CHOPPERING AROUND: Indian Military helicopters

[kurup]

Sub-optimal warfare, because of its asymmetric nature, requires high troop mobility which is provided by military helicopters that move men and material across battle-space with agility.

The Vietnam War also referred to as the helicopters’ war, formed the test bed for validating the concepts of air mobility and assault. The helicopter was universally employed for various missions, including attack, air assault, aerial resupply, reconnaissance and command and control, the most common being transportation of troops/ stores as utility or cargo helicopters. Actual integration of assault and armed helicopters evolved during the Vietnam war, leading to the concept of organic tactical mobility. Today’s Military helicopters are an integral part of the land, sea and air operations of modern armies, including their ever increasing employment in sub-conventional conflicts (counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations) the world over. A typical military helicopter force should have all class of helicopters ranging from light observation to utility/lift (light, medium & heavy) including specialized roles (attack/armed) as per the operational requirement of a country’s armed forces.

The operational diversities of the Indian Military coupled with variety of terrain (from sea level to Siachen glacier) underline the need for state of art, modern technology helicopters capable of operating both by day and night in a complex battlefield environment of future. As per reports the armed forces are looking to induct as many as 900 helicopters in the coming decade ranging from attack/armed and high altitude reconnaissance to medium and heavy lift including VVIP variants.

Present Status

Presently the Indian military holds in its inventory approximately 600 helicopters of all types and class including some specialised ones. However, they are mostly old and vintage and few in numbers, far from the quantity required. The light observation helicopters (Chetak and Cheetah) held with the Army, Navy and Air Force have outlived their utility and need immediate replacement. Though joint trials for their replacement (army & air force) were completed more than a year back, the Defence Ministry (MoD) is dithering on the final decision due to the ongoing investigation into the alleged kickbacks/bribes related to the acquisition of Agusta Westland VVIP helicopters, though one fails to see the connection. In the utility category, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is already in service with the army, air force and coast guard. The navy has not found them suitable for ship borne operations. The ALH is an all weather, night capable twin engine machine with state of art avionics and glass cockpit and has recently been test evaluated for high altitude performance with the fitment of a more powerful engine ‘Shakti’, being produced jointly by HAL and French Turbomeca- this will enhance its capability for operations in high altitude, specially the Siachen Glacier. In the medium lift category the airforce holds the MI-8 and the MI-17 Russian helicopters. While the MI-8 is obsolete and requires immediate replacement, the MI-17 fleet needs some refurbishing/upgrades as well as additional inductions. This process is already underway. The navy’s situation in this segment is no better with the Russian Kamov-28 becoming obsolete. In the heavy lift category there is nothing worthwhile in the inventory, barring a few Russian MI-26 helicopters whose high altitude capability is poor- trials for induction of this class of helicopters have been held. The weakest Link is in the holding of specialized helicopters, especially the attack helicopters. The Russian MI 25/MI 35 held are vintage and require replacement on priority. Even the Sea King anti submarine warfare helicopters (ASW) held with the navy need upgrade/ replacement with induction of state of art modern ASW helicopters.

Future Requirements/Acquisitions

Army Aviation

The Army Aviation Corps today holds the largest number of helicopters amongst the three services, the majority being of the light observation class (Cheetah and Chetak). Their vintage and non availability of spares is making their maintainability a nightmare- a fact acknowledged both by the HAL and the military. Their replacement process has been put on hold pending the outcome of the CBI inquiry into the VVIP helicopter deal. The helicopters which have cleared the trial stage and are awaiting the opening of the financial bids are the French Eurocopter AS 550 Fennec and Russian Kamov Ka 226T. The Italian Agusta Westland AW-119 ‘Koala’ was disqualified on technical grounds midway through the trials. While the Fennec is a single engine helicopter with a standard main and tail rotor design, the Russian Ka-226 is twin engine and has contra-rotating rotors. The plan is to induct 197 helicopters (133 – army & 64 – air force) to replace part of the existing fleet and subsequently induct the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in this category being developed by HAL.

In the utility/lift category the induction of indigenously manufactured ALH commenced in 2002. Since then 50 helicopters have been inducted and operationalised so far-another 40 are planned for induction in the coming decade. The latest version of ALH fitted with the more powerful ‘Shakti’ engine, has also entered service. Another variant of the ALH is the armed version called the ‘Rudra’, which was officially handed over to the army during the last Aero India show, the first unit is already under raising with the army planning to induct a total of 60 helicopters for its Pivot Corps. Rudra is a typical armed helicopter with an array of weapon systems including gun, rockets, air to air and air to ground missiles, along with a modern sighting system and integrated electronic warfare self protection suite. However, in its present configuration it has not been integrated with a suitable anti tank guided missile (ATGM), as the air version of Nag ATGM ’Helina’, being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation is not yet ready. As an interim measure the same is planned to be acquired by imports. In contention are the PARS 3 of MBDA France and SPIKE-ER of Israel. Trials have already been completed and the decision for induction is pending with the MoD. The ATGM is the main weapon system of an armed/attack helicopter and without it the helicopter merely remains a gunship inhibiting the exploitation of its full potential.

The army is also looking to acquire a suitable helicopter in the 10-12 ton class for special operations as well as enhancing its overall tactical lift capability. The HAL is looking at the feasibility of a joint venture with a foreign vendor for a 10-12 ton class multirole helicopter whose variants would also be available to the navy and air force. However, very little progress has been made in this project so far.

With the recent decision of the MOD on the ownership issue of attack helicopters in army’s favour, the army has projected its own requirements of attack helicopters. The Russian origin MI 25/ MI 35 attack helicopters, though army assets, are manned, controlled and operated by the air force. The trials for their replacement were conducted by air force with the American Apache Longbow-AH 64D scoring over its Russian contender, the MI-28 (Havoc). As per plan 22 Apache’s are to be inducted to replace the vintage fleet of the MI-25/MI-35 attack helicopters and will form part of the air force inventory. The army has put forward its requirement of an additional 33 Apache’s to equip its three Strike Corps. As per reports the latest version of the upgraded Apache Block-III (Guardian) is likely to be inducted into the Indian military, which demonstrates many of the advanced technologies being considered for deployment on future attack helicopters.

Air Force

The air force is also in the process of modernizing its helicopter fleet. Its existing fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters is to be replaced by either the Russian Ka 226T or the French AS 550 Fennec once the decision is taken by the Government. However of main concern are the medium (MI-8 and MI-17) and heavy lift (MI-26) helicopters. While the MI 8 is obsolete and needs phasing out, the existing MI-17 holding is not adequate. The existing MI-17 helicopters held have been refurbished/upgraded for night capability and 80 MI-17 V5 helicopters (upgraded version) with glass cockpits, night capability and hard points for fitment of weapon pods are in the process of being inducted. Order’s have also been placed for additional 59 MI-17 V5 helicopters with Russia to cater for the phasing out of certain older MI-17 helicopters this also includes the requirements of the Border Security Force which has a mini air force of its own under the home ministry. In the heavy lift category the army along with the air force was looking for a suitable helicopter, which would be capable of lifting (under slung), the M-777 ultra light howitzer being acquired USA for our Northern Borders. The trials have been completed with the American CH-47F Chinook being selected over the Russian MI 26. A total of 15 Chinooks are planned for induction- this will greatly enhance intra-theatre troop movement/ logistical support – during critical phases of the battle, especially on our northern borders. The plan for acquiring 12 Agusta Westland AW101 Merlin helicopters for VVIP requirements remains doubtful in view of the ongoing inquiry.

Navy

The Indian Navy operates a helicopter fleet consisting of the Sea King (ASW), Kamov (anti surface vehicle) and the modified Chetak-MATCH (Mid Air Torpedo Carrying Helicopter). In addition they have a fleet of Chetak helicopters for ship borne operations. These helicopters are old and need replacement/upgrades. Navy is looking at overhauling its fleet air arm including helicopters. The acquisition of Kamov-31 airborne early warning (AEW) helicopters from Russia in the 1990’s has proved a versatile platform for airborne operations at sea – more numbers are likely to be inducted. The navy is also progressing a case for the acquisition of multirole helicopters (NMRH project) to replace its ageing fleet of Sea King’s and Kamov. Reportedly Sikorsky’s S-70B and the European consortium led NH 90 were short listed but the project has run into trouble due to a complaint filed by one of the contenders. While 16 helicopters were planned to be inducted initially, the total requirement is of approximately 90 such platforms. . Navy along with the army is also closely monitoring the HAL proposed joint venture for the 10-12 ton class multirole helicopter project.

In addition the Navy is urgently looking at replacing its Chetak fleet including the MATCH. In this regard an RFP has been issued for 56 twin engine, 4.5 Ton Naval Utility helicopters (NUH) to all top global players ranging from Boeing, Bell and Sikorsky to Kamov ,Eurocopter and Agusta Westland also including the HAL. Plans are to commence induction by mid 2016.



Future Developments-Military Helicopters

The new generation helicopter platforms are expected to feature the latest advances in aeronautics giving military helicopters improved flight performance especially in relation to speed. This offers the new generation machines unprecedented capabilities- lighter and stronger construction materials, increased autonomy, more powerful engines, reduced acoustic signatures, more accurate navigation systems, enhanced data acquisition and protection systems, and more effective weapons and munitions. The Apache Block-III is a vivid example with 26 new technologies being incorporated in the upgraded version. The world over the armed forces are seriously looking at the multirole concept in helicopters, due to the changing nature of conflicts (sub conventional) and financial constraints. The ALH is a classic example of a multirole helicopter with its utility and armed version (Rudra) available to the Indian armed forces. In terms of data acquisition, day/night observation and detection capabilities will increase and become more diversified specially in respect to information sharing and cooperation with other aircraft and UAVs. Target engagement capabilities with regard to weapon range and precision is likely to remain the focus of future development. With sub conventional operations gaining ascendency around the world, helicopter survivability will assume greater significance. Advances in stealth, such as reductions in radar and acoustic signatures offer major results in this area, as does the development of early detection/jamming counter-measure capabilities.

Some of the above technologies are already being incorporated in the development of Eurocopter’s X2 and X3, and Sikorsky’s X2 co-axial compound helicopter as technology demonstrators. The main focus is on speed, stealth, reliability and survivability. Infact in its demonstration flight Sikorsky’s X2 achieved a speed of 287 mph, a major leap from the current standard helicopter speeds. Its military version the Sikorsky ‘S-97 Raider is stated to be the future light tactical helicopter of the US Military. Finally, the development of innovative concepts, along the lines of V-22 Osprey (tilt rotor technology), could generate fresh momentum in the utility/logistics domain. The V-22 is already deployed in Afghanistan and was instrumental in the rescue of a downed US pilot in Libya. Such an aircraft would be ideal for deployment on our Northern borders where the infrastructure is woefully inadequate. The Navy has shown an interest in this type of aircraft due to its enhanced speed, range and endurance with capability to operate from ships as well as Carrier decks. Another area of future development is helicopter UAVs. Lockheed Martin’s K-MAX helicopter UAV is currently deployed in Afghanistan for logistic resupply and is proving to be quite a hit. It has been able to fly in adverse weather conditions when manned helicopters could not fly. The Indian armed forces are seriously examining this option.


HAL Ventures for Indian Military

The HAL has embarked on a number of ventures for the Indian military, the most significant being the development of the light combat Helicopter (LCH). The LCH is slated to be a state of art attack helicopter with capability to operate at high altitudes (16000 feet) and would meet the unique requirements of the Indian military. The LCH uses the technology of the existing ALH and its configurations except that the fuselage is suitably modified and streamlined for tandem seating. A number of development flights have taken place since its maiden flight on 29 Mar 2010 and it is expected to enter service by 2014. Both the air force and army are the potential customers for the LCH.

The HAL has also undertaken the development and manufacture of a three ton class light utility helicopter (LUH). This is to cater for the light utility class (reconnaissance & observation) of all three services and is over and above the 197 replacement helicopters for Cheetah/Chetak, as per reports the design freeze stage has been reached. HAL’s plans for development of a 10-12 ton class MRH, a concept being adopted by the militaries world over is presently at a nascent stage with no progress in sight.

In a significant development the private sector has recently entered the rotorcraft sector thus challenging the exclusive preserve of the HAL. Tata Sons in a joint venture with Agusta Westland have established a production facility in Hyderabad for the production of the AW-119Ke, the advanced version of the Koala. As per reports this facility is operational and is already in the process of building the AW-119Ke for the global and Indian market. Meanwhile a Tata firm called Tata Advanced Systems Limited has tied up with the helicopter giant Sikorsky and established a major hub at Hyderabad for producing the S-92 Super Hawk helicopters. Presently only the cabins are being manufactured at this facility but the project envisages the assembly of the entire NH-92 in the near future. These are very positive developments and will go a long way in fostering growth in the aerospace industry specially helicopters.

In view of the above HAL will have to keep in mind the developing future helicopter technology and incorporate the same in its future projects for the armed forces, even if it involves joint ventures, to meet the future operational requirements.

Military helicopters will play a vastly enhanced role in any future conflict. Their crucial role in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations cannot be over emphasized. The operations in Afghanistan have fully corroborated this aspect. The modernisation process of the existing military helicopters with the army, navy and air force has commenced but the momentum needs to be maintained.

CHOPPERING AROUND: Indian Military helicopters - Defence and Security of India