Saab roped in to assist Tejas MK1 A

Saab roped in to assist Tejas MK1 A

Swedish defense firm Saab requested to assist in the LCA program, to resolve the problems in the Tejas and to produce upgraded variant of Tejas called MK 1 A. IAF already orderd 20 Tejas from HAL, which has no real fighting capability nor any guided launching capability. IAF looks for a upgraded Tejas which can capable to perform BVR missile firing along with internal EW suites to fight in modern battlefield.

The IAF has an requirement of more than 300 light aircraft similar like Tejas, However due to the issues in Tejas, IAF ordered 40 units, later decreased into 20 units due to its incapability to fight in modern battlefield. Since the first batch of twenty aircraft's don't have any real fighting capability,  rather than just being used for training purpose.

Tejas don't have BVR firing capability, no proper electronic warfare suites, no air fueling capability and very low combat radius. Due to this backlogs IAF is not ready to use the Tejas, since concerns raised by IAF, ADA and DRDO offered a modified Tejas under MK 1 A program, since Mark 2 program is long way ahead.

Under the MK 1A, Tejas comes with much sophisticated suites like, BVR missile firing capability, Modern Israeli AESA, advanced internal EW suits and much needed aerial refueling capability. IAF and Ministry of Defense set timeline of 2018 to produce those aircraft, and IAF plans to order some 100 MK1 A units.

HAL and DRDO tried to work with the imported missiles, radars and interface systems to modify the Tejas. However they failed to achieve it in scheduled time, and they faced huge cap in technology, So they looking for a foreign partner to help to overcome from the issue.

Saab is the one who is a world leader in aerospace and defense, who tries to push the Gripen to IAF many times, since IAF and ADA fears bringing Gripen can end the Indian development of Tejas. and IAF also rejected Gripen many times.

Now again ADA and DRDO looks into Saab to assist in the Tejas development. by this means Saab will try to modify the entire Tejas air frame to accommodate modern systems and sensors. and help the Israeli missiles and radars to interface with the Tejas computers made by India.

Sources close to Economic times said that, First level of talks with ADA/HAL and Saab has been completed, and another high level expertise committee from Sweden will arrive India next week to carry forward the discussion.

Update on AMCA

Update on AMCA

   AMCA is another project to develop a medium weight combat aircraft, which having fifth generation capabilities like active sensor and processing systems, internal weapon carriage capability, precision strike capability and invisible to enemy radars. The AMCA work initiated in early 2012 with the estimated project completion time of 2025.

    The Indian Navy too joined with the AMCA project with air force and other Indian state owned, Private aviation sectors and  electric companies to build and assist the AMCA project. Foreign collaboration also sought for this project, since crucial hardware's like radar and engines comes from abroad only.

    The AMCA preliminary design was changed several times, to adopt new model engines, Radar's and long range missiles. Like how the A 10 developed to carry the GAU 8 Avenger cannon. The AMCA also developed to carry multi national equipment's like Missiles, Radar's and Engines.

     Currently more than 4000 employers assigned into the AMCA project,where they extracted from ADA, DRDO, HAL and some other leading private companies. The AMCA team identified three major technical works. Which are Thrust vectoring, super cruise Engines, Active radar's and other processing system and the radar absorbent material.

Engine

   India asks for a joint development of fifth generation engines with foreign nations. It's reported India might need more than 2000 plus Engines for AMCA. India already has initiated a Engine project named Kaveri. India wants the new engine who powers the AMCA must be based on the Kaveri. In response many foreign nations responded for the Joint Engine development program.

   Currently three countries tries to seal the AMCA engine development program. US, France and England offers their known engine companies like General Electric, Snecma  and Rolls Royce respectively. GE from America offered engine development based on the F 414 engine, and the Snecma announced the M 88 engine who powers the Rafale and the Rolls Royce also offered the EJ 200 engine for joint development with Kaveri.

   As per last known reports, US company General Electric leads in the program. who already supplying F 404 engines for LCA Tejas. GE also set ups manufacturing plants in India to produce aviation engines in India.

Radar

    As same like every other fifth generation fighters, The AMCA too hosts superior avionics and sensor suites. The AMCA hosts new generation GaN based AESA for superior detection and performance. Currently there is no fighter jets has GaN based AESA radars. However many ground based radar available with GaN transceiver modules.

    Some information's reported that, state owned LRDE is initiated a project to develop a small size air borne X band GaN based AESA radar for AMCA. LRDE already shows a model of AESA radar in last years Aero India exhibition. However the Uttam is not good for fifth generation fighters like AMCA.

     It's reported earlier that, India and Israel working for a joint project to develop a GaN based AESA for fighter jets. However due to the importance of the program the information's are highly classified. It's clear the Radar too be a joint venture between either US or Israel.

Sensor

    The infrared based systems like IRST, missile warning systems, laser warning system also added internally in the AMCA. The IRST sensors are placed in all sides of the AMCA to provide full angle coverage like in Rafale and F 35. The proposed IRST system is work similar to the F 35's EOTS who shares the information's to friendly units like via the satellite and highly secured data links.

   AMCA also comes with self protection jammer system to jam enemy radar guided missiles from both air and ground. electronic counter measure systems to confuse the infrared guided missiles and a radar warning receiver too added to detect enemy radar frequency's.

The Senor suites in AMCA led by the LRDE and BEL which include many private and foreign contributes.

    It's Reported the AMCA will be ready by early 2020 or before and HAL starts flying the first flight of fully developed AMCA by 2021. with the initial low rate initial production by 2024. And the air force gets the first AMCA squad by 2025. If all things goes per schedule

Review, IAI-HAL Chetak UAV for Navy

Review, IAI-HAL Chetak UAV for Navy

   India and Israel joined once again to execute a unmanned aerial vehicle project for the maritime purpose. This time Israeli IAI subsidiary Malat  joined hands with HAL who manufactures Chetak Helicopters and the mission systems integrator DRDO. Indian Navy will use the unmanned Chetak helicopters for future maritime search and reconnaissance missions.

   The NRUAV- Naval Rotary unmanned aerial vehicle project initiated early 2010 to meet the Indian Navy's unmanned operation of maritime multi layered Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions from warships deck. The project entirely based on the HAL produced Chetak helicopters who is currently being used in tri-services.

    IAI known as the best in unmanned applications, with the support from IAI's subsidiary MALAT the manned HAL Chetak becomes unmanned helicopter with improved ISR capabilities, which include a Maritime Multi mode radar in it's belly and a Electro Optronics for automatic tracking and target range measurement. The Chetak operates same as like the American MQ 8 Fire scout UAV.

    The Chetak platform can be operated from almost all kind of Naval warships, which include Coast Guard OPV's too. In the manned version using the helicopters for long time ISR mission makes human errors. this due to the heavy vibration and sea states. So making a unmanned system in the existing Chetak makes the Helicopter perform ISR mission for extra long time.

   Unlike the manned variant, The unmanned system comes with better sensor systems. The Chetak UAV can carry a maritime multi mode radar slated to be the modified variant of EL/M 2022 Radar. The EL/M 2022 used for Long range sea surveillance which increases the ships primary surveillance range, Anti submarine warfare capability, air to air mission which include detection of sea skimming missiles and weather applications.

    The actual range of EL/M 2022 is more than 200 kilometers. with the effective air borne system the Chetak also operates as a dedicated maritime patrol aircraft in theater applications, Such as fleet defense and forward fleet movements. The Radar also capable to take SAR images. with these unique capabilities, The warship off from the EEZ can easily detect and analyze threats.

    The Chetak UAV also carries a Electro Optronics pod for search and rescue mission. The EO system is IAI developed MOSP - Multi mission Optronic stabilized Payload. Which is used for identifying threats, and tracking it in real time, also used for Search and rescue operations for the possible current status of the mission.

    The Chetak UAV also comes with variety of EW and countermeasure systems developed by IAI. The system includes. communication and signal intelligence, plus Electronic support measure suites.

  The Chetak UAV is re designed to work in the operational altitude of 15,000 Feet, with the operational area of some 150 kilometer with six hours of loiter time. with the maximum speed of 100 knots.

    Most of the newer Indian warships can carry two helicopters, the main reason is to carry a Chetak UAV along with Naval Multi role helicopters. To increase the ships performance in future battles. The Chetak UAV can provide over the Horizon detection support to the Naval Ships.

    As per current status, The mission system supplier IAI, The helicopter producer HAL and the system integrator DRDO almost close to fly the system. However actual status of the Chetak UAV is remain classified.

Ministry confirms 106 improved Tejas Mark 1 A for IAF

Ministry confirms 106 improved Tejas Mark 1 A for IAF

   The defense ministry once again confirmed the acquisition of five squadrons of modified Tejas light fighters into IAF. This number adds the earlier orders of 40 IOC 2 standard Tejas fighters. Making the total orders of 146 Tejas fighters in IAF. The ministry also insists the HAL to double the  production capability to deliver those fighters before 2023.

    The Indian Air force has nearly 260 numbers of older generation MiG 21 and MiG 27 fighter aircraft's. Air force already started decommissioning of nearly 20 fighters every year. However there is no option of inducting newer fighter jets. Except the earlier ordered Su 30 MKI units. The ADA designed HAL Tejas also perform poor and inadequate to conduct IAF missions.

    The CAG criticized the HAL and ADA , that they didn't provide a good fighter jet for the IAF's requirement of Light combat aircraft, The CAG found issues in Tejas, the list includes lack of Electronic warfare suites, radar warning receivers, counter measure suites, issues in weight, reduced fuel storage and over weight ballast. 

    However the Air force agreed to buy 40 IOC 2 Tejas jets, even those fighters having above mentioned problems. Tejas planned to deliver those first order of 40 fighters before 2019. By delivering eight fighters per year, starting from 2016.

   The IOC 2 standard aircraft's have  Kevlar radome, Lack of BVR missile firing capability, lack of in-flight refueling, lack of self protection jammers. The IOC 2 Tejas can capable to conduct close air support mission inside friendly air space, with Laser guided bombs supported by Lighting Pod. Tejas also fire short range IR guided missile for self protection.

   The Mark 1 A fighter have increased performance, with reduced weight, ADA plans to remove the Ballast and re engineer the landing gear, both of them can reduce the weight by nearly one ton. however many analysts confirms there is no way of reduce the weight more than some 400 Kgs. The pre assumed value of one tone is pure specifically Aviation experts said. 

    In addition the Tejas Mark 1 A comes with dual color missile approaching warning system, Radar warning receiver, and externally carried self protection pods in wingtips and counter measure dispensers who can provide provide protection to the Tejas against enemy missiles. This allows the fighter can perform missions in stand alone mode. Even have capabilities to conduct mission in contested airspace.

    Mark 1 A comes with solid state AESA radar made by Israeli firm ELTA,The actual range of the Radar remains classified, However performance wise the EL/M 2052 AESA have range of more than 200 kilometers. with the simultaneously tracking of 64 air targets with look down shoot down capability. The EL/M 2052 can guide more than four missiles into variety of air targets at once.

    Adding the Cobham quartz radome can increase the range of Radar. In Air to ground mode the Radar perform better Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging, ground target detection and tracking, real beam tracking and weather application too.

   The Mark 1 A can fire long range radar guided air to air missiles like Israeli made Derby BVR missile and Indian made Astra BVR missile, each having interception range of more than 50 kilometers. with the in flight refueling the range of the LCA can be increased, allows the fighter remain in the air for long time.

   The Tejas Mark 1 A can achieve the first flight before 2018, and the serial production starts the same year. with the production capability of 16 fighter per year to meet the 2023 time line to deliver all 100+ Tejas Mark 1 A fighter. Ministry provided nearly 1200 crores to HAL setup and modernize the production line to increase the production capability.

   Compared to the previous versions, the Mark 1 A have more than 43 modifications,  The Tejas Mark 1 A becomes 5500 kg of weight compared to the Tejas' 6500 ton weight. reduced weight can improve the fighter to carry more weapons and increase the combat radius.

HAL Annual Report 2014-2015, Key Points

HAL Annual Report 2014-2015, Key Points

     HAL Releases the 2014-2015 fiscal year report, with exact information of last year's performance and auditing reports, The report also include HAL's joint ventures with foreign nations, new project's, and status of the ongoing projects. The Report also carry's the CAG's earlier report and HAL's statement as counter arguments. The entire report available to download here,

Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)

    LCH program witnessed considerable progress with completion of 133 flights during FY 2014-15 on three Technology Demonstrator vehicles taking the cumulative number of flights to 484. The third Technology Demonstrator vehicle TD-3 joined the flight efforts with its first flight on 12th November, 2014.

 Cold weather trials were carried out successfully at Air Force Station, Leh in February, 2015. To expedite the process of Initial Operation Clearance, production of 4th Technology Demonstrator was launched and this will join flight test program during the 2015-16.

Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)

   Design and Development of LUH progressed with achievement of many critical design activities during the year. Main gear box and Tail gear box wipe tests were completed along with functional tests. All gears for transmission system were developed. Whirl tower test for main rotor and tail rotor carried out. Initial Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) run was carried out on 6th December, 2014. 

   Build of the first prototype helicopter progressed with completion of four modules during the year viz., Transmission Deck assembly, Bottom Structure assembly, Engine Deck assembly & Cockpit assembly.

Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT)

     A total of 140 flights carried out during FY 2014-15 taking the cumulative number of fl ights 1004 sorties. Desirable stall characteristic were achieved, which is one of the major criteria for certification. High Speed Low Drag (HSLD) carriage at Out Board pylon, Anti skid testing, all cases of Drop tank jettison by jettisoning partial and empty Drop tanks had been carried out during the year. Flight tests for Spin performance are planned during 2015-16.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

    As of end 2014-15, 2871 flights completed in total and 364 flights carried out during the year. Maiden flight of LCA PV-6 trainer aircraft was successfully completed on 8th November, 2014. Second Naval prototype, NP-2, made its maiden flight on 6th February, 2015. Telemetry free flying was also achieved during the year for the first time in the LCA flight program demonstrating the readiness for delivering the aircraft to operational use.

Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)

    Contract Negotiation for R & D Phase progressed further with several Bilateral CNC meetings with Russian participation during the FY 2014-15. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri reviewed the project on 23rd January, 2015

Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA)

    Preliminary Design Phase (PDP) Documentation was received by MTAL, on 2nd April, 2014. Five Joint Review of PDP Documentation by IAF, MTAL, UAC-TA and HAL held. Formal closure of PDP to be carried out after final technical acceptance of PDP documentation by Customer (IAF).

Jaguar DARIN III upgrade

    Cumulative of 60 developmental flights were completed on Maritime and Strike variant upgraded aircraft. Operational performance of Avionics LRU’s such as Radar, INGPS, Head up Display, Digital Map Generator, Solid State Flight Data Recorder (SSFDR), Solid State digital Video Recorder (SSDVR), IFF, Tactical Navigation (TACAN), Radio Altimeter RAM), INCOM Radio set, Auto Pilot and Engine Flight Instrumentation System (EFIS) were proven during flight tests.

    Development of OSAMC unit and Integration of SSDVR, New Smart Multi function Display (SMD), EFIS & RADAR and other navigational systems with OSAMC completed. Maiden flight of the upgraded Jaguar strike aircraft was carried out successfully on 25th March, 2015. The Design and Development work for this upgrade program is carried out indigenously by HAL.

Mirage 2000 upgrade

    Upgrade of Mirage 2000 aircraft progressed further with completion of System Design, Hardware Design and Software design. Critical Design review has been completed in April, 2014. Contracts have been signed for critical LRU/ systems. Two Aircrafts have been upgraded to IOC standard by OEM at France.

UAV

    Indigenous Design and Development of mini UAV has been taken up by HAL. First flight of Low cost Composite Technology Demonstrator (LCTD) was carried out in September, 2014. Auto pilot integrated on LCTD and flights carried out. Stage –II of Mini UAV project has been initiated.

Development of Engines

    Significant progress has been done in the Design and Development of 25 KN engine with completion of Core engine layout. Detail Design of core engine components has been completed and drawings were released for parts fabrication. On Design and Development of 1200 KW engine, engine configuration studies completed. Modeling and analysis of various engine components initiated.

Current Projects and Programs

     Currently, your Company is executing supply orders of Su-30 MKI Aircraft, Hawk Advance Jet Trainer Aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft, Dornier-228 Aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv), Cheetal Helicopters, Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) to Indian Defence customers. In addition, Limited Series production of Intermediate Jet Trainers progressed concurrently with the certifi cation eff orts towards Initial Operation Clearance. First fl ight of indigenously Designed and Developed mini UAV successfully completed on 23rd September, 2014. HAL made considerable progress in the
Design and Development projects.

HAL Rudra Attack Helicopter

HAL Rudra Attack Helicopter

Fully Armed Dhruv Mark IV WSI or HAL Rudra

    Rudra or the weaponized Dhruv is the better system for Army's aviation corps to conduct attack missions. Unlike other systems the Rudra is developed to meet Army's requirement of conducting close air support to the ground troops. Compared to the dedicated attack platform like LCH, The Rudra almost same except some high maneuvering capabilities. The LCH capable to fight in any conditions, However the Rudra only provide air cover to friendly troops inside a safe zone.

    Arming the Dhurv comes after Indian Army keep fighting for buying new fleet of attack helicopters for air cover, Even the armed Mi 17 v5 operated under the Air force, since Indian Army don't have any attack helicopters. Army gets a better system for primary air cover to the ground forces. Currently Indian Army only have some Dhruv's for troop transport and resupply.

    Army needs two version of modified helicopters, One for reconnaissance and SIGINT purpose, another for dedicated attack support. or by saying Mark III and Mark IV version of Dhurv. The Mark III incorporates reconnaissance hardware along with counter measure suites. The Indian Army Aviation operates some 20 such Mark III Dhruv's.

    The Dhruv MK 3 comes with glass cockpit with integrated digital architecture system, the system also support the pilot to follow terrain mapping modes  illustrated by on board electro optical systems. Which allows the pilot fly close to the mountain valley's and perform high altitude missions. The SAAB designed integrated electronic warfare suite used to spoof radar guided missiles. Israeli Elbit designed electro optical pod used for surveillance and target tracking, electronic counter measure systems like Chaff and flare used to spoof IR guided missiles. and a Infrared suppressor to reduce the helicopters signatures.

    Interestingly the Mark 3 version comes with Indigenously made Sakthi engines, The engine was developed with the support of Safron, France. The same version who also powers the LCH and future variants of Dhurv's. The same engine also used in the prototype version of Russian Ka 60 utility helicopters. The Sakthi is one of the known engine used by the Dhurv mark 3, 4 versions.

Dhruv with Digital glass cockpit controls

    The Mark IV has all the above specification along with weapon systems, A improved infrared jammer and helmet mounted pointing system. The obstacle avoidance system used in the Rudra used to alert the pilot, if the helicopter flying very closer to an nearby obstacle. The system alert the pilot about small size objects like Electricity power cables, telecom towers and close hills too. The System allows the pilot and observer keep an eye over the target while OAS can control the helicopter.

    Unlike the other variants the Rudra carry's only three person, A pilot, Navigation officer and weapon support officer. The back cabin filled with ammunition for close air support. Pockets of 20 mm ammo stored in the back cabin comes with three thousand rounds of ammunition. The Rudra has better range and endurance. So they can keep the ammunition for mission longer period.

    Rudra can be armed with 70mm unguided Rockets and missiles like Nag anti tank missile and French made mistral air to air missile. The Naval version comes with two light torpedo's for anti shipping capability. During the Navy's evaluation trails The Israeli Elbit's target tracking system tracked surface ships at the range of 14 kilometers, and the IRST illustrated image quality good enough to read even the designation number of the Ship. Which impressed the Navy to adopt the Dhurv Mark III for coastal surveillance operations. However Navy not interested the WSI Dhruv. but the Mark 3 version.   

Navy's Mark III Dhruv

    Rudra effectively used in Kashmir and Rajasthan during the Trails, which can be used to stop enemy adversaries, Same goes to Eastern sector too.  The Indian Army aviation currently operating two Rudra's. Which is deployed close to Kashmir. and the serial production rolling on HAL production line. Same like other projects lack of funds, man power and manufacturing items, Rudra running behind the schedule. Privatizing the Production line brings good number of output in coming years.

   The Air force, Army and Navy interested in the Armed variant of the Dhruv. Army already place some sixty units of Rudra, and Air force too order 16 units. However the orders can be increased along with export orders. Currently HAL produced only 27 units of both Mark III and Mark IV Variants.

Before Signing the R&D lets the IAF Pilots fly in the T 50

Before Signing the R&D lets the IAF Pilots fly in the T 50

   Once again a wise decision made by the IAF, that they asked the Russians to allow the Indian Air force pilots to evaluate the T 50 before buying some off shelf units directly from Sukhoi and producing advanced variant of T 50 aka FGFA in India, Since the formal signing of joint production of FGFA in 2007, there is no real changes happens so far, India already spend some $300 millions for FGFA preliminary design works, however there is no clear works will not happen until both sign the billion dollar R&D agreement.

   The Russians is almost cash trapped, they trying to use the Indians for it's need, once the new Government sworn in Delhi, IAF insists the govt to sign the FGFA R&D contract, and asks to sign the Rafale deal, although due to cost factors, government almost cancelled the Rafale deal, and further moving into the FGFA with Russia, at first i.e 2007, IAF asks some 250 fifth generation fighters that's 50:50 numbers of both Single seat Russian T 50 and improved FGFA produced by HAL India, the proposed FGFA fighter customized with some 60 minor and 15 other Major modifications, which include many Indian sub systems, 

   When the days passed, and the costs escalates, IAF cut off the procurement numbers by some four squadron of T 50 fighters and another set of 127 FGFA , the same once again downgraded into 67 T 50 airframes, when the IAF mulls the need of FGFA, Russian says it's hard to work on the 83 proposed changes requested by the Indian Air force, and thus takes nearly eight to ten years to roll out the FGFA, once the R&D contract signed, thus makes the IAF to rethink the strategy,and IAF knows the lesson that more you wait, more you betrayed, after days of discussions IAF gradually cut some 50% design changes in the FGFA, thus allows faster work and reduced cost. 

   With the new draft, The IAF proposes some 43 changes in the FGFA, and asks the Sukhoi and HAL team to roll out the first series of FGFA within three years once the R&D contract is finalized, Russia accepts the IAF proposal and asks the Indian side to move on with the contract, that's the R&D contract , the proposed Research and Development cost is some $6 billions, 

   What the IAF and HAL gets from the $6 billion R&D is complete evaluation of the T 50, It's process and systems, simply know how to develop a T 50 in your home, along with three fly away T 50 fighter Jets, Missiles and other weapons.  the HAL and IAF gets complete information of Radar's, engines, and it's avionics suits etc etc, and The Russian Sukhoi engineers will come into HAL Facilities and help the HAL Engineers to modify the existing T 50 into more customized FGFA.

   If IAF orders some FGFA units they have to pay the production costs, spare parts costs and others to HAL, and It's clear HAL surely import those items or at-least the raw materials from Russia only, means more money will directly go to Russia only, however the FGFA is Made in India, and built by the HAL Engineers. 

   Also because of the delay in FGFA program, IAF has a plan to induct some Russian made T 50 into the Air force, and so far they have no idea about the T 50's performance, earlier some of the HAL officials gets a brief by the Irkut Officials about the process of T 50, IAF has a new strategy that they need to evaluate any future fighter aircraft before buying, so before buying some T 50 units and going into the FGFA program IAF wants to evaluate the T 50 with it's own Fighter pilots, thus gives an clear idea about what IAF thinks and what exactly the T 50 is capable, if they were satisfied then only they will further move on the project, otherwise no FGFA or T 50, 

   The Russians continuously pushing the Indians to sign the FGFA R&D contract, however from earlier lesson IAF takes careful steps before getting involved, The Indian Prime minister due a visit to Moscow end of this year, and officially discuss about the FGFA program with Russian officials with the proposal of IAF's wish to fly in the T 50 fighter Air craft. 

   So far there is no issues reported in the T 50 program except a minor engine fire in one flying prototype, and It's believed T 50 is the best alternative compared to the most advanced American        F 22 Raptor, along with some newer modern Systems, makes the T 50 is one of the most advanced fighter jets compared to the F 22 Raptor.

Once again, the delayed Light Utility Helicopter deal

Once again, the delayed Light Utility Helicopter deal

    The Armed forces using modified French designed Alouette helicopters for utility purposes, the Helicopter later entered into serial production in India, those helicopters are inducted into Indian armed forces early 1970's, the major operator is the Navy and Air force, Utility helicopters must for every armed forces, where they can be used for many missions, include war time operations like resupply and light reconnaissance, those  helicopters are best in earlier days, contributed very well during major wartime and peacetime,  now more than decades those helicopters must be replaced with newer helicopters.

    Currently more than 300 such helicopters used by the armed forces and still HAL producing some units for coast guard and other para military units, however those helicopter lacks some modern technologies which can be used in front line operations, and the Army also wanted such light helicopters for utility purpose, they don't want the older Chetaks they asked much modern version Helicopters, their numbers should come hundreds, and the other para military units also asked the government to buy some light helicopters for utility purpose,

    So the Government announces a Light utility helicopter contract, involving global vendors, at first the numbers are some 200 helicopters, the governments sticks because of large order major number of Helicopters should be produced in India under transfer of Technology, the first such contract announced early 2009, and many foreign companies offered their light helicopters, however the government cancelled the tender without mentioning the issues, after heavy voices from Armed forces the government once again floated the same RFP, the same saga repeats, Government cancelled the tender.

Early 2014, the Armed forces raises it's concerns about replace those vintage Chetak and Cheetah variants from service, which means more than 200 such helicopters needs to be replaced, and they sticks with the same requirement what the army and other paramilitary forces suggested for utility purpose, so mass producing single model helicopters can save logistics costs and maintenance issues, and told the Ministry that combined order of some 400 light helicopters needed for Armed forces, thus makes another RFP of Light Utility deal in 2015,

    The New government takes some positive steps, under new defense procurement procedures and direct involvement of private defense sectors into the defense industry, under the new RFP, government says the selected contender should join with Indian private company to mass produce those helicopters in India, which include Indian spares parts.

   The new huge order brings the French Airbus, American Bell and Russian Kamov bit closer, all of them offered their products, and the Government and armed forces shortlisted Russian Kamov and selected its modern Ka 226 T, meantime Reliance already made an agreement with the Kamov to manufacture those helicopter in India,

   The Ka 226 T is selected  in many reasons, from Engines to it's high altitude performance and it's retractable troop sitting cabin, which can be removed and to be used to lift high amount of cargo, and the Kamov don't have the tail rotor, makes sufficient for operating forward bases in high altitude bases like Siachin and Leh, the announcement made just after the Aero India.

   However till now the contract can't be made with Kamov, Reliance already informed the government that they ready to build the helicopters under license and already setup-ed infrastructures, they just need the orders and contract only before producing those helicopters in mass numbers, and still now the agreement and contract hasn't been signed with Kamov and Reliance, and they announced that they will roles out helicopters within ten months once the contract is signed,

RM Manohar Parrikar conveys DAC : A Detailed view

RM Manohar Parrikar conveys DAC : A Detailed view

   Working towards its promised modernized military, the man in command RM Manohar Parrikar chaired the all crucial Defense Acquit ion Council (DAC) meeting yesterday. The RM assisted by the defense secretary and the three chief of staff met in South Block, New Delhi to discuss the future course and held discussions regarding the future acquisition for the strengthening of the forces.  DAC has cleared several important acquisitions which promise to keep the nation ready to face any atrocities it may face from its unstable and unreliable neighbours. Even though the DAC meet was conveyed on Friday, it remained inconclusive on several issues and had to be cut short owing to the unplanned departure of RM Parrikar to Goa on a undisclosed emergency.

    The highlight of the DAC is undoubtedly the clearance for the acquisition of nearly 48 Mi-17V-5 medium lift helicopters for the IAF. These Mi 17V-5s are slated to replace the aging Mi-8 helicopter fleet, which is currently the air force mainstay lift copter force. IAF currently operates nearly 150 Mi-8 copters and relies on its lift capabilities for all operations across the nation. The Mil Mi-8 copters were acquired from the Russians to mainly supplement the forward operating forces. With these airframes aging and unable to serve at higher altitudes the IAF acquired the latest Mi-17V-5 medium lift copters from Russia in 2008 under a speculated US $ 1.4 billion deal.

   The air force currently operates a 70-strong Mi-17V-5 fleet and has placed an order for nearly 199 copters which were placed in 80+71+48 phased manner. DAC has now cleared another 48 Mi-17V-5 copters to be acquired from the Russian firm. In support to NDA’s ambitious, Make in India campaign the deal will mandate the Russian firm to team up with an Indian private aerospace partner to manufacture the copters indigenously in India.

   DAC has also addressed the needs for Air Traffic Control (ATC) radars raised by the Air Force. IAF will now get the ‘ATCR-33S SRE’, all weather ATC radar manufactured by BEL. The ‘ATCR-33S SRE’ is an S band Air Traffic Control. Radar which is suitable for Terminal Control Applications (TCA). The radar is extremely accurate and versatile thus guaranteeing hinder free operations across IAF bases. The radar works has two beam riders, with the S Band beam rider acting as the primary rider and the L Band beam rider acting as the auxiliary beam rider. The radar enjoys an operational range of 130 kilometres.

   The Air defense squadrons of the IAF have received a shot in the arm with the DAC clearing the induction of 7 additional Akash SAM batteries under a US $700 million   deal. IAF is currently operating 8 squadrons of Akash missiles, with each squadron comprising of 8 Akash missile launchers plus the support systems consisting the radar ground control and resupply wagon. The L&T facility in Coimbatore is currently capable of manufacturing nearly 360 missiles per year. The government is also considering of ramping up the production with more than 3000 missiles under order and with the product lining for export to other friendly nations the production sure needs a boost.   

  The Navy has received a lesser share of the pie as against the trend this time around. DAC has approved navy’s plan for operating harbour tugs in an estimated 300 crore deal. DAC has cleared the path for acquiring 8 Chetak helicopters for the navy. Even though these platforms were introduced in the late 60’s, these are still in at the HAL line for the armed forces. The plans to acquire the multi-role helicopters have been stalled after scam charges were made against the bidders.

   With the P 75 project nearing completion the government is venturing all options to open up the bids for the P 75I tender at the earliest. DAC has in principle accepted to speed up the process and has demanded to be briefed in the following meetings.

   DAC has also cleared Army’s proposal for the construction of multiple short span reinforced steel bridges in collaboration with L&T across Kashmir. These bridges once completed will guarantee faster movement of the forces, hence enhancing the response time. The proposal for acquiring UAV raised by the Army has been left untouched and is to be addressed in the coming meetings.

Edit - Karthik Kakoor

FGFA program hits a Road block

FGFA program hits a Road block

       During the Initial days of Fifth generation fighter program development, the government and IAF agrees to induct some 300 new fifth gen fighters from abroad. under this Plan, IAF gets some 150 single seat PAK FA from Russia, and another 150 improved PAK FA under the code name of FGFA, FGFA is a Indian designation of multiple improved characteristics in the imported Russian PAK FA, and Built in Indian state owned company HAL. but days passed the Government slowly sabotaged the IAF's plan, initially those Fifth gen fighters meant to deployed in new bases near China, and helps the HAL to develop the medium Fighter code named AMCA.

     For Future IAF plans to use some 300 Fifth Generation fighters ( PAK FA and FGFA) another 150 Medium combat aircraft, and Keeps some 300 advanced Sukhoi Su 30 MKI's and some 100 of Rafales for Deep strike and Combat patrolling and quick redeployment, thus makes the IAF suggested 40+ Squadrons of good fighters to pose a concrete middle finger towards Chinese Air force,

But the major strategic project hits many delays, from Numbers, design changes and delivery periods

Design Changes

     As per initial plan IAF and HAL jointly discussed and evaluated some 80+ changes in the existing PAK FA platform, and they will start working with the prototypes provided by the Russian, the HAL receives three T 50 prototypes in 2017, 2019, and 2021. the IAF team evaluates and suggest the changes, the major structural changes is the Twin seat configuration, Computer integrations and IFF systems along with missile integrations, also its believed that minor improvements also added to increase the stealth characteristics.

     But due to the late arrival of the Jets and lacks of Technological expertise from HAL, The ministry cut down almost 40 design changes in the FGFA, means most of the suggested changes will not happen, and the phenomenal difference between FGFA and PAK FA is just 40 improvements, the time lines also planned to decrease by three years, previously planned it took some eight years to deliver a single FGFA to India once all improvements are completed.

     both countries agreed to manufacture the first batch of aircraft in Russia and for subsequent batches to be manufactured by HAL under transfer of technology.

Numbers

     The Initial plans stated some 150 PAK FA and another 150 FGFA, means India starts receiving the T 50 from Russian Serial production plant by 2018, meantime Russia gives three prototype variants to the HAL to inspect and evaluate the plan to improve the T 50 into FGFA,

    Later Reports verified, that India go for some 144 FGFA and another 50 numbers of PAK FA from Russia, and it's scheduled that Russia could provide a squadron of PAK FA before 2020, the Government cut more than 100's of PAK FA orders,

    But recent reports mentions IAF might buy only 65 fifth generation Aircraft, But it's not clear While India just increased the PAK FA order numbers to current 50 to 65, or IAF cuts down the FGFA numbers from 144 to just 65, the reports merely confusing without stating the Status of the T 50 program,

    Another reports mentions, India may opt out from the FGFA and all other fifth generation program with Russia, and directly purchase just 65 PAK FA under government to government contract, just like how Make in India Rafale cancelled and only the 36 Rafales will be bought,

So it looks like either the Government cut down the numbers or increased the PAK FA orders,

Delivery Periods

    At first, The HAL is to get three Russian prototypes for re-design and testing in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and is scheduled to hand over the first series produced aircraft to the IAF in 2019, Which is the FGFA, But the same can be moved to two years cap and delivery, the timeline Changes into 2017, 2019, 2021, and IAF starts receive the FGFA by 2025, almost six years of delay, 

     Because of the delay the New government planned to buy a squadron of PAK FA as stop cap measure, and It's believed that India may receive the first squadron of T 50 before 2020, to face the Chinese fifth generation threats, 

    Because of cutting down the design changes, The government informs in the Parliament that, Once the Research and development contract signed, the Russia and HAL delivers the FGFA within three years, and Government almost near to complete the draft of the Contract, but no sign of Signing the contract by this year. 

   So if Government moves towards the FGFA by the new timeline It's good to we have some Fifth generation fighters before the 2020, to show off with the Chinese.  

IAF asks HAL to stop work on IJT Sitara trainer

Indian Air force asks Hindustan Aeronautics to stop work on jet trainer Sitara

   To make a perfect combat pilot the role of Trainers is very much in terms of Training in three different stages, form Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Trainers version, IAF uses Foreign Trainers to train the IAF combat pilots, for basic the swish made Pilatus PC 7 and the Advanced stages the BAE Hawk used, but the cap between Basic to Advanced couldn't filled up, while IAF and the Defense Ministry asked  HAL to produce a Intermediate Jet Trainer, it's not a new Project. the Project officially started in early 1997.

   HAL developed a advanced Basic Trainer named Kiran, which is very good for Training IAF and Indian Navy Pilots, but it's early 1970's, because of the successful Kiran's, the Ministry and Air force selects the HAL to produces a Intermediate Trainer to fill the cap between Basic and Advanced Trainer. but the program faced delayed and problems, even crashes and malfunctions in prototype variants.

   the First prototype flown early March 2003, and within a year another one prototype flown, with the program sanctioned in 1997, within six years HAL flies the prototype, but when IAF evaluation team inspects the Trainer, they found the engine is not good enough to power the Trainer to perform some training methods, the first two prototypes comes with French made SNECMA Turbomeca Turbo fan with the power output of 14.1 kN of thrust,

   So the program shelved, and HAL analyses for some other engines, but HAL keeps the Prototypes for various flight testings to check the Performance of the aerodynamic design and onboard systems, due to the Nuclear test there is a major set back of the program, while some foreigners stopped the support of the Aircraft developments, the HAL sitting in ducks to waiting for a good turbofan engines to power the IJT,

   After delays, HAL found the Russian supplier NPO Satrun to supply the slight over powered AL 55 Turbofan with 16.9 kN of thrust, the contract signed with full transfer of technology and local production of the engine. the contracts and agreements signed in late 2005, with the supply of engines within 18 months of the contract.

   meantime HAL still uses the older sneccma engines to test the First two prototypes, unfortunately in the Aero India 2007 event, the HAL Sitara all set to take off from the Yelenkha Air force Base, however suddenly the aircrafts canopy flown off from the Aircraft, and the Trainer pilots tries to hold the Jet which is running on the lawn, when he tries the Jet back to the Runway the Tires bursts and tilt, which makes a huge setback in the program, but the problem was identified and the Aircraft also repaired and back to routine services,

   Again in 2009, the second prototype also crashed , after the training mission the Trainer and instructor set to land in Yelenkha AFB, but this time the retractable wheels didn't not opened thus makes the pilots to force land with the Aircraft body. creating structural damages into the airframe and damages one of the wing. with the repeated crashes the HAL grounds the Sitara Fleet for further investigations and reasons which causes the problems.

    while the Contracted Russian engines comes late by two years, and the HAL crews installs the Russian Engine on the first prototype which was crashed earlier but repaired, and HAL rolls out the first Sitara with Satrun AL 55 by may 2009, with the successful first flight,

    The IAF was very happy about the Aircraft's performance with the new engines, without any more delays IAF ordered first batch of 12 Aircraft's in IOC configuration and called as Limited series production, HAL promised that they will delivered those Trainers within the end of 2009, even before the deliveries IAF again ordered another 73 Aircraft's in FOC standard, where HAL says the Sitara achieves it's FOC by 2012 , makes the order numbers increased to 85, and IAF has an requirement of more than 200 such IJT trainers,

    However the program hits delays, makes it zero production of LSP and Series Production variants, the HAL says the Program hits delays, and they will start deliver the aircraft by 2013, However again they failed to meet the preset timeline, till the end of 2014 IAF didn't received any Sitara's from HAL.

   In early 2014,  when the government addressed about the Sitara program delay, The statement said "the development of IJT is in the advanced stages of certification with more than 800 test flights completed so far. The activities are progressing well with completion of sea level trials, night flying trials, high altitude trials as well as weapon and drop tank trials. The activities left for obtaining Final Operational Clearance (FOC) are the refinement of stall characteristics and spin testing which will be commenced as soon as stall characteristics are refined.All efforts are being made to achieve FOC by December 2014. Production of aircraft will commence immediately.

   But days are passed still no Sitara's are delivered to the IAF, makes the IAF to re look alternate options to procure much needed Intermediate Jet trainers from foreign suppliers, and recently the Indian Air Force  has asked the state-owned firm HAL to stop its efforts to produce the Intermediate Jet Trainers (IJT). the government spend some $100 millions to develop the IJT in HAL,and in the 17 years HAL comes with two prototypes for that money.

    Meanwhile, with the customer not willing to wait for the IJT, the ministry of defence has already floated an expression of interest (EoI) seeking information from global firms to procure intermediate jet trainers. The EoIs have been sent to Russia’s Yakovlev, Italy’s Alenia Aermacchi,  Korea Aerospace Industries of South Korea; Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Beechcraft of the US; and Saab of Sweden.

MMRCA Ver 2.0 Soon

MMRCA Ver 2.0 Soon

   There is a buzz doing the round at the Raksha Mantri establishment coming from a reliable source that government of India will soon announce a new MMRCA tender to procure some 90 Combat Jets under make in India scheme to replace the mother of all deals to procure 126 MMRCA which was officially scrapped some days back when the decision was intimated in written submission in parliament by the defense Minister.

   The new MMRCA tender to buy 90 combat Jets could be Light or a medium category or mix of both to be manufactured in India under Make in India campaign of the NDA govt. The present deal is not yet official and it's speculative in nature however the sources that leaked this information are very reliable.

   The real reason behind the cancellation of the earlier MMRCA deal or the Rafale deal is the cost issue, as French accepts all Indian conditions by transferring almost all top french latest state of the art technologies, they ask more money to transfer the said technologies. The actual Rafale deal was to buy 18 or a Squadron of fighters from French firm Dassault, the remaining balance some 108 numbers was to be built in India at HAL's production center, 50% of the deal value to be invested back in India, and 100% Transfer of Technology(ToT) under the make in India policy.

    Unfortunately because of the cost escalation, initial $12 billions to $15 billions, the government of India had issue with payment due to budgetary limitation, add to that was the bone of contention between HAL and Dassault. Dassault wanted to manage HAL's assembly line in India, where as HAL opposed Dassault's supervision in their work. Offset clause which Dassault disagreed was to take full responsibility of quality of HAL produced Rafale. A complex contract was under negotiation by both Vendors with no end in sight. Since IAF strongly pitches Rafale the reason being IAF's familiarity with the French made Mirage Aircraft for multi role mission more than the HAL made Su 30 MKI Aircrafts.

Let's look at the complex issues.

• The Government of India had budget limitation,
• HAL's wouldn't want direct Supervision,
• Dassault couldn't guarantee Aircraft's quality without direct supervision and
• IAF's was in urgent need of Multi role Combat Aircrafts

    The above negotiations hit the road block that led to the Government's cancellation of the earlier Rafale deal and went for a direct purchase of Rafale Aircraft. The direct purchase of the shelf of 36 Rafales has been valued around $5 billions including the weapon system (hundred each of MICA EM, IR and Meteor missile costs half a Billion, and the CNC ask Dassault to accommodate the Indian made Astra BVR missile in the Rafale's arsenal, that adds up additional cost while Countries like Egypt and Qatar signed deal within a month with Dasault it's only with India that the feal could not be finalised(We all know in the past during the UPA regime delay was amplified due to scam/kickback fear)

   The IAF insist the Government their requirement to field more than 8 squadrons of medium fighters as the current in principle arrangement of two squadrons is not enough.

    With the continuous pressure from the IAF, it's expected that the government will once again float a tender to acquire 90 aircrafts under make in India. It's clear that IAF will select the Rafale, there were many reasons why IAF selects the Rafale, from it's size to it's flying capability, multi role mission, 4++ generation platform etc. A simple example in favour of Rafale is most IAF hangers are built to house the early MiG variants, usually they are small and compact enough to fit in small size concrete shelters, but they don't have enough room to accommodate much larger fighters like Su-30 MKI.

    The Rafale is small in size which can perfectly fit in the existing shelters. Other Contenders like Sweden's Saab Gripen and MiG 35 is out of the race because of many reasons, in Gripen's case it's engine comes from the US and it's a single engine aircraft, when use in low level most single engine fighters have problems despite foreign objects in the jet intakes and jet air flow, but with the twin engines the survivability increases by 100%. The MiG 35 is still in production so combat worthiness is still a subject of debate Or in plain simple words it's not yet battle proven; there is no clear information about the AESA radar, major issues are the Russian Engine is not quite upto the mark when compare to their Western competitors, Russian electronic attack capabilities much lower than the western and American ones.

    The advantages of Russian Planes are they are more maneuverable than the western and American fighters and enjoy's aerodynamic superiority. Having said that those shortfalls were compensated by advance tracking and missile system possessed by the western and American fighter planes. If low cost fighter was the sole consideration the Mig 35 is the sure winner unfortunately IAF annual bill for maintenance cost more than the procurement cost as CAG Reports mentioned that and the combat readiness of the fighter Jets stays somewhere between 60% to 70%, meaning out of 100 numbers of MiGs which are operational only 60 or 70 are combat ready. For eg. if IAF asks the MiG 35 to do one more sortie before the Night, the ground crew will take another 2 hours to complete the ground clearance, the Rafale is the only fighter that can do more number of sorties than all other fighters, and can be configured quickly for different roles so it's a true multi role fighter.

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Updates about Rafale and LCA Tejas

Updates about Rafale and LCA Tejas

   Some Recent updates about both the LCA Tejas and the Rafale aka medium and Light fighter, as the  Rafale and LCA almost missed it's induction date, the Ministry plans for some alternate solutions to fulfill the Requirements.  recently some information's floated in the media's about the cost escalation of Rafale and missed deadlines of Tejas's Final operational clearance which is the reason of the delay.

   The two factors mainly  the Rafale is offset clause and more weapon integration, at first the Offset clause, earlier in the MMRCA competition, the Supplier will invest 50% of deal value in India, in both Public and private sectors, as earlier projected some six to eight billion dollars will be invested back into Indian Companies by french firms once the contract and Settlements finalized, but India formally scraps the MRRCA tender by early this year and Defense Minster confirms the same in Parliament, as a new announcement in Paris made by Prime minister about direct acquisition of  some 36 Rafale.

    But the same also need bunch of bureaucracy  clearance before making final contract, for both Indian and French delegations in Talks to finalize the contract and about the Offset clause, to Full new procurement plan the French agreed to invest only 30% deal value in India, as India wants it should be 50% , so both of them in negotiations  for the Offset clause, so it's clear it took more than a month to clear the negotiations, whether it's 30% or 50% or somewhere between 30-50%.

    The second most negotiation is the Weapon integration, The IAF insists the deal to use the Indian made Astra BVR missiles into the Rafale Aircraft, and also raised about firing the Air to ground missile Brahmos, for that French asked more money since it's need a small hardware and computer changes including algorithm to support foreign weapons into the Rafale since the Rafale's computer and Radar will designed to coupled with French and European weapons, not the Indian and Russian Standard weapons. so for that French asked more money to for the structural and algorithm changes, but here India Contract negotiation committee negotiating about the cost escalation.

    By coming LCA, there were several critical issues, as meant the radar nose cone and flight refuel probe delay from the European companies,which makes the LCA program takes one more deadline and  pushed it to next year for Final operational clearance, there is no clear information who is delaying, either the HAL or the supplier, also till the HAL doesn't delivered the ordered IOC standard Aircraft to the IAF, there is a Assembling problem is also raised, earlier some reports mentioned due to lack of capacity of HAL, Government plans to scrap the HAL from LCA project and plans to handover the project to some Private Companies, but the news is not verified.

   another issue is the lack of Internal Electronic countermeasure, the Defense Minister reported that the missing Internal ECM suites in the Tejas, which saves the fighter from threats,  but due to the small size fighter, in the early days such systems are huge in size, So it's hard to house inside the light aircraft, but now it's available in Tiny size, but this will be added only in the Mark 2 version of Tejas, Defense Minister told in Parliament.

    Another is the Maintenance and logistics nightmare, HAL fails to answer the questions raised by IAF about the maintenance of Tejas fighter, IAF found lack of spare and engineers to resolve problems after deploying the Fighters under the IAF, every fighters Needed to be checked before making the sortie for the Base need huge number of Ground support crew's, 

    as these Two major problems in Both Rafale and Tejas, It looks like their is no sign of good news this year,