Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[jha]

2010 Year End Review - Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force is poised to enter the big league soon with a slew of big ticket acquisitions slated to unfold in the next few years. The handing over of the first of the six C-130J-30 Super Hercules to the IAF by Lockheed Martin at a function in Marietta, Georgia on 16th December is a step towards that direction and its induction early next year would herald a new era in the IAF at the threshold of a new decade. During the year 2010 the IAF acquired a dedicated network AFNET, revived remote runways and expanded others and took part in various Joint Exercises and Peacekeeping Operations.

AFNET dedicated to the Nation

The state-of-the-art gigabyte digital information grid, the AFNET, was dedicated to the Nation by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony on 14th September. Managed by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the network links all ground-based and airborne sensors, Air Defence Weapon Systems and Command and Control Nodes. The dedicated network also paves the way for the release of radio spectrum for civilian telecom use.

New airfields, expansion of ground assets

Air Chief Marshal PV Naik inaugurated a new IAF airfield at Phalodi in Rajasthan on 6th April. The airfield, located between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, can host all types of aircrafts in the IAF’s inventory. A new parallel runway was added to the one existing at the Air Force Station, Gwalior later in the year, capable of operating all types of IAF aircrafts. On 26th June Shri Antony became the first Defence Minister to land at the Advanced Landing Ground (AGL), Nyoma. The airstrip is located at an altitude of 13,300 feet, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

Vayushakti - Demonstrating Firepower

The IAF staged a massive day-and-night Fire Power Demonstration (FPD), Vayushakti-2010, at Pokharan on 28th February. More than a hundred aircraft participated, including the recently inducted AWACS, UAVs and midair refuellers. Television viewers across the country for the first time saw streaming videos of the direct hits, brought Live by onboard cameras mounted on UAVs.

Joint Exercises, Peace Keeping

An IAF contingent of 230 men flew to France for the Indo-French Joint Air Exercise Garuda, held at the Istres Air Base from 14th to 25th June. The IAF fielded six Su-30 MKI, the MKI version of the Sukhoi making its debut over the French skies, besides three IL-78 midair refuellers and one IL-76 heavy lift aircraft. Later in the year the 3rd Indo-UK Air Exercise, Indradhanush, was held at Kalaikunda, West Bengal from 18th October to 3rd November. While the RAF brought the Typhoons for the first time, the IAF pitched in with its frontline fighter jets, - Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000 and Mig-27. Both sides also operated their respective AWACS and midair refueller aircraft.

As part of the Peacekeeping operations under the UN Flag, a contingent of 196 IAF personnel left for Sudan, supported by six Mi-17 utility helicopters on 13th January. On 15th July the IAF sent its fifth rotational contingent of UN Peacekeeping Force (UNPKF) comprising 285 personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The IAF helicopter UN mission based in Bukavu, DRC undertook Casualty Evacuation Operations on 3rd July from Sange, the provincial capital, airlifting 32 people in 13 sorties, who were injured in a fire when a gasoline tanker overturned the day before, killing 230 and wounding 190.

Master Blaster IAF's new brand ambassador

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar was conferred the Honorary rank of Group Captain at a ceremony in New Delhi on 3rd September and in the new year will join a galaxy of leaders in the country to have flown in the Sukhoi, such as former President Shri APJ Abdul Kalam and President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

Adventure Sports -- Mission Seven Summit

A team of IAF mountaineers scaled Mt. Denali (6,194 mtrs) in Alaska in May, 2010. With Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa next on the list in 2011, the team is aiming for a record of scaling the highest peaks in various continents, - Asia, Australasia, North and South America, Europe and Africa.

IAF also plans to send an all-women expedition to Mt. Everest next year. As a prelude the team scaled Mt. Kamet (7,757m) and Mt. Abi Gamin (7,354m) in May this year.


2010 Year End Review - Indian Air Force | India Defence

 

[SpArK]

 

[GORKHALI]

 

[Aarai]

Sancho and other Guru could you please elaborate what exactly this article intends to say.

Eurofighter vs SU30MKI


The Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" and its two-seat Indian development, the Su-30 MKI are aviation enthusiasts for many the epitome of highly agile fighter aircraft. Those who do not have the incredible "Cobra" - surprised surprise maneuver on the big international air show and wondered, "Who is there still a chance in a dogfight?"

The answer is: The Air Force - and with the Euro Fighter


The Su-30 is impressive for its sheer size. The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a two-seat advanced variant of the Russian Sukhoi Su-27 interceptor "Flanker", equipped with the latest avionics from different nations, including Russia, Israel, France and India. It is the product of cooperation of Russian and Indian defense industry, and also equipped with a thrust vector control unit that allows the machine to maneuver well beyond the purely aerodynamic as possible, in the so-called "post stall" - to take wraps range.

 

[sancho]

Sancho and other Guru could you please elaborate what exactly this article intends to say...

Hi Aarai, Benny posted this in the MMRCA thread too and we had a talk about it. Check the following link and the post number 3655:

http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/4347-mrca-news-discussions-244.html

 

[SpArK]

IAI to help India develop unmanned Dhruv​

Israel Aerospace Industries and Hindustan Aeronautics are co-operating to enable the transition of the Indian-developed Dhruv advanced light helicopter into an unmanned maritime rotorcraft.
Already involved in the Dhruv programme, IAI has developed an integrated helicopter avionics suite that would give the type a day and night observation capability, observation and targeting and electronic warfare equipment and a flexible weapons carrying system.

© APGphoto gallery on flightglobal.com/AirSpace​

The Indian navy wants an unmanned version of the Dhruv, having criticised the performance of early production examples of the type. The service operates five examples, as listed in Flightglobal's HeliCAS database.
IAI and HAL have performed initial tests of an unmanned version of the Chetak helicopter, but their focus has now shifted to adapting the Dhruv. Their proposed solution would lead to the development of a "black box" that could replace the aircraft's pilots for maritime missions.
An unmanned version of the Dhruv could begin a series of test flights during 2011, a senior IAI source says. "The potential customers for unmanned helicopters are beginning to understand the potential in such a platform," the source adds.

Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 Aircraft News from Flightglobal

 

[sudhir007]

Press Information Bureau English Releases

The President of India, and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Smt Pratibha Devi Singh Patil awarded the prestigious Presidential Standard to 31 Sqn AF and Colours to 9 Base Repair Depot (BRD) AF, during a grand ceremonial parade held at Air Force Station, Lohegaon in Pune, this morning. The Commanding Officer of 31 Squadron Wg Cdr Ashutosh Srivastava received the Standard whereas Air Officer Commanding of 9 BRD, Air Commodore BR Chandran received the Colours from the President. Both formations of the Indian Air Force (IAF) are based at Pune.

IAF Operational Squadrons become eligible for award of Presidential Standards after completion of 18 years, while Base Repair Depots and Training Institutions become eligible for award of Presidential Colours after 25 years. The selection is based on their past record and achievements during peace as well as hostilities and acknowledges the rich heritage and impeccable record of meritorious service rendered by the units. The Colours are awarded to non flying formations and Standards are awarded to Operational Units.

Speaking on the occasion the President Patil said as we embark on the path of economic progress the need to preserve peace is essential for which effective deterrence is necessary.We do not wish to initiate or encourage conflict in the region but if it is thrust upon us, I am confident that our Armed Forces will rise to the occasion and keep the country’s flag high.

The Governor of Maharashtra Mr K. Shankarnarayanan, the state Cooperatives Minister Harshavardhan Patil, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P V Naik, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command, Air Marshal AK Gogoi, AOC-in-C, Maintenance Command, Air Marshal PV Athavale were present on the occasion.

The Parade was commanded by Group Captain NN Sinha, the Chief Operations Officer of Air Force Station Pune. The Lohagoan Air Base houses three fighter Squadrons, and also has two technical training Schools, one Missile Squadron, one radar unit and Air Force Intelligence School. Air Force Base, Pune continues to be a frontline operational base and is presently commanded by Air Cmde Shreesh Mohan.

The President also released the First Day Cover of a postal stamp on 31 Sqn and 9 BRD at the function. A display of precision and daredevilry by the Air Warrior Drill Team held on the occasion was enjoyed by the audience.

31 Squadron was formed at Pathankot on 01 Sep 1963, and was equipped with the potent French Mystere aircraft. During both the wars with Pakistan in 1965 as well as in 1971, the squadron was extensively employed in the ground attack role in support of the Indian Army on the western front. The squadron operated Mysteres till 1973, and then the Indian made Maruts till 1983 before re-equipping with the MiG 23 which it flew from 1983 till its number plating in Sep 2003. The Squadron was resurrected on 01 Jan 2009 at Air Force Station Pune under the command of Wg Cdr A Srivastav. The Squadron has been the backbone of the IAF’s strike force in several Operations including Brasstracks, Meghdoot, Safed Sagar, Parakram and Vijay Chakra. For its gallant role in various operations, the Sqn has earned one Maha Vir Chakra, three Vir Chakras, one Vishit Seva Medal apart from several commendations by CAS and C-in-Cs. The Squadron is now re-equipped with the cutting edge SU-30 MKI multi role fighter, armed with a state-of-the-art radar, avionics, beyond visual range missiles, precision guided ground attack weapons and air to air refueling capabilities increasing the operational capability of the squadron manifold. The unit continues its operational service exemplifying the unit motto; “Shatrum Chhidrey Praharet” meaning, “ A kill with every blow”.

9 BRD, the recipient of Presidential Colours, undertakes major repair and servicing of a variety of avionics, ground-to-air communicatioin equipment, radar and navigational aids and airfield support equipment. It is now on the threshold of inducting new repair lines which would significantly enhance its support to Air Operations. The Depot, initially known as the Base Signals Repair Unit (BSRU), was formed on 01 May 1957 with the amalgamation of two sections - namely Wireless Repair Section and Radio Repair Section. During the Sino-Indo conflict and Goa Operations in 1961-62, the unit fabricated power supply unit for an Early Warning Radar within local resources, which provided valuable assistance during the conduct of air operations. The unit was re-designated as 9 BRD on 01 Apr 1966. During the 70’s some special projects were accomplished. Subsequently, in Kargil Operations a major thrust was laid towards indigenization. The depot has not only met the field units demands on main equipment, but has been instrumental in indigenigation of several critical sub-assemblies and modules.

The depot contributes immensely in sustaining existing operational vehicle leap-frogging towards modernization in an era of rapidly changing technology. 9 BRD AF is presently commanded by Air Cmde BR Chandran. He has a team of well qualified and highly dedicated officers, PBORs and civilians. The Depot is IS/ISO9001:2000 certified wef 23 Apr 2003 and is working towards IS/ISO9001:2008 accreditation.

Interacting with media after the function the Air Chief Marshal PV Naik said that sustantial upgradation will be made to the infrastructure of the Pune Air Force station.

 

[marcos98]

President Awards Standards To IAF's 31 Squadron ​

The Indian Air Force's 31 Squadron was presented standards by the President in Pune today. The squadron was formed at Pathankot on 01 Sep 1963, and was equipped with French Mystere aircraft. During both the wars with Pakistan in 1965 as well as in 1971, the squadron was extensively employed in the ground attack role in support of the Indian Army on the western front. The squadron operated Mysteres till 1973, and then the Indian made Maruts till 1983 before re-equipping with the MiG 23 which it flew from 1983 till its number plating in Sep 2003. The Squadron was resurrected on 01 Jan 2009 at Air Force Station Pune under the command of Wg Cdr A Srivastav. The Squadron has been the backbone of the IAF's strike force in several Operations including Brasstracks, Meghdoot, Safed Sagar, Parakram and Vijay Chakra. For its gallant role in various operations, the Sqn has earned one Maha Vir Chakra, three Vir Chakras, one Vishit Seva Medal apart from several commendations by CAS and C-in-Cs. The Squadron is now re-equipped with the cutting edge SU-30 MKI multi role fighter, armed with a state-of-the-art radar, avionics, beyond visual range missiles, precision guided ground attack weapons and air to air refueling capabilities increasing the operational capability of the squadron manifold. The unit continues its operational service exemplifying the unit motto; "Shatrum Chhidrey Praharet" meaning, " A kill with every blow".

 

[marcos98]

YouTube - The Making of the C-130J for India

 

[SpArK]

 

[SpArK]

IAF's net-centric ops theme tableau for Republic Day Parade 2011

 

[angeldemon_007]

IAI to help India develop unmanned Dhruv

What happened to Chetak project ??/

 

[sancho]

What happened to Chetak project ??/

Maybe only used as a tech demonstrator, for early tests and development, which now clould be transfered into Dhruv, or later LUH.

 

[truthseeker2010]

Capability Enhancement for Indian Air Force Jaguar Fleet with MBDA ASRAAMs

MBDA's ASRAAM would provide a significant operational capability enhancement for the Indian Air Force Jaguar fleet in both short and within visual range protection. The weapon system's acquisition ranges are phenomenal and would typically enable a Jaguar pilot to "see", engage and kill the target before it even had the chance to respond. With ASRAAM, the lottery of a close-range dogfight is safely avoided.

Given that the Jaguar will probably be operating at a lower altitude than an in-coming threat, ASRAAM's unmatched speed and 'snap up' capability (the ability of the missile to fire upwards to a very high altitude) is ideally suited to the aircraft’s mission. When combined with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), the aircraft/weapon combination can be used to its full ability.

Because of its sleek, low drag wingless design, proven body lifting techniques and the high speed provided by its 166mm diameter motor, ASRAAM has minimum impact on the desired release envelope. ASRAAM’s high speed also enables rapid and thereby safe separation from the aircraft's 'near field', a major issue when considering risk reduction during the missile integration programme.

Alternative missiles that have fins and wings forward of their center of gravity suffer from a number of disadvantages, one of these is known as 'weather cocking'. This effect occurs when the aircraft is pulling high g manoeuvres during a missile release (typically during an over the shoulder shot with HMS whilst evading a threat). As such a missile travels along the launch rail, its fins etc. have the aerodynamic effect of pulling it away before its last "shoe" has actually cleared the mechanism. You can imagine the damage that this will cause, not only to the launcher and perhaps even to the aircraft, but also to the mission.

With such a missile, the only way to mitigate this danger is to accept a limited launch profile and accept all the subsequent limitations this poses on the operational and self-defence capabilities of the aircraft. With over 50 years of experience in missile design, MBDA was fully aware of the dangers of 'weather cocking' so ASRAAM was developed from day one to permit the widest carriage and release envelope for the aircraft.

ASRAAM has flown on Jaguar with an HMS in the UK at the world renowned test facility at Boscombe Down, in addition MBDA has worked exclusively with the aircraft design authority BAES. The missile is fully operational on both under wing and tip stations on the UK RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon and the Australian Air Force's F/A 18.

MBDA together with its partners ELBIT (Targo Dash V HMS) and Cobham (JOWL -- Jaguar Overwing Missile Launcher) provide a world beating capability for the IAF Jaguar fleet with proven reliable subsystems. With ASRAAM, MBDA will be able to provide the Indian Air Force with a missile that has the unique ability to cover close combat while offering near BVR performance as well as an integration solution featuring the lowest of potential risks.

 

[kali]

What is the status of Su-30 Mki stealth version?