SP's Aviation

aero india 2013 special key official Meet us at hall B (B4.18) media partner

SP’s An SP Guide Publication ed buyer only) as ed buyer

News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. 100.00 ( I ndi a -b ` Aviationwww.spsaviation.net vol 16 issue 2 • FEBRUary • 2013 IAF Modernisation an overview

• business aviation • general aviation • indo- US relations Ind ia • mirage to rafale • training concerns • airbus military THE RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 reporT DESTINATION Go Where Others Can’t. INTRODUCING THE FALCON 2000LXS It is the ultimate combination of nonstop range, airfield agility and widebody cabin. No other 4,000 nm aircraft can deliver so many airports in such quiet comfort. Thank optimized aerodynamics, new inboard slats and highly advanced acoustics. Thank Falcon DNA. And go where others can’t.

DNA. It Matters.

Find out why. Scan the code. Or visit falconjet.com/2000LXS

2000LXS-210x267.indd 1 22/01/13 10:15 dynamic dynamic

It’s true … CAE is at the forefront of developing the architecture, software tools,It’s true and … simulation CAE is at software the forefront that can of makedeveloping synthetic the environmentsarchitecture, dynamic,software persistent,tools, and simulationscalable and software open. that can make synthetic environments dynamic, persistent, scalable and open. We created the common database (CDB) – an open, public database specification thatWe created facilitates the interoperability common database and correlation (CDB) – an to open, significantly public database enhance specification joint training andthat facilitatesmission rehearsal. interoperability Now, andwe arecorrelation launching to significantlya next-generation enhance capability joint training and solutionand mission called rehearsal. the CAE Now,Dynamic we areSynthetic launching Environment a next-generation designed capabilityto help create and virtualsolution worlds called that the more CAE accuratelyDynamic Synthetic and realistically Environment simulate designed the real to world. help Basedcreate onvirtual the worlds CDB, thatour dynamicmore accurately synthetic and environment realistically simulatesolution themeans real theworld. synthetic Based environmenton the CDB, canour varydynamic with timesynthetic without environment advance preparation. solution means So, when the syntheticweather, weapons,environment combat can vary engineers with time or without the latest advance intelligence preparation. change So, the when real weather, world, appropriateweapons, combat simulations engineers change or the the synthetic latest intelligence environment, change but without the real the world,costly andappropriate time-consuming simulations human change interaction. the synthetic environment, but without the costly and time-consuming human interaction. As defence forces, including India, look to expand the use of simulation and synthetic environmentsAs defence forces, to support including analysis, India, look training to expand and decision-making, the use of simulation trust and a companysynthetic withenvironments the focus, to experience support analysis, and expertise training to and deliver decision-making, world-class technologies, trust a company best valuewith the and focus, low risk. experience Trust CAE and to beexpertise your modeling to deliver and world-class simulation technologies,partner. best value and low risk. Trust CAE to be your modeling and simulation partner. Please visit CAE’s booth (Hall C, Booth 1-6) at Aero India from FebruaryPlease visit 6-10 CAE’s to learn booth more (Hall and C, Boothsee a 1-6demonstration) at Aero India of CAE’s from DynamicFebruary Synthetic6-10 to learnEnvironment. more and see a demonstration of CAE’s Dynamic Synthetic Environment.

CAE’s Dynamic Synthetic Environment solution delivers on the following objectives: dynamics, persistence, scalability, and openness. CAE’s Dynamic Synthetic Environment solution delivers on the following objectives: dynamics, persistence, scalability, and openness.

cae.com one step ahead [email protected] one step ahead [email protected]

SP Show News_DSE_dynamic_Jan2013-Aero India_AM198.indd 1 13-01-09 9:41 AM

SP Show News_DSE_dynamic_Jan2013-Aero India_AM198.indd 1 13-01-09 9:41 AM SP’s An SP Guide Publication

Table of Contents News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. AviationIssue 2 • 2013 The Beechcraft King Air 250 – The King of Innovation. Across India, the King Air has helped support effective government and build profitable businesses. What can it do for you?

Red Bulls, the arobatic team of Czech Republic, stole the limelight 22 at Aero India 2011, with its scintillating flying displays

First Lead Story 36 Fighters 8 Fit for Extreme Conditions Mirage to Rafale 41 Trainers Aero India Preview An Uninspiring Saga SP’s Exclusive Aero India 2011 had an impressive line-up of fighters. 10 Displays at Aero India 2013 43 Industry This year’s show also promises Tactical Airlift Solutions to be exciting. A plate full of from Airbus Civil catalogues is waiting. 14 General Aviation • It’s a Long Haul AERO INDIA 2013 SPECIAL KEY OFFICIAL MEET US AT HALL B (B4.18) MEDIA PARTNER regular Departments SP’s AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION Business Aviation A Word from Editor News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. 6 100.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) BUYER 100.00 (INDIA-BASED ` Aviationwww.spsaviation.net VOL 16 ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY • 2013 16 Boom in Biz Jets IAF MODERNISATION AN OVERVIEW Hall of Fame 19 Battling the Burden 45 ANTHONY LEVIER (1913 - 1998 20 Regional Aviation

• BUSINESS AVIATION Trouble-Free Flying • GENERAL AVIATION • INDO-US RELATIONS INDIA 46 NewsDigest • MIRAGE TO RAFALE • TRAINING CONCERNS • AIRBUS MILITARY THE RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 REPORT DESTINATION

SP's Aviation Cover 02-13 final.indd 1 02/02/13 5:21 PM LastWord Military 48 Nurture ‘People’ 26 Modernisation Cover Photo: Looking Ahead Aero India has already carved a niche Uncompromising Quality. The King Air’s relentless record for durability, safety and comfort is why for itself as a major global aerospace Next Issue: 29 Diplomacy exhibition it has been the aircraft of choice for Indian governments and business for the past five decades. Training Options for the IAF Today’s King Air 250 delivers a substantial improvement in take-off performance with the productive Dream Unfolds Illustration by: Anoop Kamath workspace that international leaders demand. We build aircraft you can believe in.®

For more information please contact: India +91 98 7138 2233 or email: [email protected] King Air 250 2 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net HawkerBeechcraft.com.

©2013 Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. All rights reserved. Hawker, Beechcraft and King Air are trademarks of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. The Beechcraft King Air 250 – The King of Innovation. Across India, the King Air has helped support effective government and build profitable businesses. What can it do for you?

Uncompromising Quality. The King Air’s relentless record for durability, safety and comfort is why it has been the aircraft of choice for Indian governments and business for the past five decades. Today’s King Air 250 delivers a substantial improvement in take-off performance with the productive workspace that international leaders demand. We build aircraft you can believe in.®

For more information please contact: India +91 98 7138 2233 or email: [email protected] King Air 250 HawkerBeechcraft.com.

PLUS... Publisher And Editor-in-Chief design Jayant Baranwal Holistic Directions: Jayant Baranwal Senior Art Director: Anoop Kamath senior Editor Designers: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey Assistant Group editor

R. Chandrakanth DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING Neetu Dhulia Editorial adviser Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra SALES & MARKETING General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh Senior Technical Group Editor 16 Boom in Biz Jets Lt General (Retd) Naresh Chand SP’s websites Sr Web Developer: Shailendra Prakash Ashish Senior Copy editor & Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma Correspondent © SP Guide Publications, 2013 Sucheta Das Mohapatra Annual Subscription Contributors Inland: Rs 1200 • Foreign: US$ 320 India Email: [email protected] Air Marshal (Retd) N. Menon Group Captain (Retd) A.K. Sachdev LETTER TO EDITOR [email protected] Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha [email protected] Europe FOR Advertising details, contact: Alan Peaford [email protected] Trouble-free Flying 20 USA & Canada [email protected] LeRoy Cook [email protected]

SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD Chairman & Managing Director A-133 Arjun Nagar, Jayant Baranwal (Opposite Defence Colony) New Delhi 110 003, India. Planning & Business Development Executive Vice President: Rohit Goel Tel: +91 (11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 ADMIN & COORDINATION Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 Email: [email protected] Bharti Sharma

Owned, published and printed by Representative Office Jayant Baranwal, printed at BENGALURU, INDIA 36 Mirage to Rafale Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd and 204, Jal Vayu Vihar Kalyan Nagar published at A-133, Arjun Nagar Bengaluru 560043, India. (Opposite Defence Colony), Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 New Delhi 110 003, India. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be MOSCOW, RUSSIA reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or LAGUK Co., Ltd., (Yuri Laskin) transmitted in any form or by any means, Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., photocopying, recording, electronic, or 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. otherwise without prior written permission www.spguidepublications.com Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762 of the Publishers. Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260

4 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net MAX SPEED: MACH 0.925 MAX RANGE: 7,000 NM MAX ALTITUDE: 51,000 FT Ultra-Large-Cabin | Ultra-Long-Range | Ultra-High-Speed

T HE WORLD JUST GOT SMALLER N SE W I RVI O CE As the world’s fastest certified civilian aircraft, connecting international destinations N with only a single stop has never been faster. Since the Gulfstream G650® flies higher, faster and farther than any other aircraft, you will spend more time at your destination than traveling there.

INDIA: +91 98 182 95755 – ROHIT KAPUR [email protected] Gulfstream Authorized Sales Representative TOLL FREE 1800 103 2003 INTL: +65 6256 8301 – JASON AKOVENKO [email protected] Regional Vice President, Asia / Pacific

Range shown is based on NBAA IFR theoretical range at Mach 0.85 with eight passengers. Actual range will be affected by ATC routing, GULFSTREAMG650.com operating speed, weather, outfitting options and other factors.

39503_SPAviation_V02R01.indd 1 1/9/13 8:16 AM Aero India 2013 Special A Word from Editor Aero India provides an ideal window of opportunity to firms abroad to not only network with Indian industry, but also for the Indian companies to benefit from the expertise in research and development.

India is now emerging as the third largest defence spender nities of `14,000 crore have already been generated for the pri- in the world after the United States and China with an estimated vate sector. In this issue of SP’s Aviation, apart from a preview $100 billion (`5,00,000 crore) worth of acquisitions lined up the of the air show, Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra traces the evolu- for next five years. It is little wonder therefore that Aero India tion of Indo-US relationship. He also chronicles the bonding of draws to the venue the global aerospace and defence industry. the IAF with Dassault, culminating in the selection of the Rafale. Since the air show in 2011, India has gone in for a number of big- Air Marshal (Retd) N. Menon describes the uninspiring state of ticket purchases with some deals already concluded and others the trainer fleet in the IAF and the inability of Hindustan Aero- in the process. A major success has been the procurement of ten nautics Limited (HAL) to provide effective solutions, compelling C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft from Boeing with the IAF to procure even basic training aircraft from abroad. Our the possibility of additional six aircraft in due course. Contracts Senior Editor Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey who visited Airbus in respect of platforms such as the 22 AH-64D Apache attack he- Military, in his report, catalogues the tactical airlift solutions that licopters and 15 CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, both from Airbus Military has on offer. Boeing, in preference over Russian contenders, are expected to On the civil aviation front, R. Chandrakanth reviews the be finalised soon. But perhaps the largest single defence tender state of the civil aviation industry in India and the opportunities expected to be finalised will be the order for 126 medium multi- that lie ahead. Incidentally, the Business Aircraft Operators’ As- role combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) for which the sociation is engaged in a legal battle with the regulatory author- Rafale has been selected. The other important deal in the offing ities to safeguard members from the onslaught of exhorbitant is for six A330 MRTT from Airbus Military. airport charges. Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha looks at A major spin-off of Aero India is that it provides the aero- the prospects for the growth of regional aviation in the country. space industry in the private sector in India the opportunity to All these apart from the regular features in this special issue. Iexplore routes to high-end technology. Also, business opportu- Do visit us at Aero India 2013, Hall B: 4.18. Happy Landings!

Jayant Baranwal SP’s Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal presenting a copy of Publisher & Editor-in-Chief the SP’s Military YearBook 2013 to Defence Minister A.K. Antony

6 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Maritime Surveillance, Imaging, and Tracking Radar

Proudly Serving the Indian Navy on the Boeing P-8i Aircraft Photo courtesy: MOD/DPR Photo

APS-143C(V)3

Telephonics is the leader in long-range detection, tracking, imaging, and identification of small targets in the most severe maritime environments. Our solutions serve on fixed wing, rotary wing, and aerostat applications worldwide. We build the radar for all your missions.

Mohit Garg, Land line: +91-11-41220402 38039-5

38039 Mahindra SP Guide Ads.indd 1 1/30/2013 9:47:03 AM Aero India 2013 Special irst irst F F F F

Fit for Extreme Conditions First Royal Navy Wildcat makes inaugural flight

The first Wildcat attack helicopter to be delivered to the a new radar system that provides 360-degree surveillance. Royal Navy has successfully taken its first flight at Yeovil in Som- Wildcat HMA Mk2 will carry Sting Ray torpedoes, a door- erset. This was announced by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) mounted 0.5-inch heavy machine gun and new light and heavy recently. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said: variants of the future anti-surface guided weapon missiles. “As a ship-borne helicopter, Wildcat will provide Commanders Expected to perform a range of tasks once in-service, the with a flexible attack capability which can be deployed to tackle maritime Wildcat attack helicopter will be used in anti-surface a range of threats at sea and from the sea. With state-of-the-art warfare, force protection and counter-piracy. It will also be able sensors, equipment and weapons, it will be an outstanding as- to carry out an anti-submarine role. set that will maintain Royal Naval units at the cutting-edge of The Ministry of Defence signed a £250-million (`2,000 worldwide maritime operations.” crore) contract with AgustaWestland to provide support and Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology training for the Royal Navy and British Army’s 62 strong fleet Philip Dunne said: “The new maritime Wildcat attack helicopter of Wildcat Helicopters. The Royal Navy will receive 28 mari- Tis an excellent addition to the Royal Navy’s arsenal, providing time attack variant helicopters, which will begin operations it with greater firepower and a range of technological enhance- across the globe from 2015 and replace the existing Lynx ments. The support and training contract with AgustaWestland Mark 8. The contract is sustaining 500 skilled jobs in the Som- SP gustaWestland is also good news for the local economy in Somerset, securing erset area. 500 highly skilled jobs in the defence sector.” The Wildcat has a more powerful engine allowing it to be E-mail your comments to: flown in extreme conditions around the year. It is also equipped [email protected]

Photogra p h: A with a more robust fuselage, a high-tech interactive display and

8 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2003 www.spsaviation.net 277mm Bleed 267mm Trim 257mm Live Scale: 1.0" = 1" = 1.0" Scale: 0 25 3C 4C 50 Client - Frontline Communications Partners Job # - 127931 Ver. - AD01 - Ver. 127931 - # Job Partners Communications Frontline - Client 5100 75 41M 50C 41Y 50K Output printed at: printed Output Production Artist: Space/Color: Frontline Communications Partners Communications Frontline Retoucher: file Name: file Media: Bleed: Fonts: Date: If it is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact: please requirements, your with comply not does or deficient is it If Trim: Live: Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica 65 Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica S. Bowman S. 277mm x 220mm 267mm x 210mm 257mm x 197mm Page–4-Color–Bleed Full Aviation SP 100% BOEG_BDS_CHN_1941M_H 1/10/13 Client: PUBLICATIONNOTE: Boeing Cyan 220mm Bleed 220mm Material for this insertion is to be examined carefully upon receipt. upon carefully examined be to is insertion this for Material Job Number: Job Magenta Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order.insertion as use only.not identification Do general for Guideline 210mm Trim210mm formance—it’s what you expect from Chinook. from expect you what performance—it’s Extraordinaryrelief. disaster delivering or rescue, and per assault, combat deep on equipment, it’sand troopswhether transporting itself, by class a in is CH-47F the avionics, and controls flight advanced with heavy-lift helicopter in the world. Mor world. the in helicopter heavy-lift mission-capable versatile, most the is Chinook CH-47F The BOEG_BDS_CHN_1941M_H Yellow Product: 1880 Century Park East, Suite 101 Suite East, Park Century 1880 197mm Live 197mm Black Account Executive: Account Creative Director: Creative TrafficManager: Boeing Defense Space & Security & Space Defense Boeing Print Producer: Print Proof Reader: Proof Digital Artist: Copy W Copy Art Director: Art Art Buyer: Art V Print Production at 310-601-1485. at Production Print endor: Client: Legal: GCD: riter: Schawk TraciBrown Boeing McAuliffe D. P J. Alexander P.Serchuk P.Serchuk . Serchuk 1, Los 1, e power nee,C 90067 CA Angeles, for ming sear ming ful than ever than ful Bleed Trim Live Date/Initials Approved ch Aero India 2013 Special SP’s Exclusives

Boeing debuts Scan Eagle UAV at Aero India Flanker. Both teams have performed around the world to great While Boeing will have the largest aircraft once again at Aero appreciation and have decided to bring their show to India for India 2013, with a USAF C-17 Globemaster III—the first C-17 the first time this year. for the IAF entered flight test earlier in January—it will be The Rafale team’s presence is understandable—as the plat- debuting a smaller aircraft that it has been showcasing as a form in line for the country’s largest ever single defence con- potential platform for the Indian military: the ScanEagle. The tract to be signed this year, the fielding of the Rafale display low-cost, long-endurance autonomous unmanned vehicle is a team serves as a sign of commitment. The Russian Knights small part of a big unmanned systems push by foreign vendors presence is likely to have been a diplomatic gesture to bail out in India. what may have been an otherwise lacklustre show this year, or According to the company, Boeing foresees customers us- perhaps a token of gratitude for the recently signed contract for ing ScanEagle vehicles individually or in groups to loiter over 42 additional Su-30MKIs, a platform that traces its legacy to trouble spots and provide intelligence, surveillance and recon- the venerable Su-27 that the Knights operate. The Czech Flying naissance (ISR) data or communications relay. It adds that as Bulls, who stopped a lot of hearts with their amazing show two standard payload ScanEagle carries either an inertial stabilised years ago in Yelahanka, return this year with their Zlin modified electro-optical or an infrared camera. The gimbaled camera al- propeller trainers for what promises to be another great show. lows the operator to easily track both stationary and moving The inexplicable final entrant in terms of fighters this year is targets, providing real-time intelligence. Capable of flying above a USAF F-16 display team, which has been a constant fixture at 16,000 feet, the UAV has also demonstrated the ability to pro- the show for the last few iterations. It is not clear what purpose vide persistent low-altitude reconnaissance. fielding the F-16s serves, considering the platform is out of the MMRCA race. This could, once again, be a diplomatic gesture Hermes 900 at Aero India 2013 by the US for a slew of American wins in the Indian contracting space in recent months. The popular Indian Air Force Surya Kiran team, which was disbanded last year, hopes to be reborn soon with Hawk trainers, but is nowhere near ready to make a comeback, and will therefore give this year’s show a miss—a lot of fans will be disappointed. However, the equally popular Sarang team, which operates the Dhruv helicopter, will be back again this year to put up their incredible show.

Indian 5th-Gen fighter model to debut at Aero India

Israel’s Elbit Systems has announced that it will display its new generation Hermes 900 maritime patrol unmanned aerial system (UAS) at Aero India 2013. The Indian Navy, as is well known, is in the global market for maritime medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned surveillance air vehicles. According to Elbit, “Interactively controlled from mobile land based mission systems, fixed operation rooms or own force ships, Hermes 900 provides multi-sensor data and live video in real time to mission operators and ship crews at sea. “Hermes 900 UAS can operate stand-alone or can be integrated into an overall setup of aircraft, ships, shore or offshore The aerospace community will get its first ever glimpse of what based sensors, and maritime control centres and HQ. Hermes the modified Indian version of the Russian PAK FA looks like at 900 can perform versatile missions such participation in naval Aero India, with HAL planning to unveil a model of the prospec- warfare, ship-shore operations, EEZ monitoring and control, tive multi-role fighter (the official name of the Indian version coastal protection, surveillance and protection of vital assets of the Sukhoi T-50 fifth-generation fighter aircraft prototype). (such as oil rigs), anti-piracy operations, environmental moni- HAL has already built a wind-tunnel model of the aircraft—a toring, and search and rescue operations.” single-seat variant with minor modifications. “For the first time, we will present to the world glimpses of prospective multi-role Display teams to dominate Aero India 2013 fighter (PMF) also known as fifth-generation fighter aircraft With the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) bid mak- (FGFA). This is under co-development with the Russians,” says ing its way towards a contract award, Aero India this year will HAL Chairman Dr R.K. Tyagi. According to HAL, the other ma- bear a more resigned visage, at least as far as the roar of fighter jor attractions of the HAL’s pavilion include the light combat he- engines is concerned. In its stead will be the heart-stopping and licopter (LCH), the weaponised advanced light helicopter (ALH) relentless roar of aerobatics teams from around the world. De- Rudra—the first of which will be handed over to the Indian buting at Aero India 2013 will be the world famous Rafale dis- Army during the show—and the intermediate jet trainer (IJT), a

ms, wiki pe dia Photogra p hs: Elbit S yst e ms, play team and the Russian Knights, which operates the Su-27 platform that is causing a lot of concern to the IAF.

10 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special SP’s Exclusives

The Dhruv, Rudra and LCH will be on flying display. Scale fleet and the yet to be concluded medium multi-role combat models of the in -development light utility helicopter, BAE Sys- aircraft (MMRCA) bid. tems Hawk, light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Su-30MKI will The company will also be showcasing soldier protection sys- also be on display. In addition, pilotless target aircraft (Lakshya), tems, including the Spectra Shield series of protective plates. Shakti engine, state-of-the-art accessories and avionics from The company lists its key technology pursuits as the F-125 IN various divisions of HAL are also being showcased. According engine for the IAF Jaguar, T-Hawk micro-air vehicle, advanced to a statement, the other highlights of the HAL pavilion include medium combat aircraft, multi-role transport aircraft and light 3D video mapping of HTT-40, Dornier glass cockpit, scale mod- combat helicopter. els of aerospace structures of GSLV MkII, GSLVMk III and PSLV. The Rotary Wing Corner will provide the visitors through simu- EADS on a high for Aero India 2013 lation and visual display, a helicopter view of the technologies, With the Airbus A330 MRTT the capabilities and competencies built in the company. There win in India’s tanker com- will also be a holographic projection depicting capabilities of petition, EADS will be rid- LCA, Hawk, LCH and LUH. ing into Aero India with a long-missed feel good factor Lockheed Martin to focus on C-130J at Aero India coursing through its veins— the win comes after a string of disappointments in In- dia, particularly last year’s loss of the Eurofighter in the MMRCA competition. In a statement, the company says, “Airbus Military is promoting its very successful C-295/C-235 transport aircraft in India for future competitions. Airbus Mili- tary also is the manufacturer of the A400M military transport aircraft, a heavy airlifter which on the long-term could provide ideal capabilities for a country like India.” EADS subsidiary Cassidian also has long-term plans it will detail at Aero India. “In the past few years, Cassidian created With a deal for six additional C-130J Super Hercules nearly several partnerships with organisations such as the Defence concluded, Lockheed Martin is keeping its focus almost solely Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which build on the platform at Aero India 2013. An IAF C-130J will be on a solid basis to expand the cooperation with Indian aerospace display at the show this year. LM’s Jack Crisler, Vice President, and defence companies. India plays a key role in Cassidian’s Air Mobility, Special Operations and Maritime Programs will be globalisation strategy. Our presence there has now been firmly at the show for briefings. It may be remembered that a modified established. As a next step, Cassidian is starting to build on its version of the C-130J called the ‘Sea Hercules’ will participate Indian base to strengthen its reach in other Asian markets,” the in the Indian Navy’s medium-range maritime reconnaissance company says. EADS’ rotorcraft subsidiary Eurocopter enters (MRMR) aircraft competition. “This airlift platform is as versa- India at a tentative time: On the one hand, for the third consecu- tile as it is proven. Lockheed Martin is exploring opportunities tive year, Eurocopter India leads the Indian helicopter market across various Indian services to offer this platform as a solu- with a market share of 43 per cent in terms of registered de- tion,” the company said in a statement. liveries. On the other hand, it continues to anxiously await a The C-130s began operational use with the Sikkim earth- decision in the long delayed reconnaissance and surveillance quake in September last year, and their legs have been stretched helicopter (RSH) competition that could see it, if it wins, supply by pilots with visits to Car Nicobar and other remote parts of the 197 AS550 C3 Fennec choppers to the Indian Army and IAF. country. Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 50 Fighting Falcons are The company will also be showcasing its AS565 N3+ Panther also expected to be at the air show, but will be fielded as part of chopper on offer to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. a demonstration team by the US Air Force. Indian Army for UAV missile simulator Honeywell at Aero India 2013 The Indian Army is in the market for a mission simulator to Honeywell, which was issued a request for proposal (RFP) in train unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crews in operating IAI October last year for the much-anticipated Jaguar re-engining Heron and Searcher Mk.2 surveillance UAVs. The Army has contract, will be at Aero India in a big way this year as well. stipulated that the UAV mission simulator should be capable While focusing on concluding a deal for the F125 IN engine of conducting initial and refresher training of external pilot, infor the Indian Air Force’s Jaguar fleet, the US firm will also be ternal pilot, mission commander and observer with a separate showcasing support packages for indigenous military platforms console available to the instructor. including the ALH Dhruv, light combat helicopter and HJT-36 The Army proposes to use the simulator for simulation of Sitara intermediate jet trainer (IJT). The company is also a par- single, air data relay (ADR) mission scenario, maritime scenar- ticipant in other programmes, providing safety and mechanical io, with or without satellite communication (SATCOM) for single

d martin, airbus military Photogra p hs: L ockh ee d martin, systems in the P-8I programme for the Indian Navy, the C-130J or multiple payloads, simulation of all phases of UAV mission

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 11 Aero India 2013 Special SP’s Exclusives

as well as its payloads and to play pre-recorded missions with Rolls-Royce pitches engine for HAL’s light copter annotations for analysis, training of internal pilot, external pi- While Aero India 2011 was tinged with turmoil for Rolls- lot, mission commander and observer in stand-alone mode and Royce—it had decided shortly after the show to withdraw as coordinated crew of a mission, training on all types of UAV from a competition to re-engine the IAF’s Jaguar strike air- emergencies and to carry out student assessments. craft—it is back at Aero India 2013 with a strong focus on the CTS800 turboshaft engine that Rolls-Royce builds in part- Russian Helicopters banks on 197 copter deal nership with Honeywell. The CTS800 squares off against the On the back of two significant losses in the Indian defence Turbomeca Ardiden 1H1/Shakti engine that currently powers space—the IAF’s heavy-lift and attack helicopter competi- the advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and light combat tions—Russian Helicopters will be focusing all its energies at helicopter prototypes. Aero India 2013 on the Kamov Ka-226T Sergei helicopter, a In a statement, Rolls-Royce said the engine has passed finalist in the Indian Army/IAF reconnaissance and surveillance 1,00,000 in-service flight hours and demonstrated proven tech- (RSH) bid, already delayed indefinitely with commercial bids nology and reliable performance in a variety of demanding op- still to be opened by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). erational environments. Pitted against the Eurocopter AS550 C3 Fennec (which was Kishore Jayaraman, President, Rolls-Royce India, said: displayed at Aero India 2011), the Ka-226T has exuded con- “Aero India is a significant platform for us in the continuing fidence ahead of a final decision that can be expected shortly development of our business. India is an important market after bids are opened any time now. The deal has also weath- for Rolls-Royce with a number of significant local partners. ered some measure of controversy too but appears now to be We look forward to accelerating our business development on track for the next stage—bid opening. The two vendors will and partnership initiatives as we work to further contribute have hoped that the bids would be opened ahead of Aero India, to India’s defence modernisation goals.” John Gay, Senior but that does not appear to be in the pipeline for now. During Vice President—Defence Aerospace, South Asia, Rolls-Royce, Aero India 2013, Russian Helicopters jointly with Rosoboronex- said: “It is a pleasure for us to be a part of Aero India, which port will showcase the Mi-28NE attack helicopter, even though gives us a platform to showcase our technology and products the platform lost out to the AH-64D Apache Block III Longbow and has been an enabler for exchange of innovative ideas. chopper in the IAF’s attack copter competition. Rolls-Royce is proud to have powered the Indian armed forces for 80 years. As our in-service fleets continue to increase, India gifts Do-228 aircraft to Seychelles we are looking to strengthen our local partnerships to deliver greater levels of support to the benefit of the customers here.” The company will also showcase iPad-based services technology and the Adour Mk871 engine that powers the Hawk advanced jet trainer.

Missile men honoured by GOI In an affirmation for the country’s missile programme, three top missile scientists were honoured this year by the government with Padma awards. DRDO Chief Dr Vijay Ku- mar Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to Defence Min- ister and a scientist best known for his association Days ahead of Aero India, in a sign of increasing regional co- with the successful Akash operation and power projection, the Indian Government has SAM programme, has been handed over a HAL-built Dornier Do-228 maritime reconnais- honoured with a Padma sance aircraft to Seychelles in Delhi. According to HAL, licensed Bhushan. “It is DRDO that builder of the aircraft, “The maritime surveillance aircraft will has got the award and be used to guard the extensive coastline of the island nation. “It it is a recognition of DR- is yet another milestone of our close friendship between our two DOs contribution towards countries,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said. The Seychelles nation building” said Foreign Minister Jean-Paul Adam said the aircraft would help Dr Saraswat. his country’s war on piracy and strengthen overall security in Dr Sivathanu Pillai, DS & CCR&D and CEO BrahMos and the Indian Ocean region. Avinash Chander, and Chief Control Research and Development HAL Chairman Dr R.K. Tyagi said, “The aircraft to be provid- (Missiles and Strategic Systems) are the other two eminent sci- ed to Seychelles will be supported by HAL team for maintenance entists of DRDO who have been honoured with Padma Bhushan onsite to enable the new user get the requisite expertise.” The air- and Padma Shri respectively. craft is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art facilities and is an The country’s missile programme has enjoyed an upswing excellent platform of maritime applications. HAL manufactures since 2008, with several programmes coming to fruition and this aircraft under licence agreement with the erstwhile Dornier new technologies proving themselves. SP GmbH of Germany at its Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, and

Photogra p h: P IB has worldwide unfettered sales and marketing rights. —SP’s Special Correspondent

12 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net

Aero India 2013 Special Civil/General Aviation

Developed under private-public partnership model: Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3

It’s a Long Haul

Though nascent, the general aviation market in India is expected to grow at 10 per cent per annum to cross `1,600 crore by 2017 with operators acquiring about 300 business jets, 300 small aircraft and 250 helicopters

By R. Chandrakanth

It is a known fact that the aviation sector plays an important couraging, there are niggling issues that are affecting the indus- role in the overall economic development of a country. In India, try, such as that of the woes of Kingfisher Airlines and Air India, it is only of late that the aviation sector is getting a lot more both failing badly because of management issues. Aviation tur- importance as the nation looks at multi-modal transportation bine fuel will continue to dog airlines for a long time to come, as a key enabler of economic activity. As India gets connected particularly in India. rapidly, it opens up opportunities like never before. The aviation sector is going through growth pangs. Air traffic has been Uncertainty prevails growing at a robust 12-18 per cent per year in the last decade The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) has said Indian avi- and with the government initiating several reforms, including ation is facing its most uncertain phase in more than a decade. allowing foreign direct investment (FDI), the sector is expected After reporting an estimated record loss of just over $2 billion to catapult itself to the next level. Going by such anticipated (`10,000 crore) for year ending March 31, 2012, it said Indian growth trends, aircraft manufacturing companies; airport op- carriers were up for another challenging year ahead. Weak bal- erators, airliners and other stakeholders have started looking ance sheets, increasing costs, regulatory uncertainty, a slug- anew at the opening up of opportunities. gish Indian economy and a difficult global environment will For instance, Boeing has revised its estimates upwards to continue to pile the pressure on airlines, especially the poorer 1,450 airplanes India may require by 2031. In the next 10 years, performing carriers. However, this may in turn create market domestic air traffic is expected to touch opportunities to exploit for those that are I160-180 million passengers per annum, better positioned. while international traffic will exceed 80 In the financial year 2011-12, the million passengers from the current level growth was 15.1 per cent lower than of 60 million domestic and 40 million in- In the financial year what CAPA had forecast at 17 per cent, ternational passengers respectively. The 2011-12, the growth was due to the slow down in the sector. International Air Transport Association However, the gain is for other airlines has forecast that India’s domestic air trav- 15.1 per cent lower than and with Indian carriers expecting to el market between 2012 and 2016 would what CAPA had forecast add some aircraft during 2012-13, the be among the top five globally, experienc- passenger demand can be met. CAPA ing the second highest growth rate. at 17 per cent, due to the estimates that this would result in ca-

Photogra p h: SP G uide Pubn s While these figures may appear en- slow down in the sector pacity growth of 7-8 per cent in a best

14 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Civil/General Aviation

and taxation) are high in India; and legacy processes at Indian airports dampen international traffic movement.

Airport development In a vast country like India there are 455 airports, according to government sources, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) controls 125, of which 84 are in operation. In addition to these there are six joint venture airports under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and these are Mumbai, Delhi, Hyder- abad, Bengaluru, Nagpur and Kochi airports. In 2012, scheduled domestic airlines operated more than 11,500 departures per week connecting 77 airports and the aircraft movements are expected to double by the next decade. The AAI is upgrading and modernising airport infrastructure at Chennai, Kolkata and 35 non-metro airports in the country. The government is investing in infrastructure development and currently, it has upgraded five airports Maintenance facility as International (Tiruchirapalli, Co- in india: Air works imbatore, Mangalore, Varanasi and MRo facility at Mumbai Lucknow), taking the number of international airports to 22. AAI will lead Greenfield airport case scenario. This estimate may be revised downwards now development and the need for the construction of new airport that Air India has stopped operation of Dreamliner in the light infrastructure remains unabated if India is to achieve its long- of safety issues. term potential. However, questions are emerging about the most appropriate source of funding for the large-scale capital Pitching for Hub and spoke model expenditure required. CAPA has estimated that India requires For the sustenance of this growth trajectory (particularly expo- $40 billion (`2,00,000 crore) investment in 50 Greenfield air- nential domestic traffic), one of the identified contributing fac- ports by 2025. tors is the development of Indian airports as regional aviation hubs. A Ministry of Civil Aviation report has noted that Indian General Aviation airports have the potential of extracting significant hub traffic Though nascent, the general aviation market in India is ex- from its regional competitors, given its natural growth of traffic pected to grow at 10 per cent per annum to cross `1,600 crore and geographical positioning of India. by 2017 with operators acquiring about 300 business jets, 300 Currently, in the absence of a good Indian hub, major portion small aircraft and 250 helicopters. of the international hub traffic is routed through other regional As per the report by the Working Group of the Twelfth Five hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Bangkok, Singapore and Frankfurt by Year Plan, a total investment of over `20,000 crore in general avia- their respective hub carriers, which have direct access to several tion is expected during the plan period. The helicopter market in Indian airports. For instance, in the year ending March 2011, India is equally promising, with growing requirements in tourism, transfer traffic under this category was 15 million passengers mining, corporate travel, air ambulance, homeland security, etc. per annum (mppa), but Indian carriers accounted for only 14 India has been a laggard in the global general aviation mar- per cent of this traffic. Hence, there is a significant opportunity ket with approximately 680 aircraft and only around 150 ac- for the Indian carriers and airports to gain traffic in this segment tive airports. Also, as in October 2011, aircraft movement for by offering a more competitive product. general aviation comprised only about 15 per cent of the total In the domestic to domestic segment too, the figures are dis- aircraft movement in the country. But all that is likely to change. mal. For the year ending March 2011, approximately 2.7 mppa of such passengers were transferred and the prime reason for Untapped MRO such low traffic is the relatively short travel time (2-3 hours) As for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), India is way which makes a stopover disadvanta- behind and many of the operators rely geous. However, as and when the airlines heavily on overseas MRO. However, there connect to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, this are some developments on the horizon opportunity could scale up. which will transform the MRO sector and The main reason for the poor market AAI will lead Greenfield these include joint venture projects. In- share of Indian carriers in both interna- airport development dia’s MRO segment is estimated to grow tional and domestic traffic segments is at 10 per cent and reach $2.6 billion that India is just waking up to the con- and the need for the (`13,000 crore) by 2020. Establishing cept of hub development whereas foreign construction of new MRO facilities in India will enable opera- ork s airports and airlines have had a good tors to achieve faster turnaround, sav- lead; financial strength and fleet size of airport infrastructure ings in operating costs and a decline of Indian carriers is poor as compared to remains unabated if India foreign exchange outflows. that of competing airlines such as Emir- is to achieve its long- Overall, Indian aviation is set for ates, Singapore and Lufthansa; opera- transformational growth. It is a long-haul

Photogra p h: A ir W tional costs (due to aircraft turbine fuel term potential and stakeholders have to stake it out. SP

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 15 Aero India 2013 Special Civil/Business Aviation Boom in Biz Jets

By R. Chandrakanth

Industry experts have touted that leasing of private jets is the best business model. However, most of the private jets in India are bought by high-flying individuals and companies, which are in the petroleum, mining and other sectors that have plants away from the major metros. Phot ogra p h: Embra e r

16 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Civil/Business Aviation

What drives the growth of business jets in India or for that matter anywhere else? Two things for sure, a growing club of the super rich and corporate culture where time is money and jet-setting quite the norm. A rising number of Asians, particularly Indians, are moving into billionaire clubs and their new toys are private jets, yachts and mansions overseas. A recent re- Superb Craft: port has pointed out that Asians may account for nearly 20 per embraer’s legacy 650 cent of the high-end business jets fleet by 2017, all driven by growing affluence in India, China and South East Asia. That is a quantum jump from the less than 10 per cent Asians who own jets, of the nearly 18,000 business jets worldwide. Considering the economies in Asia which are doing well compared to European and American economies, there is a direct corelation between heightened economic activity and growth of business aviation. India is top of the line in this emerging scenario. The Asian Development Bank has reported that Asia may exceed the total wealth in the US and Europe by 2030.

Business Tool and Lifestyle Combo It is not just the Ambanis, the Jindals or the Tatas who have in- vested heavily in private jets; there is a growing breed of young WTurks for whom business jet travel is both a business tool and lifestyle. And there are companies, in the mining, petrochemicals and other sectors that have their plants located in out backs, but have connected them to their corporate offices through their private jet. Though the number of 183 private aircraft registered as non-scheduled operators with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as of December 2012 is not impressive, there is going to be a big boom for business jets, irrespective of the costs. Business jets cost from about $17 million (`85 crore) for Bombardier’s Learjet to about $50 million (`250 crore) for Das- sault Aviation SA’s Falcon 7X. Indians are buying. Reports are that the general aviation segment is expected to grow at 10 per cent and by 2017 India will be among the three largest markets. The figures pegged for 2017 are nearly 300 new business jets and as many small aircraft, besides helicopters. The Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) has projected that by 2020, the number of general aviation aircraft will touch 2,000, up from nearly 700 (including private jets, turboprops, helicopters and piston engines). According to a forecast by Bombardier, business jet numbers are expected to touch 440 by 2019. Nilesh Pattanayak, Managing Director, South Asia, Bombardier Business Aircraft, has been quoted saying that there would be industry-wide deliveries of 325 aircraft till 2021. And the Brazilian jet manufacturers hopes to take its numbers to 20 in the next two years, aiming to garner $1 billion (`5,000 crore) in sales here by 2018. Gulfstream is looking at capturing bulk of the business (40 per cent) in the long-range business jet market.

Hurdles on the Runway This growth is despite the many constraints that the general aviation sector is facing in India. The foremost hurdle is lack of proper infrastructure. Unlike the commercial airline industry for which infrastructure development is falling in place, the general aviation sector is the neglected sibling. Facilities at airports for business aviation are non-existent or sparse and at many airports they have to jostle for airspace and landing permits. Fixed based operations are happening here and there, but a pan-India plan does not really exist and business jet travellers have to make do with the same terminal facilities as airlines, thus robbing off some of the benefits of business jet travel as many a time the airports are crowded.

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 17 Aero India 2013 Special Civil/Business Aviation

Ultra high-speed Biz Jet: Gulfstream G650

Connecting the Hinterland cluding 15,000 engineers. Commercial airlines themselves are Though there are over 400 airports in India, not all are oper- finding it difficult to run airlines on expats and one can imagine ational. It is said that of those about 150 airports can handle the fate of business jet operators who just cannot afford to hire business aviation traffic, but no serious effort has been made talent from overseas. to develop those. There are a few private enterprises such as Reliance that are developing small airports, but utilisation The Right Business Model has been limited. These operators need the necessary sup- In view of the above, the private jet operator has to weigh his port from the government and it is anticipated that it will or her options carefully before venturing out into this line. The happen as the government is now open to such thinking. options are limited for the private jet user—either he or she Connecting Tier-III cities with big commercial airliners does can purchase outright a jet after going through the rigmarole not make economic sense; the potential for business aviation or lease/hire a jet or pick up stakes in fractional ownership to plug the gap is high. scheme which somehow has not taken off in India. If one has deep pockets, then buying a jet outright is the Impediments right option, otherwise one has to see the quantum of flying Another aspect that is impacting the growth of business avia- hours per year. It is said that buying a jet would make sense tion is taxation. The government’s move to levy import duty of only if one flies over 400 hours a year. And then there are other 25 per cent only for business jets purchased for private use has recurring costs—aviation turbine fuel (ATF), the price of which not been taken kindly by the industry. Besides taxation, the is increasing continuously, pilot salaries, maintenance and oth- laborious process of licensing of private aircraft by different er operational exercises. Industry experts have touted that leas- agencies such as the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate Gen- ing of private jets is the best business model. However, most of eral of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Airports the private jets in India are bought by high-flying individuals Authority of India, Ministry of Home Affairs among others have and companies, which are in the petroleum, mining and other delayed deployment of aircraft. sectors that have plants away from the major metros. The aviation sector, both commercial and general, run into As mentioned, things are changing for the positive and one common problem—finding the right manpower. As most driving the demand for corporate jets as companies are go- of them have their preference of working for big commercial ing global; perceived productivity of executives travelling by airlines, general aviation is affected. The aviation industry lacks private jets; security issues with celebrities and other VIPs manpower resources with technical expertise and it is estimat- want to travel in exclusivity and the benefits of almost un- SP Photogra p h: G ulfstr e am ed that the industry is short of nearly 50,000 employees, in- limited connectivity.

18 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Civil/Business Aviation

Rohit Kapur President of BAOA

Battling the Burden There appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel as the Appellate Tribunal of AERA has responded positively to the appeal by BAOA made earlier against the penalty imposed on business and general aviation aircraft for overstay in their allotted parking slot

By Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey

The civil aviation industry and particularly the owners tor has collected a whopping `4 crore by way of fines on this ac- of business aircraft and air charter operators were left dismayed count. BAOA has been battling this action by MIAL challenging and somewhat bewildered when in mid-January this year, the it in the Appellate Tribunal of the Airport Economic Regulatory Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) approved a Authority without success. However, finally, there appears to be 154 per cent increase in aeronautical charges at Mumbai Inter- some light at the end of the tunnel as the Appellate Tribunal of national Airport Ltd (MIAL) as also for the first time introduced AERA has responded positively to the appeal by BAOA made a steep user development fee (UDF) on passengers flying out earlier against the penalty imposed on business and general of the city. The aeronautical charges include those for parking, aviation aircraft for overstay in their allotted parking slot. The landing, fuel throughput and common check-in terminals. The Tribunal has issued a notice in the case and has directed MIAL move will make the GVK Infrastructure-led MIAL as expensive to submit an undertaking within a week that it will deposit the as Delhi International Airport. amount it has collected or will collect in the future through pen- The Business Aircraft Operators’ Association (BAOA), an or- alty imposed on overstaying aircraft into an interest bearing ganisation of private and charter aircraft owners of India, has account to be maintained separately. In case BAOA finally suc- Tmoved the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority Appellate ceeds in its appeal, the members of the association would be Tribunal challenging the increase of parking charges at MIAL entitled to reimbursement along with interest at nine per cent which was approved by the AERA. The association claims that from the interest-bearing account opened by MIAL. the increase in parking charges was approved by AERA on Jan- In another favourable development, business jet owners uary 15 after having rejected it earlier. BAOA’s case is that the and charter flights operators won a major reprieve as the Min- increase in parking charges up to 50 times was earlier disal- istry of Civil Aviation has decided to roll back a hike in royalty lowed by AERA retrospectively with effect from July 1, 2012. charged from the companies providing maintenance, repair Not only does the BAOA consider the hefty increase unreason- and overhaul (MRO) services to these operators or owners. able and untenable, its contention is that the orders have been BAOA President Rohit Kapur said the move will give an al- issued “without conducting any study and citing any reasons”. ready over-taxed MRO industry some reprieve as the imposition As per Rohit Kapur, President of the BAOA, “This has become a of the increased royalty pushed maintenance costs for opera- matter of survival for the industry. If such unreasonable charges tors of general aviation aircraft by at least by 10-15 per cent. are allowed, half the existing members and non-scheduled op- The cost of maintenance, repair and overhaul is factored in un- erators would have to pack their bags and look for alternative der normal circumstances is in the region of 30-35 per cent of business opportunities elsewhere.” This will be a severe blow an aircraft’s cost. With the winds blowing favourably, BAOA is for an industry already engaged in a struggle for survival. optimistic about the response from the regulator in the latest Also, MIAL has for some time now been penalising owners appeal made in the Appellate Tribunal of AERA. of private and charter aircraft who fail to vacate their parking Persistent efforts by BAOA are finally beginning to turn the slot in time heavily. In the last two years or so, the airport opera- tide in its favour! SP

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 19 Aero India 2013 Special Civil/Regional Aviation

game changer: embraer 190 can bring in the required change in indian regional aviation once the necessary infrastructure comes up Trouble-Free Flying The point-to-point system may be ideal for travellers from bigger cities; but in smaller cities, the only hope for links to a variety of destinations is the hub-and- spoke model. In a country as large and diverse as India, traffic patterns differ markedly from region to region. For hassle-free journeys, both hub-and-spoke and point-to-point networks need to be available.

By Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha

Air travel began “as the crow flies”, point-to-point, with both passengers and freight in many parts of the world. And the flights proceeding from one airport straight to another. Any in- credit for popularising it goes not to a passenger airline but to tervening halt was only for refuelling, urgent maintenance or the iconic American air freight company FedEx. to pick up more passengers. After World War II, however, commercial aviation flourished in the United States and the num- Efficiency or Convenience? ber of airports started to increase exponentially. It soon became A genuine hub-and-spoke system, yet to materialise in India, is practically impossible to link each airport directly to all other the most efficient template from the airlines’ point of view be- airports even within a relatively small region of that huge coun- cause it enables the least number of aircraft to connect to the try. Besides many flights connecting small and isolated commu- greatest number of airports. For instance, in a system with 10 nities routinely operated half empty, which resulted in airlines destinations, the spoke-to-hub scheme requires just nine routes losing money. to connect all points, while a true point-to-point network would In 1955, Delta Airlines pioneered the hub-and-spoke mod- require 45 routes (each airport connecting the other nine). The el, named after the bicycle wheel it graphically resembles. It small number of routes promotes more efficient use of scarce re- madeA air transportation more efficient by greatly simplifying sources, especially aircraft and crew. The aircraft are more likely a complex network of routes. In this system, passengers were to be filled to capacity and can fly the same route more than conveyed in small aircraft from several outlying airports (spoke once a day. But this may not yet hold good in India since smaller points) to the nearest major airport (hub) from where they were airports must be content with just one or two flights per day. flown in larger planes to the hub nearest to their desired des- At the hub, centralised operations also lead to economies

Photogra p h: embraer tination. The hub-and-spoke model is now extensively used for of scale. However, there’s something in human nature that de-

20 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Civil/Regional Aviation tests detours. Isn’t a journey performed walking, cycling or by that was emerging in the country. The policy stipulated that a car, kept as straight as possible, from beginning to end? Point- scheduled regional airline must operate mainly within a des- to-point, one might say. It is not that hub-and-spoke travel is a ignated region. The country was divided into four regions plus new concept. From the time when ships, trains and buses be- the Northeast for the purpose. The guidelines mentioned only came common, passengers had to make their way to a nearby one metro airport in each region (the hub) that a regional airport, railway station or bus terminus (call it a hub), then per- line could connect to spoke airports. The lone exception was form a much longer journey to reach another “hub”. But if a the southern region where Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad direct flight is available, no traveller willingly chooses to add were co-designated. The unspoken assumption was that the legs to the journey, because it means more delay, more incon- hub-and-spoke model would be a key feature of regional avia- venience and more chances of lost baggage or missed connection in the country. However, it has not turned out that way, per- tions. So airlines make the hub-and-spoke system palatable to haps because multiple rail and road options are often available passengers by reducing the ticket price. In this way, they pass between the hub and the spoke cities closest to it and travellers on some of the financial benefit of their increased operational apparently are ready to stomach the extra time involved since efficiency. Besides they sweeten the deal by offering frequent, the monetary savings may be substantial. good, seamless connections that are on time, with friendly In advanced markets, the hub-and-spoke model works best and helpful staff hovering nearby. In India, however, hub-and- when convenient surface links are scarce. Regional airlines spoke routeing is still expensive, which partly accounts for its flourish mainly when regional and major carriers function in lack of popularity. harmony on different routes—complementing each other— rather than in competition on the same routes. In India, a couple Complexity or Simplicity? of attempts to launch regional services soon collapsed, in part From the scheduling point of view, hub-and-spoke operations can because small regional carriers were thrown into direct compe- create something of a logistical nightmare at hub airports with tition with the established major airlines, on the same routes. dozens of incoming and outgoing flights needing to be closely Naturally the newbie were soon elbowed out of the market. scheduled to minimise delays between connections. This results The best option would be for both regional and major car- in excessive traffic during peak hours and can overwhelm scarce riers to peacefully coexist by means of code shares or partner airside facilities like taxi tracks or runways. A minor delay at one flights. There may even be space for small “commuter airlines” hub (caused, for instance, by bad weather or traffic congestion like Air Mantra. In fact, despite many promises and attempts to so common at India’s metros) can have a cascading effect on the launch new regional airlines, Mantra is the only regional car- rest of the hub-and-spoke connections. Interruption even at a rier currently flying. It began in July last year with two 17-seat single spoke (perhaps due to an aircraft technical fault) can also Beechcraft 1900D turboprop aircraft between Amritsar and affect smooth running of its hub. Hubs are expensive to operate Chandigarh and has since expanded to Jammu and Kargil. In a and they cannot tolerate holdups or inefficiency. similar way, such “commuter flights” may also operate between A point-to-point system offers quick, easy and simple con- spokes and less desirable locations that do not need to be di- nections between major cities. It minimises connections and rectly connected to a hub. travel time. There’s no interdependency of flights—a delayed Nowadays the country’s regional space is filled by turboprop flight or a closed airport will not significantly affect other flight planes belonging to the major carriers themselves. SpiceJet has schedules, and delays are unlikely to cascade through the sys- a fleet of 15 Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft that have been tem. Nowadays, low-cost carriers (LCC) are proliferating. They acquired to connect Tier-II and Tier-III cities, apart from some prefer to shun major hubs and operate in isolation from one short-haul destinations. The carrier also has options for another low-cost airport to another. 15 of these powerful and versatile turboprops. It is closely fol- Most airlines find it very difficult to make money from short- lowed by Jet Airways which has 16 ATR 72-500 turboprop air- haul operations. The ticket prices are invariably high and many craft. Jet is also acquiring five ATR 72-600 aircraft that should passengers baulk at paying, preferring to travel by high-speed be in by March. They will help Jet touch a number of smaller rail or road, especially if the journey does not take too much time. airports that it cannot service with jets. Such “captive” regional However, short-haul flights are obviously an essential part of the options serve as feeder flights for the main routes. However, hub-and-spoke model. The only airlines many more regional airports (especially that have to some extent managed to make low-cost ones) are needed so that there profit from short-haul flights, are efficient may be sufficient routes to share among LCCs. That is why low-cost players have major and regional carriers. come to dominate many short-haul mar- A genuine hub-and- The point-to-point system may be kets across the globe, turning these servic- spoke system, yet to ideal for travellers from bigger cities; es into a true mass transportation facility. but in smaller cities, the only hope for materialise in India, links to a variety of destinations is the Hubs without Spokes is the most efficient hub-and-spoke model. In a country as In India, the hub-and-spoke model has large and diverse as India, traffic pat- not made much headway. Aviation is template from the terns differ markedly from region to heavily biased towards the major cities airlines’ point of view region. For hassle-free journeys, both with the six metros alone accounting for because it enables hub-and-spoke and point-to-point net- no less than 70 per cent of domestic traf- works need to be available. Once traffic. The Directorate General of Civil Avia- the least number of fic increases, however, regional airlines tion (DGCA) issued certain guidelines aircraft to connect to would most likely bow to the wishes on regional air transport operations in of their passengers and convey them August 2007, partly in response to the the greatest number of directly to their destinations through undesirable metro-centric traffic pattern airports point-to-point flights. SP

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 21 Aero India 2013 Special Curtain Raiser

Colourful & Thrilling: Flying Displays by the Red Bulls team during Aero India 2011

Aero India Preview

Aero India 2011 had an impressive line-up of fighters and the aerobatic team of Czech Republic Red Bulls performed in Bengaluru for the first time and stole the limelight. Aero India 2013 is going to be exciting as well; there is a plate full of curry and catalogues waiting.

By Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra

Saab has made a lasting commitment to India. We co-operate with local partners, sharing our experience to boost Indian aerospace programmes. New Year 2013 saw India preparing for two mega events— The world’s first air show was the International Air Meet the Kumbh Mela that will see more than 11 million people bath- held at Rheims, France, held in 1909. India’s first air show, Avia We believe Gripen NG is unique – no other platform compares on performance, ing in the Ganges at Allahabad from January to March which is India, was held in December 1993 in Bengaluru which was a capability or cost. But our offer reaches far beyond that, and our competence the biggest exercise of its kind anywhere on planet earth, and privately organised air show with some help by the government stretches from advanced subsystems up to entire manned and unmanned platforms. the international aerospace exhibition and the Aero India air and was a precursor to Aero India. The world’s biggest air show show being organised by the Ministry of Defence from Febru- was the 47th Paris Air Show. However, the world’s largest mili- India will become the engine for the aerospace industry over the next 50 years ary 6-10, 2013 in Bengaluru. February 2013 is aviation time in tary air show is the Royal International Air Tattoo (RAF Fair- – and we are proud to offer our support. India. One of the biggest aerospace events of Asia held every al- ford, United Kingdom) held annually in July. ternate year at Bengaluru, which is the science and technology The globally recognised Aero India has already carved a Meet us at Aero India to discover more. hub of India. It is the software development capital of the world, niche for itself as a major aerospace exhibition. This one is the which keeps awake when the world sleeps. Most importantly, ninth in the series of the show that took off first time in 1996. it is the aviation city of India with corporate headquarters of Aero India 2011 had participants from 30 countries with about AERO INDIA STAND HALL A, A2.7 state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), significant pres- 700 companies, more than half of which were from overseas. OUTDOOR DISPLAY OD17 ence of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organ- About 50 delegations, including heads of Air Forces and compa- isation (DRDO), focal point of India’s aviation industry and the nies, dug their heels at the event. Exhibition area of 75,000 sq www.saabgroup.com/aeroindia2013 Flight Test Centre of Indian Air Force (IAF) which also has the metres including outdoor display area was one and half times one among the few Flight Test Schools of the world. No wonder than that at the previous event in 2009. Like the earlier years,

Photogra p h: A noo Kamath the choice of the city for the Aero India air show. the ninth edition of Aero India will be held at Air Force Station, n22 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net ANTICIPATE TOMORROW Saab has made a lasting commitment to India. We co-operate with local partners, sharing our experience to boost Indian aerospace programmes.

We believe Gripen NG is unique – no other platform compares on performance, capability or cost. But our offer reaches far beyond that, and our competence stretches from advanced subsystems up to entire manned and unmanned platforms.

India will become the engine for the aerospace industry over the next 50 years – and we are proud to offer our support.

Meet us at Aero India to discover more.

AERO INDIA STAND HALL A, A2.7 OUTDOOR DISPLAY OD17 www.saabgroup.com/aeroindia2013

ANTICIPATE TOMORROW Aero India 2013 Special Curtain Raiser

Yelahanka, Bengaluru. It is expected to provide a platform for helicopter and intermediate jet trainer (IJT), and the Swedish networking and hopefully bolstering business opportunities in Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The ALH aerobatic team performance by the international aerospace sector. With over 50 countries ex- India’s Sarang (peacock) display team put up an impressive pected this year, it is expected to grow substantially. A rapidly show at the inaugural function. The US maritime surveillance growing Indian economy, opening up of defence production to aircraft P-3C Orion and C-130J Super Hercules transport air- private sector and opportunities for defence offset business, have craft were star attractions on display. The 2007 show had im- given a major fillip to the defence industry in India. India is thus pressive flying performances by F-16 and F/A-18 E/F Super poised to become a hub for defence business in the Asian region. Hornet. The show was marred a little bit by two accidents. Dur- The world traditionally plays host to around 145 aerospace ing the rehearsals for the show, one of the Sarang helicopters shows/exhibitions of which 27 are held in the US, 53 in Europe crashed on February 2, 2007. However, the team performed the and 38 in Asia. China has 12 and India hosts 10 major events displays in the show. Also during the show, an HAL-built HJT-36 which include India Aviation at Hyderabad, Defexpo at New skidded off the runway when a tyre burst after the pilot aborted Delhi and the Aero India. take-off as the aircraft’s canopy inadvertently opened up. Organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, the Min- The seventh show held in February 2009, had 592 exhibi- istry of Defence and held in association with the DRDO, IAF, tors from over 25 countries making it the largest air show in the Department of Space and the Ministry for Civil Aviation, Asia, and 30 military and civil aircraft participated in flight each edition of Aero India brings in a level of expectation and demonstrations. excitement. Year 2003 was the year awaiting selection of the Aero India 2011 had an impressive line-up of fighters in- advanced jet trainer (AJT), saw participation of 22 countries cluding F-16, F-18, MiG-35D and Eurofighter. Other aircraft and 176 exhibitors. The inaugural fly past was led by a compos- were C-17, Embraer 135 business jet Legacy 600, C-130J, ite formation comprising an advanced light helicopter (ALH) in Cessna Citation XLS, G 550, An-12 Cargo, IJT, Dhruv, Hawk the lead, flanked by HJT16 Kiran, Mirage 2000 and Su-30MKI and A-310 MRTT. 2011 was to be the final run up to medium which was a show stealer. The French delegation was led by multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) selection process. Boeing’s the Prime Minister of France, Jean-Pierre Raffarin. There were F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Saab Gripen and the Dassault Rafale 32 official military delegations and over 2,50,000 visitors at the put up impressive flight displays. The aerobatic team of Czech 2005 show. Spectacular flying performances and static display Republic Red Bulls performed in Bengaluru for the first time of the Russian MiG-29K, Su-30MKI and Il-78 tanker; the Ameri- and stole the limelight. China too had its presence. can F-15E, C-130J Super Hercules and P-3C Orion aircraft; the An important event on the sidelines of the Air show on Febru- French duo Mirage 2000 and Falcon 2000; the British Hawk ary 7-8, 2011, was the DRDO organised “International Seminar 100, Jaguar and Sea Harriers, the Indian Dhruv advanced light on the Indian Aerospace Industry”, the theme being “Rising with

On Display: Boeing C-17 Globemaster III during Aero India 2011 Photogra p h: A noo Kamath

24 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Curtain Raiser

India’s MMRCA: Dassault Rafale

Collaborative Opportunities”. The sessions include: “Aerospace `3,000 crore), progress of 114 HAL light combat helicopters, Industry: Opportunities for Indian Industry across the Segment of speculation on timing of signing of 126 Dassault Rafale MMRCA Large, Medium and Small Enterprises”, “Integrating Indian Off- deal ($20 billion plus), progress on fifth-generation fighter air- set Partner in Global Supply Chain”, “Emerging Global Trends in craft (FGFA) and work share, progress on LCA MkII and IJT Aerospace Industry”, technical session on “Aerospace Electron- programmes, contenders for offsets, medium transport aircraft, ics: Avionics, Radars, Surveillance, Control Systems, Unmanned BrahMos on Su-30MKI, progress on Aeronautical Development Technologies”, technical session on “Aerospace Structures: De- Agency’s (ADA) advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), for- sign and Analysis, Materials, Engines, Stealth”, Finally, a techni- merly known as the medium combat aircraft (MCA), Dreamliner cal session on “Aerospace Ground Infrastructure and Support: safety issues, AW101s induction, IAF’s selection of Airbus Mili- Training, Air Defence, Simulators, Airports, MRO, Safety”. tary A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport ($1,5 billion) for its Aero India 2013 is being organised by the Department of next generation of mid-air refuelling tankers, 22 Boeing Apache Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), in association AH-64D selection, purchase of 15 Boeing’s Chinook heavy-lift with the DRDO, Department of Civil Aviation, Department of helicopters, purchase of 10 Globemaster III C-17, six additional Space, IAF and HAL and managed by the Federation of Indian C-130J Super Hercules, Indian Navy’s eight Boeing P-81 mari- Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Flight safety for time patrol aircraft, Chinese developing J21 (equivalent of F-35) the flying display and security for the among many others. Another issue could event venue are the key result areas. The be speculation on shift of Aero India to a minimum height for straight and level location away from Bengaluru. fly pasts would be 300 ft above ground The crowd will miss this year the level (AGL), and for all other manoeuvres India’s first air show, popular performances of IAF’s Surya including fly past is 500 ft AGL. Only sub- Avia India, was held Kiran aerobatic team, which will not be sonic manoeuvres are permitted; strictly performing for the first time since 1996. going by the saying, “He who demands in December 1993 in February 2013 is going to be exciting viation everything that his aircraft can give him Bangalore which was a time. Glamour is literally in the air. The is a pilot; he that demands one iota more hospitality industry and the airlines are is a fool”. privately organised air fully booked. There is a plate full of curry Some of the most talked about sub- show with some help from and catalogues waiting. SP jects at the show this year would include, the government and was a impact of defence budget cuts, who gets The author was the Flight Display

h: Dassault A Photogra p h: Dassault the 197 light utility helicopters (more than precursor to Aero India Director during Aero India 2003

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 25 Aero India 2013 Special Military/Modernisation

acquisitions & upgrades: the IAF is embarked on a comprehensive modernisation drive

Looking Ahead IAF’s long-term perspective plan, based on the perceived security challenges up to the end of the Fourteenth Five Year Plan indicates that it will progressively build its strength and capability to face a two-front war. Hopefully, adequate budgetary support would be available in the years to come through to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Plans for the programme to stay on track. The IAF may have its wish list, but the budget must provide for at least the next decade, if not more, for plans to transform into reality. Enhance your warfighters' readiness with By Air Marshal (Retd) Dhiraj Kukreja air-land live helicopter embedded training IAI-MLM brings attack and utility helicopter pilots the latest in The Indian Air Force (IAF) has come a long way from its Combat Aircraft humble beginnings to becoming a strategic force today with As part of the modernisation programme for the combat fleet live training enriched with virtual armaments and constructive EW threats tremendous potential to deter adversaries. Currently, the IAF which is the sharp end of the IAF, the Mirage 2000, Jaguar is embarked on a comprehensive modernisation drive to sig- and the Mig-29 fleets are being upgraded to meet the needs of • On-board system - replicates actual anti-tank missile in form and fit (e.g. Hellfire) nificantly enhance all facets of capability through a string of the future. The IAF is also keen for a replacement for the five- • Network interoperability with EHUD\RAIDS\FPR ACMI systems, laser-based new acquisition and upgrades. Its long-term perspective plan squadron fleet which has been overtaken by obsolescence. The Tactical Engagement Systems (TES) and Combat Training Centers (CTC) (LTPP), based on the perceived security challenges up to the choice for the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) end of the Fourteenth Five Year Plan indicates that it will pro- has been narrowed down to the Dassault Rafale and is in the • Real time casualty assessment for both ground and air elements gressively build its strength and capability to face a two-front final stages of contract negotiations. The contract was to be • Debrief - joint after action review including helicopters, ACMI fighters and CTC players war. It aims to possess a credible airlift capability with extend- signed in the current fiscal but with the cut in the budget an- ed reach and ability to deploy Special Forces. It will continue nounced recently, finalisation of the contract may be pushed to maintain a combat fleet strength of 34 squadrons through to the next financial year. The first batch of aircraft would the Twelfth Five Year Plan, reaching 42 squadrons by the Four- then be inducted in service with a slight delay from the initial teenth Five Year Plan and hopefully touch 45 squadrons by the schedule of late 2014, to remain flying for the next 40 years.

P hotogr a ph: IAF SEE US AT centenary year of 2032. Including in the list of multi-role platforms, the IAF has also www.iai.co.il/mlm AERO INDIA 2013 [email protected] T26 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Israel Pavilion, Hall A Enhance your warfighters' readiness with air-land live helicopter embedded training IAI-MLM brings attack and utility helicopter pilots the latest in live training enriched with virtual armaments and constructive EW threats

• On-board system - replicates actual anti-tank missile in form and fit (e.g. Hellfire) • Network interoperability with EHUD\RAIDS\FPR ACMI systems, laser-based Tactical Engagement Systems (TES) and Combat Training Centers (CTC) • Real time casualty assessment for both ground and air elements • Debrief - joint after action review including helicopters, ACMI fighters and CTC players

SEE US AT www.iai.co.il/mlm AERO INDIA 2013 [email protected] Israel Pavilion, Hall A Aero India 2013 Special Military/Modernisation decided to increase the size of the Su-30MKI fleet and build up likely to continue in service as a communication and training to a strength of 15 squadrons. aircraft, as the IAF has ordered an additional 14 of these. With a view to induct fifth generation technology with stealth The strength of the helicopter fleet is also slated for an in- and swing role capability, India has entered into an agreement crease. In the indigenous segment, induction in large numbers with Russia for the joint development of a fifth-generation fighter is under way of the advanced light helicopter Dhruv, its wea- aircraft (FGFA), a twin-seat derivative of the PAK-FA T-50. The ponised version, the Rudra, the newly designed light combat FGFA programme is progressing well and the first prototype is helicopter and the light utility helicopter. The IAF is also in- likely to be delivered in India next year followed by two more pro- ducting the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, the CH47F Chi- totypes subsequently in 2017 or a little later. By the end of the Fif- nook heavy-lift machine and the Augusta AW101 for VIP use. teenth Five Year Plan, it is expected that the IAF inventory would In addition, 80 MI-17V5 medium-lift helicopters are also under largely comprise fourth- and fifth-generation combat aircraft. procurement and the global tender for 197 light-utility helicop- Phasing out of the MiG-21, which commenced some years ters is expected to be finalised soon. With the numbers being ago, will continue and is likely to be completed by end 2013 ordered and an option for “more of the same”, the fleet will barring a few MiG-21 Bison which will continue in service for have a varied inventory of Russian, American, European and a few more years. The indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) indigenous helicopters to see it through to the centenary year. Tejas is yet to achieve final operational clearance (FOC), leading to a delay in its induction. This aircraft to be fitted with the GE- Other Acquisitions 414 engine to exploit its full potential is expected to serve the The IAF has paid attention to other areas as well, where new IAF till its centenary year. acquisitions or upgrades would take it to the end of the Fif- teenth Five Year Plan (2032). The modernisation programme Transport Aircraft and Helicopters includes trainer fleets, force multipliers, an updated air defence Apart from the combat element of the IAF, there is a special system and modernisation of airfield infrastructure. The IAF focus on the strategic reach capability too. With the bulk of the has already ordered the PC-7 Pilatus as the replacement for the transport fleet being almost three decades old, there was an HPT32 basic trainer. On induction, hopefully by mid-2013, the urgent need for new acquisitions. The first step towards mod- option for more aircraft will be exercised to have the same air- ernisation was taken by the induction of the state-of-the-art craft for the Stage-II training as well, since the HJT16 Kiran is C-130J Super Hercules four-engine turboprop aircraft. Six of ready to be phased out after serving in the IAF for more than these were procured initially and a follow up order for another four decades. Besides, the time frame for the availability of the six have been placed. This fleet is meant to provide the reach HAL-designed intermediate jet trainer is uncertain. After the ini- and delivery capabilities of the Special Forces. These aircraft tial teething problems, the BAE Hawk132 advanced jet trainer also fill the gap in the medium-heavy category, resulting from (AJT) fleet has stabilised and will definitely see the IAF through the phasing out of the An-12 fleet in the late 1990s. to the end of the Fourteenth Five Year Plan and even beyond. The IL-76 strategic airlift aircraft has performed well since its A gap-free radar cover for the Indian air space will be in induction in the IAF. It may still have a few years of service life but place with the induction of new radars and aerostats to replace it cannot be ignored that the aircraft is ageing. IAF has done well the legacy systems. Radars of different types, some indigenous, to induct the C-17 Globemaster III, which as a 75-tonne payload are in the process of being acquired, with a few already having capability and trans-continental range. Ten of these have been or- been delivered. The IAF was the first in the region to acquire dered with the first likely to be delivered sometimes this year and three airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft. the delivery is to be completed in 2014. There is also likelihood of While the case for another three aircraft is being progressed, the IAF ordering additional six to ten aircraft, which if procured, IAF is also going ahead with the procurement of a different would make it the largest C-17 operator outside of the US. The airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system based on aircraft, with its capability of operating from high-altitude airfields the Embraer 145 aircraft. Apart from these, the number of un- in hot weather conditions, will provide the long required means manned platforms (UAVs) will also be continuously increasing to shorten the effective deployment timelines, both inter-theatre for tackling varied threats that are envisaged in the future. and intra-theatre, besides giving the flexibility of response at the The case for additional flight refueller aircraft (FRA) after the national and international levels. initial three, has been cleared, with the IAF opting for the Airbus The more than 100-strong fleet of An-32 with five-tonne A330 MRTT. With such high-technology aircraft and weapons, the payload capability inducted in the mid-1980s has been the IAF is also focused on upgrading its operating environment at the workhorse of the IAF. The fleet has been given a fresh lease of airfields with the state-of-the-art navigation and avionics systems life with a mid-life upgrade and will see the IAF through to the and seamless integrated communications for effective air defence centenary year of 2032. It is planned to be supplemented and in command and control. The IAF will also acquire a platform in the due course replaced by a 100-seater multi-role transport aircraft fourth dimension space, with a dedicated satellite for itself. (MTA) that is being developed as a joint venture with Russia. This 15 to 20-tonne class aircraft is expected to meet the tactical Budgetary Support requirements of the air forces of Russia and India. A civil version The LTPP of the IAF has been integrated with those of the Army will also be produced for the domestic and export markets. and the Navy in the long-term integrated perspective plan The Ministry of Defence has recently approved a replace- (LTIPP) and accepted by the government. Though acquisitions ment for the HS748 Avro aircraft procured in the mid-1960s have already commenced, there are roadblocks in the mod- from the UK. For the first time, the Hindustan Aeronautics Lim- ernisation programme such as the recent budget cut of `10,000 ited (HAL) is not being involved as its order-books are already crore. Hopefully, adequate budgetary support would be available overflowing. The selected original equipment manufacturer will in the years to come through to the Fourteenth and Fifteenth chose either a public or a private sector company as its partner Five Year Plans for the programme to stay on track. The IAF may and will provide a tremendous boost to the domestic aerospace have its wish list, but the budget must provide for at least the sector. The light-weight Do228 Dornier produced by HAL is next decade, if not more, for plans to transform into reality. SP

28 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Military/Diplomacy

Dream Unfolds

The world’s biggest democracies finally stand on a shared platform; have some congruence in their world view; and most importantly feel the need to work together on many a count. Years of low trust and lack of understanding, even when sharing similar values, had kept them apart.

By Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra illustration: A noop Kamath illustration:

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 29 Aero India 2013 Special Military/Diplomacy

Historically, the relationship between India and the ident to visit India to strengthen the staggering ties. He was so US had been strong. This was reflected in the visit of Swami Vi- supportive that the New York Times remarked, “It did not seem vekananda, who introduced Yoga and Vedanta to America. Vive- to matter much whether Nehru had actually requested or been kananda was the first known Hindu sage to come to the West, given a guarantee that the US would help India meet further where in 1893, he introduced Eastern thought at the World’s Par- Chinese Communist aggression. What mattered was the obvious liament of Religions in Chicago.. His first lecture began with the strengthening of Indian-American friendship to a point where line, “Sisters and brothers of America ...” This salutation drew a no such guarantee was necessary.” During John F. Kennedy’s thunderous applause possibly because the audience was always tenure as President, India was considered a strategic partner used to the opening words “Ladies and gentlemen....” It was this and counterweight to the rise of Communist China. The Kenne- speech that catapulted Vivekananda to fame. Mark Twain visited dy administration was also disturbed by what was considered India in 1896 and described it in his travelogue. During its inde- “blatant Chinese Communist aggression against India” in 1962. pendence movement, India looked up to America who supported In May 1963, the US discussed contingency planns that could the Indian independence in 1947. In fact, the Indian National be implemented in the event of another Chinese attack on In- Congress took its name after the American Congress which had dia. Defense Secretary Robert McNamara and General Maxwell declared independence from the British in 1776. Taylor reportedly advised the President to use nuclear weapons The first aviation contact between the two nations dates back if America had to intervene. Kennedy insisted that Washington to ‘The Hump’ airlift, a name given by Allied pilots in World War defend India as it would any ally, saying, “We should defend II to the eastern end of the Himalayan Mountains over which India, and therefore, we will defend India.” Hthey flew military transport aircraft from India to resupply the Kennedy’s Ambassador to India was the noted Canadian- forces of Chiang Kai-shek and the units of the US Army Air American economist John Kenneth Galbraith. While in India,

Purchases: IAF is likely Twin-engine attack to get Honeywell helicopter: Boeing F-125IN turbofan Engine Apache AH-64 Longbow to Re-engine Jaguars Forces (USAAF) based in China. Galbraith helped establish one of Creating an airlift capability pre- the first Indian computer science sented the USAAF considerable departments at the Indian Insti- challenges in 1942. It had no units tute of Technology in Kanpur. As an economist, he also presided trained or equipped for moving cargo and no airfields existed over the then largest US foreign aid programme to any country. in India for basing the large number of transports that would be required. Flying over the Himalayas was extremely dangerous Joint Exercises and made more difficult by the lack of reliable charts, absence On November 6, 1963, six US Air Force (USAF) Tactical Air Com- of radio navigation aids, and dearth of information about the mand F-100 Super-Sabres landed in Delhi after a non-stop flight weather. Originally referred to as the ‘India-China Ferry’, it was from Dhahran in Saudi Arabia. They were the first of three waves initially handled by the Assam-Burma-China Command called of the US fighters participating in Exercise Shiksha. The accounts India-China Division. The airlift began in April 1942 after the of Wing Commander Donald Michael and Willy Logan best sum- Japanese blocked the Burma Road and continued on a daily marised the first serious interaction between the two Air Forces. basis from May 1942 to August 1945. The planes flew over the airfield in tight formation and then cir- After India’s independence and until the end of the Cold cled around to land. As each high-performance fighter touched War, the relationship between the US and India was cold and down, it deployed a parachute to help lose speed. After the pilots

ns, Boeing P hotographs: S p G uide u b ns, often thorny. In 1959, Dwight Eisenhower was the first US Pres- had disembarked , the US Embassy officials and IAF brass ac-

30 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Military/Diplomacy corded the guests a ceremonial welcome. The US Ambassador MiG-29, MiG-27 and MiG-21 BIS. KC-130 refuelling aircraft also Chester Bowles addressed the pilots, wishing them success on took part in the Pacific Air Force sponsored exercise. The Kalai- their “important mission” of bolstering India’s air defences. kunda Air Force Base which is strategically located with large air- Preparations for Exercise Shiksha had begun shortly after space and practice ranges, became the first base in India to have the air agreement of July 1963. In August and September, USAF played host to the USAF F-16 and an E3C Sentry AWACS. planes airlifted radar components to India. American crew Cope India 09 was an airlift exercise that provided training oversaw the erection of radars and trained Indian personnel for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. A total in their use. The American F-100 pilots of the 354th Tactical of 25 sorties were flown on the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Fighter Wing spent a month preparing for the exercise. In addi- H and J Hercules during the exercise, which took place at Agra tion to practising aerial refuelling and other technical skills, the which houses the IAF’s strategic airlift assets. The objectives of pilots learned about social and political conditions in South Asia the exercise were to foster stronger cooperation and joint opera- by watching the US Army “Area Study” films. tions capability between the US and Indian forces by exchanging Exercise Shiksha was held in the Eastern and Western Air humanitarian airlift, air-land and air drop capabilities. Addition- Commands of the IAF Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Arjan Singh (now ally, more than 110 US and Indian paratroopers conducted static Marshal of the IAF) as the overall commander. Each sector had line or high-altitude low-observable jumps in the first known air- its own sub-commander from the IAF. In the eastern sector, AVM drops of IAF personnel from a US C-17 and C-130J aircraft. Shivdev Singh oversaw the exercise with RAF and IAF aircraft The Cope India series were followed by IAF participation in based at IAF Kalaikunda, West Bengal. In the western sector, AVM Red Flag exercise which is an advanced aerial combat training E.W. Pinto oversaw the operations of USAF and IAF crew based exercise hosted at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and Eielson at Palam. Two Australian Canberra bombers flew out of Agra. In Air Force Base, Alaska, the latter location being known as Red addition to IAF Hunter, Gnat and Canberra units; the RAAF fielded Flag–Alaska and being a successor to the previous Cope Thun- a Canberra detachment, 64 Squadron, RAF a Javelin detachment, der exercise series. SU-30MKIs along with two IL-78 mid-air and the USAF F-100 Squadron, the 356th TFS. refuellers and an IL-76 heavy-lift aircraft participated. Ironically, four decades later similar venues were to be host to Cope India series of Indo-US exercises, Gwalior, Kalaikunda Dawn of a New Relationship and Agra. “The purpose of Cope India ‘04 was to conduct bi- These exercises saw the beginning of a new relationship, un- lateral training in order to enhance US-India relationship as folding of the dream Indo-US aviation story. The IAF was ex- also promote regional security and stability in the Asian-Pacific posed to American platforms and their employability. Early area,” said Colonel Greg Neubeck, Third Operations Group Dep- 2008, under the foreign military sales (FMS) programme of the uty Commander and the commander of US Forces deployed for US Government, the IAF purchased six C-130J-30s at a cost of the exercise. “The most immediate result will be the increased over $1 billion (`5,000 crore) for special operations. with op- understanding of each other’s capabilities and work together tions to buy six more aircraft. The Lockheed Martin C-130J “Su- as a combined and integrated team.” Cope India became a se- per” Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport air- ries of international air exercises between the USAF and the craft, a comprehensive update of the venerable Lockheed C-130 IAF conducted in India. The first such exercise, which required Hercules, with new engines, flight deck and other systems. The many months of preparation, was conducted from February 16 Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of to 27, 2004 at Air Force Station in Gwalior which also houses any military aircraft in history. During more than 50 years of the Tactics Air Combat Development Establishment and the . service, the aircraft has participated in military, civilian and hu- Dassault Mirage 2000 squadrons. Brought in for the exercise manitarian aid operations. Fifteen nations placed orders for a were Sukhoi Su-30s not the MKI). Five MiG-29s were used in a total of 300 C-130Js, of which nearly 260 aircraft have been peripheral role and an An-32 flew as a simulated AWACS. delivered. The C-130J is the newest version of the Hercules and The exercise included flight tests, practise and demonstra- the only model still in production. Externally similar to the clas- tions as well as lectures on subjects related to aviation. There sic Hercules, the J-model features considerably updated tech- were also media and social interaction among air warriors of the nology. These differences include new Rolls-Royce AE 2100 D3 two nations. After the event, the IAF indicated that the mutual turboprops with composite propellers, digital avionics includ- respect and bonhomie that developed between the two sides had ing head-up displays for each pilot, thus reduced crew require- laid a firm foundation for higher bilateralism. According to press ments. These changes have improved performance over its pre- reports, representatives of the US found it a “positive experience” decessors, such as 40 per cent greater range, 21 per cent higher that led to the re-evaluation of some assumptions about the US maximum speed and 41 per cent shorter take-off distance air tactics. The exercise was repeated in 2005, 2006 and 2009. The largest operator of the ‘J’ version is the USAF, which has The US pilots faced innovative IAF tactics. Performance of ordered the aircraft in increasing numbers. Other operators of F-15Cs in simulated air-to-air combat against the IAF was per- the C-130J are the US Marine Corps US Coast Guard, Royal Air ceived by some, both in the US and overseas, as a weakening of Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, American capabilities generating taunts from within the competi- Danish Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, IAF and the Ital- tive US fighter community. The Cope India exercise also seemingly ian Air Force. The Indian Government decided not to sign the shocked some in Congress and the Pentagon who used the event Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of to renew the call for modernising the US fighter force with stealthy Agreement (CISMOA), which resulted in the exclusion of high F/A-22 and F-35 joint strike fighters. USAF planners saw Cope precision GPS and other sensitive equipment. However, the IAF India as the first step in a series of annual exchange exercises. added similar equipment produced indigenously. Satisfied with The Indo-US joint air exercise Cope 05 was held at Kalaikunda the performance of the C-130J in the earthquake relief opera- Air Force station amid protests from CPI (M) and other Left par- tion in Sikkim, in October 2011, India decided to exercise the ties. F-16 Fighting Falcons and E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and option for the six additional aircraft. Control System (AWACS) aircraft participated for the first time in The $1.2-billion (`6,000 crore) contract was finalised in Feb- the massive two-week joint exercise besides the IAF’s Su-30MKI, ruary 2008. The first C-130J was delivered to the IAF in Decem-

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 31 01-22-13 • LEO BURNETT (SP AVIATION, Page Ad) • 12-1445-02-B-SIKORSKY-S76D-SPA-UTCIP151 BLEED: 272mm H X 215mm W • TRIM: 267mm H X 210mm W • ISSUE DATE: 02-06-13

Aero India 2013 Special ™ Military/Diplomacy Sikorsky S-76D helicopter

Satisfactory Performance: Boeing Chinook: IAF’s Lockheed Martin C-130J selected for IAF’s Heavy- lift category

ber 2010. The third and fourth C-130Js were delivered in June the UK, Australia, Canada, Qatar, UAE and the NATO. “Compared 2011, the fifth in September and the sixth in December 2011. with the IL-76, the C-17’s advantages include its easier handling The C-130J is equipped with a Honeywell dual embedded Global (and ability to operate from short and rough airstrips. The Indian Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS), an En- military needs to do three things: augment its ability to quickly lift hanced Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (E-TCAS), larger numbers of troops as it views possible threats on its border a ground collision avoidance system, SKE2000 station keeping with China; strengthen its presence on the Pakistani border; fight system, and an Instrument Landing System (ILS). The cargo bay terrorism and low-intensity warfare and triple its airlift capacity,’’ of the C-130J has a total usable volume of more than 4,500 cu ft said a senior Defence Ministry official. The C-17 has a 77.5-tonnes and can accommodate loads up to 37,216 lb which could include payload capacity vis-à-vis the IL-76’s 43 tonnes. Boeing in Hun- three armoured personnel carriers, five pallets, 74 stretchers, 92 tington Beach, CA received a $21.7 million (`108 crore) fixed-price equipped combat troops or 64 paratroops. The bay is equipped contract to build C-17 bed-down infrastructure in India, with an with cargo handling rollers, tie-down rings, stowage containers estimated completion date of December 2014. The cost at which and stowage for troop seats. The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warn- the aircraft is being supplied to India is commensurate with the ing system uses electro-optic sensors to detect missile exhaust cost at which it is supplied to the USAF and allies. All ten C-17 and advanced signal processing algorithms and spectral selection aircraft with associated equipment are expected to be delivered to to analyse and prioritise threats. The BAE Systems AN/ALR-56M the IAF between June 2013 and June 2015. Pratt & Whitney’s four radar warning receiver is a super heterodyne receiver operating F117-PW-100 engines will power the C-17 Globemaster III for the in the 2GHz to 20 GHz bands. The BAE Systems Integrated De- IAF. Was it a “India’s consolation prize to the US,” media reported fence Solutions (formerly Tracor) AN/ALE-47 countermeasures that India may be moving toward a larger C-17 order faster than system is capable of dispensing chaff and infra-red flares in ad- previously planned as a partial effort to offset the fallout from hav- dition to the POET and GEN-X active expendable decoys. ing American fighters shut out of the medium multi-role combat The Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-157 infrared countermea- aircraft (MMRCA) competition. A larger buy actually gives Indian Advanced. sures system generates a varying frequency-agile infrared jam- regular and special forces higher mobility. ming signal. The engines are equipped with Full-Authority Digi- tal Electronic Control (FADEC) by Lucas Aerospace. An automatic On the Maritime Front One powerful idea. thrust control system (ATCS) optimises the balance of power on The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly the multi-mission maritime the engines, allowing lower values of minimum control speeds aircraft ) is a military aircraft currently under development for and superior short-airfield performance. The aircraft can carry a the US Navy (USN). The aircraft is modified from the Boeing maximum internal fuel load of 45,900 lb. An additional 18,700 lb 737-800. The P-8 meant to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare ™ of fuel can be carried in under-wing fuel tanks. (ASW) and shipping interdiction and to engage in Electronic In- Low fuel consumption. Rapid takeoff capability. The Sikorsky S-76D is the most telligence (ELINT) role. It will carry torpedoes, depth charges, technologically advanced, effi cient and quietest helicopter in its class, designed Strategic Airlift Capability anti-ship missiles, sonobuoys and other weapons. The next big deal was the $5.8 billion (`31900 crore) order for 10 In January 2008, Boeing proposed the P-8I, a customised ex- for missions from executive transport to offshore petroleum operations support and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic Airlift Aircraft. Developed for port variant of the P-8A, for the Indian Navy. India’s MoD signed the USAF in the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, an agreement with Boeing for the supply of eight P-8I aircraft at emergency medical services. Sikorsky: a business unit of United Technologies. the C-17 commonly performs strategic airlift missions, transport- a cost of $2.1 billion (`10,500 crore) to replace Indian Navy’s ag- ing troops and cargo ovr transcontinental range. Additional roles ing Tu-142M maritime surveillance turboprops. The deal makes include tactical airlift, medical evacuation and supply drop. Boeing, India the first international customer of the P-8 and also marks which merged with McDonnell Douglas in the 1990s, continues to Boeing’s first military sale to India. In October 2010, purchase TEL: +91 11 40881000 manufacture C-17 for export customers following the end of de- of four additional P-8I was approved. In March 2011, it was re-

ns, USA F P hotographs: S p guide pu b ns, liveries to the USAF. Apart from the USAF, the C-17 is operated by ported that India was to order four additional P-8I from Boeing

32 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Otis | Pratt & Whitney | Sikorsky | UTC Aerospace Systems | UTC Climate, Controls & Security 01-22-13 • LEO BURNETT (SP AVIATION, Page Ad) • 12-1445-02-B-SIKORSKY-S76D-SPA-UTCIP151 BLEED: 272mm H X 215mm W • TRIM: 267mm H X 210mm W • ISSUE DATE: 02-06-13

Sikorsky S-76D™ helicopter

Advanced. One powerful idea.

Low fuel consumption. Rapid takeoff capability. The Sikorsky S-76D™ is the most technologically advanced, effi cient and quietest helicopter in its class, designed for missions from executive transport to offshore petroleum operations support and emergency medical services. Sikorsky: a business unit of United Technologies.

TEL: +91 11 40881000

Otis | Pratt & Whitney | Sikorsky | UTC Aerospace Systems | UTC Climate, Controls & Security Aero India 2013 Special Military/Diplomacy later in the year. India may exercise op- be worth about $1 billion (`5,000 crore). tions for additional aircraft later. The potential deals will mark a major Deliveries are planned to start in Both the US and Russia shift for India towards diversifying its de- 2013. The first P-8I was handed over to fence purchases and moving away from an Indian naval team at the Boeing facil- were also locked in its decades-long reliance on Russia. ity at Seattle on December 19, 2012. The a battle to supply 15 The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a twin- Indian Navy is to fly it to India along with heavy-lift helicopters to engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. the second and third aircraft after these With a top speed of 170 knots, the heli- handed over in May and June of 2014. the IAF, with the Boeing- copter is faster than contemporary utility manufactured CH-47 and attack helicopters of the 1960s. It is Rotary Wing Domain one of the few aircraft of that era along The IAF will also soon have Boeing’s Chinooks competing with the fixed-wing Lockheed C-130 Her- $1.4-billion (`7,000 crore) Apache Long- with the Russian Mi-26 cules cargo aircraft that is still in produc- bow helicopters in its inventory. The choppers tion and frontline service, with over 1,179 deal for 22 heavy-duty Apache helicop- built till date. Its primary roles include ters was bagged by the US beating the troop movement, artillery emplacement Russian Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant’s and battlefield resupply. It has a wide Mi-28 Havoc. “The Apache helicopters loading ramp at the rear of the fuselage deal has been finalised and it would be flown, maintained and and three external-cargo hooks. paid for by the IAF,” said Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Mar- The CH-47 is powered by two turboshaft engines, mounted shal N.A.K. Browne. on each side of the helicopter’s rear end and connected to the The AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack he- rotors by drive shafts. Initial models were fitted with engines licopter with a tail wheel-type landing gear arrangement and of 2,200 horsepower. The counter-rotating rotors eliminate the a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. Originally, the Apache need for an anti-torque vertical rotor, allowing all power to be started life as US Army’s advanced attack helicopter programme used for lift and thrust. The ability to adjust lift in either rotor to replace the AH-1 Cobra and was first flown on September makes it less sensitive to changes in the centre of gravity, impor- 30, 1975. The AH-64 was introduced to the US Army service in tant for the cargo lifting role. If one engine fails, the other can April 1986. The AH-64 Apache features a nose-mounted sensor drive both rotors. suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. It is armed The Chinook has considerable combat exposure, having with a 30 millimetre M230 chain gun carried under the forward first arrived in Vietnam in November 1965. The most spectacu- fuselage. It has four hard points mounted on stub-wing pylons, lar mission in Vietnam for the Chinook was the placing of ar- typically carrying a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and tillery batteries in perilous mountain positions inaccessible by Hydra 70 rocket pods. The AH-64 has considerable systems re- any other means, and then keeping them resupplied with large dundancy to improve combat survivability. quantities of ammunition. The CH-47D has seen wide use in Op- The first production AH-64D Apache Longbow, an upgraded eration Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi version of the original Apache, was delivered to the Army in Freedom. The Chinook is being used in air assault missions, March 1997. Production has been continued by Boeing Defense inserting troops into fire bases and later bringing in supplies. It Space & Security; over 1,000 AH-64s have been produced till is also the casualty evacuation aircraft of choice in the British date. The US Army is the primary operator of the AH-64; it has Armed Forces. also become the primary attack helicopter of multiple nations, With a three-man crew, the Chinook carries up to 55 troops including Greece, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands and Singapore; or 12,700 kg of cargo. At 98 ft 10 in length, it is a huge aircraft as well as being produced under licence in the UK as the Agus- with rotor diameter 60 ft . Maximum take-off weight is 22,680 kg, taWestland Apache. The US AH-64 has served in conflicts in is powered by two Lycoming T55-GA-714A turboshaft engines Panama, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. Israel delivering 4,733 hp each. The helicopter has a maximum speed has made active use of the Apache in its military conflicts in of 170 knots, combat radius of 200 nm, ferry range of 1,216 nm Lebanon and the Gaza Strip; both British and the US AH-64 and can be armed with three pintle-mounted medium machine have seen deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. guns, one on loading ramp and two at shoulder windows. The two-man crew helicopter has a rotor diameter of 48 Born in the US and flown in India, the American military ft, height 12.7 ft, empty weight 5,165 kg, maximum take-off machines help bring the world’s two largest democracies on weight 10,433 kg, two General Electric T700-GE-701D (AH- to a common platform, develop congruence in world view and 64E) turboshafts, 1,490 kW each. Never exceed speed 197 most importantly, feel the need to work together on several knots, combat radius 260 nm, ferry range 1,024 nm, service fronts. Years of trust deficit and lack of understanding, even ceiling 21,000 ft with minimum load, guns 1× 30mm with when sharing similar values, had kept them apart. As cricketer 1,200 rounds as part of the area weapon subsystem. Four py- Navjot Singh Sidhu says, “You cannot make omelettes without lon stations on the stub wings. Longbows also have a station breaking the eggs. One who doesn’t throw the dice can never on each wingtip for an AIM-92 ATAS twin-missile pack. Seventy expect to score a six. You got to choose between tightening your 70mm air-to-ground rockets, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. AIM- belt and losing your pants.” We gave them Sunita Williams, they 92 Stinger may also be carried. will share technology. As the African saying goes: “If you want Both the US and Russia were also locked in a battle to sup- to walk quickly, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk togeth- ply 15 heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF, with the Boeing-man- er.” Aerospace is the place for action. And India and the United ufactured CH-47 Chinooks competing with the Russian Mi-26 States have taken a conscious decision. SP choppers. These 15 helicopters will replace IAF’s ageing Rus- sian Mi-26 helicopters. Boeing’s twin-rotor Chinook was chosen The author was formerly Commandant of Aircraft and recently as the preferred bidder. The Chinook deal is likely to Systems Establishment (ASTE)

34 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net INDISPENSABLE

SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK 2013 Please send your requirements, NOW at: [email protected]

SP’s MYB ad with Yellow Ribbon right.indd 23 31/01/13 4:54 PM Aero India 2013 Special Military/Fighters

Mirage to Rafale The Indo-French aviation relationship will once again be cemented for decades ahead. The ‘commercial’ approach of the French Government was not always appreciated by its Western allies, but it enhanced France’s image in Delhi, which considered France as probably the most reliable Western ‘friend’.

By Air Marshal (Retd) Anil Chopra i on: A noop Kamath Illustrat

36 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Military/Fighters

During the initial training of test pilots, one is taught to assess an aircraft’s characteristics by just looking at it. The saying goes: “The prettier the aircraft to look at, the better it is to fly’’. The wing-body blending, the intake design, the shape of the wing, the incline of fuselage, the size of the vertical stabiliser, the wheel base, all indicate unique design features. For cen- turies, the French have been associated with finer things of life; their language was adopted by the kings and the courts, their cuisine, fashion, wine, cheese, French fries and finally the French kiss and French leave, all added to the mystique. French Revolution greatly influenced the world. The French have given much more to the world than the Eiffel Tower. In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers of France reportedly became the first in history to leave the earth’s surface in a balloon. Aviation madness was born! The next step, Powered Flight! December 1903 saw Wright Brothers beat others to it. It wasn’t until 1906 that the French, Brazilian- born Albert Santos-Dumont with Bleriot and Voisin cheer- ing him on from the side lines, achieved a flight covering 722 feet in just over 22 seconds.

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 37 Aero India 2013 Special Military/Fighters

French Aircraft in the IAF – Early Days curement of SA-2 (Dvina) surface-to-air missiles. IAF thereafter After World War II, aviation designer Marcel Dassault was ea- remained the Russian way for a very long time. ger to reestablish the aviation industry with an all-French jet fighter. The MD450 (Marcel Dassault) Ouragan was the first Enter the Mirage 2000 French-designed jet fighter-bomber to enter production, play- The Dassault Mirage 2000, a French multi-role single-engine ing a key role in resurgence of the French aviation industry. jet was designed for the French Air Force in the late 1970s as a The Ouragan was later operated by France, Israel, India and lightweight fighter based on the Mirage III. It later evolved into El Salvador. While in Israeli service, it participated in both the several variants. These include the Mirage 2000N and 2000D Suez Crisis and the Six-Day War. The Ouragan was small and strike variants, the improved Mirage 2000-5 and several export light and had a thin wing similar to the one on the Lockheed variants. Over 600 aircraft were built and are in service in at F-80 Shooting Star. least nine countries. The Mirage 2000 evolved from a series of Association of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with French air- Dassault projects in the period 1965 to 1975. The first in this se- craft began on June 25, 1953 when India ordered 71 Ouragans. ries was a project known as the “Anglo-French Variable Geom- Deliveries started that year and was completed in March 1954. etry” swing-wing aircraft, begun in 1965. The French pulled out An additional order for 33 second-hand Ouragans in March in 1967. The British, Germans and Italians, eventually produced 1957 brought the total to 104. Selection of the Dassault Ouragan the Panavia Tornado multi-role combat aircraft. at the time reflected the Indian intent to initiate diversification Dassault had been working on other fighter options in the of supply sources. Rechristened as the ‘Toofani’ (Hurricane), the meantime. These alternatives were smaller, simpler and cheap- aircraft undertook air strikes against the Portuguese territory of er. Another important reason for Dassault to push the develop- Diu. They were also used in ground attack missions against reb- ment of a smaller aircraft was to give the company a competitor els in Assam and Nagaland, and for reconnaissance missions in to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. It took the form the Sino-Indian War of 1962. of a number of “Mini-Mirage (Mimi)” concepts. These concepts The IAF started to replace the Ouragan in frontline service evolved into an aircraft known at first as the “Super Mirage in 1957 by the Mystère IVA, the first “supersonic-in-a-dive” air- III”, then the “Delta 1000”, “Delta 2000”, “Super Mirage 2000”, craft. Toofanis were withdrawn fully from and finally just “Mirage 2000”. Mirage frontline service in 1965, although they 2000 was much more affordable and was continued to be in use for some years given approval to proceed by the French as advanced trainer and for target tow- Government on December 18, 1975. ing. Of the five sdquadrons of Mysteres The Dassault Mirage The Mirage 2000 featured a low-set, in the IAF, No. 1 Squadron was the first 2000, a French multi- thin delta wing with cambered section, 58 to be raised in 1957. Squadron Leader degrees leading-edge sweep and moder- Dilbagh Singh, later Chief of the Air Staff role single-engine ately blended root; area-ruled; two small (CAS), was the team leader for training jet was designed for canard wings, fixed, placed just behind the in France. Interestingly, as the CAS, he air intakes. Four elevons (+15/−30°, car- selected No. 1 Squadron to receive the the French Air Force bon-fibre skins with light alloy honeycomb Mirage 2000. The remaining four squad- in the late 1970s as a structure as core) and four slats formed rons of Mysteres were raised by 1965. lightweight fighter part of the four computer (analogue) con- In all, the IAF procured 104 of Mysteres trolled fly-by-wire control system. Relaxed and used them extensively in the Indo- based on the Mirage III. stability gave it enhanced manoeuvrability. Pakistani War of 1965. On September A much taller tailfin allowed the pilot to re- 7, 1965, an Indian Mystere shot down a tain control at higher angles of attack, as- Pakistani Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in sisted by the small strakes mounted along a raid over Sargoda and on September 16, a Pakistani L-19. each air intake. The landing roll could be reduced by robust car- The Mystere pilot Devayya who shot down the Starfighter, was bon brakes, an arrester hook and a tail chute. A removable refuel- awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously 23 years after ling probe was mounted on the right of the cockpit. the battle. Mystère IVs also destroyed Pakistani aircraft on the The prototype made its first flight on March 10, 1978, by ground including four F-86F, three F-104 and two Lockheed test pilot Jean Coreau at the controls. Despite many new tech- C-130 Hercules. The phasing out of the aircraft started after nologies, the prototype flew in only 27 months. Radar develop- the 1965 War; though it saw further action in the Indo-Pakistan ment was critical in the Mirage 2000 project. Despite obstacles War of 1971. It was phased out by 1973. it was operationally introduced in 1982. At the Farnborough Air Show that year, they demonstrated full control at little over a The Soviet Connection 100 kts and 26 degree angle of attack. For a delta-wing fighter, Late in 1960, when as a result of the increasing frequency of it was a great achievement and once again proved the power clashes with Chinese forces on the Himalayan border, need was of active controls technology. The Mirage 2000 was one of the felt for increase in airlift capability, with a requirement for me- stars of that show and a direct competitor to the F-16. Finally, dium helicopters suitable for high-altitude operation. Orders the first dual-seat Mirage 2000B flew in October 1980 and the were placed for the first time on the Soviet Union for An-12 first production aircraft on November 20, 1982. and Ilyushin-14 transport aircraft as also Mi-4 helicopters. With an override, it was possible to exceed a 270 degree/ This decision taken in August 1962 was to profoundly alter the sec roll rate and allow the aircraft to reach 11 g within the 12 g complexion and strength of the IAF. The Government of India structural limit. The system was reliable with no known losses signed up with the Soviet Union for supply of combat aircraft owing to its failure till date. It had incorporated hands-on-throt- and missiles. First to be inducted were 12 MiG-21 fighters, the tle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls. The pilot sits on a Martin Baker IAF’s first combat aircraft of non-western origin, followed by Mk10, zero-zero ejection seat. Incidentally, I who was among setting up of Russian aircraft production at Nasik, and the pro- the first batch of Indian pilots to train in France, had to recently

38 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Military/Fighters

use the seat in flight, thus became the only known Air Marshal Two Mirage squadrons reportedly flew a total of 515 sor- to have ejected from a fighter aircraft in the world. The cockpit ties, and in 240 strike missions dropped 55,000 kg of ordnance. visibility was quite good. Easy maintenance and a very high sortie rate made the Mirage Thomson-CSF RDM multi-mode pulse-Doppler radar had 2000 one of the most efficient fighters of the IAF in the conflict. an operating range of 100 km, with look-down/shoot-down ca- If war were to break out between India and Pakistan, the battle pabilities. The effective range was around 70 km with modest in the air would have been between two old arch rivals, the In- capabilities against low-level targets in conjunction with Super dian Mirage 2000 H and the Pakistani F-16 A/B. Mirage 2000 is R530F/D missiles and Magic 2 A4M. The IAF received the first known to be slightly better at interception and attack role. The comprehensive electronic warfare (EW) suite on any aircraft F-16 is good at dogfight. MiG 29 is very good at dogfight and with a self-protection jammer, RWR, chaff and flare dispenser, interception but is low on endurance. an escort jammer and an Elint Pod. Nearly 6.3 tonnes on nine pylons, with two pylons on each wing and five under the fuse- MMRCA for the IAF lage was a significant load. In 2001, he IAF projected a requirement for 126 aircraft. There The IAF purchased 49 Mirage 2000s, including 42 single- was an option for an additional 63 aircraft. Initial requirements seaters and seven two-seaters in the 1980s. In 2004, purchase appeared to be for a 20-tonne class fighter aircraft with the of ten more Mirage 2000Hs were cleared. An upgrade was Mirage 2000 as the strongest contender. However, the 20-tonne planned with the aim to give the aircraft better capabilities, MTOW limit requirement was removed. The IAF would also re- bringing them to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standards and extend- quire replacements for its frontline strike aircraft like the MiG- ing its useful life for another 25 years. The $3 billion (`15,000 27 and Jaguar, which were to retire by 2015/20. India’s future crore) contract was signed in 2011. Two squadrons, No 1 ‘Ti- aircraft, the Russian-Indian fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and the indigenous medium combat aircraft, would not be ready before 2018 and 2025 respectively, thus necessitat- ing replacement. Hence the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) tender for a medium-weight aircraft (MTOW of 24 tonnes) as the MMRCA. The Indian Government was to buy the first 18 aircraft directly from the manufacturer. The remaining fighters were to be built under licence with a transfer of technology (ToT) by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Request for information (RFI) was issued in 2004, initially to four vendors: Dassault (Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2), Lockheed Martin (F-16C/D), Mikoyan (MiG-29OVT) and Saab (JAS 39 Gripen). On account of delay in the tendering process, Dassault replaced the Mirage 2000-5 with the offer of the Rafale. The MiG-35 was offered in place of the MiG-29OVT. Eurofighter Typhoon also entered the competition As also the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) had allocated `82,000 crore IAF’s Mystère IVA: for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India’s mother-of- the first “supersonic- all defence deals. The MMRCA was to fill the gap between its in-a-dive” aircraft future light combat aircraft and its in-service Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter. On April 27, 2011, after an intensive and detailed technical evaluation by the IAF, the race narrowed to the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale. On January 31, gers’ and No 7 ‘Battleaxes’, at Gwalior, operated the fleet. Later, 2012, it was announced that Dassault Rafale won the competi- the third squadron No 9 ‘Wolf Packs’ was formed. France, UAE, tion due to its lower life-cycle cost. Contract negotiations are now Taiwan, Greece, Egypt, Qatar, Peru, Brazil are the other opera- on. The cost of the deal is likely to be about $20 billion (`1,00,000 tors of the Mirage 2000. crore), with options for purchasing additional aircraft. When the The Mirage 2000 performed exceedingly well in the 1999 contract is finalised, the first 18 aircraft will be supplied directly Kargil conflict. The battle took place over some of the highest ter- by Dassault within about three years and the remainder will be rain in the world where aircraft and weapons had their own limi- produced under licence by the HAL. tations. Conventional targets like airfields, command and control French twin-engine delta-wing fighter aircraft the Rafale, centres and convoys did not exist. Instead the IAF was required from Dassault Aviation, is called an omnirole fighter with semi- to strike tents and fortified bunkers, the single biggest structure stealth capabilities. It is a multi-role combat aircraft capable of being a hangar capable of taking a helicopter. Heights varied simultaneously undertaking air supremacy, interdiction, recon- along the line, with a low of 2,700 metres at Kargil, going up to naissance and airborne nuclear deterrent missions. 3,400 metres in Dras. Tiger Hill was at 5,000 metres. Due to the abundance of man-portable surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) such Development of the Rafale as the Stingers with the enemy, the IAF decided after experience In 1979, Dassault joined the MBB/BAe European Collaborative that high-altitude bombing by the Mirage 2000 was the best op- Fighter project which was renamed the European Combat Air- tion. Thomson-CSF laser designator pod known as ‘ATLIS’ was craft (ECA). The French company contributed the aerodynamic capable of delivery of Matra 1,000 kg laser-guided bombs (LGBs) layout of prospective twin-engine, single-seat fighter; but the against reinforced targets. These weapons were very expensive. project collapsed in 1981. A number of factors led to the even- The IAF augmented their capability by adding the 1,000 lb bomb tual split between France and the four countries. Around 1984, coupled with Paveway II LGB kit. The aircraft was modified to France reiterated its requirement for a carrier-capable version

P hotograph: A noop Kamath drop LGBs as well as conventional unguided bombs. and demanded a leading role. Moreover, France demanded a

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 39 Aero India 2013 Special Military/Fighters swing-role fighter that was lighter than the design desired by Rafale also features an advanced avionics suite. The passive the other four nations. West Germany, UK and Italy opted out front-sector electro-optical system can operate both in the vis- and established a new EFA programme to go ahead with the ible and infrared wavelengths. The total value of the radar, elec- Eurofighter. Spain rejoined the Eurofighter project in early Sep- tronic communications and self-protection equipment is about tember 1985. The four-nation project eventually resulted in the 30 per cent of the cost of the entire aircraft. The Rafale features Eurofighter Typhoon. an integrated electronic survival system named Self Protection In France, the government proceeded with its own pro- Equipment Countering Threats of Rafale Aircraft (SPECTRA), gramme. The French Ministry of Defence required an aircraft which protects the aircraft against airborne and ground threats. capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground, all-day and adverse Areos all-weather, night-and-day-capable reconnaissance weather operations. The Rafale was to replace a wide range of system used on the Rafale has the ability to transmit infor- aircraft of the French Armed Forces justifying the high cost of mation such as images in real-time to ground stations. The exclusive development. RBE2 AA Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is The resultant Rafale, a technology demonstrator, was a planned to replace the existing passively-scanned RBE2. Radar large-delta winged fighter, with all-moving canards. It under- qualification is expected in early 2013. Development status was took maiden flight on July 4, 1986, at Istre. The demonstrator described as “on time and on budget”. By early 2014, the first was initially powered by General Electric F404-GE-400. The Air Force frontline squadron will receive Rafales equipped with M88 engine came in 1990. The aircraft also demonstrated su- the AESA radar. per cruise, sustained supersonic flight without afterburners. In March 2011, French Rafale began reconnaissance and Finally entering service in 2000, the Rafale is being produced strike missions over Libya in Opération Harmattan. They would both for the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations typically conduct six-hour sorties over Libyan airspace with in the French Navy. The aircraft has been employed in combat mid-air refuelling, carrying an armament of four MICA air-to- over Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. air missiles, four or six AASM “Hammer” bombs, a Damoclès The Rafale was developed as a modern jet fighter with a targeting pod and two drop tanks. In January 2013, the Rafale very high level of agility. Dassault chose to combine a delta took part of “Opération Serval”, the French military interven- wing with active close-coupled canard tion in support to the Government of Mali to maximise manoeuvrability. The aero- against the Movement for Oneness and dynamically unstable aircraft uses digital Jihad in West Africa. fly-by-wire flight control. The aircraft’s The Indian decision of selecting the Ra- canards also act to reduce the minimum The Indian decision of fale was welcomed in France. Dassault Avi- landing speed to 115 knots. According to selecting the Rafale ation shares soared more than 21 per cent simulations by Dassault, the Rafale has on the Paris Stock Exchange immediately sufficient slow speed performance to op- was welcomed in France. after the news broke. Nicolas Sarkozy said erate from STOBAR-configured aircraft Dassault Aviation shares the selection of Dassault’s Rafale multi-role carriers and can take off using a ski-jump soared more than 21 per fighter “goes far beyond the company that with no modifications. makes them far beyond aerospace, it is Although not a full-aspect stealth air- cent on the Paris Stock a vote of confidence in the entire French craft, the cost of which was viewed as un- Exchange immediately economy”. The office of the French Presi- acceptably high, the Rafale was designed dent issued a statement: World’s biggest for a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) after the news broke. French kiss-IAF picks Rafale for deal that and infrared signature. In order to reduce can reshape Europe’s defence industry. the RCS, changes from the initial technol- Officials are predicting mid-2013 signing ogy demonstrator include a reduction in of the deal. Pessimists feel that funds re- the size of the tail-fin, fuselage reshaping, repositioning of the quired for a populist election may slip the contract further. At 50 engine air inlets underneath the aircraft’s wing, and the exten- per cent offsets are going to be a more complex issue to handle. sive use of composite materials and serrated patterns for the India is fine-tuning a contract to buy 126 Rafale fighter jets, construction of the trailing edges of the wings and canards. Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said in Paris that France The Rafale’s glass cockpit was designed around the principle would have to “wait a little” to pop the bubbly. “We know good of data fusion. A central computer intelligently selects and pri- French wine takes time to mature and so do good contracts,” oritises information to display to pilots for simplified command Khurshid said after a meeting with French Foreign Minister and control. An integrated direct voice input (DVI) system allows Laurent Fabius. France is keen to make its first foreign sale a range of aircraft functions to be controlled by a pilot’s voice of the Rafale, which has struggled to find buyers to support a commands. The primary flight controls are arranged in HOTAS project that has cost tens of billions of Euros. compatible configuration, with a right-handed side-stick control- The Indo-French aviation relationship will once again be ler and a left-handed throttle. cemented for decades ahead. The ‘commercial’ approach of the The cockpit features a wide-angle holographic head-up French Government was not always appreciated by its West- display (HUD), two head-down flat-panel colour multi-function ern allies, but it enhanced France’s image in Delhi, which con- displays (MFDs) as well as a central collimated display. A head- sidered France as probably the most reliable Western ‘friend’. mounted display (HMD) is under development. The cockpit is Traditionally, India and France, have been enjoying an excep- fully compatible with night vision goggles (NVG). tionally warm relationship, which is the fruit of deep affinities In terms of survivability, the Rafale is fitted with a Martin- and the unwavering trust between the two countries since the Baker Mark 16F “zero-zero” ejection seat. Like the F-16, seats independence of India. SP are inclined 29° rearwards to improve G-force tolerance and provide better external view. An onboard oxygen generating The writer was among the few pilots originally trained in system eliminates the need to carry bulky oxygen canisters. France on Mirage 2000

40 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Military/Trainers

For basic flying training: IAF has ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7 MKII aircraft. delivery begins from february first half This Year.

An Uninspiring Saga

Why is HAL unable to produce a basic, intermediate or advanced trainer aircraft? China and Korea have gone far ahead of India in this field. Is there some deficiency in the indigenous design capability or is there excessive interference from the omnipresent bureaucracy?

By Air Marshal (Retd) Narayan Menon

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the larg- gine, which first flew in 1977 and became operational in 1984, est aerospace facility in South Asia. It has entered into col- served the IAF till 2009. The HPT-32 has had a chequered flight laboration with several international companies to produce as a basic trainer and on many occasions had to be temporarily under licence or co-produce a range of military aircraft. HAL grounded due to accidents resulting from recurring engine fail- also has its own indigenous design and production divisions ure in flight. The IAF had advised the government and HAL that along with a captive market comprising the Indian Air Force the HPT-32 would have to be phased out earlier than planned, (IAF), Indian Army, the Indian Navy and a host of other Indian and that the induction of a new basic trainer had become an security agencies. Despite having such credentials, a military urgent necessity. Neither the government nor the HAL took any aviation student would be curious and puzzled to learn that concrete action to address this specific requirement. HAL is unable to meet even the trainer aircraft requirements of In July 2009, subsequent to a fatal crash involving two pilots the Indian military, especially when such has not been the case in an HPT-32, the IAF grounded the entire fleet of 116 aircraft earlier. In 1953, HAL produced the HT-2, a piston-engine basic as being unsafe to fly. The originally planned phase-out of HPT- trainer that remained in service for over three decades, though 32 was to be 2014, by which time HAL’s new basic trainer-the some problems were encountered during its last few years. HTT-40 was to be available. HAL tried to come up with alterna-

Photogra p h: Pilatus Its replacement, the HPT-32 powered by Lycoming piston en- tive plans to revive the HPT-32, including a rather bizarre one T Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 41 Aero India 2013 Special Military/Trainers

of fitting a ballistic recovery system for a safe recovery in case rather bleak at this stage. Transport and helicopter trainees of engine malfunction. The IAF rejected this idea and rightly so. also fly 85 hours during Stage-II. Pilot trainees who successfully The HTT-40 was nowhere in sight and the IAF was forced to look complete Stage-II are awarded the President’s Commission. within to generate options. The upshot was that despite the IAF Trainees who do not make the grade but are medically fit can having flagged this looming problem well on time, the inability of opt for commission in the Navigation Branch. Today there are the government to take timely decisions and the lack of capabil- openings as Weapon Systems Operator in the Sukhoi-30 aircraft ity of indigenous public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the avia- and UAV crew in the IAF. tion sector to provide alternatives, led to a situation with serious In Stage III, fighter trainees move to Bidar to fly 140 hours short- and long-term consequences for military aviation. on the British Aerospace Hawk. The Hawk is an advanced jet Basic flying training is divided into three stages. At each trainer (AJT) with a cockpit that mimics modern fighters to en- stage the trainee is introduced to increasingly demanding ex- able the pilots to transit easily into the combat force of the IAF. ercises to build up his confidence and skill levels. Stage-I com- Pilots are initiated into air combat and live weapons training. prising 65 hours of flying was conducted on the HPT-32 till Pilots of the transport stream fly 85 hours divided between the its grounding in 2009. Non-availability of a basic trainer has Dornier and the An-32 at Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Helicopter pi- forced the IAF to slash the syllabus from 65 hours on HPT-32 to lots also move to Yelahanka to fly 85 hours on the Mi-8. The a mere 25 hours on the HJT-16 Kiran aircraft which is also uti- degree of difficulty is gradually raised during Stage-III training. lised for Stage-II training. A flying instructor now has to assess The quantum of flying for a transport and helicopter pilot is less an ab initio student’s motor skills, reactions to emergencies, in Stage-III because even after joining an operational unit, the air-mindedness and other parameters in one third the flying young pilot will fly as a co-pilot to a more experienced and senior pilot till the new pilot is considered fit to don a ‘Captains’ mantle. All IAF transport and helicopter aircraft are twin-pilot platforms. The bulk of the fighter force aircraft are single-seat platforms. On completion of Stage-III training, fighter pilots move to frontline squadrons to commence operational flying training. The IAF has now ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7 aircraft from the Swiss manufacturer for its basic flying training. The deliveries and handover of the first PC-7 MkII trainer aircraft to the IAF will commence in the first quarter of 2013. The programme is on schedule and the first batch of IAF instructor pilots, have completed their conversion course in Switzerland. Training of technical personnel is planned in early 2013. While the HAL is unlikely to provide an indigenous replacement for the HJT-16 Ki- ran, it is quite likely that the IAF will have Bae’s advanced trainer: to go for another foreign manufacturer An Indian Hawk in Flight to get its Stage-II trainer aircraft. Some US and Russian trainer aircraft are being talked about as being possible contenders. Why is the HAL unable to produce a basic, intermediate or advanced trainer air- time available earlier. The student pilot hardly gets enough fly- craft? China and Korea have gone far ahead of India in this field. ing hours under his belt to consolidate the ‘feel of flying’ before Is there some deficiency in the indigenous design capability or is being pushed into a more difficult regime in Stage-II training. there excessive interference from the omnipresent bureaucracy? Hundred and ninety HJT-16 Mk I (and later Mk IA—both Indian PSUs have most certainly absorbed varied technologies in with Rolls-Royce Viper engines) were inducted for training, be- airframe, engine and avionics fields. Why then are we incapable ginning 1968. In 1985, 61 more powerful Mk II Kiran trainer of putting it all together to produce what the military wants? aircraft equipped with Orpheus engine, entered service. Utilis- These questions are not rhetorical but point to weaknesses in ing the Kiran for basic training presents a potential problem. the indigenous industrial culture overseen by the bureaucracy. The numbers of a particular type of aircraft inducted into the It is perhaps time to free the PSUs from the clutches of the ‘ba- IAF and their projected phase-out year are calculated based on bus’, while at the same time encouraging the private players to the planned utilisation rate (UR) which is the number of hours become stakeholders in the military-industrial complex. In the an aircraft is planned to fly in a year. If the actual UR is high- context of the military trainer aircraft, neither the bureaucracy er than the originally planned UR, then calculations go awry nor HAL are held accountable for the lapses that have led to the and the phase out will be earlier than planned. Development existing state of affairs for which it will be the military and pri- of the HJT-36, HAL’s interimediate jet trainer (IJT) that is to marily the IAF that will face the consequences in the future. If replace the Kiran, has suffered serious roadblocks, especially as HAL or the bureaucracy is found culpable, then action must be regards its engine. A prototype crashed in April 2011 and the initiated in a transparent and fair manner. Until that happens, we SP Photogra p h: BAE S yste m s possibilities of early induction of the IJT into the IAF, appears will continue to lurch from one crisis to another.

42 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Military/Industry

airlifter of the future: A400M final assembly in Seville, Spain Tactical Airlift Solutions from Airbus

Airbus Military is a global leader in the market for products operated by air forces for tactical and strategic transport and refuelling capabilities. In this second part of the article, Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey who visited Airbus facilities in Spain recently, reports how these aircraft are also used for all other kinds of civic missions.

The factory at San Pablo, Seville in southern Spain, boasts efficient Pratt & Whitney engines that give it an endurance of 11 of the complete production and final assembly of the C212, hours. The aircraft is in service in a number of countries such as CN235 and C295 family of military transport aircraft that span Abu Dhabi, Brazil, France, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, the medium tactical segment offering payload capability range Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain and Turkey. from three to nine tonnes. Of these products, the C295 ought In its category, the C295 is the most trusted airlifter. The to be of particular interest to the Indian Air Force (IAF) that operational capabilities of the C295 render it eminently suit- is seeking to replace its obsolete fleet of Avro medium-tactical able for airborne assault operations, air supply using either Y transport aircraft acquired from Britain in the 1960s. To begin normal parachutes or low altitude parachute extraction sys- with, the requirement of the IAF has been pegged at 56 aircraft. tem and other missions related to logistic support. With the First delivered in 2001, the Airbus Military C295 is a signifi- appropriate modifications that are carried out at the San cantly upgraded version of the reputed workhorse CN235. The Pablo factory, the aircraft can be made capable of under- C295 is a versatile, robust and reliable medium tactical transport taking a wide range of special missions such as intelligence, aircraft with payload capacity of nine tonnes or 71 personnel with surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, maximum cruise speed of 480 kmph. The aircraft displays out- maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. A key to the air-

Photogra p h: A I R BUS MILI TAR standing hot and high performance, is equipped with two fuel- craft’s unique patrol and surveillance capabilities is the Air- T Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 43 Aero India 2013 Special Military/Industry bus Military designed fully integrated emburg, Spain, Turkey and the UK. Ma- tactical system (FITS), which integrates, laysia joined the programme two years controls and displays the mission sen- The A400M is the most later. The prototype undertook its maiden sors, enhancing mission awareness and flight on December 11, 2009. So far, a to- facilitating decision-making. The C295 efficient and versatile tal of 174 aircraft have been ordered by is fitted with the highly integrated avi- military transport eight air forces around the world. The onics system from Thales with flexible aircraft in its class, A400M is the most versatile airlifter cur- architecture to meet with the needs of rently available in the world. It can oper- both military and civil applications. The offering the best ate from short, unprepared airstrips and C295 glass cockpit with digital avionics returns on investment in unlike tactical airlifters of earlier genera- includes four large active matrix liquid tion, can perform both strategic and tac- crystal displays (6’’x8’’), fully compatible comparison to other new tical tasks apart from the role of an aerial with night vision goggles. The advanced generation platforms tanker. The aircraft can carry a maxi- integrated avionics system with multi- mum payload of 37 tonnes or 116 fully functional displays provides improved equipped paratroops or 66 stretchers. situational awareness and flight safety, lower pilot workload Its cargo hold is specifically designed to carry outsize military and enhanced mission effectiveness. equipment such as infantry combat vehicles or large helicopters The port engine is fitted with a propeller brake. While on the such as the Chinook that could not be carried by previous gen- ground, the engine gas generator can function in the auxiliary eration tactical airlifters. power unit (APU) mode with the propeller stopped to deliver The aircraft is designed for quick and autonomous cargo un- electrical power and bleed air for the aircraft systems. The pro- loading or loading without the need for any specialised ground peller brake system provides the same ground-power function- support equipment. Fitted with on-board winches and crane, the alities of a conventional on-board APU at a fraction of the cost, cargo hold is optimised for single loadmaster operation from a weight and complexity. The C295 offers optional self-protection computerised workstation. By minimising time on the ground, equipment, which is already in service in hostile environments the aircraft’s vulnerability while operating in a hostile opera- like Iraq and Afghanistan. These include cockpit armour, ra- tional environment is reduced. The A400M excels in the aerial dar warning receiver (RWR), missile approach warning system delivery, being able to drop special forces from as high as 40,000 (MAWS), laser warning system (LWS) and chaff/flares dispens- feet and on account of its ability to fly at very low speeds, it can ers. In flight refuelling capability is also an option on the C295. deliver cargo loads from as low an altitude as 15 feet. Apart from its military roles, the platform is suitable for mis- Powered by four unique counter-rotating Europrop Inter- sions in the civilian regime such as search and rescue (SAR), di- national (EPI) TP400 turboprop power plants developed by a saster management, humanitarian aid, medical evacuation, law consortium comprising Rolls-Royce, Snecma, MTU and ITP, the enforcement, environmental control, etc. The aircraft is quickly A400M is the most powerful turboprop ever built. The airframe convertible from one operational configuration to another, an es- has a large percentage of composites making the aircraft lighter sential prerequisite for an organisation such as the IAF that is and consequently more fuel-efficient. With the new technologies required to undertake a diverse range of military and civilian incorporated, the A400M has a ferry range of 8,700 km at a tasks, often on short notice. The aircraft is equipped with a rear cruising altitude up to 37,000 feet and at a speed of up to Mach ramp for easy loading and unloading, has excellent short-field 0.72. With a payload of 30 tonnes, the aircraft can fly up to performance and can operate from unpaved airstrips. With one 4,500 km and can operate from semi-prepared strips of 2,500 million flying hours of operational experience in all types of en- feet with a payload of 25 tonnes. vironments, the effectiveness and reliability of the C295’s system Similar in performance to that of a jet-powered airlifter of design has been amply demonstrated. The C295 is the perfect equal payload capacity and size, the A400M is capable of un- “workhorse” offering unique versatility and proven reliability to dertaking both strategic and tactical tasks. A large speed range respond to current and future needs of air forces the world over. and ability to climb to high altitude makes it suitable as an The aircraft has been employed successfully in Afghanistan. aerial tanker that can refuel in mid-air combat aircraft at high Airbus Military is now developing an airborne early warn- altitude. With excellent handling characteristics at speeds as ing and command (AEW&C) version of its C295. The primary low as 200 kmph, it can refuel low-flying helicopters as well. sensor of the AEW&C to be, will be the IAI/ELTA fourth gen- With a fuel capacity of 61.9 tonnes, mid-air refuelling is car- eration active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with ried out through two under-wing refuelling pods or through a integrated IFF. The C295 AEW&C is to provide high quality centre-line fuselage refuelling unit. Its built-in air-to-air refuel- 360º surveillance, creating in real-time an integrated air and ling capability allows it to be rapidly reconfigured to become a maritime situation picture and electronic order of battle. The tanker. It can therefore be easily adapted to rapidly changing AEW&C situation picture is to be shared with friendly forces via operational scenarios, being able to perform different types network-centric data links. A C295 modified with winglets and of missions and can itself be refuelled in flight. Its fly-by-wire fitted with a rotodome has been conducting flight trials from controls with side stick, makes handling easy and safe. The Airbus Military’s Seville facility since early June 2011. Other A400M has low infrared (IR) signature and has been specifi- special mission versions of the C295 under development are the cally designed for low detectability, low vulnerability and high Gunship for close air support and the tactical aerial tanker to survivability, giving it excellent self-protection. The aircraft increase the radius of action for combat helicopters engaged in has a low “down-time” for maintenance as it needs to be on SAR or special operations. the ground only for 84 days in 12 years of operation for scheduled maintenance. The A400M: Airlifter of the Future Overall, the A400M is the most efficient and versatile military The A400M was launched in 2003 to meet the needs of seven transport aircraft in its class, offering the best returns on invest- European nations, namely Belgium, France, Germany, Lux- ment in comparison to other new generation platforms. SP

44 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special Hall of Fame

est flying has always is what he yearned for. Eventually, he at near-sonic speeds in order to reduce been a rather risky and ex- was accepted into Lockheed’s Engineer- needless combat losses. This turned out citing profession. To take up ing Flight Test Department to fly the PV-1 to be the most extensive compressibility an aircraft no one has ever Ventura bomber and patrol aircraft, suc- dive programme that had been conduct- flown before, put it through cessor of the Hudson and forerunner of ed till then and not only improved the Tits paces and bring it safely back, is not the famous B-37. Then he began inten- P-38’s performance, but also helped to a job even brave aviators might lightly sive testing of the radical new Lockheed pave the way for future high speed and volunteer to do. In the 1950s, for supersonic flight. instance, test pilots were perishing Next it was the turn of the P-80 at the rate of one a week. That is Shooting Star, the first jet fighter when Anthony LeVier, one of the used operationally by the US. De- greatest test pilots ever, was in his signed and built by Lockheed in heyday. He joined the Lockheed 1943, the aircraft was delivered in Corporation in 1942 and continued just 143 days after the start of the as a test pilot for 32 years, evalu- design process and quickly helped ating some of Lockheed’s most fa- the US establish supremacy in mous aircraft. aviation technology. It saw exten- Anthony “Tony” LeVier was sive combat in Korea as the F-80. born in Duluth, Minnesota, USA, On March 20, 1945, while LeVier on February 14, 1913. In his youth, was testing a P-80, the turbine dis- he was more interested in learn- integrated and severed the tail. He ing about flying than in studies. He bailed out successfully, but severely was one among a whole generation injured his back in the process. Just inspired by Charles Lindbergh’s six months later, he was back in the epic solo flight across the Atlantic cockpit. In 1948, he took America’s Ocean in 1927. Just 14 at the time, first jet trainer aircraft, the T-33 Tony LeVier in great excitement an- T-Bird, up for its maiden flight. In nounced to his family, “I’m going 1954, it was the turn of the XF-104 to become an airplane pilot!” His ANTHONY LEVIER Starfighter, dubbed “The Missile mother took the declaration calmly, with a Man in It”. LeVier became saying, “That’s wonderful, Tony; (1913 - 1998) the first person to cross a speed of just remember to be a good one.” He 1,600 kmph while flying the F-104. signed up for aviation lessons when Fifteen countries adopted it as he was 15 and soon dropped out He had a passion for their air superiority fighter and for of high school to pursue flying full invention, designing devices the next 10 years, LeVier managed time. At 19, he obtained his com- Lockheed’s Starfighter Utilisation mercial flying licence. Immediately, like the master caution Reliability Effort with North At- he plunged into a life of adventure, warning light system, the lantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) barnstorming, instructing and fly- countries, contributing to greatly ing whenever he could. In 1936, automatic wing stores increasing operational safety. He he forayed into air racing, start- also flight-tested Lockheed’s top ing with the US national air races release, the first practical secret U-2 high-altitude reconnais- in Los Angeles. He became famous afterburner ignition system, sance aircraft in 1955. winning the 1938 Greve Trophy Tony LeVier was ultimately Race at Cleveland and the 1938 the “hot microphone” recognised as one of the world’s Pacific International Air Race at intercom system and the foremost experimental test pilots, Oakland. However, the outbreak of performing maiden flights of 20 World War II meant that most non- placement of the trim switch different aircraft types and flying military flying reduced. Although over 10,000 hours on 260 different the US stayed out of the war, at least on top of the control stick. types. He had a passion for inven- to begin with, everyone knew it Many of these features later tion, designing devices like the mas- would inevitably be sucked into the ter caution warning light system, conflict. And, in anticipation, the US became indispensable fits on the automatic wing stores release, military aviation industry began fe- combat aircraft. the first practical afterburner igni- verish preparations. tion system, the “hot microphone” When LeVier joined Lockheed intercom system and the placement he started by ferrying Hudson of the trim switch on top of the con- bombers built for the Royal Air trol stick. Many of these features Force, from the US to Canada. Next, he P-38 Lightning. This was a fighter air- later became indispensable fits on com- trained and checked out pilots on the craft with twin booms and a single cen- bat aircraft. LeVier died after prolonged Hudson and its transport variant, the tral nacelle containing the cockpit and illness at his home in California on Feb- Lodestar. But flight testing military air- armament. It was named “fork-tailed ruary 6, 1998. SP craft considered to be the most challeng- devil” by the German Luftwaffe. LeVier —Group Captain (Retd) ing and risky form of peacetime flying, investigated its control problems in dives Joseph Noronha, Goa

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 45 Aero India 2013 Special newsDigest Military QuickRoundUp Asia-Pacific Airbus IAF helicopters in rescue operations • Citilink, the low-cost subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, has placed a firm order with Airbus for 25 A320neo. The contract is the first direct purchase by Citilink from Airbus. It follows an order placed in 2011 by Garuda Indonesia for 15 A320ceo and 10 A320neo aircraft for operation by Citilink. Airbus Military

IAF helicopters assisted in • Airbus Military has received power restoration at Banihal an order for six additional C295 in Jammu and Kashmir when Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and transport aircraft from the Egyptian heavy snowfall in the region Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), calls on lt General Air Force, bringing its C295 fleet to a threw life in the entire region Benjamin Gantz, Chief of the General Staff, Israel Defense Forces total of 12 aircraft. This third batch of Srinagar Valley out of gear. at HaKirya in Tel Aviv during his four-day visit to Israel. of aircraft plus the associated spares Responding to a request for and support equipment, training and assistance from the Power field support are to be delivered from Grid Corporation of India, C-1 is the world’s first net- gun. The flying router is a the end of 2013 onwards. the Indian Air Force tasked work-enabled weapon with new software upgrade called the Cheetah Helicopter unit a range of more than 100 ki- Net-T or network tactical for ATR based at Udhampur with the lometres. The first stationary the Litening and Sniper ad- challenging and important land target test was designed vanced targeting pods for all • ATR and the Caribbean carrier mission to airlift a seven- to assess JSOW’s capability legacy fighters and the B-1. Leeward Islands Air Transport Services member repair team to Bani- against operationally realistic This high priority develop- (LIAT) have announced the agreement hal Top to carry out repairs infrared and radio frequency mental test began in October for the purchase of a total of three on the 300 MW power line. countermeasures. A F/A- 2012 by the 40th Flight Test 48-seat ATR 42-600s. The deal also 18F Super Hornet aircraft Squadron. The squadron test- includes options for two 68-seat ATR Tiger Moth to Sukhoi launched a JSOW C-1 from ed the software’s capability to 72-600 and is valued at over $100 approximately 29,000 feet allow groups of ground forces million. The delivery of the first ATR and 17.5 nautical miles from to communicate with each 42-600 will be in June 2013. the target. The weapon flew other via remotely operated a pre-planned route at 0.83 video enhanced receiver-5, Bell Helicopter Mach airspeed, employed 3-D a small arm-mounted touch waypoints and successfully screen device about the size • Bell Helicopter has delivered on impacted a cement wall on a of an iPad-mini. Until now, January 16, the 100th of a total of 349 simulated bunker. The second the Rover-5 could only send H-1 helicopters during a ceremony at its stationary land target test and receive data from the air- Amarillo Assembly Center. The US Marine was designed to demonstrate craft. The Net-T pod capabil- Corps H-1 helicopter programme Jodhpur Flying Club was the JSOW’s performance at night ity allows units with Rover-5s comprises the UH-1Y utility helicopter first institution to induct Tiger against an operationally rep- to communicate directly with and the AH-1Z attack helicopter. Moth aircraft in the year resentative bunker target. each other using the aircraft 1932. The vintage aircraft has to route those signals. Bombardier been fully restored by an air- US Air Force begins testing craft restoration company in of new pod capability Europe • Bombardier Aerospace has an- UK and will be showcased in nounced that it delivered 233 aircraft IAF’s golden past at Iron Fist- NH90 onboard helicopter during the 2012 calendar year. The 2013 at Pokhran on February makes debut in Somalia company also received orders for 481 22. Currently, this aircraft is aircraft, net of cancellations, com- being flown by Group Captain pared to 249 orders, net of cancella- D.S. Dangi. He is an experi- tions, for the previous fiscal year. mental test pilot from Aircraft Systems Testing Establish- Eurocopter ment (ASTE), Bengaluru. • A ceremony was held in Beijing, Americas The US Air Force has com- where the President of Beijing Capital pleted testing on a flying Helicopter, Xu Li Dong, accepted Raytheon, US Navy wireless router to ground the Eurocopter EC135 P2+. Beijing demonstrate JSOW C-1 troops with almost instanta- The Dutch Navy frigate De Capital Helicopter will begin operat- The US Navy has successfully neous communications. The Ruyter has sailed for the Gulf ing the new helicopter during the demonstrated the dual target- biggest difference between of Aden carrying a naval upcoming Lunar New Year holidays, ing capability of Raytheon the router in most homes and NH90 helicopter; this is the offering aerial tours over selected Company’s Joint Standoff the new flying router is that it first operational deployment tourist attractions. Weapon (JSOW) C-1. JSOW is attached to a 30mm Gatling for the helicopter. This is the

46 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net Aero India 2013 Special newsDigest Show Calendar Appointment QuickRoundUp 6–10 February Aero India 2013 Thales Eurofighter Air Force Station Yelahanka, The Board of Directors of Thales have Bengaluru, India elected Jean-Bernard Lévy as the • Austrian Armed Forces’ Eurofighters http://aeroindia.in Chairman and Chief Executive Officer will be used to secure the airspace of Thales. Thales’s two main share- during the World Economic Forum 12–13 February holders, the French State and Dassault 2013 in Davos being held from Janu- NBAA LEADERSHIP Aviation, have welcomed the appoint- ary 23 to 27. CONFERENCE ment and will work in agreement with Hilton Austin Hotel, Austin, senior management to pursue the Embraer Texas, USA continued recovery of the Group and www.nbaa.org/events/leadership/ its future development. Jean-Bernard • Embraer has signed a contract 2013 Lévy has said that he is very proud to be appointed to lead with Aldus Aviation Limited, the Irish Thales. “I have been aware for many years of the passion lessor, for the sale of 20 E-Jets, five 20–21 February and the high-level expertise of the men and women who Embraer 175 and 15 Embraer 190. AVIONICS EUROPE contribute to the Group’s numerous successes in many coun- The contract also includes the right MOC Event Centre, Munich, tries around the world. In the global marketplace, Thales has to purchase 15 additional jets for any Germany all the strengths needed to play a leading role. I know I can E-Jet family model. www.avionics-event.com/index. count on the energy and commitment of all to meet the chal- html lenges ahead and work together to develop our Group.” Elbit Systems

• Elbit Systems Ltd has announced that Elbit Systems of America, LLC, has first overseas mission for anan, Chief Minister Mamata LIAT the new ATR customer been selected for award by the US the maritime helicopter. The Banerjee, Union Minister in the Caribbean region Army on behalf of the Small Unmanned onboard helicopter is mainly of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh, ATR and the Caribbean carrier Aircraft System (SUAS) Product Office. used for intelligence, recon- Union Minister of State for Leeward Islands Air Transport Elbit Systems of America was selected naissance and patrol, and Civil Aviation K.C. Venugopal Services (LIAT) have an- with four other companies to provide thus acts as the ‘eyes and and other dignitaries. The nounced the signature of an the full spectrum of SUAS products. ears’ of the frigate. The NH90 first inaugural flight AI-021, agreement for the purchase (NATO Helicopter 90) is the Sector: Kolkata-Delhi-London of a total of three 48-seats Finmeccanica result of years of collabora- was successfully operated ATR 42-600s. The deal also tion by the four NATO coun- on January 23, on the 116th includes options for two 68- • Finmeccanica has announced that tries including Italy, France, birth anniversary of Netaji seat ATR 72-600 and is valued the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Germany and the Nether- Subhash Chandra Bose. at over $100 million. LIAT will has selected the AgustaWestland lands and their national he- take delivery of its very first AW159 to meet its maritime operational licopter manufacturers. The Europe ATR 42-600 in June 2013. helicopter requirement. The programme, Netherlands have bought 20 which includes the supply of eight NH90s: 12 have been specifi- GE Aviation signs MoU with AW159 helicopters to the Republic of cally designed for maritime Aldus Aviation Industry Korea Navy and a comprehensive sup- operations (NFH90) and eight GE Aviation signed a memo- port and training range of services, is for tactical transport (TTH) randum of understanding Americas valued at approximately $560 million. from the sea and over land. ty (MoU) with Aldus Aviation in the second half of 2013. Limited to develop a lessor- Sikorsky, Boeing partner Lockheed Martin oriented CF34-8E and CF34- Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation 10E support package. The and Boeing have signed a • For the first time, two Lockheed Civil Aviation support package will enable teaming agreement to submit Martin F-35C Lightning II carrier leasing companies to better a joint proposal in response variant (CV) test aircraft refuelled Asia-Pacific control maintenance costs, to the US Army Aviation Ap- together with a Lockheed Martin regardless of the operator to plied Technology Directorate KC-130 Hercules in Patuxent River New terminal in Kolkata which the aircraft is leased. solicitation for the Army’s recently. The CV aircraft, known as Under the terms of the agree- Joint Multi-Role (JMR) Tech- CF-1 and CF-2, completed the mile- ment, GE would provide nology Demonstrator (TD) stone as part of an F-35 flight test support for lessors of leased Phase-1 programme. The programme that will accomplish more aircraft maintained by op- JMR TD supports the Depart- than 1,000 flights in 2013. erators under GE’s OnPoint ment of Defense’s future solutions engine services vertical lift programme to Northrop Grumman agreements. The product deliver the next generation is designed to be transfer- of vertical lift aircraft with • Northrop Grumman Corporation and rable between lessors, which greater performance, reliabil- EADS Deutschland GmbH, operating will enable lessors to more ity and affordability. “We are through Cassidian, have carried out The New Integrated Terminal accurately predict mainte- excited about this opportunity the first full system test flight of the Building of NSCBI Airport, nance costs. GE Aviation, and for our customer. The Euro Hawk unmanned aircraft system Kolkata, was inaugurated on an operating unit of GE, is Sikorsky and Boeing team (based on the RQ-4B Global Hawk), January 20 by the President a world-leading provider of brings together exceptional equipped with the signals intelligence of India Pranab Mukherjee jet, turboshaft and turboprop technical expertise,” said Mick advanced sensors for detection of in the presence of the West engines, components and Maurer, President, Sikorsky radar and communication emitters. Bengal Governor M.K. Naray- integrated systems. Aircraft Corporation. •

Issue 2 • 2013 SP’S AVIATION 47 Aero India 2013 Special LastWord Nurture ‘People’

Aviation is a high profile activity and a novel profession that demands the highest levels of self-discipline, sense of responsibility, professional competence and ethics. Unless these values are ingrained in the pilots’ right at the outset and fostered during their career progression, there is little hope for the future of the airline industry in India.

National carrier Air India has once again hit the head- senior pilot holding the post of Executive Director in Air India, lines and as can easily be predicted, again for all the wrong on May 17, 2010, failed to complete the scheduled compulsory reasons. Mumbai-based Captain R.S. Dhillon, a senior pilot with simulator training at the facility in Hyderabad. In the first week the airline and the General Manager Operations, who is also re- of January this year, Minister of State for Civil Aviation K.C. sponsible for training of pilots, was recently placed under sus- Venugopal, while onboard an Air India flight, stumbled upon pension by the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh. As reported and exposed a ticketing scam, a malaise that apparently had in the media, Captain Dhillon was caught literally red-handed been overlooked for years. As admitted by the Minister of Civil fudging records in respect of simulator training of two fairly Aviation, Ajit Singh, Air India has been plagued by “a culture senior pilots in the airline. Captain Dhillon was scheduled to of theft, fraud and abuse of perks by staff” and that “the airline carry out training of two senior pilots of the airline on October was currently investigating 161 such incidents, ranging from 29, 2012, on the A330 simulator hired by Air India from Jet Air- the theft of spare parts to that of whisky and caviar, to even ways. As against the mandated eight hours of simulator train- more financially damaging cases of fraud”. It is little wonder ing, Captain Dhillon carried out just four hours of training for that the once glorious airline symbolised as the “Maharaja,” is no justifiable reason. Of course, Air India had to pay Jet Airways today fallen into disrepute and driven to bankruptcy. But per- for full eight hours of training even if the session was cut short. haps the most bizarre instance of wayward and irresponsible Training on the simulator at conduct in the recent past has the prescribed periodicity and been that of a lady pilot of Air In- duration, is vitally important for dia who was suspended in Janu- npilots to maintain flying profi- ary for “disregarding orders ciency at the desired level, both to alter the flight route” as she in the civil and the military, in had prearranged to pick up her the airline industry or in busi- favourite food from somewhere ness and general aviation. It is along the original routing!” not only a statutory requirement Reverting to the subversion for renewal of the licence to fly, of simulator training by the se- neglect in this regard has serious nior and supposedly responsible implications for skill levels and functionaries of the airline also consequently for air safety. In- brings into focus the need for adequate levels of proficiency es- checks and balances in the sys- pecially of the pilot in command tem. There is of course the Direc- can quite easily place the lives torate General of Civil Aviation of hundreds onboard at risk. It (DGCA), the regulatory authority is understood that for the last that is expected to be the watch- 10 years, Captain Dhillon has dog of civil aviation. Unfortunate- been holding the responsibility ly, the DGCA is grossly under- of simulator training of pilots for staffed and is yet to recover from renewal of licence and in this period, hundreds of pilots would the fake licence and other scams in the recent past. However, have passed through his hands. It goes without saying that the while the responsibility for monitoring and corrective action may extent of internal damage to the health of the airline would have lie on the regulator, the airline too must bear major part of the been extensive, the consequences of which are much too horren- responsibility to ensure that air safety is in no way compromised. dous even to imagine. This episode will only worsen the already However, what needs to be understood is that aviation is a battered image of the airline. high profile activity and a novel profession that demands the Air India has been discredited in the past not only on ac- highest levels of self-discipline, sense of responsibility, profes- count of flawed strategic decisions, questionable procurement sional competence and ethics. Unless these values are ingrained of aircraft in unusually large numbers and frequent strikes by in the pilots right at the outset and fostered during their career the various unions; it has in fact been afflicted by major and progression, there is little hope for the future of the airline in- minor misdemeanours at practically every level of the organisa- dustry in India. SP

Photogra p h: A noo Kamath tion. In April 2011, it was reported in the media that a certain — Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey

48 SP’S AVIATION Issue 2 • 2013 www.spsaviation.net ELECTRO-OPTICAL NEW TOOLS COUNTERMEASURES FOR NEW RULES

C-MUSIC™ Multi-Spectral Infrared MANPADS Countermeasure DIRCM system C-MUSIC™. Aviation Protection. Above & Beyond. C-MUSIC™ has been selected by Israel's Government to protect Israeli passenger aircraft. Today's reality requires increased investment in the protection of military and commercial aircraft. C-MUSIC™ meets this challenge with an innovative combination of sophisticated technologies designed to protect jet aircraft against MANPADS. A multi-spectral infrared fiber-laser based DIRCM system, C-MUSIC™ delivers rapid response and the ability to deal with multiple threats.

MUSIC® is a registered trademark of Elbit Systems Electro-optics Elop Ltd. in Israel and/or other countries.

Visit us at AERO INDIA 2013 Israel Pavilion, Hall A Aviation investors take note. Witness the sluggish liquidity as a solid of ageing narrow-bodies as carriers replace them with more efficient E-Jets that own the 70 to 120-seat segment. Aircraft investment, that deliver a mainline ﬂight experience. That nimbly span all business models. And that enjoy growing acceptance from it’s very liquid. lessors around the globe — nearly 30 at last count. It all adds up to increasing demand and steadily rising values for new E-Jets, and a reassuring assessment of long-term asset liquidity. Or short-term, if the deal wasn’t solid to begin with.

Discover the full range of E-Jet capabilities at EmbraerCommercialAviation.com

900+ Deliveries. 64 airlines. 44 countries.