Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[sancho]

Many chinks in IAF’s armour

Depending on what media you access, the price of the Rafale, the new “bird” of the Indian Air Force (IAF), ranges between $10 billion and $18 billion. Clearly, while the IAF will fly the Rafale, the media is flying kites! However, for the IAF there is plenty of turbulence to deal with.

The deal has been delayed, even though it was trumpeted as the fairest in India defence procurement history, thanks to earlier objections raised by Rajya Sabha MP, Mr M.V. Mysura Reddy. It took the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the IAF well over five years to initiate final negotiations. These negotiations will take a further year to close if all goes off well with the inquiry the Defence Minister has ordered.

In this one-year period, the cost could rise by at least 25 per cent, combining inflation and the depreciating rupee. Thus, a seemingly fair procedure has come at a very high cost. Meanwhile, Rafale has developed new radar and added some avionics and airframe capabilities.
WHAT ABOUT TEJAS?...

Business Line : Opinion : Many chinks in IAF

 

[black_jack]

Pilots look to new flying machines

New Delhi: With a number of aircraft being purchased from foreign vendors, Indian Air Force pilots and technicians are preparing to handle the new flying machines.

A group has already left for the US to train on the C-17 Globemaster III super heavy transporter.

The IAF has bought ten of these aircraft, the first of which will be delivered in June 2013.

Another group is preparing to leave for Switzerland to train on the Pilatus PC-7. The training for pilots to fly new VVIP helicopters has begun. The air force is set for a brand new look.

Pilots look to new flying machines

 

[SBD-3]

 

[kurup]

^^^^ ...good news .........this means we can see Rafale soon in IAF colours..........

 

[Abingdonboy]

IAF MIG-29UPG:

 

[david blain]

 

[lepziboy]

IAF MIG-29UPG:

did it get fatter?

 

[Archie]

did it get fatter?

Conformal Fuel Tanks to improve range

 

[subincb]

IAF MIG-29UPG:

The second picture exhaust nozzle of one is not fully open. Is it possible to utilizes thrust variations in different engine to take sharper turns or for other features? Can fighter aircraft land with single engine if one is failed.

 

[cloud_9]

RIL lines up close to $1 billion plan in aerospace sector, Nashik may be HQ for new business

NEW DELHI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is expected to invest close to $1 billion over the next few years and hire around 1,500 people in its new aerospace division.

Details of RIL's plans were confirmed to ET by executives close to the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Early this month, the Mukesh Ambani-led company applied for an industrial licence with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion to "design, develop, manufacture, equipment and components, including airframe, engine, radars, avionics and accessories for military and civilian aircraft, helicopters, unmanned airborne vehicles and aerostats".

This decision by RIL comes after the creation of two new entities: Reliance Aerospace Technologies Pvt Ltd and Reliance Security Solutions Ltd.

The creation of these new businesses was set in motion more than a year ago when RIL created an entity called "new business" and hired the then Boeing India chief, Vivek Lall, for launching its aerospace and homeland security divisions.


The application with DIPP further discloses that "the company will also undertake research and produce new aerospace technologies, materials, components and equipment and test and carry out their certification".

RIL will also join hands with global players to bring in sophisticated civil and military aerospace technologies into the country, executives close to the matter said. It will also prioritise research and development and testing and certification of new aerospace technologies, materials, components and equipment.

In its application to DIPP, RIL has indicated Nashik as the headquarters for its aerospace division - the town is expected to be the centre of the proposed manufacturing hub. The company, executives said, will gradually set up more manufacturing units across the country with the aim of making India a global hub in aerospace manufacturing.

RIL also intends to align with smaller players and train them to produce high-quality products for the airline industry.

RIL is looking at creating synergies to begin with, until it develops technologies - and aircraft - on its own. It is in advanced talks with global aircraft majors for JVs and strategic collaborations, executives close to the matter said.

 

[SBD-3]

 

[SpArK]

Apache

 

[subincb]

 

[angeldemon_007]

^^^
Well here is a problem....MBDA is giving Taurus cruise missile then how come Dassault is integrating Scalp ? The article has some mistakes. But its true most of the weapons will be European except a few ones.

 

[sancho]

^^^
Well here is a problem....MBDA is giving Taurus cruise missile then how come Dassault is integrating Scalp ? The article has some mistakes. But its true most of the weapons will be European except a few ones.

MBDA has offered Taurus and Scalp / Storm Shadow as part of our stand off missile requirement, but it has nothing to do with Rafale. I even bet that the price or even a possible licence production of Scalp might be a big issue in the current negotiations, since it is the only logical choice for Rafale and upgraded Mirage 2K-5s.
The only US weapon on Rafale remains to be Paveway LGBs, while SPICE could be an option in addition to Hammer and again for Rafale and upgraded M2-K5s.