The Naval Aviation Wing- Taking the war to the Enemies

THE NAVAL AVIATION WING - TAKING THE WAR TO THE ENEMIES

The Indian navy serves with the motto “May the lord of oceans be auspicious  onto us“ have grown from a regional navy to a brow water navy. The Indian navy currently operates one of the biggest and a very robust and an under modernizing force. Indian navy currently operates more than hundred vessels which have been guarding the nation against any sea borne threats from decades. The flag ship of the force is ‘INS Viraat’, a centaur class aircraft carrier.

Indian navy has the distinctive mark of being the only navy other than the US Navy to operate an operational two carrier group. Indian navy has to a vast experience in operating these floating airstrips which can take battle’s right to the door steps of the enemies. These massive vessels can launch aircraft from the middle of the ocean assisted by modern technologies thus giving a major boost to the operational range and also making long range attacks possible. The aircraft carriers play a major role in power projection. Indian navy currently operates two active CBG’s (Carrier Battle Group), INS Viraat and INS Vikramaditya.

Hawker Sea Hawk

The Sea Hawk were the mainstay fighter jets of INS Vikrant, developed by the Hawker aircraft co. These aircraft turned out to be a game changer in Indian naval operations. The Sea Hawk was highly reliable and sturdy war machines which could spell havoc over enemy territory. The Sea hawks scored nearly a dozen kills over Pakistani missile boats and Merchant navy ships during the East Pakistan liberation war, Indian navy did not even lose a single aircraft during the operation. The Sea hawks were very instrumental in setting up a naval blockade that effectively cut off any reinforcement to the forces fighting a losing battle in Eastern Pakistan against the Indian and Bangladeshi forces.

Breguet Alize

The Breguet Alize was an Anti-Submarine warfare aircraft. The Alize had provisions to accommodate homing torpedo or depth charges and the weapon stations on the wings could carry bombs, depth charges, missiles and rockets. Indian acquired 12 Alize as an ASW aircraft to operate off Vikrant. Alize was used by the Indian navy for reconnisance and patrol during the 1961 Liberation of Goa. Alize was operated as an ASW aircraft to detect and destroy Pakistan submarines during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Alize was also deployed in Operation Pawan where the aircraft undertook took sorties destroying LTTE positions and merchant navy ships.

SEA HARRIER  

The Sea harriers are the true STOVL aircraft which could perform short take off and vertical landing with ease. The harriers entered service in 1980 with the Royal navy and was inducted to the Indian navy in 1983. The Indian navy initially purchased six harriers which were deployed at Dabolim base and later on started operating off INS Viraat.  The Indian navy placed an order for further ten harriers and acquired nearly 30 harriers. The aging Sea Hawker fleet of INS Vikrant was also replaced by the harriers.

The harriers are one of the most successful naval attack platforms which have been operated by the US navy, Royal navy and the Indian navy. Harriers are powered by a massive Rolls-Royce Pegasus turbofan engine which churns out about 96 kN of power enabling the aircraft to attain speeds of up to 1200 kmph. The aircraft has an operational range of 1000 km and can climb around 50000 ft/min thus proving its&nbsp. 

     The primary weapon of the aircraft is the two 30mm ADEN cannon which can carry 130 rounds each. The aircraft can also carry state-of-the art weapons ranging from missiles, rockets and anti-shipping missiles. The aircraft has 4 under wing pylon stations and an under fuselage pylon and can carry about 3700 kg of payload. The harriers carried some of the most advanced weapon systems which was primarily formed by the British developed anti-ship Sea eagle missiles. The French Matra Magic missile took care of any aerial targets.

    The Harriers are aging and with INS Viraat slated to be retired by early next year the aircraft will be mainly confined to shore based operations only.

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 considering the larger wingspan of SU-33. 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 MiG 29K was equipped with a more powerful and efficient engine, the cockpit and the armament received significant changes.

        MiG29K took to skies on 23 July 1988, piloted by Aubakirov and by landing on Admiral Kuznetsov it achieved its first carrier landing on 1 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 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/Receive) 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 the uniqueness of the weapon system is its short recoil action. Firing up to 1800 rounds per minute the gun annihilate any 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.With the Indian navy opting for the more powerful and efficient CATOBAR configuration the aviation wing of the navy is set for a major revamp. The first of the navy's CATOBAR carrier will be INS Vishal/IAC-II which is currently in the design phase and will be constructed by CSL, Cochin. The carrier will have complement of around 45 aircraft, the carrier for the first time will allow the operation of AWACS aircraft from its deck. The Rafale M,F-18 Super hornet and the fifth generation stealth enabled F-35 C will be the leading contenders for securing the tender to supply the carriers aviation wing.

Article - Karthik Kakoor

US Think Tank, US must Arm Indian Navy

US Think Tank, US must Arm Indian Navy

Only available IAC 2 Vishaal Artistic representation Model

     Ashley J Tellis Released a research paper saying the US must Arm the Indian Navy to defeat the Chinese Navy in each and Every aspects, Since it's a Threat to Indian Ocean region both Indian and American interests, Tellis was worked as a US state Advisor, member of Indian Civil Nuclear Disunion bench, senior adviser to US Ambassador to India.

    It's been a discussion between Indian and US government that supplying US's most advanced EMAL aircraft launching system to Indian Navy, since discussion going through Navy freeze the designing works of Indian Nuke powered Carrier IAC 2.

      Ashley addressed many times to the US congress about the Chinese advancement in Indian Ocean, which will be controlled only by arming the Indians without any delays,

      He also urged the US government that they should speed up the negotiations to supply the EMAL systems to the Indian Navy, not only but US should support the Indian Naval shipbuilders to design the IAC 2, he also says that US should not hesitate to supply the modern carrier borne AEW system the E2 D Hawk, and the Fifth Gen CATOBAR capable F 35 C. which allows the Indian Navy to secure and get upper edge to rival's air wing.

      He also pressed the US congress to assign a partnership between Indian and American SEA commands to work jointly for securing the Indian Ocean and controlling the Chinese deterrence  patrol in IOR, also urged to help Indian navy to design the Nuclear reactor which is going to be placed in the carrier. and US industry should assist Indian Ship builders to construct Bigger ships in Indian docks.

         The US assistance to the Indian Navy should send a strong Signal to the PLAN and Chinese Government. he also urged US congress to step in Indian defense sector how Israel and Russia acting Indian interests.

           The same above was reflected to US Senator John McCain briefed by the carniage in sep last year, reflects the Obama's trip to India this year and both agreed to jointly work on the aircraft Carrier Technology Sharing and Design. The New government in India understand the importance of the Indian Ocean and arising threats of Chinese activities around IOR. that's the move was pulled by the New Modi government by Visiting and Hosting the US.

         Indian Navy operating Carrier for more than half a century and used in almost all war battled by India. but never engaged in a bigger Naval battle, thus Pakistani Navy is too small and Indians CG alone take care of them, The Indian Navy building it's fleet to Fight against the Chinese Naval fleet, as Americans Helps the Japanese and South Korean Navy's to Compete against the Chinese Navy, It's time to Build the Indian Navy fully optimized to Fight against entire Chinese Navy.

       Tellis also mentioned the Modi's initiative plans of setting up coastal reconnaissance Radars across IOR and also refurbish Ancient Indian Relationship with Countries like Mauritius and Seychelles. there is no doubt that irked the Chinese so much.    

         The Submarines operated by the Chinese Navy is also worse the Indian Navy's operational capabilities, many times Indians managed to identify the Chinese vessels closely patrolling near to Indian waters. but if they comes with Aircraft carriers the vision is totally different. which is a model of gun boat diplomacy,

         But India's favorable land based Air strips in Andaman gives upper edge to the Indian Navy also, a quick target for Chinese too. since it can't be mobilized.

          The Author and the Veteran Think tank  not only mentioned the Naval architect but briefed  Indian Fighting capabilities against China and the American role in Indian Defence too, you can download the research paper in below link 

Making Waves

 

the Advanced E 2D AEW

US marines V 22

EMAL system

EMALS- Electro Magnetic Aircraft Launcing System

EMALS (ELECTRO MAGNETIC AIRCRAFT LAUNCH SYSTEM)

 An Excellent Represenation of EMAL launch

EMAL is the USS Gerald R Ford Aircraft Carrier

      With the new government keen on developing the relationship of India with the global power USA has help forge several hundred deals. The governments have adopted the new motto --- "Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go". The governments have stressed on bilateral ties in trade, commerce, banking, industries and military systems.

      The US-India military forces and command believes in freedom, democracy, and government by rule of law, and to increase security trough out the globe. These interests also include maintaining security and stability, defeating violent religious extremism and terrorism, preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and associated materials, data, and technologies, and protecting the free flow of commerce throughout the globe prospering every country.

         When the President of United States of America visited India many defence projects were cleared for co-produced. Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) that was initiated in 2012, under which the US and India would work on co-development and co-manufacturing projects has been given renewed interest. Four "pathfinder projects" were identified during Obama's visit the four products to be co-produced are the Raven mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), "roll-on, roll-off" intelligence-gathering and reconnaissance modules for C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, mobile electric hybrid power sources, and chemical-biological warfare protection gear for soldiers.

A heavy E 2D Launch by EMAL , just a 50 mts enough

With US Navy unable to check the movement of Chinese ships has requested Indian Navy to join the efforts and has asked to stand out openly in the South China issue. Indian Navy has received substantially from the US counterpart. With India raring to be a ‘blue water’ force has been very keen on operating at least a “ three CBG (Carrier Battle Group) “ with one serving on the western and the other on the eastern water fronts. And another in docks for maintenance.  India has had experience with the CBG’s and has operated a two front CBG. The carriers operated by the Navy are of STOBAR (Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration. But with a STOBAR configuration launching heavier aircrafts could not be achieved. It is crucial to operate reconnaissance missions but this requires the ability to launch heavier aircrafts and this in turn requires using the CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery). Under the IAC (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier) plans the IAC-I was configured with a STOBAR launch system and the IAC-II is being planned to be configured with the CATOBAR systems. With CATOBAR systems being very hard to maintain the Navy has went with the latest EMALS system to assist launching heavier aircrafts off the carriers.

The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a system being developed by General Atomics for the United States Navy to be fitted on the newest Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers. This system would effectively replace the old steam propelled catapult aircraft launch system on the old carriers. EMALS is a highly sophisticated system that is being fitted out on the Gerald class carriers. The system has passed all initial tests and the first land based prototype passed testing by June 2010. The current steam catapults being used in the CATOBAR system require about 615 kg/ 1,350 pounds of steam for each aircraft launch, and this steam in return produced from the nuclear reactor. To propel the catapult forward huge amount of hydraulics and steam is essential. Generation of this steam is an extremely demanding procedure and requires high amount of purified water be piped through the nuclear reactor. This involves very high maintenance. EMALS being a electric driven launch system has many advantages and mainly is a system that requires extremely less maintenance.

The EMALS is based on generation and utilization of electric current rather than the old practice of using steam.  The whole system works on the principle of Electromagnetic induction. 

The Projectile is anything a Launch system or a Bullet too

The major components of EMALS are –

• Linear induction motor
• Energy storage subsystem
• Power conversion subsystem
• Control Consoles

Program status

Linear induction motor                                                                                                

    Linear Induction motor is a motor that is used to achieve rectilinear motion rather than the traditional circular motors that is generated using a common electric motor.  A linear electric motor typically consists of a flat magnetic core with transverse slots which are often cut straight and with coils laid into slots, each phase gives an alternating polarity and so that the different phases physically overlap each other. In an induction motor the force is produced by linearly moving magnetic field acting on conductors in the field. Any conductor be it a loop, a coil or simply a piece of plate metal, that is placed in this field will have eddy currents induced in it thus creating an opposing magnetic field, in accordance with Lenz's law.

   When energized, the motor accelerates the carriage down the track and the carriage in turn takes the aircraft along and propels it off the deck. With the charge being inducted into the motor only the section of the coils surrounding the carriage is energized. With only the coils being energised the reactive losses is minimised to a very great extent. With the LIM EMALS can accelerate an aircraft of around 45000 kgs to about 240 km/h.

Energy storage subsystem

        To propel the carriage at the speed required the induction motor requires very large amount of electric power. The current required to attain this speed required production of current which is actually more than the power that can be obtained from the ship's own power source. The EMALS is therefore put with a energy-storage subsystem which draws power from the ship’s main power source and stores the procured energy kinetically on rotors armed with four disk alternators. This energy is then stored and the alternators running and the process repeats till the need for an aircrafts launch is felt. When the systems are activated for the launch of an aircraft the system releases the stored energy in a very short period of time as against the time required for production of steam in the traditional stem propelled catapults. Each rotor can easily store more than 100 mega joules of energy. To reduce the time betweens launch of each aircraft it the system has been configured to be recharged within 45 seconds of a launch which is way faster than steam catapults.

Power conversion subsystem

       With the energy produced with the help of the linear induction motor the produced energy is stored in Energy storage subsystem. After the energy is stored it is crucial for the same energy to be released when a launch is required. The basic function of the power conversion subsystem is to release the stored energy in the energy storage subsystems during launch; this is brought about by using a cycloconverter. A cycloconverter is used to covert a constant voltage, constant frequency AC waveform to another AC waveform of a lower frequency by synthesizing the output waveform from segments of the AC supply without an intermediate DC link. The cycloconverter provides a controlled rising frequency and voltage to the LIM, energizing only the small portion of stator coils that affect the launch carriage at any given moment.

Control consoles

      It is crucial for the EMALS to be controlled and monitored constantly and it is also crucial to maintain a constant voltage for the LIM and to look make sure the launch of the aircrafts will be a uninterrupted process. This whole process is brought about by control units which are responsible for control through closed loop structure. And this in turn allows the operators to maintain a constant tow force that reduces the stress on a aircrafts airframe to a large extent.

         The IAC-II is in advanced stage of planning and is rumoured to be propelled by nuclear fuel. Also the carrier is being rumoured to be around 65000 tonnes which makes the IAC-II the heaviest Indian build ship. The main focus of a CBG is to extend the reach of the countries forces. But India has never been in the global race for projecting a control regime environment. Even after the carrier is inducted it’s area of operation may only be around the IOR or the EEZ. If the CBG is charged with the safeguarding of EEZ then reconnaissance is going to be a important part of the CBG’s daily routine. This requires the launch of heavier aircrafts like the E-2D Hawk eye that is to be part of the carrier’s air wing. This means the navy has to opt for a CATOBAR configuration. But with the EMALS being a very newly introduced system it has to be seen if the Navy command goes with the EMALS or opts to the more proven ‘ steam propelled’ catapults to launch these aircrafts.

Article By Karthik Kakoor