the Russian engine’s lubrication system and the resultant oil leak, prompted HAL and the Russian team to send an SOS to the AL-55 I engine’s chief designer who flew in from Moscow.

Luckily for the programme, the snag has been traced to a faulty component and not a design deficiency.

Abrupt grounding

But the problem resulted in the abrupt grounding of prototype trainer one (PT1), the only aircraft on which the Russian engine has been mounted. Officials from HAL told The Hindu that the investigations into the causes for the problem were almost behind them and tests flights of PT1 had been resumed.

They said that only a handful of sorties were needed before the engine’s certification on the IJT was achieved.

The sources said that PT2, which had been “recovered” from last February’s crash, would be fitted with the AL-55 I engine.

This would result in HAL having two HJT-36 prototypes for its IJT test programme.

Modifications

While PT1 had been slotted for the engine integration programme, PT2 after modifications, including a spin chute, would be utilised for testing the aircraft’s spin characteristics, longitudinal tests, etc.

The all-important spin characteristics tests are schedule to start in March.

Thereafter, the aircraft will under go weapon trials. However, officials do not expect the trainer to meet its June 2010 deadline for initial operational clearance.

Under development for over a decade and having made its inaugural flight in March 2003, HAL was, as per the original schedule, to deliver its IJT in 2005-06. However, delays, primarily in the arrival of the new and more powerful Russian AL-55 I engine (which replaced the French Lazrac engine) and crash of the two HJT-36s have not helped the programme. The delays have forced the Indian Air Force to continuously take corrective action and drastically alter the training plans. “We are preparing to induct the HJT-36, but we know we won’t get them even in 2010,” an officer said.

 

[skyisthelimit]

Russian 5th-Gen Fighter to Make Maiden Flight on Friday

Russia is set to hold the first test of its futuristic fifth-generation fighter jet on Friday, a source at the country's largest aircraft producer said on Thursday."The [test] flight was initially scheduled for Thursday, but has been postponed," the source at the Gagarin KNAAPO company, a subsidiary of aircraft holding Sukhoi, said.Russia's only known fifth-generation project is Sukhoi's PAK FA and the current prototype is the T-50. It is designed to compete with the U.S. F-22 Raptor, so far the world's only fifth-generation fighter, and the F-35 Lightning II, but has yet to take to the skies.

Speaking at a news conference later on Thursday, the chief of the Russian state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport said India remained Russia's sole partner in the project."We [Russia and India] are working to build the fifth-generation aircraft," Anatoly Isaikin said.Russia has been developing its newest fighter since the 1990s. The country's top military officials earlier said the stealth fighter jet with a range of up to 5,500 km would enter service with the Air Force in 2015.

India, which has a long history of defense relations with Russia, joined the project after signing an agreement in October 2007. But the two nations are still in talks to finalize the contract.India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) was reported to be seeking a 25% share in design and development in the project. It has also sought to modify Sukhoi's single-seat prototype into the twin-seat fighter India's Air Force wants.

Russia accounts for around 70% of India's weapons inventory. HAL has license-produced Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, cooperated in the development of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile, and plans to work on a joint multirole transport aircraft.Defense ties have strained, however, over the fifth-generation fighter program and the rising cost of refurbishing the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov for the Indian navy.

The PAK FA is to be armed with next-generation air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and has two 30-mm cannons.The first prototype of the jet was already tested on the runway of the aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Russia's Far East. The test pilot made two runs on the airstrip, during which the brakes were applied several times.

http://theasiandefence.blogspot.com/

 

[RPK]

The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : IAF plans to acquire 75 basic trainer aircraft

Ravi Sharma


BANGALORE: Looking to acquire 75 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Ministry has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to a dozen global aircraft manufacturers.

The manufacturers including such global names as Embraer (aircraft name in brackets) (Tucano), Pilatus (PC-7 or PC-/9), Raytheon (T-6 Texan), Finmeccanica (M-311), Grob Aircraft Company (G-120TP), EADS PZL (PZL-130-TC-11 Orik) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KT-1) are required to submit their proposals by March 17.

Officials in the Ministry told The Hindu that a pre-bidders conference would be held on February 2 during which clarifications if any would be entertained. The IAF would technically evaluate the aircraft once the proposals were received.

The move to acquire the trainers comes in the wake of the grounding by the IAF of their 125-strong Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) designed and manufactured ab initio Hindustan Piston Trainer-32 (HPT-32) fleet after one of these aircraft crashed killing two instructors during a flight from the Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal.


As per the RFP the manufacturer will have to deliver the first 12 aircraft within 24 months of the contract. The remaining trainers will follow in batches.

 

[Ultimate Warrior]

IAF plans to acquire 75 basic trainer aircraft


BANGALORE, January 31, 2010
Looking to acquire 75 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Ministry of Defence has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to a dozen global aircraft manufacturers.

The manufacturers including such global names as Embraer (aircraft name in brackets) (Tucano), Pilatus (PC-7 or PC-/9), Raytheon (T-6 Texan), Finmeccanica (M-311), Grob Aircraft Company (G-120TP), EADS PZL (PZL-130-TC-11 Orik) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KT-1) are required to submit their proposals by March 17.

Officials in the Ministry told The Hindu that a pre-bidders conference would be held on February 2 during which clarifications if any would be entertained. The IAF would technically evaluate the aircraft once the proposals were received.

The move to acquire the trainers comes in the wake of the grounding by the IAF of their 125-strong Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) designed and manufactured ab initio Hindustan Piston Trainer-32 (HPT-32) fleet after one of these aircraft crashed killing two instructors during a flight from the Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal.

As per the RFP the manufacturer will have to deliver the first 12 aircraft within 24 months of the contract. The remaining trainers will follow in batches.

With the IAF looking to keep the chosen trainer in its inventory for at least 30 years the RFP specifies that the aircraft should have been “recently certified.” The 75 aircraft are part of the government’s go-ahead to the IAF for the acquisition of 181 basic trainers.

The Hindu : News / National : IAF plans to acquire 75 basic trainer aircraft

 

[Ultimate Warrior]

HAL's light combat helicopter to fly in February
By Radhakrishna Rao


DATE:29/01/10
SOURCE:Flight International

India's Hindustan Aeronautics expects its 5.5t-class light combat helicopter to fly for the first time in February.

HAL had originally expected the LCH, which reuses many technologies developed for its in-service Dhruv advanced light helicopter, to fly in late 2008, but its schedule slipped after problems that included the supply of production tooling.

Company chairman Ashok Nayak says the prototype Dhruv has successfully completed ground testing and is ready to fly. The Indian armed forces could eventually buy more than 100 of the HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-engined aircraft, he believes.

The tandem-configuration helicopter will carry weapons including New Delhi's indigenous Nag anti-tank missile.

 

[Trichy]

I welcome it, but why we can't even make a good Trainer aircraft locally. im very disappoint in this issue

 

[Cheetah786]

LOL Another contract put out by IAF

 

[gogbot]

LOL Another contract put out by IAF

Yes Sir,

Unlike Mighty PAF that has magical ability to materialize J-XX out of thin air by saying words

China and Pakistan friendship for ever .

Mortal Indians like us have to Put out tender and follow process of procurement.

 

[marcos98]

maybe IAF also issue RFP to super mushak .........
then surely or pilot training will be at par with PAF......

 

[RPK]

PIB Press Release

Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra (AWSO) Enthralls Audience at Air Force Auditorium


The Air Force Auditorium at Subroto Park, New Delhi, today witnessed the musicians of Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra (AWSO), conducted by Wing Commander P K Jena play tunes that held the audience completely rapt. From the earliest times, music has been a soul stirring accompaniment to the men of arms, acting as a catalyst of exciting passion and inspiring them to go forth and conquer. Military bands enliven the spirit, strengthen the mood and help in promoting pride and camraderie.

The first Air Force Band was raised in the year 1944 at the Royal Air Force Station , Kohat, in North Western Frontier Province, now in Pakistan. Today there are eight bands in the Indian Air Force. Progressing from the delightful martial music, successive conductors of the bands enhanced the range of its repertoire to include arrangements of symphonies, overtures and concertos as well as other forms of contemporary music including the Indian Classical. These bands have been performing at ceremonies and official functions. The Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra (AWSO, was formed in April 2003 by selecting musicians from various bands. Today, it has about 70 musicians who play brass, woodwind reed, electronic and percussion instruments. The AWSO symbolizes teamwork, harmony, ethos and dedication of an Air Warrior to his profession.

Air Warrior Symphony Orchestra has performed many concerts all over the country. They have also performed at Bangkok in Thailand and participated in Military Band Festival in Finland.

 

[RPK]

PIB Press Release


Air Marshal J Neri- New IAF Head of Maintenance


Air Marshal Joseph Neri takes over as the new Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM), tomorrow on February 1, 2010 at Air Headquarters. AOM is responsible for ‘Maintenance Management’ of all weapon systems and equipment of Indian Air Force (IAF). He was formerly the Director General of Aircraft at Air Headquarters.

Air Marshal Neri is an Electronic Engineering graduate from College of Engineering Gindy, Chennai. He was commissioned in the IAF on July 8, 1974.

The Air Marshal held various field and staff appointments including Senior Technical Officer of Tactical and combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Chief Engineering Officer of a major fighter base, Commanding Officer of a Signal Unit and Staff appointments as Director Training and Principal Director Operations-Information Technology and Networking besides Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Maintenance Planning). As Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO) while at South Western Air Command, he was responsible for the operational preparedness of the IAF Fleet in the sector. He closely steered the maintenance activities of the nascent Sukhoi-30 fleet to overcome teething problems during his tenure there.

For his distinguished service, Air Marshal was conferred the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) on January 26, 1999 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) on January 26, 2010 by the President of India.

 

[bomberman]

NEW DELHI: IAF is all set to conduct a high-voltage firepower exercise to showcase its 'shock and awe' capabilities to both domestic as well as
IAF
international audiences.

Dubbed 'Vayu-Shakti', the high-intensity blitzkrieg will culminate in a massive firepower demonstration at the Pokhran range in Thar desert on February 24, with the country's top leadership, military brass and foreign military observers in attendance.

The sheer scale can be gauged from the fact that IAF has kept around 70 top-notch fighters such as Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Mirage-2000s, Jaguars, MiG-29s, MiG-27s and MiG-21 'Bisons' from several airbases on standby for Vayu-Shakti.

Moreover, IAF will also be deploying Mi-35 attack and Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, IL-76 heavy-lift and AN-32 medium-lift cargo aircraft for the exercise. "Vayu-Shakti is being held after a gap of some years. It will be a 'maha' (major) one to demonstrate India's aerial firepower and capabilities, both during day and night," said a top IAF officer.

Foreign observers and military attaches are often invited to military exercises in India but this time the number will be much larger. "Vayu-Shakti will send a message that, along with the growing economic power, we also have the requisite military muscle to defend our geo-strategic interests," said another officer.

Yes, IAF is still grappling with the sharp decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, down to just 32 from even the 'sanctioned strength' of 39.5. But the force is confident that operational and procurement plans are in place to ensure its capability to operate in India's expanding strategic environment, spreading from the Persian Gulf right up to Malacca Strait. The fourth largest air force in the world after US, Russia and China, IAF's eventual aim is to transform into an 'expeditionary aerospace force', with the wherewithal to rapidly deploy and operate across the globe.

IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, has outlined a three-pronged strategy for his force. One, 'to see first and see the farthest', with AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) and satellites.

Two, 'to reach first and the farthest', with mid-air refuellers to enhance the radius of operations of its fighters. And three, 'to hit hard and accurately', with advanced missiles and PGMs (precision guided munitions).

All this, of course, does not come cheap. India has inked defence deals worth over $50 billion since the 1999 Kargil conflict, and will spend another $30 billion over the next four-five years, as reported by TOI earlier. IAF, on its part, hopes to induct all 230 Sukhoi-30 MKIs so far contracted from Russia for around $8.5 billion by 2014-15, apart from upgrades of its 63 MiG-29 s and 52 Mirage-2000 s. The ongoing trials to select 126 multi-role combat aircraft under the mammoth $10.4 billion programme are also at an advanced stage now.


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...howcase-its-firepower/articleshow/5522493.cms

 

[RPK]

Light Utility Helicopter to begin winter trials

8ak - Indian Defence News: Light Utility Helicopter to begin winter trials

31 Jan 2010 8ak: The armed forces are upbeat with the government’s decision to initiate winter trials for the procurement of the much-delayed 197 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) for the Army and the Air Force. Even though testing has started, it will take at least one and half year before any decision is reached by the government pertaining to the procurement of these choppers. After the first phase of winter tests are concluded in Punjab, the bidders will have to undergo a phase of summer trials commencing in June, which would be followed by high altitude trials in Siachen.
The induction of choppers will not only replace the ageing fleet of Russian Mi-8 and Mi-17 choppers but will also fill vital gaps in India's security. The choppers have multiple utilities ranging from rescue operations, carrying relief material, ferrying soldiers and combat, as seen during the Kargil war, when Mi-17 was deployed.

Apart from buying 197 LUHs, India’s premiere aeronautics agency – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is also looking to develop 187 LUHs with a foreign partner that is yet to be finalised. In addition to this, the IAF has projected a requirement of another 350 Medium-Lift Helicopters.

Earlier, the government had issued tenders for procurement of LUHs, but the tender was cancelled by the government due to alleged irregularities in the process. It is believed that Eurocopter had fielded its civilian variant for field trials whereas another company had offered its military version. The fresh tenders for the procurement of the choppers were floated in 2008, the Request for Proposal (RFP) for which was sent to Eurocopter, Russian Mil and Kamov, American Sikorsky & Bell and Italian Agusta Westland.

The current helicopter fleet of the Indian Air Force is estimated to be nearly 300 aircraft. The fleet consists of approx 75 Chetaks and Cheetahs, 150+ Mi-8s and Mi-17s and about 30 Mi-25/35 Attack Helicopters. The IAF also has four heavy lift Mi-26 helicopters which are used sparingly as sky cranes for special missions. The latest induction into the IAF is the HAL Dhruv - Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), about a dozen of which are in service currently.