Navy pilot first to fly US fighter

[Adux]

Navy pilot first to fly US fighter
21 Jun, 2007 l 0114 hrs ISTlSrinivas Laxman/TIMES NEWS NETWORK
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MUMBAI: Surendra Ahuja, a pilot attached to Indian Navy's flagship aircraft carrier INS Viraat, has become the first in the history of the Navy to qualify to operate fighter aircraft aboard US aircraft carriers.

Ahuja, whose training began in November 2006 and ended on May 10, 2007, underwent conversion training on a T-45 Goshawk aircraft.

Explaining the significance of his feat, a defence spokesperson told TOI that it was part of the ongoing enhanced Indo-US defence co-operation agreement and covers mutual exchange of personnel, standard operating procedures and operational exposure.

Till now, he added, Indo-US naval co-operation focussed mainly on joint exercises like the Malabar series, visits of warships and naval personnel.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Navy_pilot_first_to_fly_US_fighter/articleshow/2137573.cms

 

[Contrarian]

Why are they fuking not buying Goshawks as well. Its almost common with the Hawk and the Navy needs AJT's as well desperately now as the MiG 29K's are ruthless. All the Hawks that are comming will be given to the AF.

Navy needs the Goshawk now, so that they operate it themselves and pilots training becomes more and more refined in India.

 

[Adux]

Malay,

They are already in talks with Boeing for the Goosehawks,
PS: I heard something about France announcing 40 Rafales for India. Any news?

 

[Adux]

[YOUTUBE]

Check from 1.30 - 1.41 where the reporter says they announced 40 Rafales for the Indian Government.

Or did she mistake it for the Libyan.

or is this is a seperate deal,
is this for the navy
or is this replacing the 40 sukhoi's we ordered,
or is this a new 40 rafale's along with 40's sukhoi's and 126 MRCA

 

[joey]

T45 Goshawk is one of best carrier borne trainer available, after Navy also wanted to buy naval variant of BAE Hawk , BAE asked for more price, NAVY said we want it at IAF's price deal got dis-engaged.

India carrier doesn't have arrested recovery system, it's geared for STOVL. Basically this training is for Groshkov and Mig-29K.

Apparently Russians could not offer training with the carrier and Migs because they dont have operationalize one , hence Indian govt. approached USA for training.

 

[Adux]

Does anybody know about this Rafale situation?

 

[joey]

Wrnogly reported by ANI, they 'offerred us' 40 rafales not that we bought them. thanks.

 

[Adux]

I know that Joey,

The question is why the number for 40, and on what basis?

Is it for the MRCA deal?
is it instead of the 40 Sukhoi's?
is it for upgrading the mirage 2000 fleet?
or is it for any new requirement?

Why did they offer us? is my question

 

[joey]

For MRCA deal only what else? maybe we want some shopping and 40 for dedicated naval strike role along with a squadron of backfires...eh?

 

[Adux]

MRCA is for 126 aircrafts, why would they offer only 40 for that.
When they know we wouldnt take any number less than 126. I dont think this for the MRCA.

Why not for the 40 Emergency Sukhoi's, Since the Russians hiked the price; they decided to pitch in the rafale.

Or for a total new requirement?