DRDO Plans maritime mission onboard C 295

DRDO Plans maritime mission onboard C 295

State firm DRDO plans to modify the C 295 military transport aircraft into a multi mission maritime aircraft to meet the requirement of Navy and Coast guards medium maritime patrol aircraft. The Navy plans to add new generation maritime patrol aircraft to boost the surveillance capabilities in Indian EEZ replacing the older Il 38 SD.

DRDO plans to integrate the existing maritime surveillance radar onboard the upcoming  C 295 Aircraft. Which TATA gets license from Air Bus to produce them in India. DRDO already successfully integrated the Airborne AESA radar onboard the Brazilian Embraer. Which is going to be inducted into the air force before the end of this year.

Navy already floated an RFI which focusing medium range patrol aircraft, where Lockheed's SC 130 and Swedish Swordfish responded. However state firm DRDO offers the state of art home made maritime surveillance radar. whose ground version already operational in various naval stations across India and friendly nations.

DRDO facilitates the C 295 MMMA into many roles, MMMA stands for Multi mission maritime aircraft. Which can perform

• Maritime and pollution surveillance
• Search and Rescue
• Cargo and Personnel transportation and
• Air Ambulance

The primary maritime surveillance can be achieved with the state of art airborne maritime radar, which can work along with the integrated coastal surveillance system for better surveillance and real time data transmission with friendly units. The Radar can perform search and track mission, who keep an eye on the targeted vessel. Also Classifies it's model and operator, identifying whether it's friendly or hostile, and provide communication support to friendlies in network denied zones.

With the support of satcom link, the C 295 can communicate with the base operating center and receive real time information from either base or friendly ships. The SATCOM link connected with existing navy's communication satellite INSAT.

Not only for Navy, Coast guard also keen to procure modern maritime patrol aircraft. with the same above capability. However it's highly unlikely Coast guard may receive the C 295 based MMMA. while Navy's primary requirement include underwater detection system for anti submarine warfare, which the C 295 MMMA can't.

As per Indian orders, Air force plans to induct more than 56 C 295. where initial 18 comes directly from Air bus plant, while all future numbers will be produced in India under TATA's plant. Air force already planning to induct a gunship version to provide close air support to the ground troops by adding 30mm cannon and missile launching racks.

C 295 recently spotted in HAL air port Bangalore. Suggesting that DRDO and HAL team exploring the options to build modified C 295 to suits Air force and Coast Guard requirements.  

There is a Maritime patrol aircraft available in the market based on the C 295,Navy's like Chile and Portugal already operating them. and it does have anti submarine capabilities too. The maritime variant of C 295 aka Persuader also had four outer hard points to launch anti shipping missiles.

EC 725 won the race to supply MRH Helicopters to Coast Guard

EC 725 won the race to supply MRH Helicopters to Coast Guard

    After years of delay, finally the defense ministry shortlist the Airbus Helicopters to supply fourteen EC 725 Multi role helicopters to the Coast Guard with possible follow on orders. After the 26/11 the Coast guard comes with a list of modernization option which include naval multi role helicopters. Which can be used for long range search operations, reconnaissance operations and tactical transports. The Coast guard Chetak and ALH Dhurv limited in range and support systems which are not capable to conduct long range search and patrol missions, and the Chetak helicopters are being old.

     The RFP floated earlier 2010 valued some $400 millions to supply 14 naval multi role helicopters. The bid send to multiple vendors include Sikorsky, Agusta Westland, NH Industries and Airbus, all of them presented their naval multi role variants. However ICG officials selected the Sikorsky H 92 and Airbus EC 725 for final trails. One who wins the race who will be ready to supply some 14 helicopters with follow on orders of more. Also ICG proposes Indian sub vendor for the Helicopter supply, possible Make in India program.

     After serious of trails in last some months, the ICG proposes the Defense ministry to select the Airbus EC 725 to supply those MRH to ICG. with the concern of recent Joint venture between Mahindra aerospace systems and Airbus Helicopters. The deal also comes with the offset clause of some 25% making some $100 millions back to Indian private sector. mostly this amount goes to the Mahindra. meanwhile the TATA building the H 92 fuselage in India.

    The twin engine EC 725 can carry upto 30 infantry troops inside it's large cabin, which can be modified into flying ambulance, by converting into beds, which suits for search and rescue missions. meanwhile the H 92 is a modified version of S 70, whose cabin size is less, compared to the EC 725. the H 92 cabin 8 feet smaller than the EC 725. makes the EC 725 carry more personnel's.

H 92 in action

     By development the EC 725 designed to meet the French tri services, Search and rescue missions and troop transport. the EC 725 comes with defensive equipment's like integrated air defense systems and countermeasure suites. The helicopter comes with Thales designed self protection systems and the Helibras built countermeasure dispensing systems, which is the primary self defense system used in the EC 725. The H 92 self protection systems based on the proven S 70 based systems. However  both helicopters are capable to operate in dense battlefield area's with the help of such defensive systems.

    Both helicopters are bit heavy in configuration due to the light armor body, while the EC 725 can be retrofitted with removable armour plating for more cover. Both helicopters runs with twin engines, as EC 725 comes with Turbomecca 1776 kW engines and the H 92 comes with General Electric 1879 kW engines. With the high powerful engines the H 92 leads in the Combat range of some 500 Kilometers, where the EC 725's combat radius is some 400 kilometers. Meanwhile the EC 725 is much faster than the H 92.

    The major difference between the EC 725 and H 92 is the height of flying. Indian military planners always selects much high flying helicopters for many reasons. Here the EC 725 can fly as much as 20,000 feet, while H 92 can go upto some 14,000 feet only. However both of these helicopters can fly well above from the MANPAD range.

convertible options of H 92 in British CG SAR

    Both helicopters works in any tough weather conditions and conduct all kind of missions in both day and nights. The EC 725 can carry a pulse Doppler radar for SAR imaging and FLIR pod for search and reconnaissance missions. Which allows the Helicopters works well in both maritime and land based search and rescue missions. The H 92 comes with retrofitted systems for search and rescue missions. 

    British is the first customer for H 92 modified with search and rescue missions, which comes with FLIR pods, multiple communication systems and  rescue hoist. The primary SAR comes with the Honeywell based Skyforce observer systems. By comparison both H 92 and EC 725 is best for Search and rescue missions.

    The unique options of the EC 725 is comes with the side mounted 7.62 machine guns and Rockets for small fire support to the crew's in battlefield. which can be used for interception duties in maritime operations too. The EC 725 comes with a retractable refueling probe, which can be used for refueling in the air to increase the combat range of the EC 725 to operate much longer ranges.  

   As of now, The Defense ministry just shortlisted the seven years old coast guard proposal, and it may take another some years to finalize the contract and commissioning the helicopters in the Coast guard.

Airbus and Mahindra Jointly proposes EC 725 for Navy

Airbus and Mahindra Jointly proposes EC 725 for Navy

    The French firm Airbus and the Indian Private company Mahindra's subsidiary Mahindra Defense Jointly Proposes EC 725 Caracal for Naval utility Helicopter Tender, Recently the Navy selects the American firm Sirkosky to supply 16+8 Naval multi role Helicopters to the Navy's front line war Ship, who runs without proper heliborne SONAR or ASW crafts.

   The Indian Navy operates  nearly 40 of French made HAL built Chetaks  helicopters for Naval multi role support, which is almost vintage as same as the Army operating, where that tender was again and again floated and canceled, they did that more than three times. the Same Navy also wants to replace those Chetak Helicopters from it's fleet by inducting more advanced Naval utility Helicopters, 

    Back in the 2012, the Navy float a Tender to acquire 56 Naval Multirole Helicopters for nearly some $ 1 Billions, which is under direct sale through RFP ,but no Make in India and Tot will be added with that contract, and the DAC cancels the same tender by 2014, when the Coast Guard also raised flag by their aging  Chetaks needed to be replaced, so DAC plans to float a Tender which can be replace all those Chetak helicopters from the Naval and Coast guard fleet, that numbers crosses more than Hundred, so it's better to make a contract under Make in India program,

     After PM went France and Airbus Industry, He were toured to the EC 725 Helicopter one of the largest Naval Utility Aircraft can also be used as a Troop transporter, basically good for Both naval and Air purpose, and the Airbus formally announces that they were interested to participate the Naval Utility Tender under Make in India Movement.

       The Airbus Just released a note about the Joint venture of Airbus and Mahindra Defense that both were almost in Agreement level to initiate a Company in India to build Helicopters in India. both were not disclosed the amount of partnership.  as per Airbus they says " The joint venture will be dedicated to supplying the Indian Armed Forces with Made-in-India, state-of-the-art helicopters of high reliability, quality and safety standard based on combat-proven platforms.”

       Airbus not only mentioned about the Naval Utility Helicopters,the also sounded about the canceled Army's 197 LUH tender, and the Naval Multi role Helicopter, where the S 70 already selected over the Airbus NH 90. 

     Mahindra is also not a new to Aerospace sector, where they have more than 2,00,000 employees all over the world, and have a Aerospace facility in Australia, where one is used to produced medium planes, and they almost near to completion of  their second unit in Bangalore. Mahindra designed four Planes, and one with NAL ( National Aerospace Limited ) for testing purpose, and in special, Mahindra Airvan has more than 210 units flying all over the world,

      So both seems good in Track record, and if the JV went successful, both Navy and Army gets good number of Helicopters from Indian Market, with discounted price, The Navy expected to float the LUH Tender again by 2016, So it's needed both will inaugurate the JV soon.

    The EC 725 is a Good Helicopter can be used from Sea shores, with the Heavy in size, the Helicopter gets more than 900 kilometers, with the full load and speed of some 300 kilometers.It comes with two 12.7 mm Machine gun for close support and Anti piracy operations, also can launch two exocet Anti ship cruise missile for Anti Shipping mission.

TATA Airbus Teaming up for Tactical Transport for IAF

 TATA Airbus Teaming up for Tactical Transport for IAF

       It’s from the stables of IAF again, a new replacement project seems to have reached the final rounds of negotiations. The new Modi-led government has re-issued the request for proposal (RFP) for 56 transport aircraft worth an estimated $2 billion. These aircraft will be replacements for the aging Hawker Sidley 748M twin turboprops serving the IAF as tactical transport aircraft which are being retired at an alarming rate. The tactical transport aircraft is basically used to carry out recon missions, ferry Special Forces and play a major role in causality evacuation from the battlefield. RFP for this program was floated several years ago but was cancelled after several loopholes were brought to notice by the vendors. 

     With the need for these aircrafts being urgent, any plans for co-development would have hampered the operational capabilities of the air force. Being the first deal, to be signed under private partnership program, the deal promised to nurture the ‘Make in India’ campaign will to newer horizons.  In accordance to the deal, the Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will be liable to supply 16 aircraft in fly away condition and another 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India under a TOT. Though the deal offers a reliable platform to foreign players, the deal has been for long haunted by the private partnership the vendors have to sign up. Initially the deal received heightened interests from foreign vendors but with the private partnership in deadlocks most of the vendors pulled out of the deal, except for Airbus. Facing a single vendor scenario, the deal has been now referred to the DAC chaired by the MoD will now decide the future path of the deal.   

      Initially Antonov’s An-26, the Ilyushin Il-112, Alenia Aermacchi C-27J and EADS Casa C-295 were eager to be part of the deal. Airbus formed a consortium with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). The other foreign vendors were in talk with L&T and Mahindra and Mahindra but failed to sign up with any Indian companies largely due to the persistent ToT clauses. Airbus then pitched up its C295 as a competitor for the program. IAF at the present operates a sizeable fleet of An-26 and had showed inclination towards the aircraft but Antonov till date has not been able to form a consortium with any Indian firms, even though L&T was rumoured to be in talks with Antonov the deal between them never materialized.

With Modi visiting Airbus facility during his trip to France, the deal is probably headed towards C 295. Furthermore the present government has shown renewed interested in inviting foreign investments. Airbus released a statement reaffirming its "commitment to produce in India," echoing Modi's “Make in India” mantra. Tom Enders, Airbus executive was quoted saying “India already plays an important role in our international activities and we even want to increase its contribution to our products".

Airbus C295

    The C295 is closely associated with the Spanish-Indonesian co-developed CN235 aircraft for its roots lay with the aircraft. Airbus started out by modifying the basic designs of CN235, with plans to enhance the lift capability of the CN235, Airbus stretched the fuselage considerably and this saw the birth of C295 with a 50% increased lift capability. The CN235 was powered by two GE CT7 series engines, with weight added up to the aircraft, the CT7 failed to power the aircraft. Airbus soon zeroed in on the PW 127 series engine to power the aircraft. The aircraft has a wing span of 84 ft and is 80 ft in length. C295 witnessed its maiden flight in late 1998.

     The C295 is a new generation, highly versatile and combat proven tactical airlift aircraft. The aircraft is capable of carrying payloads up to nine tonnes. Powered by two powerful six bladed Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines which collectively produce 5290 hp the aircraft can attain a maximum cruising speed of 480 km. The aircraft is also fitted with a pressurized cabin which can house up to 70 passengers and can attain a cruising altitude of 30000 feet. The short take-off & landing (STOL) feature guarantees the aircraft can land in short and rough airstrips or make shift airstrips and serve the nerve center of the battle field.

  The aircraft is designed with a pressurized 41 feet long cabin which can accommodate up to 70 personnel and the cargo hold employs the state-of-the art pallet system. The cabin has dedicated pallet systems which can carry up to five pallets measuring nearly 88 X 108 In and can carry cargo weighing up to 4,536 Kilos on one pallet. 

     To facilitate easier movement of the cargo from the hold the aircraft is provided with a rear ramp door, through which the cargo can be off-loaded efficiently. Provided with the STOL the aircraft can take off and land from any unsurfaced/unprepared airstrip and this will help the forces a long way since the aircraft can land supplies or evacuate causalities right from the center of the battlefield. The aircraft requires a minimum of 2200 ft of runaway to takeoff under normal operating conditions and will need around 1050 ft of runway for a safe landing. The aircraft provides 1300 km of operational range at maximum load and with minimal load the aircraft provides a range of up to 5000 km.

    The aircraft can perform airdrop of paratroopers and supplies for which the aircraft is equipped with an 88 in wide platform which employs a Container Delivery System (CDS). Rapid transfer and on flight care is the need of the hour when performing casualty evacuation missions for which it is fitted with Casevac and Medevac systems developed by Airbus. The aircraft can be turned out to Casevac missions in very little time where the aircraft will accommodate stretchers and basic medical equipment but performing a Medevac mission requires more complex turnovers where the aircraft will have to accommodate stretchers, advanced medical equipment's and also support and specialized teams. The aircraft can carry up to eight stretchers for performing Casevac missions and can serve as front line hospital when configured under Medevac mission carrying mobile intensive care units (ICU) with life support equipment.

     The avionics package of the aircraft is robust and carries forward most of the systems from its predecessor the CN235. Most of these systems have received upgrades over time and form a versatile avionics function for an aircraft like C295, the systems are basic and the operational cost of these systems is minimal. Thales avionics provided the rest of the avionics package. Highly Integrated Avionics System (HIAS), an advanced integrated avionics system based on the Thales Topdeck avionics suite. The C295 glass cockpit with digital avionics includes four large active matrix liquid crystal displays.

     The main stay radar of the aircraft will be the AN/APN241 radar which comes with a high resolution SAR mapping mode. The main update the C295 received was the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) which will enhance the patrol and surveillance to a great extent. Equipped with FITS the aircraft can perform an array of missions be it anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare or SAR operations the FITS will enable the crew to work more efficiently using its automated control features.

     FITS is a system entirely developed by Airbus, an on-board suite of networked computers and displays provides the crew with the required information in a processed manner which allows the crew to work efficiently. The aircraft comes with Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and Laser Warning System (LWS), and chaff/flares dispensers. The aircraft will be equipped with an integrated electronic warfare suite, which includes a Bharat Electronics radar warning receiver and missile approach warning system and Bharat Dynamics countermeasure dispensing system.

Editor Karthik Kakoor

The Light Utility Helicopter Deal

The Light Utility Helicopter Deal

 

          The Indian armed forces can boost of extremely advanced aircraft under the service but when it comes to the rotary crafts the word “Technology “needs to be questioned. The main stay of our armed forces under the rotary force is HAL manufactured Cheetah and the Chetak. The forces currently operate more than 500 of this rotary force. Manufactured from 1975 under the licence from Aerospatiale these forces have reached their shelve life and time and again have received numerous upgrades.  These helicopters have been in service for more than a span of 35 years. Right 2005 the armed forces have been demanding for a formidable replacement to these platforms that are a crucial part of any operation.

        The Army Aviation corps which is operating around 108 of these helicopters had asked for an replacement. The Army Aviation corps was allotted the ALH Dhurv as replacements for Chetak. With the crucial missions like Armed Reconnaissance mission, Support mission to ground Troops, Re supply, EVAC charged to the Army Aviation corps. Since the replacement has been bought no significant process has been made in this regard. The procurement has been announcing around in the MoD with several cases of scams being unearthed in this deal alone.

        The Navy operates around 55 of these helicopters. The navy has put in these helicopters for replenishing of ships, EVAC along with reconnaissance missions. These platforms have been extensively used for SAR role during Natural disasters. Even though navy insisted on clubbing the orders with the Army corps a deal was never signed.  The navy had now signed a deal for 16 Anti Submarine Helicopter S 70 from Sirkosky which would serve aboard naval platforms like the Destroyers and Frigates.

      The Indian Air force is also a major operator of Chetak and Cheetah. The Air force variant was armed with cannon and two guided anti tank missiles to give close Air support to the Army. But with advanced systems available with the enemy the present day battlefield have rendered these helicopters obsolete.

       With several key private players in the field of these rotary aircraft the government has now implemented the “Make in India’ which would effectively help in fast tracking the procurement of these aircraft. The government has now initiated the process where in a foreign operator would start a JV with an Indian firm to manufacture these rotary aircraft in India.

          The Air bus groups has now come forwards with the AS 555 design and the more sophisticated EC 725 to be made available to the Indian forces. The AS 555 is required to meet the original requirement of Light utility helicopter but the EC 725 is more than a Light Utility but it also fills the gap in the crucial role of Troop transport, which is a key requirement for Maritime Multirole Helicopters.  The government is now looking into this key field of LUH and MUH heli’s. The Russian Kamov Ka 226T is also in competition for the LUH tender.





         Any major decisions in this regard are now pending and a speedy and swift reaction would really be commended by the forces.

The Indian Airforce Cheetah