NAG-The Cobra Missile

NAG-The Cobra Missile

land based Test

 
     Nag is another good Project managed by the DRDO under BDL- Bharath Dynamics Limited, which is a less weight low range Anti tank guided missile, which can be used in all combat situations to destroy enemy Tanks and other Armour columns. the Nag project launched early 2008, with Kick backs and all, it's just get inducted into the Army's Anti Tank Columns.

          The Nag comes with some set of Anti armour missiles, like Ground launched and Air launched, the low weight low range Anti tank guided missile is different Technology, where only less number of countries are achieved good Results, India also in the list with the Nag missile.

Land Based Nag- NAMICA

Namica Launcher

    NAMICA means Nag missile carrier usually a modified BMP can carry eight of such missiles for Anti armour purpose, namica is the initial version of nag program. for Army use, here namica uses IIR seekers to identify and lock the Target, The IIR is a Imagining Infrared Seeker, which can choose and lock the Target before Launching, which means some third party chooses the Target and feed it to the Nag and Nag take care of the Target on it's own, something like same Fire and forget mode. 

       Nag  uses Line of sight for target and launch the Missiles against the threat, which is a slight disadvantages due to the limitation of IIR seeker, It needed the Target which would be visible by the Missile when launching, the same will be replaced by mmW ( Milli meter wave )  seeker, which can allows the Launcher can lock the target even in encircled  area's, makes the launchers positions keep hidden during launch.

     The Nag uses the Tandem Charge for Kill, almost all new generation anti Tank missile uses the same. most Tanks comes with  Explosive reactive Armour to make the tank more powerful during enemy direct fire and Heavy weapon fire, with the Tandem Charge, the first warhead penetrate or make a small hole in the Tanks armour then explode the main charge inside the Tank, makes the Target 100% destroyed. 

       the Name Nag comes from the Missile Trajectory, which follows the Cobra, the missile uses Top Attack mode, means once you launch the Missile it can fire high and Mark the Tanks Back side where Tanks armour is in lesser, and hit the Target, most Anti tank missiles uses the same technology for Higher Kill probablity.

The rated range is known as Four Kilometers 

        The Army Already inducted some good numbers of Nag missiles and NAMICA launchers after series of successful tests, the numbers not available in public.

Air Launched Nag- Helina

Helina From ALH Rudra

  The Modified version of Nag is used to Carry by Airborne platforms like Helicopter and Aircrafts, since Aircrafts project comes with mmW and long range, currently Helina comes in LCH, ALH Rdra and some other UAV platforms,

      the Helina is same but it can have some good features, like lock on after launch, non line of sight and more Range, here it's being believed that Helina uses the mmW seeker for better performance and able to perform LOAL modes,

        Helina already successfully fired from Helicopters and soon will be inducted into Airborne platforms like  ALH Rudra, and pictures emerged that Rustom one fitted with two Helina Missiles. the Airborne version also makes progress and soon will be inducted.

Helina launching from ALH Rudra

The Pakistan Nukes is the ISIS Nukes

The Pakistan Nukes is the ISIS Nukes

       It's just been released in the media's that the ISIS said it would buy the Nuclear bomb from Pakistan, It's nothing new to but most defense think tanks already suspected that Pakistan would deliver it's nuclear bombs to it's proxy's that means their closest Terrorists, Meanwhile most of the Pakistani serving officials are pro Jihadi's or an Terrorist supporters,also Pakistan is the safe heaven for Terrorists since decades.

       It's earlier reported that Saudis may abandon it's non Nuclear state by buying Nuke bombs from Pakistan and Missiles from China, makes them a powerful Nuclear nation can confront against their rival shia enemy Iran. 

        Pakistani's wont sell Nukes to shia states, but they can provide nukes to any Sunni organizations, The best example is Pakistan ready to fight against the Houti's in Yemen where Houti's were Shia, but they didn't spent a penny to fight against Sunni Terrorism in Iraq widely named ISIS.

       Recently a French Journalist did a covert investigation about e-jihadi, where She almost found the Hub of Jihadi bride requirement, which is located in Pakistan. which makes the connection between Pakistan and ISIS is more stronger than ever.

       These details were published in the ISIS weekly magazine which is published by themselves, sates the plan of  buying the Nuclear bomb's from Pakistan, also they said they have enough money to buy the bombs from Pakistan, since ISIS have vault of money which comes through by oil trades done by Black market dealers.  it's easy to buy nuclear bombs from Pakistan

         But in Nuclear Black market they can buy enough materials to build a nuclear bomb, but they don't have enrichment plants. one have to thanks the Israeli's for that, who destroyed the Iraqi Nuclear plants in 1980's and buried their dream of being Nuclear.

        There is no way to prevent the ISIS byuing the nukes from Pakistan, but one have to act smart to prevent them using against our States, so far ISIS prime target is the USA, but which can't be ruled out, Iran and India also in their top List, With the improved surveillance the Indian Borders are  sealed and close surveillance by Tri services.

It's once again The Pakistan showing it's true face in front of Global Humanity. 

AURA-Unmanned Combat Aircraft

AURA-Unmanned Combat Aircraft

        The Plan of designing a unmanned stealth combat aircraft begins early 2007, with the induction time line of 2020, and the first prototype planned by 2015, while the early designated time frames passed and no clear progress about the UCAV, the project was frozen during the past years. It's just emerged that DRDO in steps to design the frozen projects like  UCAV and the MIRV developments.

         Aura means Autonomous unmanned Research vehicle the name of the Unmanned combat Aircraft Project. while the countries like Russia, America France and England also draws a Line to develop a unmanned combat aircraft  early 2007, the same year that India too announced. BAE England comes with Taranis Subsonic UAV. French Dassult comes with nEUROn UCAV, and Americans comes with X 47 B. where Americans started the project much earlier than others and almost evaluated most testing parameters and they are just a meters away from the Inductions. only the Indians and Russians didn't showed up their prototype till now. even reports said the Russian MiG skat ucav project is dead.

         It's just been released that India restarted the AURA project, as per Initial design AURA intend to perform deep strike missions with heavy load of PGM's weights more than Two tons, which means a bigger size of internal weapon bay Holding two one Ton PGM's for precession strike and perform operations deep behind enemy lines, with the help of stealth achieved by RAM coating it can be easily fly enemy airspace without being detected by enemy Radars.

      Most of the other Euro American counterparts strategy is also same with these kind of UCAV for special strike only, where armed UAV's like Reapers from west and Rustom from from India all comes for close Support missions, comes with low payload anti armour missiles, but the AURA can perform deep strike mission wih more payload, Just like a courier deliveryman without any traces, He can deliver the package within some 1000 km radius then come back to base and he can repeat the action 24x7. without risking any Human Lives.

    Unlike Fighters, UAV need more operators and support crew for Landing assisting flight performance and Navigation, needs large number of crews to operates a Single UCAV. as per DRDO inputs the UCAV can capable to fly at the heights of 30,000 feet and Maximum take off weight estimated 15 tons.

       As per the concept are the UCAV is lack of good maneuverability which can allow the fighter to fight against enemy Fighter Jets and land based SAM units. but the future version can comes with good maneuverability, since DRDO's first effort of making UCAV to world standard.

      The DRDO partnered with ADA and HAL makes the first prototype of  AURA, since the project is close guarded secret the Correct time line and informations are not yet available on the Public, except the above informations. if the program gives first prototype by next two to three years, it's be sure that IAF can induct those unmanned fighters before 2025.  

A Beast in the Making INS Vikrant

 A Beast in the Making INS Vikrant

  Serving with the motto “May the Lord of the Oceans be auspicious unto us”, the Indian navy is protecting our nation’s maritime border and is also protector of Indian interests spread across the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) which spans about 220 nautical miles. Indian navy saw its first action during the liberation of Goa. The navy turned out to be an important arm in the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971 and helped India setup a naval blockade, chocking the erstwhile East Pakistan from receiving any reinforcements. Operation Trident and Operation Python have reflected the capabilities of the Indian Navy.

          With India’s interests stretching as far as South China Sea, a modernized and robust navy is the need of the hour. The interests of both the nation’s has grown significantly over the years. Both the nations are realizing their dreams of converting their navy from a ‘regional navy’ to a ‘Blue water navy’ to control over the sea ways. With the EEZ stretching over 200 nautical miles the navy has its work crafted out. A two front war is a scenario that the Indian navy has to be prepared for. To counter the Chinese and the Pakistani threats the Indian Navy has opted for a three-carrier fleet, with two carriers working in the western and eastern front and another carrier in reserve.
         

  By 1987, the navy was operating two CBG’s headed by, INS Viraat and INS Vikrant. Both the warships were acquired from the Royal navy, the warships were aging war machines. To replace these aging ships, India came up with plans to field two state of the art Air Defence Ships but the program was shelved owing to the 1991 economical crisis. The program was again reviewed in 1999, and the navy board decided to field an STOBAR carrier. An official announcement in this regard was made in 2003. The program was awarded to the state run Cochin Shipyard limited (CSL).
     

    The IAC project when completed would feature the biggest vessels built by an Indian shipyard. The carriers would be classified as Vikrant class carrier, the navy planned to produce at least one follow on carrier.


INS VIKRANT
      

     Vikrant would be the first ship to be built under the IAC project, the carrier would feature an STOBAR design with an ski-jump to launch aircraft of the deck. The work on the vessel commenced in 2004, with CSL receiving infrastructural boost to host the project.  The CCS sanctioned Rs 3261 crore for the first phase of construction. The work on the carrier started in 2004, problems with procuring high grade steel from the Russians stalled the program but was soon revived with SIAL and DMRL supplying the steel by 2006. Soon the keel of the ship was laid on 28 Feb 2009 by then MoD Shri AK Antony. When laid the ship was built by joining nearly 423 blocks and weighted around 8000 ton. The ship then progressed into its second phase of work, which included integrating the ship’s ski jump and air deck.

        The project also called for several private and public partnerships. The main private players in the program were L&T, Kirloskar, BHEL, Avio and Elecon. Larsen and Tourbo one of the leading players in Indian defence projects, pitched in with many ground breaking technologies that made the project a reality. L&T provided crucial components like main switch board, steering gear and water tight hatches. The crucial gearboxes were supplied by Elecon. The electrical cables were supplied by Nicco industries. Kirloskar group supplied the air conditioning and refrigeration systems for the carrier. The crucial water pumps and jets to power the carrier were supplied by Best and Crompton. The state run BHEL provided the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and roped in the Italian giant, Avio to integrate this on the carrier. 

      The second phase of construction received about Rs 2840 crore. The carrier’s hull was finally completed in December 2011 and was floated out of dry dock on 29th December 2011. The hull weighted around 14000 ton when it was sailed out of the dry dock. Elecon engineering in 2012, clarified that the technology involved in developing a gearbox powering a machine of the size of a carrier was cumbersome and technologies involved in mastering this technology needed more time. It was further clarified that the propulsion shaft to be used on board the carrier had several problems, the shaft was realigned several times to achieve the right amount of accuracy for hinder free operations.

        The fitting out process on the hull continued till the end of 2012. The carrier was finally launched on 12th August 2013 and the carrier was re-docked to be integrated with its propulsion system, air deck and aircraft complex. The work on the superstructure has neared completion, and the ship is scheduled to be launched on 28th May 2015. The carrier has received all major equipment and has now acquired the shape of an aircraft carrier. The outfitting process on-board the carrier has progressed in a steady stream. The major part of the outfitting process includes integrating the carrier with piping, electrical cabling, control system wiring and will progress after the launch. The carrier is expected to enter the trial phase by 2017. The carrier will be extensively tested for its capabilities and several flight deck operations will be carried out on board the carrier and the carrier is expected to enter service by 2018.

         Even though the IAC was drawn as an Indigenous project, several fields have received technological boost from Russia, Italy and several other countries. India is believed to have signed as many as nearly fourteen contracts for providing the carrier’s aviation complex, delivery of major aviation equipment.  The aviation complex is being designed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau, even though Indian companies pitched in to design the complex the Directorate of Naval Design (DND) deferred the offer. The aviation wing of the carrier was being handled by the Russian developed MiG 29K and the Ka-31’s, hence the DND decided to field the project with the Nevskoye Design Bureau.

         The Carrier when completed will measure 860 ft in length and will be around 200 ft in width. The ship will be powered by four gas turbines, which has been designed by the General Avionics. GE and DND choose the powerful and reliable LM2500 to power the ship. The LM2500 is interestingly a derivative of the General Electric CF6, which is an aircraft engine which has powered several key aviation projects. The navy chose the LM2500+ which delivers 30200 kW of power and has one of the best thermal efficiency at 29 % when operated under ISO conditions. The LM2500 were first used by the US navy in 1970 to power the Spruance class destroyers. These turbines are produced in India by HAL under license.

       It is a highly regarded piece of machinery and is used by nearly twenty nine other navies. The ship can attain a maximum speed of up to 52 Km/h and at any given time the carrier should maintain a speed of at least 30 km/h to assist the air operations. The carrier enjoys a range of 8000 nautical miles and the range can be easily supplemented by the help of a replenishment ship.

Aviation wing of Vikrant

       INS Vikrant will have power packed air wing, lead by the battle proven Mikoyan MiG 29K. The carrier will also house the home grown Naval LCA as and when the project receives it FOC.  Vikrant’s rotary crafts will be based around the Kamov Ka-31, Dhruv’s naval version and the Westland Sea King. The Kamov Ka-31 will play a significant role acting as the primary airborne early warning system. The Sea King’s will perform the role of ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) operations. 

Mikoyan MiG-29K
     

      

     With India choosing to acquire INS Vikramaditya with an STOBAR design, Russia put forward the MiG-29K and Sukhoi 33 as the primary aviation wing. India choose the MiG-29K declining the SU-33 owing to its larger wing size. Developed by the Mikoyan, MiG-29K is a 4++ generation, all weather carrier based multi-role aircraft. A carrier based aircraft demanding an more reinforced under carrier and tail section, Mikoyan came up with the MiG29K which was developed specially for naval operations. The 29K was equipped with a more powerful and efficient engine, the cockpit and the armament received significant changes.

    MiG29K took to skies on 23rd July 1988, piloted by Aubakirov and by landing on Admiral Kuznetsov it achieved its first carrier landing on 1st November 1989. An aircraft capable of handling AEW was also developed based on the MiG29K and was called the MiG-29KUB. This jet features two aircrew and was equipped with powerful radar and secured data-links. Flying in formation and connecting over the secured links these aircraft could form a credible wave of AEW system. 

      The jet is powered by the Kilmov RD-33MK engines, an after-burning turbofan jet engine developed by the Klimov for powering light weight fighter jets. The engine can develop a maximum thrust of around 50N when run in dry mode and can produce a maximum output of around 80N when the afterburners are engaged. The engines are very efficient and can produce 7% more thrust than the engines powering the MiG29’s, the engine is controlled by an FADEC or Full Authority Digital Engine control. The FADEC is an electronic computer that basically consists of Electronic Engine controller (EEC), and will monitor the engine performance throughout the flight. If the engines performance is found to be non-satisfactory the system will immediately restore the engine controls to a preset mode.

         A four channel fly-by-wire system controls the aircraft, one of the most advanced avionics package went aboard the aircraft. The aircraft is equipped with a passive anti-missile homing system, it is also provided with the Sigma-95 GPS receivers which efficiently guide the pilot to his designated targets. The targeting system of the aircraft received a major boost with the helmet-mounted targeting system being introduced. To counter interference with the systems by the enemies, the aircraft is equipped with state-of-the art ECM systems. The primary radar of the aircraft is the NIIR Phazotron developed, Zhuk-AE radars. These radars feature an active electronically scanned array. The radar features a 700mm antenna and 1016 T/R (Transmit/Recieve) modules. The radar has an approximate detection range of 200 km, and can track about 60 targets at a time and can engage six targets simultaneously. The jet can also be equipped with infra-red search and track (IRST) system. This system helps in detecting and tracking objects by following the infrared radiation emitted from the objects.

      MiG 29K is equipped with an array of weapon systems, being a multi-role aircraft the jet can carry a mix of air-air missiles and air-ground missiles. The very basic weapon system of the MiG 29K is the GSh-30-1 30mm cannon, mounted in the port wing root. Weighing just about 40 kg the gun can be easily mounted on the airframe, the uniqueness of the weapon system is its short recoil action. Firing up to 1800 rounds per minute the gun annihilate any armoured hostile targets.

      The maximum effective range of the gun is around 800 m against aerial targets and varies between 1200-1800 m against ground targets.

    Equipped with laser range finding and targeting system, the rounds can be fired with pinpoint accuracy. The aircraft can carry laser-guided and electro-optical bombs for conducting air-ground attack missions. The jet can also be equipped with Kh-31P passive radar seeker missiles which can be used as anti-radiation missiles. The aircraft can also carry Kh-35 and Kh-31A anti-shipping missiles, causing havoc over enemy ships. It is crucial the jet also can engage aerial targets, the jet is equipped with air to air missiles. Various foreign developed missiles can also be integrated with the aircraft.

        India has signed a $1.2 billion deal, with the Mikoyan for acquiring 40 MiG 29K, INS Vikramaditya will carry up to 24 fighters. INS Vikrant is expected to carry up to 30 fighters which will be a mix of the MiG 29K and the LCA naval version.
 
     The rotary wing of the carrier will be formed by the Kamov Ka -31, Westland Sea king and HAL Dhruv.

Kamov Ka-31

      

  The Kamov Ka-31 is basically a naval airborne early warning and control system. Designed on the Ka-29 airframe, the Ka-31 was a result of the technologies clubbed with the Ka-29 and the An-71. The Ka-29 airframe and the Nizhny Novgorod Radio Engineering Institute developed Radar system was clubbed to form the Ka-29RLD.  The Kamov Ka-31 first flight took place in 1989 and entered service with the Russian navy only in 1995 but in very limited numbers. Fully fledged induction was only after the Indian navy ordered these platforms to be based on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The newer Talwar class was also to be equipped by Ka-31’s. 

      The Kamov Ka-31 are distinctive from the Ka-27, even though developed around the Ka-27 major changes were accommodated to make the helicopter more robust. The electro-optical suite was removed to make the helicopter lighter and more maneuverable. The Ka-27 was using the TV3-117 BK but the Ka-31 was fitted out with the more powerful and efficient Kilmov designed TV-3 117VMAR engines.

    The TV3-117 is a gas turbine engine each producing 1633kW power. The helicopter can fly at 250 Km/h while on patrol and operates at around 3500m. The helicopter has a range of around 600 km and can endure a patrol of around 3 hours.

    The early warning radar on board is E-801M Oko or Eye. The radar antenna is 6 sq mt and is stowed underneath the fuselage. The antenna system extends when the radar is switched on. The radar has a detection range of around 200 km against surface ships and can track up to 30-40 targets simultaneously. Ka-31 has a secured data-link to transfer the target tracking data with a command post. The Ka-31 under the Indian navy is enabled with Abris GPS system which features a 12 channel receiver. The helicopter is also equipped with digital terrain maps, auto navigations systems, and ground proximity warning sensors and also features the flight stabilization and auto homing sensors, which help to efficiently land the helicopter on to a ship’s deck under extreme weather conditions. These helicopters though designed to be robust lack the capability to be part of ASW operations. The need for ASW platforms is crucial, Indian navy for that role has chosen the Westland Sea King. 

Westland Sea King
   

     The Sea king developed by the Westland’s is a derivative of the American Sikorsky SH-3 helicopters. The Westland WS-61 was built under by the Britain under licence. The Sea King’s differed considerably from the SH-3, newer power plants, avionics and weapon systems were integrated to make the platform more capable.

       The Sea King was primarily designed to conduct Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions. Sea King has been one of the most proven ASW platforms and is the mainstay weapon system for the Indian navy. To handle ASW missions the helicopter is equipped with two marine markers, smoke floats and sonobuoys. The aircraft is also fitted with BAE systems developed type 2069 sonar which is equipped with the state-of-the art AQS-902G-DS acoustic signal processor.
 The sonar can engage targets up to 700 feet. The helicopter is also equipped with a magnetic anomaly detector, but has to been seen if the same will be supplied to the Indian navy.  The aircraft is also equipped with Rockwell Collins developed Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) which enables easy exchange of information throughout the platforms.

     The aircraft is capable of carrying up to four torpedoes and is armed with mk11 depth charges. The aircraft is also equipped with anti-ship missiles. The Indian navy platform is equipped with Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles. The Sea Eagle is all weather, fire and forget missile system. A sea skimming missile, the detection of Sea Eagle is extremely difficult and can strike targets as far as 100kms.

    The Sea Kings are powered by two Rolls Royce Gnome H1400-1T engines. The power plant churns out 1238kW of power and can help the helicopter achieve top speeds of nearly 200 Km. The helicopter enjoys an range of around 1230 Km. The Sea King is an versatile ASW platform which has seen action with the Britain and the Indian Navy.  Sea King is and will be the most potent ASW platform for the Indian navy, any replacement programs is highly likely. The home grown Dhruv is yet to evolve to handle the ASW operations.

Defensive and Offensive Suites

       Owing to their large size the aircraft carriers are sitting ducks when an attack is mounted on them. Though the escort vessels and the carrier’s own aviation fleet form a formidable defensive wave, still a system that is independent for the carrier is necessary. Vikrant is provided with the advanced AK-630 Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) and the MR-SAM Barak-I systems. The ship maybe equipped with the more advanced and effective Barak-8 LR SAM systems.


 Ak-630 CIWS

           The AK-630 CIWS developed by the Russians is a fully automated system and is one of the best systems available in the world. The AK-630 systems are used in almost every Russian naval platform ranging from fast attack crafts to aircraft carriers. The 630 basically stands for a 6 barreled weapon firing 30mm rounds. The system stands as the last line of defense against incoming threats.

     An AK-630 weapon system consists of the AK-630M gun mount, MR-123-02 fire control radar system which handle two guns simultaneously and the SP-521 electrical-optical tracker.  An aerial target can be engaged at around 4 km and surface targets at around 5 km. Aerial targets can be tracked from around 7 Km and surface targets from around 70 Km. The gun operates on gas rotary cannon to enhance the accuracy it is equipped with laser range finder and TV optical sight. The gun is usually operated in pairs and for larger ships it is operated in two pairs which will enhance the point defense system.

Barak-I
     
     Developed by the Israeli’s, Barak-I is a very robust ship borne point defense missile system. Mounted in 8-cell modules these missiles can be launched vertically at a moment’s notice. The Barak-I system is complemented with radar, computers and missile systems. The fire control is handled by C3I system and provides 360 degree coverage. The missile system can engage anti-ship missiles, sea-skimming missiles, aerial targets including aircraft’s and UAV’s. The Barak-I systems are short range point defence missiles and can engage targets as far as 12 km. India opted to the Barak-I in the early 2000’s but was cleared only in 2013 when India ordered 262 Barak-I missile systems at an estimated US $140 million deal. The Indian navy currently operates the system on 14 surface ships, INS Vikramaditya is getting its Barak-I systems from a retiring Godavari class frigate.

Barak 8 LR SAM

       The Barak-8 Long range Surface to Air Missiles being jointly developed by Israel and India. Barak-8 can engage any airborne threats including aircraft, UAV’s and anti-ship missiles. Barak-8 is a two stage system powered by a smokeless dual pulsed rocket motor. The missile is highly maneuverable in the terminal phase and locks on to the threat with the help of an active radar seeker. The Barak-8 can engage targets up to 70 Km and uses the EL/M 2248 MF-STAR AESA as the primary target acquisition system thus enabling simultaneous track and destruct capability. The system is slated to be fired from INS Kolkata, India is also believed to be developing an more extended range version which can engage targets up to 100 Km. With the induction of Barak-8 happening by around 2017, Barak-8 systems may be added to the IAC project during the refits.

OTO Melara 76 mm

       The OTO Melara 76 mm is a naval gun developed in 1960’s. The gun fires 76x636mm rounds and can fire up to 120 rounds/min.

Sensor Suites
        
        The carrier is equipped with sophisticated sensor suites, the primary radars in the carrier are the Selex RAN-40L AESA radar and the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA. Operating in L band the Selex, naval 3D search radar’s can be used for long range maritime surveillance and early warning. The radar is capable of tracking and detecting aircrafts and air borne threats as far as 400 km. The IAI developed EL/M-2248 MF-STAR (Multi Function- Surveillance, Track and Guidance Radar) is multi-function AESA naval radar. Operating in S-band and equipped with four active arrays the radar can track up to 100 threats simultaneously, the radar can track aircraft from 250 km and a sea skimming missile from 25 km. 

Article by Karthik Kakoor

    Credits to all the sources I have used while bringing forward this article, it would not have been possible without the help of those resourceful sources. The photos used in the article are just for representation purpose and the copyrights are bestowed with the original photographers who toiled around to click these mesmerizing shots.

Broad Range of Air lifter from Indian Air force

Broad Range of Air lifter from Indian Air force

     The Indian Air force operates several kind of Air lifters include Fixed and rotary wings, for both Transport and Resupply. the Indian Air force operates some types of Air lifters which is best in it's Field, Like C 17 for Strategic An 32 for Tactical and  C 130  for Specail operations.

C 17 Globe Master III

         To boost Strategic Air operations IAF decided to buy the Best Strategic Air lifter C 17 from US, as of now IAF operates ten C 17, which makes IAF  second bigger operator of C 17 outside USA. where IAF also requested the Ministry to buy another six  C17, since the Induction of C 17 almost shows it's performance all over the world evacuating Indian personals in case of emergency. from Libya to last Yemeni Evacuation IAF used the C 17 for round a clock operations, and the C 17 performed very well without any glitches.

         With the quick change of cargo and Transport options by removing or Adding passenger seat, the C 17 performed very well during Maldives water crisis and Nepal Earth Quake, the C 17 can carry some  77 tons of payload with the Range of 4000 kilometers, or it can carry 134 Troops with the Range of 10,000 kilometers, makes them a True Strategic Air lifter.

IL 76 Candid

   

        The IL 76 also a Strategic multipurpose Air lifter, IAF operates 17 of them for transporting and Cargo handling, the IL 76 is made by Ilyushin Russia, the IL 76 also used in many situations, but It's mostly used for Support and Logistics delivery for IAF fighter Aircrafts,  but it can also act as a Troop transporter and Resupply during war time, since the peacetime operating costs are much higher compared to the C 17, Indian Air force uses the IL 76 for extreme purpose only.

         IAF operates six IL 78 MKI refulers for aerial Tanker, and another two were modified to carry rotating radar dome for Airborne control center, three more in order, makes the IL 76 numbers to 17+6+2 and optional three more. The IL 76 MD can carry 60 tons of cargo with a Range of more than 3500 kilometers.

         some IL 76 can carry two 23mm cannon in the back side to shoot any threats, since it's obsolete, IAF didn't use th Guns, or they removed it,  where the details still not available for Public release.

C 130 J Super Hercules

         One of the finest Tactical air lifter in the world which can do amazing mission, land and Take off from any kind of unpaved runways, It can take off and Land in beaches, it can land in world' highest Air Strip Daulat Beg Oldie. so far IAF operates five C 130 where one was lost in a mission where IAF pilots doing practice how to fly low and maneuver, the lost one will be replaced by newer one where Ministry cleared to Purchase, Also IAF plans to acquire additional 6 C 130 J to boost the strategic Air lift and Special operational Quick Deployments.

     the C 130 can do amazing operations, since it is very useful for conducting special operations inside or outside friendly territories. the C 130 also used in several humanitarian efforts like sending NDRF peoples and delivering aid and resupply during Heavy flood in Uthrakhand also in Nepal Earth quake C 130J did awesome missions, 

     The C 130 is an Tactical air lifter which can carry some 90+ Airborne Paratroopers with the Range of some 5000 kilo meters, and with reduced range it can carry 20 Tons of cargo.

An 32 Cline

     

    Indian Air force's another work horse is the Ukrainian made An 32 twin turboprop tactical air lifter, the An 32 did some awesome air lift during emergency situations and war times. He is the lone super hero by performing missions over Kashmir and High Altitude Air strips, Since it's very good for Tactical support only, IAF will not use for other Purposes.

     IAF operates nearly 100+ An 32, which were recently upgraded in Ukraine with new avionics, modern oxygen supply system and improved crew seats, which makes the An 32 too keep the arrival of Medium Transport Aircraft The HAL UAC MTA.

       The An 32 can carry some 40+ paratroopers for special operations with the range of some 2500 Kilometers, also it can carry some 8 tons of payload with reduced Range.

Dornier Do 228-201

        The IAF uses some 40+ Do 228 for logistics and resupply purposes, with more than 14 such aircrafts in orders, the Do 228 is a good less weight utility Aircraft, can operate in any rough conditions, which makes the Do 228 is a STOL capable aircraft,

       Since it's primarily used for logistics, IAF used for certain utility purpose only, the State owned HAL assembles the Do 228 and delivering it to Coast guard, and Navy makes the most efficient utility platform in Indian Conditions 

IAF to take part in Ex Indra Dhanush in UK,Red Flag in US

IAF to take part in Ex Indra Dhanush in UK,Red Flag in US

    The Indian Airforce planning to boost it's capability by performing combat exercises with foreign forces, Indian Air force already have good friends in west where Western and Indian Fighters teaming and study about the possible future threats and know how to thwart such moves.

        It's earlier the Indian Airforce engaged with the American Fighters in India during 2004 for a combat exercise named Cope Thunder, which shows the Indian Fighter Pilots ability by proving score much higher than the American Fighters.

        As per news sources the Indian Air force Planned two series of Exercise one in UK this year another one US in coming year. The Indian and British pilots already engaged in a combat exercise during early 2010, the Indira Dhanush. which was planned between India and Britain, earlier in 2004, 06, and 2010 Indian pilots roared the British skies with British counterparts. after 2010 without any prior notice India didn't involved any air combat exercise with  Britain.

       But it's been confirmed that India will be there in UK for Ex India Dhanush scheduled on July, India Plans to field Su 30 MKI front line fighters with additional support of  IL 78 Mid air refulers, It's suspected that India also fields it's MiG 29 UPG and Phalcon AWACS also.

        Another good news is India once again to take part the world Famous Red Flag exercise, This is the second time India going to part of the exercise, earlier in 2008 India deployed the Su 30 MKI against the American aggressive Squadron flying with F 15, Normally the reports are secret who is winner what is the score like questions, But some leaked information pitched positive views both side,

            Earlier last week IAF Chief visited Neveda Airbase and briefed about the Red Flag exercise and It's importance by US airforce Marshals.

       Within seven years India changed so much, It's the time to show the Indian Air force strength once again in UK and US,

        It's needed to exercise with foreign countries Fighter jets to study lot much about foreign fighting tactics, and threat handling methods, since those exercise can be done only with Friendly Nations. India always get some, earlier this year IAF successfully complete the Garuda Exercise with French. 

V 22 Indian Options

V 22 Indian Options

  

        Designed by Bell and Boeing, the V22 is a unique aircraft which was evolved after clubbing the functionality of helicopters and turbo-prop aircraft. A strong pitch was made within the DoD for an aircraft that could take off and land vertically and also enjoy a decent speed, which the helicopters lacked. With the key capabilities of rotary and propeller aircraft clubbed, an aircraft with enhanced capability that could perform STOL and VTOL missions was obtained. 

       Developments began in 1998, and the aircraft entered service in 2007. The V-22 Ospery has been one of the front line machines involved in special operations for the US forces. Though relatively new to the battle field the aircraft has enjoyed a very distinguished service life and has seen its share of battle in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Libya where it has performed as a versatile platform for medivac operations. 

For ARC (Aviation Research Center)

      Aviation Research Centre (ARC), the agency which works under RAW is responsible for electronic surveillance and signals intelligence along the Pakistan and China border. Reports have emerged that ARC is planning to acquire 4 V-22 for special operations and to augment its logistical capability. ARC currently operates Boeing 757 and Bombardier platforms which are equipped with the latest ELINET and SATCOM modules. ARC will also acquire advanced surveillance planes which are being developed with the Israeli’s.

Special Operations.

    The main reason ARC is looking forward to acquire the V-22 is to supplement its logistical capabilities. ARC doesn’t operate a dedicated troop transport aircraft, with the V22 capabilities the operations will receive an boost. The troops along with their heavy equipment can be ferried to the front-line and using its unique abilities can be dropped down right close to the front line. It has performed several missions in Libya, Afgan and Iraq where the aircraft has been the primary transport aircraft for US forces.  On the onset of Libyan unrest, V 22’s successfully evacuated US diplomatic officers and also became a key part in a SAR mission to help an F-18 pilot in Iraq.

     V-22 has not been part of any major operations, thus raising questions about its reliability. The famous US SEAL operation to take out the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama Bin Laden only saw Black Hawk’s and Chinook’s in action. The recently concluded operation in Syria to terminate, ISIS top command saw only the Black Hawk’s in action and the V-22 were circling way back outside in friendly territory.

        Even though the V-22 was part of the Nepal rescue operations the aircraft failed miserably in proving their capability. The high powered rotors of the aircraft were responsible for several houses to suffer structural damages. Hence the V-22 was pulled off from the operations.

Naval Operations

     The V 22 can be used effectively as a naval platform, with high endurance, high speed and enough space to fit in heavy equipment it can act as an AWACS platform. The current platform used by Indian Navy is Ka 31 which has limited range and speed. Royal Navy has already requested Bell-Boeing for equipping the aircraft with an rotating radar dome to perform AWACS mission. These aircraft will be part of the aviation wing on board the under development QE Class Aircraft Carrier. India currently operates two STOBAR carriers, with limited launch capabilities, navy relies only on Ka 31 but if inducted the V22 can be a game changer.

        Another advantage of the V-22  is its capability to conduct Aerial refueling. With STOBAR the carrier has a short take off length, hence the jets launching from the deck have to use full power there by consuming heavy fuel. To enhance this the navy was currently using the MiG 29K in buddy refueling configuration. The same can be operated by the V-22 and operating costs will reduce drastically with the V-22 induction. 

       If inducted the V-22 can be a good platform for naval operations only, with such heavy investments and operations costs it is not really advisable to operate these jets in Indian conditions.

Editor Karthik Kakoor 

  

HAL Light Combat Helicopter

 HAL Light Combat Helicopter

 

       The HAL LCH is designed to perform anti armour missions, close air support missions to friendly ground troops, and armored patrol for counter insurgency armed Escort and reconnaissance mission, The LCH is in desgin and development phase where three prototypes built  testing and improvements,

        The Kargil war gives s much lessons to the IAF to conduct not only Armed Combat air patrol, but mean time support the Friendly Troops who is fighting against the enemy in tough conditions. So IAF put an requirement of Combat Helicopters building in India, The HAL taken the decision to make the dream into reality by flying first LCH prototype by 2010, within three years of program gets sanctioned by the Government.

         As per initial plans more than 200 combat helicopters procured 65% of them falls in the Army Aviation wing balance for Indian Air force, the first prototype flown in 2010 and performed 20 minutes of flight operations near HAL area. the next prototype unveiled in Aero india 2011, just a Year after first flight, the second Prototype with plenty of modifications and comes with weapons system like the 20mm Nexter cannon, where the first prototype is just the helicopter with attack helicopters characteristics,

        The third Prototype flown end of 2014 with improved characteristics like modified defensive suites weapon fittings, control elements and decreased weight, during the early periods th TD 1 and TD 2 ( Technical demonstrator ) carried out lots of trails like low flying High Flying, sea level weapon firing and lots more, the fourth Prototype is expected to be flown before this year, where HAL is in final works to roles out it.

         Compared to other Light combat Helicopter platforms like Chinese Z 10 and Euro copter Tiger , the LCH designed for Indian conditions, to conduct operations in High Altitudes like Leh and low altitudes like Thar, Rajastan also it can perform missions in Minus zero degree Ladakh's to hot Thar conditions.

       meanwhile the LCH stand behind other counterparts, where LCH still in design and developments stages, as per reports if all the parameters achieved with in 2017, the LCH can out perform Chinese and Pakistani Z 10 and can challenge the European Tiger Helicopter,

     The LCH didn't perform night Trails, and guided weapon firing Trails, Now HAL testing the platform for better Aerodynamic characteristics and defensive suites like ECM and Infrared counter measure system,

       LCH already been evaluated with the defensive system earlier, and being in tests with Target  acquisition systems and Weapon control system, LCH comes with twin back by back seat configuration for better performance same like other modern combat helicopters, the Pilot can Handle the Helicopters movements and controls the primary cannon, where the weapons officer helps the pilot to navigate and help to choose the correct weapon system, communicating with the ground bases, controls nearby Unmanned aircrafts and more,

    The LCH's primary Target acquisition system is the  FLIR ( Forward Looking Infrared ) pod, who can lock ground and air targets, analyses the threats and engage the proper weapon, also the laser designator and Range finder allows the Helicopter to classify the threat levels and portions and it's moving speed. those are all synchronized with the Pilots Helmet, allows him to react faster.

The main fire arm of the LCH is the Nexter 20 mm cannon it can hold some 800 rounds of ammunition, with an effective range of 2500 feet, also it comes with four hard points two in each wing to carry unguided Rockets and guided Air to air or anti armour missiles, The LCH designed to carry  set of two Mistral Air to air missiles for Air operations to shoot down enemy helicopters Turbo prop special mission Transports and low flying UAV's, otherwise it can carry LAHAT Anti Tank or Helina Anti Tank missiles for Anti armour and ground operations, also the LCH can use combination of all the above missiles and Rocket pods.

      As per recent reports two more prototypes will be build for testing and evaluation and HAL plans to achieve the FOC by 2020 and mass produce the Helicopters by 2021,

Indian Army Basic Fire Arm issue

Indian Army Basic Fire Arm issue 

Indian Army Para Commandos with TAR 21

      It's been addressed many times, even the last UPA regime and current BJP government, But still the Army using decades old AK series for Counter insurgency and faulty INSAS for conventional warfare. since problems in such fire arms the government bought only some numbers of modern assault rifles specially for special forces, those models include M 4 and TAR 21 models,

      And the army went for buy modern rifles from abroad, since the Indian versions still lacks the quality and manufacturing, Army shortlisted four international vendors and tested their models, but unfortunately all four failed in the High altitude conditions Janes reported. and the effective trails of multi caliber infantry weapon system  also put on forward, the Army also looking to place additional order of TAR rifles which were produced under license,

       So far Indian Army has more than  one million active soldiers. which divided into some 350+ battalions each comprising some 800 Soldiers, battalions also divided into four companies comprising 200 Soldiers for each company, which is also divided into three platoons, each having sixty Soldiers commanded by a Junior Commissioned officer, Here each soldiers specialized in his department whether Gunner, Marksman, Radio man,and Medic

      Actually each platoons have special Marksman Sniper Rifles, Anti Tank missiles, MANPAD's, Machine gunner and Assault team, when we looks their equipments, It's small shock since they using obsolete equipments, from Assault rifles to Anti tank guided missiles too, Here the level of shortage.

Assault Rifles for Army

the MCIWS which replaces the INSAS

       Assault Rifles are the first and foremost infantry fire arms, there is no replacements in the sight to change  where OFB comes with  MCIWS which is being in development stages, and the MCIWS is the only current Assault rifle in option to Replace the old INSAS, the MCIWS firstly revealed in the Def Expo 2014, and as of now three prototypes developed which is in development trails, the MCIWS can fire both 5.56mm and 7.62mm standard Rifles by  changing the Rifle Barrel only.

Carbines- CQB

Coast Guard with AMOGH 5.56mm

       Carbines are used for close battle situations, such as special operations, and counter insurgency. Indian Army using specialized variants of Ak series rifles for this role called AKM , and recently some good numbers of  M4 and TAR 21 bought by the Army for special operations.the CQB deal scrapped due to all the Four contenders Rifle Failed in some Trails, The Barretta ARX 160, TAR 21 and M4,  The OFB also presented it's AMOGH 5.56mm carbine, Some of the Coast Guard using AMOGH rifles as of Now.

Sniper

Dedicated Sniper Rifle .338 Laupua Magnum

        So far Army relay's on the vintage soviet era Sniper Rifle Dragnov, for Sniper ops and using Indian made Vidhwansak for Anti material use, since the Dragnov not effective to penetrate modern ballistic vests, the SVD is not actually a pure Sniper, It's a Designated Marksman Rifle only for Sharp shooting, It's time to modernize with new generation Sniper Rifles. earlier the NSG went for Heckler Hock  MSG 90 and some bough US made baretta M 82 .50 cal Modern Sniper, currently most of them uses .339 laupua magnum bullets operated sniper Rifles.

Machine Gun

IMI Negev 7.62mm LMG

   For continuous fire support, heavy friendly fire support and Suppressing fire gives boost to the friendly forces to allow and move their positions, changing their magazines and simulating targets. mean time enemy pinned down for continuous fire from our side, India operates some tri pod version of Heavy machine guns and some unknown numbers of Older version of PKM Light Machine guns, who is 7.62 mm Caliber, for battle support,Army also plans to replace those vintage MG with modern light weight Machine guns. as per known details most of the MARCOS,IAF Garuds ,swat teams of Punjab,chattisgarh,Octopus unit of hyderabad. who using the IWI Negev 7.62 Machine Guns, It's believed that Negev is going to replace all existing LMG from Indian Forces.

Anti Tanks

  Army uses second generation Milan ATGM, which will be replaced soon by more powerful Israeli made Spike ATGM systems, the ministry already cleared the deal, but no time line available about the delivery,

MANPAD

Army is in evaluation trails of new generation MANPAD system, since Army have only less numbers of soviet era Igla MANPADS, as per details the Army soon announce the winner and start negotiating about procuring some thousand plus systems. so far Russian made Igla S leading the Trails,

BFJ,Helmet and NVD

No informations available yet, since it's too many times the Ministry scrapped the deal of Helmets and BFJ, and no informations about the Night Vision devices.

mini UAV

Almost all other Army's have battlefield UAV's, Indian army also evaluating some Indian private company's UAV's, the American Raven UAV also in consideration.