Indian Air Force News & Discussions
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IAF transforming into strategic power: Air Force chief
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said that the IAF was poised to transform into a strategic aerospace power with the ongoing modernisation.
“IAF (Indian Air Force) is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full spectrum capability,” said ACM Raha in his address to the personnel at Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal.
He also urged all personnel to display exemplary leadership in pursuit of excellence.Accompanied by wife Lily, Raha is on a four-day official tour in West Bengal to various defence establishments since yesterday.
At Kalaikunda, the air force chief also reviewed various measures being undertaken by the station towards operational commitments.
He also visited No 18 squadron and flew in a MiG-27 trainer aircraft with Gp Capt Ashish Rana, Commanding Officer of the squadron. Earlier upon arrival at Kolkata he had called on Governor M K Narayanan at Raj Bhavan. He will visit Eastern Command’s headquarter in Kolkata tomorrow.
During the day, Raha kept his promised date with his alma mater, Sainik School in Purulia, where he had studied from 1965 to 1970.
Addressing cadets of the school, he said it was a special pleasure to revisit it within three months since taking over as the Air Chief. Talking to media-persons at Purulia, he described Sainik Schools as being among the best public schools that are building foundations for future leaders of our country.
“The Air Chief’s visit has certainly overwhelmed the cadets who see him as their role model. This will not only motivate the cadets to aspire for a career in the Defence but will also boost the parents to encourage their children to become officers in the Armed Forces of the country,” Principal Col B S Ghorpade said.
IAF transforming into strategic power: Air Force chief | idrw.org
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said that the IAF was poised to transform into a strategic aerospace power with the ongoing modernisation.
“IAF (Indian Air Force) is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full spectrum capability,” said ACM Raha in his address to the personnel at Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal.
He also urged all personnel to display exemplary leadership in pursuit of excellence.Accompanied by wife Lily, Raha is on a four-day official tour in West Bengal to various defence establishments since yesterday.
At Kalaikunda, the air force chief also reviewed various measures being undertaken by the station towards operational commitments.
He also visited No 18 squadron and flew in a MiG-27 trainer aircraft with Gp Capt Ashish Rana, Commanding Officer of the squadron. Earlier upon arrival at Kolkata he had called on Governor M K Narayanan at Raj Bhavan. He will visit Eastern Command’s headquarter in Kolkata tomorrow.
During the day, Raha kept his promised date with his alma mater, Sainik School in Purulia, where he had studied from 1965 to 1970.
Addressing cadets of the school, he said it was a special pleasure to revisit it within three months since taking over as the Air Chief. Talking to media-persons at Purulia, he described Sainik Schools as being among the best public schools that are building foundations for future leaders of our country.
“The Air Chief’s visit has certainly overwhelmed the cadets who see him as their role model. This will not only motivate the cadets to aspire for a career in the Defence but will also boost the parents to encourage their children to become officers in the Armed Forces of the country,” Principal Col B S Ghorpade said.
IAF transforming into strategic power: Air Force chief | idrw.org
kurup
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Indian Air Force gains independence in overhaul of Mi-17 1V choppers
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been able to gain independence in maintenance of Russian-made Mi-17 1V choppers — second in the Mi-17 series of helicopters deployed with it. This is important because even though India has a sizeable number of aircraft of this make, with the latest Mi-17 V5 series too being inducted recently, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has not parted with the technology in the 1V series.
Without transfer of technology (ToT) for the Mi-17 1V version, IAF was entirely dependent on the OEM. Over the last some months, however, the base repair depots (BRD) under IAF’s maintenance command have been able to largely manage the overhaul on their own. So far three helicopters have been overhauled with the fourth on its way out, said a senior officer involved in the affair.
Even though there was no ToT, it was found that the systems in Mi-17 1V are almost similar to those in the basic Mi-17s, in which the IAF is already well-versed. All the major components of Mi-17 1V, except four that are not mainline spares, have been now developed by the maintenance command itself. It has also geared up for overhaul of the fleet on a regular basis, said the source.
At the same time, IAF is already fully assembling the latest V5 version at its BRD in Chandigarh.
The Mi-17 is a medium lift helicopter used for transport, especially in high altitude areas, and to a certain extent even in anti-Naxal operations.
The maintenance command has recently floated request for proposal (RFP) seeking participation of private players in the overhaul of AN-32 transport and MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The technical bids will be opened by March-end. “Currently a series of pre-bid meetings are being held with the prospective parties and so far the response has been encouraging,” a source said. As far as AN-32 is concerned, private players will be also involved in development of spares.
Indian Air Force News & Discussions | Page 171
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been able to gain independence in maintenance of Russian-made Mi-17 1V choppers — second in the Mi-17 series of helicopters deployed with it. This is important because even though India has a sizeable number of aircraft of this make, with the latest Mi-17 V5 series too being inducted recently, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has not parted with the technology in the 1V series.
Without transfer of technology (ToT) for the Mi-17 1V version, IAF was entirely dependent on the OEM. Over the last some months, however, the base repair depots (BRD) under IAF’s maintenance command have been able to largely manage the overhaul on their own. So far three helicopters have been overhauled with the fourth on its way out, said a senior officer involved in the affair.
Even though there was no ToT, it was found that the systems in Mi-17 1V are almost similar to those in the basic Mi-17s, in which the IAF is already well-versed. All the major components of Mi-17 1V, except four that are not mainline spares, have been now developed by the maintenance command itself. It has also geared up for overhaul of the fleet on a regular basis, said the source.
At the same time, IAF is already fully assembling the latest V5 version at its BRD in Chandigarh.
The Mi-17 is a medium lift helicopter used for transport, especially in high altitude areas, and to a certain extent even in anti-Naxal operations.
The maintenance command has recently floated request for proposal (RFP) seeking participation of private players in the overhaul of AN-32 transport and MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The technical bids will be opened by March-end. “Currently a series of pre-bid meetings are being held with the prospective parties and so far the response has been encouraging,” a source said. As far as AN-32 is concerned, private players will be also involved in development of spares.
Indian Air Force News & Discussions | Page 171
kurup
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Air chief flies MiG at Kalaikunda, visits alma mater in Purulia
It is pure coincidence that they share the same initials. For Group Captain Ashish Rana though, it was a day he will cherish throughout his life. As he took off in his MiG-23 from Air Force Station Kalaikunda on Friday, the pilot occupying the cockpit in front was another ‘AR’. It was none other but Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The MiG-23 were decommissioned from the IAF at Kalaikunda a few weeks before Raha took over as chief. The air base, which has always played a crucial role in the training of young combat pilots, now operates MiG-27 ground attack aircraft. Rana is commanding officer of a unit that flies these aircraft. After completion of their basic flying training, combat pilots turn up at Kalaikunda for conversion flying and graduate to fighters.
After reaching Purulia from Kalaikunda on Friday, the air chief said that Kalaikunda will continue to train young pilots. “Very soon, we shall have Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) at Kalaikunda. The first lot will arrive by mid-2014,” Raha told TOI.
The air chief kept his promise to his alma mater Sainik School, Purulia, which he had visited as vice chief of air staff during the institute’s golden jubilee celebrations. A pleasant surprise awaited Raha during his interaction with principal Col B S Ghorpade, teachers and staff of the school. A gentleman who came up to meet him turned out to be Capt (retd) Shyamal Pal, his roommate at the hostel in Sainik School. In a rare gesture of affection, Raha hugged Pal.
“He was exceptional and had leadership qualities from the start. He got along extremely well with everybody. Not only was he a very good sportsman, he would also top the class in studies,” Pal said.
Raha addressed the students and their parents, urging them to select the armed forces as a career. “My return here reinforces my confidence that the Sainik Schools are the best public schools in the country. The armed forces may not pay as much as other careers but they provide an immensely satisfying way of life. If I were to turn 10 again and were given a choice, I would prefer to enroll at Sainik School, Purulia and join the IAF,” he said.
On being asked why the Sainik School in Bengal hasn’t been able to send too many cadets to the National Defence Academy, Raha said that it is doing its job in building confidence among students and helping them grow as spirited young men. “Not everybody wants a career in the armed forces,” he said. On the question of Sainik Schools throwing their doors open to girls, the air chief said: “There are no plans as of now. However, in the future, we are looking forward to greater participation of women in the armed forces. There are already a large number of women serving in the IAF.”
Air chief flies MiG at Kalaikunda, visits alma mater in Purulia | idrw.org
It is pure coincidence that they share the same initials. For Group Captain Ashish Rana though, it was a day he will cherish throughout his life. As he took off in his MiG-23 from Air Force Station Kalaikunda on Friday, the pilot occupying the cockpit in front was another ‘AR’. It was none other but Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The MiG-23 were decommissioned from the IAF at Kalaikunda a few weeks before Raha took over as chief. The air base, which has always played a crucial role in the training of young combat pilots, now operates MiG-27 ground attack aircraft. Rana is commanding officer of a unit that flies these aircraft. After completion of their basic flying training, combat pilots turn up at Kalaikunda for conversion flying and graduate to fighters.
After reaching Purulia from Kalaikunda on Friday, the air chief said that Kalaikunda will continue to train young pilots. “Very soon, we shall have Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) at Kalaikunda. The first lot will arrive by mid-2014,” Raha told TOI.
The air chief kept his promise to his alma mater Sainik School, Purulia, which he had visited as vice chief of air staff during the institute’s golden jubilee celebrations. A pleasant surprise awaited Raha during his interaction with principal Col B S Ghorpade, teachers and staff of the school. A gentleman who came up to meet him turned out to be Capt (retd) Shyamal Pal, his roommate at the hostel in Sainik School. In a rare gesture of affection, Raha hugged Pal.
“He was exceptional and had leadership qualities from the start. He got along extremely well with everybody. Not only was he a very good sportsman, he would also top the class in studies,” Pal said.
Raha addressed the students and their parents, urging them to select the armed forces as a career. “My return here reinforces my confidence that the Sainik Schools are the best public schools in the country. The armed forces may not pay as much as other careers but they provide an immensely satisfying way of life. If I were to turn 10 again and were given a choice, I would prefer to enroll at Sainik School, Purulia and join the IAF,” he said.
On being asked why the Sainik School in Bengal hasn’t been able to send too many cadets to the National Defence Academy, Raha said that it is doing its job in building confidence among students and helping them grow as spirited young men. “Not everybody wants a career in the armed forces,” he said. On the question of Sainik Schools throwing their doors open to girls, the air chief said: “There are no plans as of now. However, in the future, we are looking forward to greater participation of women in the armed forces. There are already a large number of women serving in the IAF.”
Air chief flies MiG at Kalaikunda, visits alma mater in Purulia | idrw.org
kurup
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Amity University a threat to Indian Air Force’s Gwalior air base
Madhya Pradesh high court on Friday ordered to stop all construction works being carried out by Amity University in Gwalior, considering it a threat to operations of Indian Air Force (IAF).
Gwalior air base is home to two Mirage 2000 squadrons of IAF and houses three guided missile squadrons, besides Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), operating Mig-21, 23U and 27.
Order to stop construction was issued by a double bench at Gwalior giving due considerations to the reply submitted by IAF and Union ministry in response to notices served on them following a PIL filed by a social worker Ashok Singh Bhadoria.
According to the petitioner’s counsel Awdhesh Singh Bhadoria, university authorities were constructing buildings notwithstanding objections raised by IAF and local administration.
IAF submitted in court that M/s Ritanand Balved Education Foundation, New Delhi, had moved an application seeking NOC (no objection certificate) for construction of Amity University in 2011.
IAF submitted that, “…it was observed that the proposed site for construction of building falls within the inner horizontal surface and close to the approach funnel of Runway 06R and 23M height of the proposed building at the location is considered hazardous for aircraft operations and the same was intimated to the university. Hence NOC was not issued as it was not in conformity with the rules and regulations meant for flight safety”.
The petitioner also accused IAF of ignoring unauthorized constructions.
Air force officials denied the charges claiming that the illegality was brought to the notice of university officials over an again.
“Our team inspected the campus in 2013 and found that construction work was in progress without consent. University authorities were asked to stop construction work with immediate effect and were asked to produce requisite documents and clearances at the earliest, but to no avail.”
They said a written complaint was made to district collector objecting elevation of a proposed building and sought action against university authorities.
“The NOC has not yet been issued by the ministry of defence (MOD) which is competent authority and the proposal is still under consideration at Air headquarters (HQ),” said Bhadoria. He said university officials have violated Section 9A of the Aircraft Act, 1934.
As per the act, no building or structure shall be constructed or erected on any land within such radius, not exceeding twenty kilometres from the aerodrome reference point.
Amity university officials failed to submit their explanations on the issue in the court. “No constructions can take place at the relevant place without NOC,” IAF informed the court.
Amity University a threat to Indian Air Force’s Gwalior air base | idrw.org
Madhya Pradesh high court on Friday ordered to stop all construction works being carried out by Amity University in Gwalior, considering it a threat to operations of Indian Air Force (IAF).
Gwalior air base is home to two Mirage 2000 squadrons of IAF and houses three guided missile squadrons, besides Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), operating Mig-21, 23U and 27.
Order to stop construction was issued by a double bench at Gwalior giving due considerations to the reply submitted by IAF and Union ministry in response to notices served on them following a PIL filed by a social worker Ashok Singh Bhadoria.
According to the petitioner’s counsel Awdhesh Singh Bhadoria, university authorities were constructing buildings notwithstanding objections raised by IAF and local administration.
IAF submitted in court that M/s Ritanand Balved Education Foundation, New Delhi, had moved an application seeking NOC (no objection certificate) for construction of Amity University in 2011.
IAF submitted that, “…it was observed that the proposed site for construction of building falls within the inner horizontal surface and close to the approach funnel of Runway 06R and 23M height of the proposed building at the location is considered hazardous for aircraft operations and the same was intimated to the university. Hence NOC was not issued as it was not in conformity with the rules and regulations meant for flight safety”.
The petitioner also accused IAF of ignoring unauthorized constructions.
Air force officials denied the charges claiming that the illegality was brought to the notice of university officials over an again.
“Our team inspected the campus in 2013 and found that construction work was in progress without consent. University authorities were asked to stop construction work with immediate effect and were asked to produce requisite documents and clearances at the earliest, but to no avail.”
They said a written complaint was made to district collector objecting elevation of a proposed building and sought action against university authorities.
“The NOC has not yet been issued by the ministry of defence (MOD) which is competent authority and the proposal is still under consideration at Air headquarters (HQ),” said Bhadoria. He said university officials have violated Section 9A of the Aircraft Act, 1934.
As per the act, no building or structure shall be constructed or erected on any land within such radius, not exceeding twenty kilometres from the aerodrome reference point.
Amity university officials failed to submit their explanations on the issue in the court. “No constructions can take place at the relevant place without NOC,” IAF informed the court.
Amity University a threat to Indian Air Force’s Gwalior air base | idrw.org
kurup
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Training Dilemma for IAF
Indian Air Force (IAF) is today short of nearly 600 pilots. The figure is actually substantially more because the IAF continues to operate the SU-30 squadrons with MiG-21 manning. Also the pilot-to-cockpit ratios are much less in the IAF than its counterparts in Pakistan and China. Cases for both are awaiting government approvals. Considering the IAF’s total pilot strength of nearly3500, this shortage is very significant. There is no shortage of applicants wanting to join the IAF. Its capacity to train is the only issue. The case for expanding the Air Force Academy at Hyderabad has been pending for over three years. The only other and much bigger issue is the lack of training aircraft. There is the famous saying in military aviation that “you fight like you train”. Any country that compromises on flying training is destined to lose aircraft and crew both in peace and war.
It took us over a decade to decide and acquire the Hawk Mk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) which finally entered service in the IAF in early 2008. The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)-built HPT-32, used for basic training for years, had repeated engine failures and after 23 pilots died in 17 crashes, the aircraft was permanently grounded in July 2009. It forced the IAF into the not so efficient “direct-on-jets” training. Under pressure, the government of India correctly fast-tracked acquisition of the Basic Training Aircraft (BTA). Pilatus PC-7 Mk II was finally inducted early 2013; 75 aircraft were contracted. In 2009 itself, it was also decided that HAL would design and build 106 basic trainers. The defence ministry had indicated the IAF could exercise the option clause of the Pilatus contract to buy 38 more in case HAL BTA were to be delayed. The ground position today is that indigenous BTA has still to launch off. Based on past record, the IAF is of the opinion that it is too late for HAL to start the development project.
The recent spate of accidents in the Indian Navy requires that the other two services also revisit their training and maintenance practices.Since the mid-1950s, the IAF trained its young pilots on HAL-built HT-2, HPT-32 and Kiran trainers. Kirans were also used for the showcase nine-aircraft formation aerobatics team “Surya Kirans”. The IAF was finally forced to close down the team as the Kirans were required for basic training when the HPT-32 was grounded. The IAF is a military force. It has been tasked by the nation to defend the air space. It needs pilots to fly aeroplanes. It takes time to design, develop, produce or procure aircraft. The HAL Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) has been running way behind schedule. After 14 years of design and development, the aircraft is far from ready for induction into the IAF.
The time has now come to take calls on future training aircraft. A significant part of the yet-to-develop HAL BTA will have to be procured from abroad. India does not have expertise on turboprop engine, ejection seat, and a large number of other systems. We may even require foreign design consultancy. Feedback from the Air Force Academy on Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs is that it has excellent flying training features refined through experience of many air forces over the years. The aircraft shares 80% commonality with PC-9M and together they are flying in 20 air forces of the world. The IAF cannot afford to have two different aircraft for the basic stage. Operational, maintenance and logistical common sense suggest a single type. We cannot afford two sets of flying instructors, technical personnel, infrastructure, simulators, training aids, spare inventories, among others. It may thus be sensible to foreclose the indigenous BTA. Licence production is where significant savings accrue due to cheaper labour costs. It may be in national interest to licence produce the PC-7Mk IIs in India if numbers were to significantly go up. The delivery time frames to the IAF of course should remain non-negotiable. HAL could thus concentrate all energies on the IJT without affecting the IAF’s training requirements.
Kiran aircraft joined the IAF in 1968. Nearly 250 Kiran variants have seen the IAF through 44 years of training. It is becoming difficult to sustain the fleet due lack of spare parts. They are being extended through extra man hours and frequent repairs. The IAF may be forced to extend Kirans beyond 2015 but this may have flight safety implications. The IAF had visualised the replacement of Kiran aircraft well in time. In 1997, HAL began design work on an IJT designated HJT-36. Two prototypes were manufactured, the first of which flew on March 7, 2003, and was christened “Sitara”. Unfortunately, the basic aircraft design weight increased, therefore the initially selected French Larzac engine thrust was found inadequate. HAL decided to replace it with the Russian AL-55L. The IJT development cost was now revised to Rs 467 crore from the initial Rs 180 crore. The date for initial operational clearance earlier scheduled for March 2004, was revised to March 2007. Contract for initial 12 aircraft was signed in March 2006 at a total cost of Rs 486.82 crore. The value of the order for 73 IJT aircraft with associated spares and equipment was around Rs 6,200 crore. The heavier Russian engine has more than neutralised the additional thrust and final performance may remain in question. There is a school of thought that it may end up close to the performance of Pilatus PC7 Mk II. IJT deliveries were to be completed by March 2010. The IAF orders were to grow in the years to come. However, to date, not a single aircraft has actually been delivered to the IAF. Project has been dogged by delays due to engine selection, flight test accidents and flying control problems.
IJT delays and its impact on training have been repeatedly questioned by the defence consultative committee of the parliament. That the IAF currently flies the Kiran in stage II, with Pilatus at the basic stage having much more sophisticated avionics, is not desirable. Among the options the IAF has would be to procure additional Pilatus PC-7 MK-II trainers and use them even in stage II as Kirans fade away and until IJTs are available. The Pilatus could be modified to carry basic weapons. The second option is to opt for Pilatus-9M which essentially has the same airframe but also under-wing weapon hard points. These options would provide a little more time to salvage the IJT programme. The last option will be to explore the global market for another IJT. Having already invested heavily, a decision to close down an indigenous project will be difficult both for the IAF and the government. I hope the government is giving urgent attention to this important requirement of the IAF.
Training Dilemma for IAF | idrw.org
Indian Air Force (IAF) is today short of nearly 600 pilots. The figure is actually substantially more because the IAF continues to operate the SU-30 squadrons with MiG-21 manning. Also the pilot-to-cockpit ratios are much less in the IAF than its counterparts in Pakistan and China. Cases for both are awaiting government approvals. Considering the IAF’s total pilot strength of nearly3500, this shortage is very significant. There is no shortage of applicants wanting to join the IAF. Its capacity to train is the only issue. The case for expanding the Air Force Academy at Hyderabad has been pending for over three years. The only other and much bigger issue is the lack of training aircraft. There is the famous saying in military aviation that “you fight like you train”. Any country that compromises on flying training is destined to lose aircraft and crew both in peace and war.
It took us over a decade to decide and acquire the Hawk Mk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) which finally entered service in the IAF in early 2008. The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)-built HPT-32, used for basic training for years, had repeated engine failures and after 23 pilots died in 17 crashes, the aircraft was permanently grounded in July 2009. It forced the IAF into the not so efficient “direct-on-jets” training. Under pressure, the government of India correctly fast-tracked acquisition of the Basic Training Aircraft (BTA). Pilatus PC-7 Mk II was finally inducted early 2013; 75 aircraft were contracted. In 2009 itself, it was also decided that HAL would design and build 106 basic trainers. The defence ministry had indicated the IAF could exercise the option clause of the Pilatus contract to buy 38 more in case HAL BTA were to be delayed. The ground position today is that indigenous BTA has still to launch off. Based on past record, the IAF is of the opinion that it is too late for HAL to start the development project.
The recent spate of accidents in the Indian Navy requires that the other two services also revisit their training and maintenance practices.Since the mid-1950s, the IAF trained its young pilots on HAL-built HT-2, HPT-32 and Kiran trainers. Kirans were also used for the showcase nine-aircraft formation aerobatics team “Surya Kirans”. The IAF was finally forced to close down the team as the Kirans were required for basic training when the HPT-32 was grounded. The IAF is a military force. It has been tasked by the nation to defend the air space. It needs pilots to fly aeroplanes. It takes time to design, develop, produce or procure aircraft. The HAL Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) has been running way behind schedule. After 14 years of design and development, the aircraft is far from ready for induction into the IAF.
The time has now come to take calls on future training aircraft. A significant part of the yet-to-develop HAL BTA will have to be procured from abroad. India does not have expertise on turboprop engine, ejection seat, and a large number of other systems. We may even require foreign design consultancy. Feedback from the Air Force Academy on Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs is that it has excellent flying training features refined through experience of many air forces over the years. The aircraft shares 80% commonality with PC-9M and together they are flying in 20 air forces of the world. The IAF cannot afford to have two different aircraft for the basic stage. Operational, maintenance and logistical common sense suggest a single type. We cannot afford two sets of flying instructors, technical personnel, infrastructure, simulators, training aids, spare inventories, among others. It may thus be sensible to foreclose the indigenous BTA. Licence production is where significant savings accrue due to cheaper labour costs. It may be in national interest to licence produce the PC-7Mk IIs in India if numbers were to significantly go up. The delivery time frames to the IAF of course should remain non-negotiable. HAL could thus concentrate all energies on the IJT without affecting the IAF’s training requirements.
Kiran aircraft joined the IAF in 1968. Nearly 250 Kiran variants have seen the IAF through 44 years of training. It is becoming difficult to sustain the fleet due lack of spare parts. They are being extended through extra man hours and frequent repairs. The IAF may be forced to extend Kirans beyond 2015 but this may have flight safety implications. The IAF had visualised the replacement of Kiran aircraft well in time. In 1997, HAL began design work on an IJT designated HJT-36. Two prototypes were manufactured, the first of which flew on March 7, 2003, and was christened “Sitara”. Unfortunately, the basic aircraft design weight increased, therefore the initially selected French Larzac engine thrust was found inadequate. HAL decided to replace it with the Russian AL-55L. The IJT development cost was now revised to Rs 467 crore from the initial Rs 180 crore. The date for initial operational clearance earlier scheduled for March 2004, was revised to March 2007. Contract for initial 12 aircraft was signed in March 2006 at a total cost of Rs 486.82 crore. The value of the order for 73 IJT aircraft with associated spares and equipment was around Rs 6,200 crore. The heavier Russian engine has more than neutralised the additional thrust and final performance may remain in question. There is a school of thought that it may end up close to the performance of Pilatus PC7 Mk II. IJT deliveries were to be completed by March 2010. The IAF orders were to grow in the years to come. However, to date, not a single aircraft has actually been delivered to the IAF. Project has been dogged by delays due to engine selection, flight test accidents and flying control problems.
IJT delays and its impact on training have been repeatedly questioned by the defence consultative committee of the parliament. That the IAF currently flies the Kiran in stage II, with Pilatus at the basic stage having much more sophisticated avionics, is not desirable. Among the options the IAF has would be to procure additional Pilatus PC-7 MK-II trainers and use them even in stage II as Kirans fade away and until IJTs are available. The Pilatus could be modified to carry basic weapons. The second option is to opt for Pilatus-9M which essentially has the same airframe but also under-wing weapon hard points. These options would provide a little more time to salvage the IJT programme. The last option will be to explore the global market for another IJT. Having already invested heavily, a decision to close down an indigenous project will be difficult both for the IAF and the government. I hope the government is giving urgent attention to this important requirement of the IAF.
Training Dilemma for IAF | idrw.org
Levina
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India's UCAV (unmanned Combat aerial vehicle) named 'AURA' is a secret project of drdo but its no longer a secret......
It is based on Neuron clone Of France and the france is helping india to build it.....
It is said that it make its first flight in 2015
The ADA describes the AURA as a "self-defending high-speed reconnaissance UAV with weapon firing capability". The first images released as part of a presentation shows the UAV as having a stealth design. The AURA will cruise at medium altitude and will be capable of carrying two or more guided strike weapons with on-board sensors for targeting and weapon guidance. The flight control system and data link packages of Aura (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) will be designed and developed jointly by ADA and Defense Electronic Application Laboratory.
DRDO's Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, "Capable of flying at altitudes of 30,000 feet and weighing less than 15 tonnes, the UCAVs will have rail-launching for the missiles, bombs and PGMs (precision-guided munitions) they will carry.".The DRDO is going to use a Kaveri engine to power this unmanned vehicle. The AURA will be approximately 15 tonnes aircraft with a range of 300+ km.
DRDO AURA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It is based on Neuron clone Of France and the france is helping india to build it.....
It is said that it make its first flight in 2015
The ADA describes the AURA as a "self-defending high-speed reconnaissance UAV with weapon firing capability". The first images released as part of a presentation shows the UAV as having a stealth design. The AURA will cruise at medium altitude and will be capable of carrying two or more guided strike weapons with on-board sensors for targeting and weapon guidance. The flight control system and data link packages of Aura (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) will be designed and developed jointly by ADA and Defense Electronic Application Laboratory.
DRDO's Chief Controller, R&D (aeronautics), Dr Prahlada said, "Capable of flying at altitudes of 30,000 feet and weighing less than 15 tonnes, the UCAVs will have rail-launching for the missiles, bombs and PGMs (precision-guided munitions) they will carry.".The DRDO is going to use a Kaveri engine to power this unmanned vehicle. The AURA will be approximately 15 tonnes aircraft with a range of 300+ km.
DRDO AURA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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A Dhruv helicopter of the Indian Army with a US Army Chinook in the background.
The pic was probably taken during the Chinook's evaluations for the 15 Heavy lift helicopter tender. It won over the Mi-26.
Although the Mi-26 can carry 50% more payload than the Chinook, it lost because the Chinook is more versatile and can land in places where the Mi-26 can't . The Chinook also is reportedly more reliable and spares are easily available. This was an important factor as the Indian Air Force faces problems with spares and maintaining it's Mi-26 fleet.
The pic was probably taken during the Chinook's evaluations for the 15 Heavy lift helicopter tender. It won over the Mi-26.
Although the Mi-26 can carry 50% more payload than the Chinook, it lost because the Chinook is more versatile and can land in places where the Mi-26 can't . The Chinook also is reportedly more reliable and spares are easily available. This was an important factor as the Indian Air Force faces problems with spares and maintaining it's Mi-26 fleet.
