Supersonic Supersonic

RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 rs. 75.00 (India-based buyer only) Aviation PAGE 12 www.spsaviation.net Classics SP’s News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India.   Optimism for India Optimism forIndia

 Regional Aviation Regional Aviation C-17 Globemaster Globemaster C-17 completed Publication 13th Year of  An SPGuidePublic

Snapshots 2010 Snapshots 2010

US Aerospace Aerospace US  december • 2010 for theIAF

Sarkozy’s Majors V Majors V Airliners a tion

Continuing a powerful partnership with ©2010 Northrop Grumman Corporation unmatched F-16 AESA radar capabilities.

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MMRCA Good fortune and protection for India. With the operationally proven APG-80 AESA radar aboard the F-16IN Super Viper, the Indian Air Force will attain and sustain unprecedented air combat capability for the future. The Indian Air Force, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin: continuing a powerful partnership with unmatched potential.

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Table of Contents News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. AviationIssue 12 • 2010

After Concorde, a supersonic civilian airliner is still many years away, but considerable research is being

Photogra p h: kevin H 12 done towards a supersonic business jet (SSBJ)

In short Industry Quote Unquote 6 Cover Story 34 Special Mission First Specialised & Amphibious 9 Switching Roles SNAPSHOts Fly Faster than Sound 22 2010 diplomacy The new supersonic busniess 15 Indo-French jets will have technologies that OEM Enhanced Bilateral Ties can be translanted into larger 28 Interview ‘We’re putting entirely new CiviL airlines someday. manufacturing lines for the next 16 Regional Aviation level of AESA development’ A Booming Market Hall of fame 33 Jacqueline Auriol military • Industry 19 SP’s AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION Regular Departments US Aerospace Majors News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. 5 A Word from Editor RS. 75.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) BUYER (INDIA-BASED 75.00 RS. 26 Procurement Aviationwww.spsaviation.net DECEMBER • 2010 13th Year of Publication 10 NewsWithViews Strengthening Strategic completed

Horizons PAGE 12 – Paramount Airways to resume operations Interview 30 – Predatory Airfares ‘IAF is going in for a massive Supersonic  Sarkozy’s Optimism for India  Regional Aviation upgradation of its airfield and Classics Airliners 37 NewsDigest  US Aerospace Majors V helipad infrastructure’  Snapshots 2010  C-17 Globemaster in the IAF LastWord RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 40 31 Interview SP's Aviation cover 12-10.indd 1 09/12/10 11:29 AM Let Go ‘F/A-18 Super Hornet offers advanced capabilities to IAF’ Cover Image: 32 Interview The supersonic jets will enable executives to reach Next Issue: ‘Super Hornet will inject advanced distant destinations far faster than speed of sound. Shape of Future: Concept Planes military strength into IAF’ Cover Image: Aerion Corporation

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 1 Table of Contents

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2 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net 277mm Bleed 267mm Trim 257mm Live 3_Boeing ad.indd 3 Scale: 1.0" = 1" = 1.0" Scale: 0 oitc porm aray n lc wt te .. ay Ida a as cut n h Spr ont to Hornet Super the on count also performance-based can award-winning India Navy, Boeing’s U.S. the come to by years for and now value savings—real and life-cycle with superior and readiness outstanding deliver capability place Supported advanced in mission. already of program, assured after logistics is India mission fighter, next-generation value, its proven as F/A-18IN the selecting By 25 3C 4C 50 5100 75 41M 50C 41Y 50K 4 % Output printed at: printed Output Production Artist: C y a n 2 Space/Color: 5 Frontline Communications Partners Communications Frontline % Retoucher: C y file Name: file a n 5 0 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 C Trim: Live: y a n 7 5 % C y Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica 65 Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica 197mm x 257mm x 197mm Page–4-Color–Bleed Full Aviation SP 100% BOEG_IDS_F18_1609M 1/28/09 D.Seymour 277mm x 220mm 267mm x 210mm a n Client: Client - Frontline Job # - 108339 Ver. - AD01 - Ver. 108339 - # Job Frontline - Client PUBLICATIONNOTE: 1 0 0 % C y a n 4 % M Boeing a g 2 5 220mm Bleed 220mm % Material for this insertion is to be examined carefully upon receipt. upon carefully examined be to is insertion this for Material M a g 5 Job Number: Job 0 % M Cyan a g Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order.insertion as use only.not identification Do general for Guideline 7 5 % M a g 1 0 210mm Trim210mm 0 % Magenta M a g 4 % Y e l o BOEG_IDS_F18_1609M 2 5 % Y e l o 80CnuyPr at ut 01 o nee,C 90067 1011,CA Los Suite Angeles, East, Park Century 1880 197mm Live 197mm 5 0 % Product: Yellow Y e l o 7 5 % Account Executive: Account Y e Creative Director: Creative l o TrafficManager: Print Producer: Print 1 0 0 Proof Reader: Proof % Digital Artist: Integrated Defense Systems Defense Integrated Copy Writer: Copy Art Director: Art Y e Black l o Art Buyer: Art 4 Vendor: % Print Production at 310-601-1485. at Production Print Client: B Legal: l k GCD: 4 3 3 % % % C Y M y e a a l g o n Schawk TraciBrown Boeing McAuliffe D. P.Serchuk J. Alexander P.Serchuk P.Serchuk 2 5 % B l k 2 1 1 5 9 9 % % % C Y M y e a a l g o n 5 0 % B l k 5 4 4 0 0 0 % % % C Y M y e a a l g o n 7 5 % B l k Date/Initials 7 Approved 6 6 5 4 4 % % % C Y M y e a a l g o n Bleed Trim Live 1 0 0 % 3/16/09 7:37:38 PM B l k . www.spsaviation.net READ SP’S AVIATION DOWNLOAD EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE AS eBOOK CALENDARS FOR EVERY MONTH

CIVIL BUSINESS JETS CIVIL BUSINESS JETS

AERION SSBJ: RRIVE BEFORE YOU LEAVE”—a rather in- G650’s maximum level cruise is a more sedate Mach 0.925. FITTED WITH PRATT & WHITNEY JT8D-219 triguing slogan which British Airways used This amounts to a mere Mach .005 faster than the Citation TURBOFANS, AERION IS to attract well-heeled passengers during the X. Does this matter? It does, if only to wrest the title of the PLANNING 8-PASSENGER JET heyday of Concorde. It meant something. Con- world’s fastest from Cessna. But Cessna has already de- WITH A MAXIMUM CRUISE SPEED OF MACH 1.6 corde, the world’s only successful supersonic clared its determination to regain the crown. airliner, needed just three hours 47 minutes What limits the quest for ever greater speeds? Is it the so- to fly more than 4,000 nm from London to Miami with 70 called sound barrier? An aircraft’s sound radiates outward Apassengers aboard. This was enough to outrace the rota- in all directions as pressure waves transmitted though the tion of the earth, and the travellers reached Miami at a local air. As the plane approaches the speed of sound it catches up time earlier than at which their flight had left London. It was with the sound waves being projected ahead of it, resulting a sure-sell proposition for time-strapped business people, in a build up of pressure in front of the plane, which forms even though they had to fork out that much more for a Con- a shockwave. Shockwaves develop even before the instru- corde ticket. ment in the cockpit registers Mach 1.0. The accompanying But after operating for just three decades over limited compressibility drag requires additional energy to counter, routes, the expensive, ageing Concorde fleet was ground- which means more powerful gas-guzzling engines. This re- “ ed for good in 2003. The last seven years have not seen duces fuel efficiency, lowers cost effectiveness and increases another civilian supersonic aircraft. Fighter jets routinely the environmental footprint compared to conventional jets. exceed Mach 1, even Mach 2, Compressibility drag can be but today’s fastest airliners reduced by a variety of design generally clock no more than features—including wings of Mach 0.85 (about 900 km/h), thinner cross section, sharp only a little quicker than their sweepback, and wing fences counterparts of four decades to control the spread of shock- ago. Business executives, for- waves. But such features for tunate enough to have flown high-speed flight create their Concorde, might complain own problems, particularly in Fly Faster that travel used to be swifter the subsonic regime. and yearn for the good times Then there’s the vexatious to return. Their wish may be sonic boom. The Mach cone granted in the not-too-distant travels with the aircraft and future. A supersonic civilian its trail extends to the earth, airliner is still many years where it is perceived as a loud away, but considerable re- double boom or bang. The than Sound search is being done towards a boom intensity depends on the supersonic business jet (SSBJ). weather, refraction from differ- Aerion Corporation based in ent layers of the atmosphere, Reno, Nevada, USA, and other and most importantly the size companies aim to enable ex- of the aircraft. A supersonic ecutives to wing their way to airliner is likely to generate a distant destinations far faster shockwave strong enough to than the speed of sound (Mach rattle windows and shake up 1.0). And even economy pas- the faint-hearted. For this rea- sengers may hope to benefit son, Concorde was prohibited some day. from exceeding Mach 1 over land—which proved a major WORLD’S FASTEST obstacle in its ultimately futile After Concorde quit the scene, TOP CONTENDORS: quest for economic viability. the title of the world’s fast- DASSAULT’S FALCON 7X And Concorde didn’t have the CRUISES AT MACH 0.90 est civilian aircraft was held AND GULFSTREAM’S green brigade to contend with. Perhaps in five to six years from now, business executives might by the Citation X. Manufactured by Cessna G650 IS CAPABLE OF of Wichita, Kansas, USA, the Citation X has NOTCHING A SPEED OF THE CHARGE OF THE SSBJS take off from their home base in the morning, hold a business reigned virtually unchallenged as the busi- MACH 0.925 IN LEVEL Business jet manufacturers like Cessna be- FLIGHT meeting at a distant location in the afternoon, ness jet speed king since 1996. It offers a lieve high-speed concerns can be remedied maximum speed of Mach 0.92 and is closely by smaller planes like SSBJs. Typically in- and return home the same evening followed by the French Dassault Aviation tended to fly around 10 passengers, SSBJs Falcon 7X at Mach 0.90. Gulfstream Aero- are about the same size as conventional sub- space, based in Savannah, Georgia, USA, recently claimed sonic business jets. Companies like Aerion and Supersonic By Joseph Noronha, that it’s ultra-long-range G650—scheduled for first delivery Aerospace International (SAI) are attempting to find ways to Goa in 2012—is now the fastest civilian aircraft in the sky with a muffle the sonic boom, and so permit supersonic travel over speed of Mach 0.995 recorded in a shallow dive. Of course, populated areas. A promising avenue of research is discov-

PHOTOGRAPHS: AERION, GULFSTREAM, MEGA WALLPAPER & ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS MEGA WALLPAPER GULFSTREAM, PHOTOGRAPHS: AERION, diving performance is of little use for business jets, and the ering an aircraft shape that might change the shape of the

12 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 13

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RNI NU Optimism forSarkozy’s India  SP's A Regional Aviation v iation cove r 12-1 0 .indd 1 Airliners  US Aerospace Majors V  Snapshots 2010  C-17 Globemaster

in the IAF

09/ 12/ 10 11:29 AM

SP’s AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION

News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. RS. 75.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) BUYER (INDIA-BASED 75.00 RS. Aviationwww.spsaviation.net DECEMBER • 2010 13th Year of Publication completed

PAGE 12 Supersonic

 Sarkozy’s Optimism for India  Regional Aviation Classics Airliners  US Aerospace Majors V  Snapshots 2010  C-17 Globemaster in the IAF RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199

SP's Aviation cover 12-10.indd 1 09/12/10 11:29 AM

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Winner of the last month’s photo contest: Vivek Shukla Winners get free one year subscription of SP’s Aviation magazine A Word from Editor It is not that India’s attraction is just its huge market. There are several strengths and the world leadership has acknowledged these strengths and solidified bilateral relationships.

n quick succession, Heads of State of lead- wrath of the government and also the paying public. Subse- ing powers have visited India and the visits continue. quently, there have been fare revisions, but it pointed to the Beginning with the UK Prime Minister, David Cam- growth momentum in the civil aviation sector. Paramount eron; followed by the US President, Barack Obama; Airways is resuming operations soon and Air Marshal B.K. and now the French President Nicholas Sarkozy, In- Pandey takes us through the troubled airline’s plans. dia has garnered all the attention. Soon the Chinese Regional jet players are actively pursuing programmes to Premier Wen Jiabao and the Russian President Dmitry Med- gain substantial market access. In the article “Specialised and Ivedev are expected. Some of these high-level visits captured Amphibious”, Bombardier’s special mission aircraft is the fo- in visuals (see Pictorial pages) point to one thing—India has cus. The OEM has designed, built and delivered over 300 spe- truly emerged as a power to reckon with. cial mission aircraft since 1965 when a Learjet 23 flew a tacti- It is not that India’s attraction is just its huge market. cal training mission for the US Air Force. Today, the Learjet, There are several strengths and the world leadership has ac- Challenger and Global business jets and Q-Series turboprop knowledged these and solidified bilateral relationships. The airliners provide a full spectrum of special mission capabilities. visits have firmed up many deals. Air Marshal V.K. Bhatia On the aspirational side, Joseph Noronha puts us on a su- gives insight into the strategic acquisitions of 10 C-17 Globe- personic civilian airliner, though it is still many years away, master III heavy airlifters with an option for additional six but considerable research is going on. Since the whole idea later. Prior to that, India firmed up with General Electric for of air travel is to reach distant destinations without delay, the F414-GE-400 engine for the Tejas MK II programme. faster it goes the better. In the interview with Rick McCrary of Boeing, the execu- With this Year End Special Issue highlighting key hap- tive highlights the Super Hornet Block II as the most com- penings around the year (Snapshots 2010), SP’s Aviation prehensive and diversified multi-role capabilities on a single celebrates its 13th anniversary. Happy Reading and Happy platform. The Super Hornet is in the race for the medium Holidays! multi-role combat aircraft acquisition of the Indian Air Force. Along with massive equipment modernisation, the IAF is go- ing in for upgradation of airfield and helipad infrastructure, which Air Marshal J.N. Burma has elaborated on. In this issue, John Fagnant, Director of ISR and Target- ing Strategy, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, talks about the features of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology. The executive forecasts future develop- ments, costs and common radar heritage. In the realm of civil aviation, the traffic movement has been very buoyant. About 45 million domestic passengers flew in 2009 and the target for 2020 is 100 million, mostly driven by the secondary cities, opening up major avenues to regional jet manufacturers. In the article on “A Booming Market”, R. Chandrakanth examines the scope of the low-to-medium den- sity markets in India and how the regional jet manufacturers Jayant Baranwal are positioning themselves. Around the same time, airlines Publisher & Editor-in-Chief increased domestic airfares by 30 to 40 per cent, inviting the

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 5 in short uote Q Unquote The modern army is a knowledge-based force and application of science and Information Technology has become an integral part of defence preparedness and warfare…In today’s knowledge-centric era, every soldier should be technology efficient, a requirement that highlights the need for better training for increased efficiency. —The President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil

In my discussions with the US President, we have decided to accelerate the deepening of our ties and to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship that will positively and decisively influence world peace, stability and progress. — Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh mission-critical advantages Whatever the mission

The just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a for more than 40 years, some 300 bombardier special mission aircraft have been selected by countries United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate. That is why I around the globe to fulfill a wide spectrum of missions ranging from government vip transportation, can say today — in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security through search and rescue, to c4isr. today, we continue to meet the critical needs of governments, Council that includes India as a permanent member. armed forces and commercial operators with high performance global, challenger and learjet series —President of the US Barack Obama jets and dash-8/Q-series turboprops. we meet your needs. we deliver.

I’m making for a stronger, wider, deeper relationship between India and Britain. I have come to your country in a spirit of humility. I know that Britain cannot rely on sentiment and shared history for a place in India’s future. Your country has the whole world beating a path to its door. But I believe Britain should be India’s partner of choice in the years ahead. —Prime Minister of Britain David Cameron

India is probably far greater and stronger than even it probably realises. We need to beat terrorism and insurgencies, notably in Afghanistan and in Pakistan, major sources of instability. —President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy

For more inFormation: www.specialmission.bombardier.com 6 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net bombardier, learjet, challenger, global, global express, dash 8, Q-series and other bombardier aircraft model names are registered and/or unregistered trademark (s) of bombardier inc. or its subsidiaries. global express picture: copyright © 2006 raytheon company. all rights reserved. raytheon company is the mission systems integrator for astor.

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for more than 40 years, some 300 bombardier special mission aircraft have been selected by countries around the globe to fulfill a wide spectrum of missions ranging from government vip transportation, through search and rescue, to c4isr. today, we continue to meet the critical needs of governments, armed forces and commercial operators with high performance global, challenger and learjet series jets and dash-8/Q-series turboprops. we meet your needs. we deliver.

For more inFormation: www.specialmission.bombardier.com bombardier, learjet, challenger, global, global express, dash 8, Q-series and other bombardier aircraft model names are registered and/or unregistered trademark (s) of bombardier inc. or its subsidiaries. global express picture: copyright © 2006 raytheon company. all rights reserved. raytheon company is the mission systems integrator for astor.

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Of late, extraordinary and unprecedented cyber crimes have taken place across the globe, exposing gaping holes in cyber security systems. A few recent cases are reminders of our own vulnerabilities. — Defence Minister A.K. Antony

India will be among the fastest growing markets. The aviation scenario in India encompassed growth of airlines; expanding airports; MRO operations; training etc and the pie was getting larger. —Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel

We have relied on the public sector in the past but increasingly we want to leverage the capabilities of the private sector. —Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju

I would like to assure my countrymen of the readiness and commitment of the Indian Air Force in national security and defence of the country. IAF has always measured up to the expectations of the nation, and will continue to do so in the future. As Air Warriors, let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the nation and renew our pledge to do our sovereign duty–with honour and pride and indeed touch the sky with glory. —Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, Chief of the Air Staff

The Indian Navy continues to sharpen its capabilities through regular fleet exercises, both within the Navy, as well as with our major international partners. Suffice it to say, that our powder is dry and we stand ready to combat any mala fide activity intended to harm our national integrity and interests. —Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff

The fast-changing nature of conflict and emerging technologies require constant reappraisal and improvement. The indian Army is fully prepared to meet the variety of security challenges confronting our country. —General V.K. Singh, Chief of Army Staff

­—Compiled by Sucheta Das Mohapatra

8 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net irst irst

F F Final AW159 Lynx Wildcat test

F F aircraft made its maiden flight

Switching Roles he third and final AgustaWestland AW159 test development of the new six-tonne multi-role military helicop- aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight ter, 62 of which have been ordered by the UK Ministry of De- on November 19 at the company’s Yeovil facility in fence. The first aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2011. the UK. During its maiden flight, a range of general The aircraft will be fully operational with the Army in 2014 Thandling checks were completed. The aircraft, designated and the Royal Navy in 2015. The British Army’s AW159 Lynx TI3, is the third of three test aircraft that will complete a Wildcat will perform a wide range of tasks on the battlefield 600 hour integrated flight test programme. This first flight including reconnaissance, command and control, transporta- comes a few weeks after the second AW159, designated TI2, tion of troops and material, and the provision of force protec- which first flew in mid-October. All the three aircraft flew tion. The Royal Navy variant will provide an agile maritime together for the first time on the same day. capability providing anti-surface warfare capability and force Aircraft TI1 continues to perform air vehicle and flight protection and will operate in support of amphibious opera- envelope testing while TI2 is undertaking the flight testing of tions and be an important element in defending ships against the aircraft’s core and mission avionics systems, the systems surface threats. There will be a high degree of commonality and software having already been developed and tested on between the Army and Royal Navy helicopters that will mean AgustaWestland’s full systems integration rig (FSIR). that an aircraft can switch roles easily, principally through the TI3’s main task includes undertaking load survey trials changing of role equipment. The AW159 programme for the and naval development, including ship helicopter operating UK MoD continues to be on time and on budget and was the limit trials. AgustaWestland has now also established a new first major project to be awarded under the Strategic Partner- AW159 production facility at its Yeovil plant that introduces ing Arrangement signed by the UK Ministry of Defence and a pulse line production system to bring significant efficien- AgustaWestland in June 2006. SP

gustaWestland cies to the final assembly process. The first production air- —SP’s Aviation News Desk frame was delivered to AgustaWestland by GKN Aerospace on schedule in July 2010. E-mail your comments to: The first flight of the third AW159, known as Lynx Wildcat [email protected]

Photogra p h: A in UK military service marks another major milestone in the

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 9 Photograph: embraer NewsWithViews T VIEWS 10 der. Paramount Airways isthereforeallsettomakewaves licence, theDGCA isrequiredtorevokethesuspension or a stayorderbytheMadras HighCourtonsuspensionof model layshattered, but onlyforawhile. Consequentto full servicecarrierinthecountry withauniquebusiness DGCA oftheirlicenceasascheduledoperator. requirement toholdfiveaircraft, itledtosuspension by craft intheParamountfleetdroppedbelowminimum General ofCivil Aviation (DGCA). As thestrengthofair deregistered bytheDirectorate were groundedasthese nies, threeoftheEmbraerJets airline andtheleasingcompa- the UKandIndia, betweenthe a prolongedlegalbattlebothin Celestial AviationTrading. After Capital Aviation Service Ltd and leasing firms, theUK-basedGE default inpaymentwithtwo a legaldisputeoveralleged airline hadgotentangledinto time performance. Airways wasreputedforitson- as a regional airline, Paramount ing 56 flights a day and virtually in thesouthernregion. Operat- 27 percentofthemarketshare high loadfactorsandcaptured the airlinerecordedconsistently low costandfullservicecarriers, pitched betweenthoseofthe traveller. With afarestructure convenience ofthebusiness with flighttimingstosuitthe amongst citiesinSouthIndia frame providing connectivity unsustainable andsoontheairlinewithdrewintoaregional connecting KochiwithDelhi. However, theconceptproved Jets. Initially, theairlinewasoperatedatnationallevel the only carrier in India to operate the Embraer Regional timately enhancedtofiveaircraft. Paramount Airways was airline industryinIndiabegan. The fleetstrengthwasul- slots at airports where they wanttooperate. wherethey slots atairports six others. The Committeegivesclearancestoairlines’ ofaircraftafterconsideringavarietyissues, proposalforimport includingavailabilityof Civil Aviation Ministry cleared a proposal of the airline to acquire eight Airbus A320 and six Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft and wet lease skies afteragovernmentpanelcleareditsproposaltobuy14planesandleasesixmore. At ameeting, the Aircraft Acquisition Committeeofthe Months afteritsoperationswerecrippledbyalegaldisputewithaircraftlessors, Chennai-basedcarrierParamount Airways willagaintaketothe Paramountoperations Airwaysresume to The dreamoftheairline to emergeastheleading By theendoflastyear, the

SP’S AVIATION braer ERJ170aircraftsoonaftertheboomin model was launched in 2005 with two 75-seat Em- mount Airways withauniqueall-businessclass he chennai-b

Issue 12•2010 ased private airline Para- - - be adistantdream. real growthinthecivilaviation industrywillcontinueto the DGCA istoemergeasafacilitator. Till thishappens, airlines suchasthepetitioner”. The needofthehourfor be pragmatic. Itshould not force impracticable orders on that “the statutoryauthoritiessuchastheDGCA should dealt withthepetitionbyairline. The courtopined has beenthemannerinwhichMadrasHighCourt pect ofthelegalbattleengagedinbyParamount Airlines ties. The focusoftheairlineistooperatecountrywideon plan isindicativeoftherestructuredoperationalpriori- trouble. The mixofaircraftintheproposedacquisition all 17destinationsthatitwasservingbeforeraninto airline planstoimmediatelyrestorescheduledservices aircraft onwetleasefroma Turkish carrierinitially, the aircraft. Plannedtobeinductedinaphasedmanner, using craft. The airlinehasgovernmentsanctiontoimport20 A320 andeightBombardierQ400NextGenturbopropair again, thistimewithacompletelynewfleetof12 Airbus

SP —Air Marshal(Retd)B.K. Pandey five years”. of “continuous operationsfor meet withtheeligibilitycriteria technically theairlinedoesnot operations mayhavetowait, as their ownaccord, international of licenceeventhoughnot a fewmonthssincesuspension was practically inoperative for launch. However, astheairline five yearshavegonebysinceits dertake internationalflightsas is alsoworkingonplanstoun- ness model is notin doubt. It viability oftheParamountbusi- per centoverthelastoneyear, having increasedbyabout15 growth trajectoryandfares dustry isnowonahealthy service regionwise. As thein- and theQ400providingfeeder would operateontrunkroutes ies. The largercapacity A320 emerging tierIIandIIIcit- tage throughconnectivitytothe derive the maximum advan- a hub-and-spoke concept to But themostinterestingas- www.spsaviation.net - Photograph: anoop kamath NewsWithViews P VIEWS Civil Aviation Ministry “tried” toreinintheairlines. sengers criedfoul. The airlinesremaineddefiantevenasthe The hikewas30-40percentonmajordomesticroutes. Pas- for uptoRs20,000withbookingdoneadayinadvance. of the route-wise tariff across its network in various fare of theroute-wisetariffacrossitsnetworkinvarious fare ing theairlinestofurnishacopy has comeoutwithacircularask- sought replies from the airlines, which is “not acceptable”. throwback toregulatoryregime, regulation offareswouldbea of GoAirKaushikKhonasaidany penalty orpunishment. The CEO nation, butthereisnoprovisionof best, theDGCA canseekan expla- tariff aspertheaircraftrules. At government cannotregulatethe commercial commodities.” ing that. After all, airlinesare the worldandwetooarefollow- width pricing is followed across unjust increaseinairfares. Band- Mallya said, “There hasbeenno Chairman Vijay fisher Airlines the daystocome.” lines donotactresponsiblyin certainly beinvoked if theair has special powers which can General ofCivil Aviation (DGCA) Patel decriedtheairfaresandcautioned, “The Directorate • • • • public. Meanwhile, theairlineshaveannounced20-25percentcutinfares. also submittedtotheDGCAaproposalonfarebandwidthbasedfourdistanceslabs. The DGCAistomakeitsdecisionontheproposal issued acircularthattheairlinespublishontheirwebsitesornewspapers, themaximumairfarethatairlinewaslikelytocharge. The airlines sumers andtheCivil Aviation Ministry. The DirectorateGeneralofCivil Aviation (DGCA)soughtexplanationsfromtheairlinesandsubsequently Domestic airlines, includingthelow-costcarriers, arbitrarilyincreasedairfaresby30-40percent, post-Diwali, attractingtheireofbothcon- Predatory airfares carrier proposed slabS Meanwhile, theDGCA, which The spatcontinues. The airlinesmaintainthatthe Defending theaction, King- Egged by media reports, the Civil Aviation Minister Praful >1400 km 1000-1400 km 750-1000 km <750 km cost carriersSpiceJet, IndiGoandGoAirwereasking bai onJet Airways waspricedat`35,999, whilelow- season, around-trip economy ticket for Delhi-Mum- ost Low cost -Diw ali andwith `21,999 `16,999 `14,499 `10,499 - the fecting suchchanges. within 24hoursofef- reported totheDGCA already filed, shouldbe in theestablishedtariff and noticeable change significant month. Any day ofeverycalendar categories onthefirst onset oftheholiday

tween of crease ranged from aminimumof` carriers like Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Air India, the in- and for slab750-1,000km;` four distanceslabs—` website orinnewspapers. Airlines arenowrequiredtopublishthefarebandwidthonits costs, butsurehesees redwhenfaresjusthittheskies. economics, buoyantas everduetoairturbinefuelandother travelling byair. The aamadmimaynotunderstandairline hikes, nottodriveaway theburgeoningmiddleclassfrom being suchthatairlineshave tobecautiousintheirairfare senger movementin2009wasonlow-costairlines. The trend low-cost airtravelmarketandthatover70percentofpas - view aviationasefficient, point-to-pointon-timetravel.” ` The low cost airlines proposed highest airfares based on The lowcostairlinesproposedhighestairfaresbasedon The irony of all this is that India constitutes primarily a The ironyofallthisisthatIndiaconstitutesprimarilya 30,811 on Delhi-Chennai sector and the fares ranged be- ` 21,999 forslabbeyond1,400km. With full-service ` 22,000 and` 40,000 forlongdistances. At thetimeof Issue 12•2010 10,499 forlessthan750km;` 16,999 for slab 1,000-1,400 km 16,999 forslab1,000-1,400km ply,” PrafulPatelrebuffed. there ismoredemandthansup- advantage ofasituationwhere “We willnotlettheairlinestake was Air Indiawith70percent. 87 percentandatthebottom with Kingfishertopping dicate impressiveperformances load factors for October 2010 in- also ofParamount Airways. The craft ofKingfisher Airlines and further by grounding of six air and capacityconstraints, affected because ofincreaseindemand fares areheadednorth, mainly meeting withtheairlines. the proposalsand had linedupa writing, theDGCA wasstudying chief commercialofficer. “People Samyukth Sridharan, SpiceJet’s consumers asaculture,” said “We areextremelycostsensitive quent travellerSureshSundaram. daylight robbery,” remarked fre- passenger feelscheated. “This is lines aresortingouttheissue, the While theregulatorandair In thelastfewmonths, air- 14.097 to a maximum 14.097 to a maximum

SP’S AVIATION —R. Chandrakanth 14,499 14,499

11 SP - - Civil Business Jets

AERION SSBJ: fitted with Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 turbofans, AERion is planning 8-passenger jet with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 1.6 cover story Fly Faster than Sound a p ers & abhishek / s guide ubns Perhaps in five to six years from now, business executives might take off from their home base in the morning, hold a business meeting at a distant location in the afternoon, and return home the same evening

By Joseph Noronha, Goa p M ega wall gulfstream, Photogra p hs: aerion,

12 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Civil Business Jets

“ rrive before you leave”—a recently claimed that it’s ultra-long-range G650—scheduled rather intriguing slogan which British for first delivery in 2012—is now the fastest civilian aircraft Airways used to attract well-heeled in the sky with a speed of Mach 0.995 recorded in a shallow dive. Of course, diving performance is of little use for busi- passengers during the heyday of Con- ness jets, and the G650’s maximum level cruise is a more corde. It meant something. Concorde, sedate Mach 0.925. This amounts to a mere Mach .005 faster the world’s only successful superson- than the Citation X. Does this matter? It does, if only to wrest ic airliner, needed just three hours 47 minutes to the title of the world’s fastest from Cessna. But Cessna has Afly more than 4,000 nm from London to Miami already declared its determination to regain the crown. What limits the quest for ever greater speeds? Is it the so- with 70 passengers aboard. This was enough to called sound barrier? An aircraft’s sound radiates outward in outrace the rotation of the earth, and the travel- all directions as pressure waves transmitted though the air. As lers reached Miami at a local time earlier than at the plane approaches the speed of sound it catches up with the which their flight had left London. It was a sure- sound waves being projected ahead of it, resulting in a build sell proposition for time-strapped business people, up of pressure in front of the plane, which forms a shock- wave. Shockwaves develop even before the instrument in the even though they had to fork out that much more cockpit registers Mach 1.0. The accompanying compressibility for a Concorde ticket. drag requires additional energy But after operating for just to counter, which means more three decades over limited powerful gas-guzzling engines. routes, the expensive, ageing This reduces fuel efficiency, Concorde fleet was grounded lowers cost effectiveness and for good in 2003. The last sev- increases the environmental en years have not seen anoth- footprint compared to conven- er civilian supersonic aircraft. tional jets. Compressibility drag Fighter jets routinely exceed can be reduced by a variety Mach 1, even Mach 2, but to- of design features—including day’s fastest airliners generally wings of thinner cross section, clock no more than Mach 0.85 sharp sweepback, and wing (about 900 km/h), only a little fences to control the spread of quicker than their counterparts shockwaves. But such features of four decades ago. Business for high-speed flight create executives, fortunate enough their own problems, particu- to have flown Concorde, might larly in the subsonic regime. complain that travel used to Then there’s the vexatious be swifter and yearn for the sonic boom. The Mach cone good times to return. Their travels with the aircraft and wish may be granted in the its trail extends to the earth, not-too-distant future. A su- where it is perceived as a loud personic civilian airliner is still double boom or bang. The many years away, but consid- boom intensity depends on the erable research is being done weather, refraction from differ- towards a supersonic business ent layers of the atmosphere, jet (SSBJ). Aerion Corporation and most importantly the size based in Reno, Nevada, USA, of the aircraft. A supersonic and other companies aim to airliner is likely to generate a enable executives to wing their top contenders: shockwave strong enough to way to distant destinations far Dassault’s falcon 7x rattle windows and shake up cruises at mach 0.90 faster than the speed of sound and gulfstream’s the faint-hearted. For this rea- (Mach 1.0). And even economy passengers g650 is capable of son, Concorde was prohibited from exceed- may hope to benefit some day. notching up a speed ing Mach 1 over land—which proved a major of mach 0.925 in obstacle in its ultimately futile quest for eco- level flight World’s Fastest nomic viability. And Concorde didn’t have the After Concorde quit the scene, the title of the green brigade to contend with. world’s fastest civilian aircraft was held by the Citation X. Manufactured by Cessna of The Charge of the SSBJs Wichita, Kansas, USA, the Citation X has reigned virtually Business jet manufacturers like Cessna believe high-speed unchallenged as the business jet speed king since 1996. It of- concerns can be remedied by smaller planes like SSBJs. Typi- fers a maximum speed of Mach 0.92 and is closely followed cally intended to fly around 10 passengers, SSBJs are about the by the French Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X at Mach 0.90. same size as conventional subsonic business jets. Companies Gulfstream Aerospace, based in Savannah, Georgia, USA, like Aerion and Supersonic Aerospace International (SAI) are

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 13 Civil Business Jets attempting to find ways to muffle 500 in 15 years. “First to market the sonic boom, and so permit has a clear advantage,” asserts supersonic travel over populated Aerion. The main problem now areas. A promising avenue of re- is for the company to convince search is discovering an aircraft an OEM to take on such a com- shape that might change the plex and financially risky proj- shape of the pressure wave such ect. It hopes to do a deal before that some of the sounds effec- the end of the year. tively cancel each other and the Russia’s Tupolev is report- sonic boom might virtually dis- edly developing a hybrid of the appear by the time it reaches the TU144, called the TU444 char- ground. Boeing and Lockheed ger. This aircraft is designed Martin prefer to place engines to carry 6-10 passengers over on top of the wings rather than the russian ssbj: 4,000 nm at Mach 2.0. There TU444 charger is below (as Concorde had) so that designed to carry are also unverified claims that the wings and fuselage can prevent part of the 6-10 passengers over the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) shockwaves due to the engines from travelling 4,000 nm at Mach 2.0 in Zhukovsky, near Moscow, has developed a towards the earth. “Quiet Spike” is a research supersonic executive concept aircraft to re- programme, between Gulfstream and NASA’s duce sonic boom levels to 65 decibels, possibly Dryden Flight Research Centre, to investigate facilitating overland flights. The Dassault-led the suppression of sonic booms. Gulfstream is also reportedly high-speed aircraft project, which pools the efforts of 37 or- investigating low boom designs. The company seeks to damp- ganisations in 13 countries, is also working towards a Mach en the sound signature of an aircraft in supersonic flight so 1.8 aircraft, with space for up to 16 passengers. that it does not exceed a perceived noise level of 70 decibels Meanwhile, SAI is pursuing the Quiet Supersonic Trans- while cruising at a speed of Mach 1.7 over land. Flying super- port (QSST), intended to carry 12 passengers over 4,000 nm sonic over land is banned in many countries including the US at speeds between Mach 1.6 to Mach 1.8. The remarkable and Europe and it is not clear if regulators would allow even aspect of this design is its aerodynamically shaped sonic “quiet” supersonic flights over their territory. boom—claimed to be 1/100th of the boom generated by Rather than seeking regulatory relief, Aerion proposes to Concorde. Sadly, there appears to be no prospect of an early operate at near Mach 1 over land, accelerating to Mach 1.5 start to construction of a prototype and the project is pos- over the ocean and remote areas where permitted. The key sibly at a dead end. technology in Aerion’s SSBJ design is laminar flow—a fea- ture that dramatically reduces compressibility drag, allowing Business takes the lead the aircraft to operate at costs competitive with conventional Since the whole idea of air travel is to reach distant desti- business jets. Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney JT8D- nations without delay, the faster it goes the better. Taking 219 turbofans, it uses a gradient recovery type design for its the argument to its logical conclusion, the return of civilian inlet, which creates a shockwave normal to the throat of the supersonic flight is only a question of time. Business execu- inlet for decelerating the airflow to subsonic speeds. Aerion tives will probably be the main patrons. In addition, small plans an eight-passenger jet with a maximum cruise speed of groups of high-value passengers (such as heads of state or Mach 1.6, thus avoiding the heat-related complexities that ac- wealthy individuals) may find supersonic jets attractive. companied Concorde’s sustained Mach 2 cruise. The Aerion This can open up a lucrative new market worldwide. SSBJ could have a range Aerion and other SSBJs will primarily be used for sin- of more than 4,200 nm gle-day business trips across distances of up to 4,000 km. at Mach 1.5 and about About 90 per cent of commercial routes in vogue do not 4,600 nm at Mach 0.96. exceed this distance. Perhaps in five to six years from now, Aerion expects pro- Though business executives might take off from their home base duction of its $80 mil- swift travel in the morning, hold a business meeting at a distant loca- lion (`360 crore) SSBJ tion in the afternoon, and return home the same evening. to begin by 2016 and 50 makes good SSBJs will probably be able to operate even from 1,200-me- orders have already been business sense, tre runways, which can be found at just about any city or placed—each backed by large town nowadays. This is an added advantage. a $2,50,000 (`1.13 crore) supersonic Though swift travel makes good business sense, su- deposit. Buyers report- personic flight presents a host of technological challenges. edly include at least five flight presents However, most issues have been conquered in various ways Indian companies as well a host of by researchers and aircraft manufacturers. Beyond the as a sheik in the UAE business opportunities presented by low boom supersonic who has signed the first technological flight, there’s the hope that the new SSBJs will develop cut- letter of intent. The com- challenges ting edge technologies that can someday be translated into pany sees a market for larger airliners. This might hasten the return of supersonic about 300 SSBJs in 10 commercial travel. After all, “time is money” strikes a chord years and a total fleet of with businesspeople as well as common travellers. SP

14 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Diplomacy indo-french Enhanced Bilateral Ties French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s India visit helped strengthen Indo-French relationship on nuclear, defence, economic and strategic cooperation

ndia is probably far greater separate deals to lease A330 aircraft to and stronger than even it probably Jet Airways and Air India, at a total cost realises,” said French President Nico- of €2.8 billion (`16,600 crore). las Sarkozy during his four-day-long “Discussions concerning the upgrada- Ivisit to India and added that he expected tion of Mirage 2000 aircraft are expected the rupee to emerge one day as a world to be finalised soon,” stated a joint state- currency. The big powers seem to have ment issued after talks between Prime well understood that a strategic partner- Minister Manmohan Singh and Presi- ship with India is mutually beneficial and dent Sarkozy in New Delhi. The deal will doing business with the world’s second cost the Indian Government €1.5 billion largest emerging economy would be im- (`8,900 crore). The two countries wel- mensely valuable. “India is, first and fore- comed efforts for joint programmes in de- most, a major political partner and an fence industry, which would include joint indispensable power without which we research and development and transfer of cannot rise to the major challenges the Mirage 2000 technology. As a first step, the two coun- world faces,” said Sarkozy. The French tries expect to soon launch the short range President’s India tour was his first to surface-to-air missile and Kaveri (aircraft a G-20 state since France took over the engine) programmes. Presidency of the group. It came after US President Barack “We deeply appreciate France’s willingness to supply us Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent visit. advanced defence technologies in a way that contributes to The French President’s trip will soon be followed by Chinese the modernisation of our own defence industry,” Singh said Premier Wen Jiabao and Russian President Dmitry Medve- at a joint press conference with Sarkozy. The `9,640 crore dev’s visit as well. upgrade programme for 51 Mirage 2000 fighter jets in the France, which is a world leader in civilian nuclear tech- IAF fleet includes the plan for advanced multimode pulse nology exports, has always supported India's right to nucle- doppler radar and fire-and-forget missiles, to be executed by ar power. The French head of the state’s India visit further French companies Dassault and Thales along with Hindustan solidified the bilateral relationship between the two coun- Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The IAF currently operates three tries. Several agreements in the civil nuclear power sector squadrons of Mirage 2000s and the upgrade programme will including a framework agreement to construct two civil enable the aircraft to perform effectively due to greater fuel nuclear plants in Jaitapur, Maharashtra costing €7 billion and weapon-delivery capacities. India and France have also (`41,600 crore) were signed. Plans to come up with four decided to co-develop the SR-SAM missile under an agree- nuclear power plants, all by French nuclear giant Areva, at ment between the Indian Defence Research and Development a total cost of $25 billion (`1,12,500 crore) are also afoot. Organisation (DRDO) and French missile manufacturer MBDA. Sarkozy, who lobbied on behalf of French companies multi Like Obama, Sarkozy also voiced his support for India billion-dollar Indian contracts for fighter jets and nuclear for the much coveted permanent seat in the United Nations technology, was accompanied by a high-powered delegation Security Council. His trip ended in Mumbai to pay tributes to of seven ministers and 70 Chief Executive Officers, includ- the martyrs of 26/11 terror strike. France even joined India ing the heads of aircraft-makers Dassault Aviation and EADS, in pressing Pakistan to actively prosecute the perpetrators and the state-controlled nuclear group Areva. Both countries of Mumbai terror attacks expeditiously, as Sarkozy urged signed a €2 billion (`11,800 crore) deal for joint missile de- Islamabad to live in peace with India. SP

Photogra p hs: Pib & I af velopment. In the civil aviation sector, Airbus Industrie signed —Sucheta Das Mohapatra

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 15 Civil Regional Aviation

A Booming Market India’s growth will be low-cost fare driven, at present contributing over 70 per cent of the passenger traffic

t a recent seminar By R. Chandrakanth sity markets (Tier II and III destinations), on “India: An Emerging thus throwing open enormous business Aviation Hub” in New Del- opportunities for regional jets. About 17 hi, figures were bandied million passengers were from 24 city pairs about how India was at the across seven major metro cities (Tier I). threshold of an aviation The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation boom that would be spurred by Tier II predicts that domestic traffic will grow Aand III cities. In simple terms, this translates into infrastruc- at 25 per cent to 30 per cent a year until 2010 and inter- ture development at smaller airports and increased move- national traffic will grow by 15 per cent. Keeping pace with ment of passengers/cargo between destinations beyond the passenger growth, Indian carriers have 480 aircraft on or- major trunk routes, to touch 100 million passengers by 2020. der for delivery by 2012, which compares with a fleet size of India’s growth will be low-cost fare driven, at present con- 310 aircraft operating in the country today. And if we go by tributing over 70 per cent of the passenger traffic. In 2009, of the prophecy of the Minister of Civil Aviation, Praful Patel, the 44 million passengers on domestic routes about 27 million India will require about 5,000 aircraft if 10 per cent of the

edia, bombardier & A bhishek / Sp guide p ub ns wiki p edia, aircraft, atr A drian Pingstone, Photogra p hs: embraer, passengers (over 60 per cent) were on the low-to-medium den- population begins to fly. At present, the number of air travel-

16 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Civil Regional Aviation lers is less than 2 per cent of the population. The penetration worth $400 million (`1,800 crore). The deliveries are ex- of civil aviation in India is among the lowest, with the coun- pected to commence by mid-2011. The airline has options of try having a ratio of 2.89 million passengers per aircraft buying 15 more of the aircraft. Troubled airline, Paramount compared with 0.05 million in the US. Airways, has also placed orders for eight Q400. There indeed is potential and a growing appetite from Forecast International in its report on “The Market for airline operators in India to Regional Transport Aircraft” connect routes previously con- projects that 4,016 regional sidered unviable. This transfor- aircraft, valued at some $123 mation has come about as re- billion (`5,51,400 crore), will be gional jets have positioned the produced from 2010 through economic viability of operating 2019. The forecast includes jets with capacities ranging both regional jets and regional from 70 to 150. There is a grow- turboprops, with jets account- ing mix of aircraft capacities as ing for about 64 per cent of the airlines discover that there are total. The report indicates that over 200 routes having low-to- Bombardier, Embraer and ATR medium density traffic which will be the leaders among re- need to be tapped. Operating gional aircraft manufacturers narrow-body aircraft on low- during the 10-year forecast pe- to-medium density routes have riod. Bombardier’s product line largely been unviable, leading includes both jet-powered and to closure of some destinations. turboprop-powered aircraft, As per Ministry of Civil Aviation, while Embraer currently spe- there are 62 regional aircraft cialises in jets and ATR build with scheduled operators and turboprops exclusively. this number could go up as and when the new players take off. Bombardier’s forecast The ones who got permis- Trung Ngo, Vice President, sion to start operations include Asia-Pacific Sales, Bombardier Star Aviation, Zav Airways, Commercial Aircraft forecast King Airways, and Premier Air- that from a small 20-149 seat ways. Though Chennai-based fleet base of 120 units, India’s Star Aviation was expected fleet will grow to 650 units by to start operations this year, 2029. JetLite operates six Bom- it has been stalled. Star Avia- bardier’s CL-600 aircraft with tion was planning to start with 50 seater capacity. India is pre- 3 Embraer 72-seater aircraft dicted to take 600 deliveries, and have a 10-aircraft fleet, all representing 36 per cent of total to connect secondary cities. So deliveries within the Asia-Pacif- also a Surat-based full-service ic region. The 60-99 scheduled carrier, Luan Airways, is ex- seats grew 45 per cent in 2009 pected to go operational soon. from a small base in 2008. In Meanwhile, Gurgaon-based total, Asia-Pacific including In- MDLR Airlines that halted its dia will yield 1,640 deliveries of operations last year is plan- 20-149 seat aircraft. About 43 ning to make a comeback. The per cent of deliveries (700) will regional carrier has sought be 60-99 seat aircraft and 920 approval of Directorate Gen- units or 56 per cent will be 100- market scorchers: eral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) (opposite page) EMBRAER 149 seat aircraft. to import two BAE Avro RJs to 190; (top to bottom) The top end of the re- restart regional services in northern states. bombardier CL-600; ATR gional aircraft market is seeing an influx of 72-500 and antonov new models. Bombardier is developing the an-148 aircraft Pan-India connectivity CSeries, a new family of 100-145 seat air- “Connectivity has to be pan-national,” de- craft that transcends the boundary between clared Samyukth Sridharan, Chief Commer- the regional jet market and the large airlin- cial Officer of no-frills airline SpiceJet. “We do not need a T3 er market. The CSeries competes against large regional jets which is a Taj Mahal. We are looking at efficient infrastruc- from Embraer and others, and also against narrow body ture built at the right cost in Tier II and III cities.” While the airliners such as the Airbus A319 and the Boeing 737-700. Airports Authority of India is in the process of expanding the airport infrastructure, SpiceJet is buying 15 Bombardier ATR in lead NextGen Q400 turboprop aircraft (seating capacity of 68-78), Besides Bombardier, ATR, a joint venture between Alenia

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 17 Civil Regional Aviation

Alex Glock, III) routes have yet to fully benefit from Vice President-Airline Market, airline industry liberalisation. Indeed, they Embraer Asia Pacific will drive Indian domestic aviation market growth in the coming decade. The deploy- ment of 70 to 120-seat jets offers local here are two E-Jets in India currently; communities throughout India a new and these are E175s with Paramount Air- viable tool to become more fully integrated ways. Embraer recognises that the In- into the national (and also international) T aviation system. dian commercial aviation market is one of the As the Indian aviation market ma- most exciting in the world with significant tures the variety of aircraft capacities and domestic passenger demand remaining to be mission profiles will inevitably reflect the tapped by local airlines. As these carriers con- unique demand characteristics and the tinue to adapt to dynamic market conditions diverse demographic conditions of individ- and increasingly free market disciplines —in ual Indian states and the dozens of local practical terms by offering more innovative communities in each, all of which hope to and customer-focused innovations—domes- improve their air service options. tic and regional passengers will continue to Towards this end, Embraer expects a respond in-kind thereby sustaining some of demand for over 50 new aircraft in the the highest traffic growth rates in the world. 70- to 120-seat category during the next To date, secondary (Category II and 10 years •

Aeronautica and EADS, which has 48 aircraft plying with in the market above 125 seats, taking on Bombardier’s CSeries. scheduled operators here, is betting big on India. The aircraft A number of companies are looking to break into the re- manufacturer is forecasting a market for 300 units in the long gional aircraft market, and are developing new aircraft that run. By 2011, ATR is expected to deliver 50 ATR 72-500 air- compete for sales in the top segment of the market. These craft. The present operators are Kingfisher Airlines, Air India include the Chinese firm Comac with its ARJ21 regional jet, and Jet Airways. “India will become the country where the the Japanese company Mitsubishi with the Mitsubishi Re- maximum number of ATR aircraft will fly in gional Jet (MRJ), and the Russian firm Suk- the world soon. 65 per cent of our orders are hoi Civil Aircraft with the Superjet 100. from Asia. Though there is a crisis affecting Considering the huge market opportuni- the order books of aircraft manufacturers likely entrants: ties that exist, even Russian manufacturer is globally, we expect to meet our delivery tar- sukhoi superjet 100; looking at entering the Indian market with gets,” David Vargas, spokesperson of ATR has spicejet has already the Antonov An-148 short-haul passenger placed an order for been quoted. 15 bombardier Q400 aircraft. However, within Rus- NextGen turnoprop sia, some operators have com- Embraer’s positioning airliners plained about the “frequent Brazilian regional jet manufac- break down” of the aircraft turer, Embraer is positioning it- and the manufacturewr Unit- self with its E-Jets in the Indian ed Aircraft Corporation has market, though at present it planned to additionally invest has only two aircraft with Par- $232 million (`1,044 crore) amount Airways. The south- in the development of the based airline’s fleet size was re- An-148. Russians have plans duced from five to two as it had to garner about 10 per cent issues related to payments with market share for 61-99 seat Lessors. Like any other aircraft aircraft in 2010-28. And there manufacturer, Embraer is in are rumblings in the Indian discussion with airlines as they aviation industry on develop- have started to keenly look at ing its own regional aircraft. tapping the secondary markets. According to reports, the Embraer is well-positioned `3,000-4,000 crore project in the 70-125 seat market with has been set in motion by the its E-Jets series regional jets, Defence Research and Devel- and has been pondering future opment Organisation (DRDO) development strategy. Among with the National Aerospace the options being considered Laboratories (NAL) as the by the Brazilian company are a nodal agency for the design re-engining of the E-Jets family of the aircraft and HAL pro- and/or a larger, all-new aircraft ducing it. The pie indeed is family. The latter would compete really huge. SP

18 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Military Industry

By Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey, Bengaluru

ne of the world’s best known multi-in- dustry companies, Textron Incorporated was founded in 1923 and had its origins in the tex- tile industry dealing with cotton and synthetic yarn. And this is where it got its name. But over the years it has developed into a diversi- fied business model serving a wide global customer base. OToday, it is acknowledged as a highly successful enterprise recognised for its network of powerful brands, world-class processes and talented workforce. The company has over 37,000 employees in more than 25 countries and a revenue of $14.7 billion (`65,520 crore) as recorded in 2008. With its headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, Textron is

Aerospace

ranked 220 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies in the US and is strategically positioned to provide integrated product solutions and services to the customers worldwide. Textron has a number of subsidiaries and operating divi- sions that deal in unmanned aircraft systems, advanced ma- Majors rine craft, armoured vehicles, surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision guided and smart weapons, pis- Since decades companies in the US have led the ton engines, test and training systems and life cycle support. In 1960, Textron purchased Bell Aerospace which com- way for a broad spectrum of innovative aerospace prised three divisions of Bell Aircraft Corporation including and defence products and services. Browse its helicopter division which was the only division producing complete aircraft. The helicopter division was renamed by through the fifth part of the article to know about Textron as Bell Helicopter Company. In a few years with the success of the UH-1 during the Vietnam War, it had established Textron Incorporated, the world’s best known itself as the largest division of the parent company. In January 1976, Textron renamed the company Bell Helicopter Textron, multi-industry company.

A bhishek / Sp guide p ubns cessna & bell helico p ter, Photogra p hs: usaf, a name that it has today. Since its inception, this company has

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 19 Military Industry produced rotary wing machines in large numbers for both mated aerospace test and maintenance equipment, arma- military and civil application. ment systems, logistics, engineering, supply chain and oper- In February 1985, Textron acquired Avco Corporation of ational support services. AAI’s high-technology, total-value Connecticut, a conglomerate of almost equal size with pre-ac- solutions help customers evolve mission profiles including quisition revenue of $2.9 billion (`13,050 crore) doubling the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. size of the company practically overnight. In the early 1990s, Textron acquired Cessna Aircraft Company, a global leader in Lycoming Engines light and medium-sized commercial business jets and piston Lycoming Engines specialises in the engineering, manufac- engine general aviation aircraft. With this acquisition, Cessna turing, servicing and support of piston aircraft engines for balanced Bell’s predominantly defence related business. Tex- more than half of the world’s fixed-wing piston aircraft fleet tron continued to make acquisitions to strengthen its strategic including helicopters as well as special mission aircraft for portfolio and five of the new acquisitions were grouped as Tex- the military. Also known for world-class customer service, tron Systems Corporation. the company maintains a global sales, service and technical support network. Textron Systems Corporation Textron Systems Corporation, a business division under Tex- Overwatch tron Incorporated, is an aerospace and defence development Overwatch provides integrated intelligence software solu- and manufacturing firm with its headquarters in Wilmington, tions and services as well as satellite communications sys- Massachusetts, USA. With around 6,000 employees, it con- tems for the US and international defence and intelligence trols five operating units including AAI Corporation, Lycom- agencies. Overwatch’s multi-source intelligence and geo-

toP-notch: (earlier page) bell V-22 osprey ing Engines, Overwatch, Textron is a result of bell spatial analysis solutions deliver fast and comprehensive Defence Systems and Textron helicopter and boeing situational understanding for warfighters and analysts. Its collaboration; (top) Marine & Land Systems. Provid- bell 206 is an outcome pre-packaged or custom-designed geospatial and multi-in- ing innovative solutions to the of bell helicopter’s telligence solutions are used by more than 25,000 US De- defence, homeland security and association with partment of Defense and intelligence community analysts. the aerospace industry for over agustaWestland and, cessna’s leading five decades, Textron Systems business jet brand Textron Defense Systems reported annual sales of nearly citation series Textron Defense Systems is a provider of ‘smart’ weapons, $2 billion (`9,000 crore) in 2009. airborne and ground-based sensors and surveillance systems, The five divisions under Tex- protection systems for the defence, aerospace and homeland tron Systems Corporation and security communities. The company delivers an array of tech- the two aerospace majors Bell nologies that provide confidence to war fighters, enabling them Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft Company are as follows: to accomplish the missions safely, decisively and effectively.

AAI Corporation Textron Marine & Land Systems AAI has delivered a broad spectrum of innovative aerospace Textron Marine & Land Systems designs and manufactures and defence products and services for nearly 60 years. Its advanced marine craft, surface-effect ships, armoured com- products and services include unmanned aircraft and ground bat vehicles, turrets and related subsystems. It delivers supe- control technologies, training and simulation systems, auto- rior, high-performance products including mobile, survivable,

20 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Military Industry

from cessna’s stable: light lethal and flexible land and sea-based platforms. Given its Cessna Aircraft Company aircraft skycatcher record of quality and on-time delivery, customers are assured Cessna Aircraft Company is the is latest offering and the company’s widely of receiving the best platforms for their military, expedition- world’s leading manufacturer of produced model ary and search-and-rescue missions. general aviation aircraft in three cessna 172 categories—Citation business jets, Bell Helicopter Caravan single-engine utility tur- Founded in 1935, as Bell Aircraft Corporation, the Texas- boprops and Cessna single engine based company renamed as Bell Helicopter Textron is a piston aircraft. The Company’s history goes back to June subsidiary of Textron Incorporated. It is a leader in vertical 1911, when Clyde Cessna, a farmer in Kansas, USA, built a takeoff and landing aircraft for commercial and military ap- wood-and-fabric plane and became the first person to build plications and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt-rotor air- and fly an aircraft between the Mississippi River and the craft. There are about 13,000 Bell Helicopter aircraft flying in Rocky Mountains. In 1924, Clyde moved to Wichita and es- more than 120 countries. In fact, one-third of the rotary wing tablished a company named Travel Air to manufacture bi- operating fleet in the world carry the Bell Helicopter name. planes in partnership. In 1927, Clyde left Travel Air and set Bell also provides training and support services worldwide. up the Cessna Aircraft Company to build monoplanes, the Initially, Bell Aircraft Corporation was focused on design- first of which flew on August 13, 1927. ing and building of fighter aircraft. Their first fighters were the During the mid- to late 1930s, Cessna developed and pro- XFM 1 Airacuda, a twin-engine fighter and the P-39 Airacobra. duced the single engine Airmaster and the twin-engine T-50 The P-59 Airacomet, the first American jet fighter and the P-63 light aircraft. A decade after World War II, Cessna designed Kingcobra, the successor to the P-39 and the Bell X-1 were also and manufactured the 170, which along with later models designed and manufactured by Bell. The company ventured such as the 172 became the most widely produced light air- into rotary wing regime in 1941 with the Bell 30 as their first craft in history. This model is still under production and till full-size helicopter which undertook its maiden flight on De- date nearly 45,000 of these machines have been delivered cember 29, 1942. The Bell 47 became the first helicopter rated globally. By 1972, Cessna became the leading manufacturer by a civil aviation authority in the world as a resounding civil- in the world of the light aircraft segment. Between 1977 and ian and military success. Bell has delivered more than 35,000 1985, Cessna produced the 152, delivering over 7,500 aircraft. aircraft to customers around the world. Bell Helicopter has a Its latest product in the light aircraft segment is the Cessna close association and partnership with AgustaWestland pro- 162, Skycatcher. Although unveiled in 2007, the aircraft is still ducing successful models such as the Bell 47 and the Bell 206. under development and its delivery schedule has been delayed Apart from a large number of rotary wing models, Bell further by a few months owing to design issues. Helicopter is credited with developing jointly with Boeing an After being a part of General Dynamics for seven years, unconventional machine—the tilt-rotor aircraft. Designated as Cessna was acquired by Textron in 1992. Since its start in the V-22 Osprey is a medium lift, multi-mission, vertical/short 1927, the company has delivered more than 1,92,000 aircraft. takeoff and landing aircraft that combines the attributes of a The strength of the company, however, lies in its business jet conventional rotary wing machine and a fixed wing aircraft segment. Cessna business jets are registered in more than 90 with twice the speed, three times the payload and five times countries and represent the largest business jet fleet in the the range of traditional helicopters. world. In the mid-size jet category, Cessna has produced the With its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, Bell Helicopter Citation Columbus, Citation X, Citation XLS and Citation Sover- has additional plants in Amarillo, Texas and Mirabel, Canada. eign. Amongst the light jets are the Citation CJ1, CJ2, CJ3, CJ4, The company maintains key logistics supply and service cen- Citation Bravo & Citation Encore. Recently, Cessna has brought tres in Europe, Canada, Singapore, as well as in the US. out the Mustang in the very light jet class. SP (Concluded)

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 21 Snapshots 2010

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freeze frames 2010 1. The state-of-the-art integrated terminal, t3, of the indira gandhi international airport in new delhi was inaugurated by prime minister dr manmohan singh on july 3, 2010. chairperson of upa sonia gandhi, minister for civil aviation, praful patel and chief minister of delhi, sheila dikshit are also seen along with dr singh. 2. the first fly-by-wire, naval version of the light combat aircraft (LCA) tejas rolled out on july 6, marking a milestone achievement in the development programme undertaken by hal and ada. 3. the first prototype of the five-tonne class light combat helicopter (lch), designed and developed by hal was unveiled on may 23 at hal’s bengaluru airport. 4. India’s ambitious unmanned aerial vehicle programme received a major boost when the second flight of the Rustom-1 technology demonstrator UAV was conducted successfully in hosur, Tamil Nadu, on October 8, 2010.

ib, drdo, hal & A bhishek / S p guide pubns drdo, P ho t ographs: ib, 3

22 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net snapshots 2010

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5. Defence Minister A.K. Antony having a feel of the cockpit of a basic trainer aircraft at the Korean Aerospace Industries complex, at Sacheon, south korea, on September 4, 2010. 6. The Members of IAF women mountaineering team for Mount Kamet, at the flag off ceremony, in New Delhi on April 15, 2010. 7. IAF conferred a honorary rank of Group Captain on Sachin tendulkar in recognition of his achievements as an Indian and a cricketer on september 3, 2010. 8. afnet, which would provide network- centric combat capabilities to iaf was launched in the presence of Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju, Communications and Information Technology Minister A. Raja, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, CAS Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik and Minister of State for communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot on september 8 14 in new delhi.

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 23 snapshots 2010

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visiting dignitaries 1. President of Republic of Korea Lee Myung-Bak, and Kim Yoon-Ok, with President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil and the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 25, 2010. 2. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh meets Prime Minister of United Kingdom David Cameron, in New Delhi on July 29, 2010. during his tw0-day visit cameron clinched a deal with india worth $1.1 billion (`4,950 crore) for BAE Hawk trainer aircraft. 3. us president barack obama visited india from november 6 to 9. obama announced US support to India’s bid for permanent seat in the UN Security Council and offered to play “any role” in reducing Indo-Pak tensions. india and us also signed deals worth $10 billion (`45,000 crore). 4. French President Nicolas Sarkozy came on a four-day visit to india in december with a delegation of six ministers and 70 chief executives, including the bosses of aircraft and defence groups Dassault Aviation and aircraft maker EADS. France and india have signed a €2 billion (`11,800 crore) deal for joint missile development and another agreement to refit India’s Mirage fighter jet fleet at a cost of €1.5 billion (`8,900 crore). In the civil aviation sector, Airbus Industrie signed separate 4 deals to lease A330 aircraft to Jet Airways and Air India, at a total cost of €2.8 billion (`16,600 crore).

24 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net snapshots 2010

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2 3 fantastic displays 1. an array of aircraft on display at this year’s ebace convention which was held at palexpo centre at geneva airport (may4-6) 2. The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk on display at the singapore airshow organised from february 2-7. 3. crew and management of indigo receiving their 25th airbus 320 aircraft at the india aviation 2010 hosted in hyderabad from march 3-7. 4. a formation of Northrop F-5E Tiger II (Patrouille Suisse) of Swiss Air Force at ila berlin, june 8-13. 5. the french naval aviation centenary aviation air show in june witnessed a marvelous display of air power by more than 100 aircraft and helicopters. 6. a400m (grizzly), manufactured by airbus military, during an impressive flying display at the farnborough airshow 2010 in july. 7. the static display of 93 aircraft at dekalb-peachtree airport, atlanta, was part of the national business aviation association’s convention (october 19-21). 4 5

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Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 25 Military Procurement Strengthening Strategic Horizons

The acquisition of C-17s along with the impending induction of C-130Js from Lockheed Martin would greatly enhance the ‘single-wave’ capability of the IAF for airborne operations

resident Obama’s ear- By Air Marshal (Retd) with an option for six more at a later ly November visit to New V.K. Bhatia date. It may be recalled that initiated in Delhi provided the ultimate 2005, India and the United States had fi- Diwali gift for the Indian Air nally signed a landmark civilian nuclear Force (IAF). First was the deal deal in 2008, which facilitated further to go ahead with the General enhancement of cooperation in the de- Electric F414-GE-400 engine for the Tejas fence sector with the entry of US com- PMK II programme. Equally important was panies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing the firming up of the deal to acquire 10 into India’s lucrative defence market. C-17 Globemaster III heavy airlifters with an option for ad- While the two companies are already in the race for India’s ditional six later, if required. That the IAF was in urgent need 126-aircraft medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) of building up on its much eroded capability in this particular programme, Lockheed Martin has already bagged the order area was anything but a safely guarded secret. Its present fleet for the supply of six C-130J Super Hercules, the induction of of 14 or so IL-76 heavy airlifters has been plagued with poor which would commence into the IAF in early 2011. On the serviceability due to perennial problems of spares and main- other hand, Boeing has the Indian Navy order for the supply tenance support including delays in overhauls which have to of eight P-8I Poseidon multi-role maritime patrol aircraft. be conducted abroad in the absence of these facilities in India. Both are looking forward to repeat orders for their aircraft The situation has been so grim that at times the IAF is unable from the IAF and Indian Navy, respectively. to field more than a couple of these airplanes for operational From the very inception to the signing of the agreement, tasks. Apart from resulting in serious erosion in its heavy-lift it could perhaps be one of the fastest defence deals as far as capability, the IAF has been often subjected to undesirable the IAF is concerned. It was in June 2009, the IAF selected embarrassment at the highest level. the C-17 to fulfill its very heavy lift transport aircraft (VHET- The crying need for the IAF to spruce up its strategic AC) requirement. Six months later, in January 2010, the heavy-lift capability and ever-growing strategic partnership US government received a request from India for 10 C-17s with the US including enhanced defence relations seemed through its foreign military sales (FMS) programme, which to have fused together for the two countries to get into talks was approved by the US Congress in June with the sign-

Photogra p h: usaf for India to acquire 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft ing of the agreement being timed to coincide with President

26 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Military Procurement

Obama’s November visit. While there appears to be some as the country’s primary area of geostrategic interest. Much anomaly in the financial size of the deal different sources more capable than the existing strategic airlifter of the IAF, quoting either $5.8 billion (`26,100 crore) or $4.1 billion C-17 can carry a max payload of 77 tonnes compared to the (`18,450 crore), it is bound to be resolved soon between the IL-76’s 45-tonne capability (see Box). It is much easier to two sides through official dialogue during the final price ne- operate with a small crew of two pilots and a loadmaster de- gotiation and the firm order is likely to be placed by early spite its massive size owing to its advanced power-assisted 2011. The IAF could get its first Globemaster by 2013-14. systems. An IL-76, on the other hand, carries a mandatory For Boeing, the deal could prove to be Godsend as till crew of six plus a gunner in the tail. Powered by four Pratt very recently it was considering closure of the C-17 assembly & Whitney turbofans, each producing a massive 40,000 lb+ line for want of new orders. The USAF for which the aircraft (180kN) static thrust, a fully loaded C-17 can take-off from a was primarily designed and developed had at one time de- 7,600 ft runway and land at forward airfields with landing cided to cap their procurement at 190 aircraft even though strips measuring as little as 3,600 ft in length. interested parties in the US Congress wanted to continue The massive and sturdy, easy to fly, long-haul aircraft has with the production for some more time. Boeing had at one been delivering cargo in every worldwide operation since stage asked its subcontractors to stop making components, the 1990s, carrying all types of loads under varied weather which they were supplying to the C-17 plant for the final and operational conditions. In addition, its ability to refuel in assembly of the aircraft. However, C-17’s utilisation in the mid-air gives it a unique global-reach capability. Little won- war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan has been so outstanding der, when IAF Chief P.V. Naik gushingly remarked, “We did a that the USAF reversed its earlier stance by ordering addi- comprehensive evaluation of all such available aircraft in the tional 15 aircraft last year citing ‘excessive combat use’ of its world. The C-17 best meets our requirements.” Reiterating C-17 fleet. Even UK, which is an active partner of the US-led Boeing’s commitment, Dr Vivek Lall, Boeing’s Vice President, coalition forces for global war on terror (GWOT), has been Defense Space and Security, stated, “India will receive the most so impressed with the C-17 operations that it has decided advanced version of the C-17 available, which will include the to expand its fleet to eight aircraft. The new developments latest upgrades and capability.” Naik, in his comments added, have meant that the C-17 production would continue en- “After we have evaluated the performance of the 10 C-17s, we suring— as President Obama stated during the ‘agreement will take a decision on whether to order another six.” signing ceremony’ in Delhi—more than the 20,000 US jobs. In real term operational capabilities, what does it mean for Acquisition of the gigantic C-17 Globemaster III by the the IAF? With the receipt of 10 C-17s or possibly 16, the IAF IAF signals a quantum jump in realising its dream of acquir- will be able give a real boost in all areas of transport support ing the necessary strategic reach in tune with India’s aim operations such as inter-theatre movement of men and materi- to have swift power projection capabilities; with the region al and para-dropping, ‘Special Forces’, out of area and even di- spanning from the Persian Gulf to Malacca Strait being seen saster relief operations. For example, at present, to para-drop a battalion group of airborne/special forces with their com- bat equipment, it takes up to five Il-76 and 12 An-32 aircraft, which for a night drop could take as much as an hour to com- C-17 Globemaster III plete, necessitating sanitisation of an air corridor longer than 200 km—a daunting task indeed. The same task could easily General Characteristics & Performance Details be accomplished by five to six C-17s flying in close proximity to General characteristics each other (loose formation)—thanks to standard onboard sta- • Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster tion keeping equipment (SKE)—in a flat five minute period or • Capacity: so. The US demonstrated the capability when during ‘Opera- – 134 troops with palletized seats or tion Iraqi Freedom’ on March 26, 2003, 15 USAF C-17s par- – 102 troops with standard centreline seats or ticipated as the main stay in the biggest combat airdrop since – 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients or the US invasion of Panama in December 1989. The night-time • Cargo: Battle tanks, armoured fighting vehicles, helicopters, airdrop of 1,000 paratroopers and combat equipment over et al. • Payload: 77,519 kg of cargo Bashur in Iraq opened up the northern front to combat opera- • Length: 53 m tions and constituted the largest formation airdrop carried out • Wingspan: 51.75 m by the United States since World War II. • Height: 16.8 m The acquisition of C-17s along with the impending in- • Wing area: 353 m² duction of C-130Js from Lockheed Martin would also greatly • Empty weight: 1,28,100 kg enhance the ‘single-wave’ capability of the IAF for airborne • Max takeoff weight: 2,65,350 kg operations. This would also help in quick reinforcements • Powerplant: 4× Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, to be dispatched in an inter-theatre scenario. For example, 40,440 lbf (180 kN) each once the IAF gets the ‘Globemasters’, it would greatly help • Fuel capacity: 35,546 US gal (134,556 L) India’s armed forces in effectively facing threats and chal- Performance lenges in the northern and eastern sectors. It has been best • Cruise speed: Mach 0.76 (830 km/h) summarised by Wang Mingzhi, a military strategist at the • Range: 4,482 km PLA Air Force Command College who said, “The arms sales • Service ceiling: 13,716 m will improve the ties between Washington and New Delhi, • Takeoff run at MTOW: 7,600 ft (2,316 m) and, intentionally or not, will have the effect of containing • Landing distance: 3,500 ft (1,060 m) China’s influence in the region.” SP

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 27 OEM Interview We’re putting entirely new manufacturing lines for the next level of AESA development

In an interview with John Fagnant, Director of ISR and Targeting Strategy at the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems sector, SP’s Aviation discovered the historical and cultural qualities that have made the company a leader in Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. In part I of the interview published in SP’s Aviation November 2010 issue, we had explored the differences between one AESA and another. Fagnant spoke how Northrop Grumman has developed a culture of AESA with years of experience in pursuing generational shifts in software and hardware architecture. In part II, Fagnant discusses on future developments, costs, and common radar heritage.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Can you tell us more about there to construct the new pieces of hardware architecture future developments? that we’ll need for the next level of AESA development that John Fagnant (Fagnant): Our AESAs aren’t just radars. our customers are going to take advantage of—whether This is a big difference between Northrop Grumman AESA for airborne, land, maritime or space applications. The and the others available in the market. Our ability to ex- next generation of architecture is going to have fewer ploit this expansion in operational bandwidth in any man- parts, which means less cost for the customer. With time, ner the customer chooses means we can do radar, com- a much simpler AESA architecture means a much simpler munications, jamming, passive detection, or electronic manufacturing process that leads to less time on the as- support—all within the bandwidth our system exploits. sembly line—and cost efficiency back to the customer. This is the next step we’ve been taking with our AESA architecture. SP’s: AESA development is very expensive. What is If you walk down to our manufacturing floor today, you Northrop Grumman doing about costs? can see a lot of new tooling coming in associated with the Fagnant: Back then, our mindset wasn’t to build one thing ramp up of the F-35 programme, but you are also going to and say, “We’re just going to add this and add that.” The see a lot of new tooling associated with that next genera- customers’ concern for diminishing manufacturing capa- tion of AESA technology as it applies to other sensors and bilities, and expenses associated with hardware change-

p G rumma n Photogra p h: Northro platforms. We’re putting entirely new manufacturing lines overs, was a big deal to us. What we learned from the

28 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net OEM Interview

Our AESAs aren’t just radars. This is a big difference between Northrop Grumman AESA and the others available in the market —says John Fagnant, Director of ISR and Targeting Strategy

F-22 experience was, “let’s continue that generational on a new AESA system.” Depending on the performance cycle.” Let’s make one major investment at a time to cre- requirement and timeframe, we usually refer back to a ate a generational architecture of hardware and software previous architecture or generation of AESAs, already in modes that our entire customer base can take advantage progress. With the budget constraints we’re seeing right of so that they’re not all paying the non-recurring costs now, the answer to almost every customer requirement is, associated with successive singular programmes. We are “What do we have on the shelf right now?” As I mentioned seeing important engineering and manufacturing efficien- before, it’s Northrop Grumman’s generational approach cies that translate into time and costs efficiencies for our to open systems architecture that makes our sensors very customers. agnostic. Regardless of the platform, the modes and hard- This generational architecture just doesn’t reside in ware play well with each other. While there’s always fine one or two airborne types of AESAs. You can see it in our tuning required for each system or customer, the value ground-based, maritime, and high/low altitude aircraft. As proposition is significant when you consider the non-re- we move forward into future AESAs, you actually get to curring expenses (NRE) associated with AESA. see examples of where our AESAs are better because of all For example, we’ve offered the APG-81, originally these cultural factors at play. designed for the F-35, as a possible option for the B- In our experience with customers, we tend to ask 1and B-52 bomber platforms. We’ve even offered other whether the customer is thinking about a certain threat. fighter AESAs as options, which dramatically emphasises But we can then say that the customer doesn’t have to in- the point that our solutions are indeed platform agnos- vest now. We have something that will work for you that’s tic. The last B-52 was built in 1964, and we’re confident ready to roll. This is an advantage cultivated across our we can put the world’s most advanced AESA on it. Being entire product base and it’s a direct result of this genera- able to retrofit an aircraft that old with an AESA like the tional approach with software and hardware. APG-81 is really a credit to how agnostic we believe the modes, software and hardware interfaces really are. The SP’s: Can you give us examples of Northrop Grum- scalable approach ultimately reduces the NRE impact for man AESA programmes that share a common AESA the customer. heritage? We know that the APG-81, APG-80, and APG-77 have a Fagnant: We’ve been able to demonstrate the same sorts lot in common. And we’ve taken it to other domains. The of capabilities on just about any platform you would want. ground/air task oriented radar (G/ATOR) we are produc- Creating platform-agnostic capability with our AESAs is ing for the US Marine Corps has a lot of APG-81 in it. Even a customer’s need. We never start solving a customer’s though it operates in a different bandwidth, there’s a lot sensor needs by saying, “Okay, let’s start from scratch going on in the back end and that’s APG-81. SP

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 29 Military Interview IAF is going in for a massive upgradation of its airfield and helipad infrastructure

Air Marshal J.N. Burma is the Air Officer-in- Charge Administration, Air Headquarters. In an interview with SP’s Aviation, he spoke about the role of the administrative support services in the IAF modernisation drive.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How has the third pillar, as the equipment currently available at bases include wireless com- administrative support services are popularly called, munication networks, hand-held/door-frame metal detectors, contributed towards IAF’s modernisation drive? under-vehicle inspection mirrors, X-ray baggage machines, Air Marshal J.N. Burma (AOA): The Indian Air Force (IAF) patrolling vehicles, search lights, bulletproof vests/patkas is in the midst of a revolutionary modernisation process and suitable weapons, etc. Access control systems have been aiming to transform itself from a predominantly tactical air installed at a large number of bases. Plans are afoot to issue force to an aerospace force with strategic capability geared all personnel biometric-based access control cards for iden- towards protecting our areas of interest from the Hormuz tification, ensuring restricted access to sensitive locations. Strait to Malacca Strait and beyond. However, for optimum Night vision devices have been supplied to sensitive bases. utilisation of these weapon systems, the IAF needs modern Interactive firearms training simulators have been procured infrastructure. This is where the third pillar plays a vital role. to enhance weapon handling skills of air warriors. In addi- From new Sukhoi-30MKI bases at Tezpur, Chabua (Assam), tion, smart power fences and armoured vehicles are being Halwara (Punjab) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan) to one for Tejas installed/inducted into strategically important bases. A pilot fighters in Sulur (Tamil Nadu), IAF is going in for a massive project as a part of the Total Security Solution Programme is upgradation of its airfield and helipad infrastructure across likely to be launched shortly. Integration of CCTV-based sur- the country. A new air base at Phalodi in Rajasthan was in- veillance, physical access control system including boom bar- augurated by the CAS on April 6, 2010. A significant compo- riers, automated tyre killers and bollards, electronic access nent of this modernisation drive is the soon to be launched control systems, perimeter protection systems incorporating modernisation of airfield infrastructure (MAFI) programme, intrusion detection capability, under vehicle surveillances under which 30 of IAF’s 51 operational airbases will be systems and low-cost mini-UAVs for perimeter surveillance upgraded over the next few years. The contribution of the are also being examined for induction into the IAF. third pillar can also be gauged from the fact that in the last five years, the annual budget allocation for works services SP’s: Any major initiatives taken to improve the quality has increased from `300 crore to more than `1,000 crore. of life of the air warriors? In addition, several major infrastructure projects have been AOA: Several measures have been instituted in the last few undertaken as special projects as modernisation of airfields years to ensure a better quality of life for our air warriors. and advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in the J&K sector and One of the most ambitious projects undertaken is the mar- in the Northeast. ried accommodation project, which envisages construction of 100 per cent married accommodation for our air war- SP’s: What are the resources available and what addi- riors. At least 6,930 dwelling units have already been con- tional steps are being taken to modernise the security structed and taken over. Approximately, another 8,000 units infrastructure at the IAF installations? are to be completed by 2013. SP AOA: Adequate IAF police force, Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel and trained Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) To read the complete interview log on to: are available at IAF bases which have been physically se- www.spsaviation.net/interviews

Photogra p h: iaf cured by security walls with concertina coils, etc. The security

30 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net military Interview F/A-18 Super Hornet offers advanced capabilities to IAF On his return journey from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Amberley Air Base in Queensland, Australia, Rick McCrary of Boeing had an exclusive tête-à- tête with SP’s Aviation team on the virtues of the latest model of the F/A-18/F Super Hornet Block II

xtolling the Block II—currently munitions while returning from a mission rather than hav- equipping the US Navy and the twin-seat ver- ing to indulge in wasteful dumping. Other differences include sion of which has been supplied to the RAAF— two extra wing hard points for payload (for a total of 11) with Rick McCrary emphasised that the latest model significant increase to carry external loads. Among the most of the Super Hornet which has also been of- significant aerodynamic changes is the enlarged leading edge fered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of the extensions (LEX) which provides carefree handling for pilots medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) competition is during combat manoeuvring. Ea state-of-the-aircraft in the real and complete sense. Con- Commenting on the IAF’s requirement of MMRCA, Mc- trary to misguided belief in some quarters, the Super Hor- Crary stated that out of all the competitors, the Super Hornet net is vastly different from the Legacy Hornet from which Block II is without doubt the only aircraft which can provide it is derived; bridging a number of fighter generations and the most comprehensive and diversified multi-role capabili- truly earning the sobriquet of a 21st century fighter—run- ties on a single platform. The Super Hornet’s multi-role ca- ning neck-on-neck with the modern, so-called fifth genera- pabilities include air defence and suppression/destruction tion fighters such as the F-22 Raptor or the upcoming F-35 of enemy air defences (SEAD/DEAD), all-weather, day/night Lightning II joint strike fighter. air reconnaissance and non-traditional ISR, precision strike, Compared with its predecessor — the legacy Hornet— anti-surface maritime warfare, electronic attack and even the Super Hornet is 20 per cent larger, 7,000 lb (3,200 kg) tactical air refuelling in the ‘Buddy’ mode—indeed a ‘true heavier empty, and a massive 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) heavier at blood’ multi-role capability. maximum weight. It carries 33 per cent more internal fuel, But when questioned about the prickly issues—end user increasing mission range by 41per cent and endurance by 50 monitoring agreement (EUMA) and more importantly, com- per cent over the legacy Hornet. The aircraft has undergone munication and information security memorandum of agree- major changes in the airframe design. The forward fuselage, ment (CISMOA) which the US government insists India should while retaining largely the same shape as the earlier Hor- sign before it can kick-start the transfer of key defence equip- nets, was completely redesigned internally for the Block II. ment sold to it and India’s reluctance to do so—and their pos- That structure, now designated as the Integrated Fore Body sible impact on the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet sale to the IAF, has new material composition and internal structure includ- Rick McCrary chose to opt out stating that he could not pos- ing accommodation for the fibre optic network and enhanced sibly comment as these were inter-governmental issues. He liquid cooling to match the powerful industry leading APG-79 did, however, say that Boeing is committed to offering a fully active electronically scanned array radar. The fuselage has compliant and capable MMRCA with or without the agree- been stretched by almost three feet to make room for fuel ments—as they are doing with P-8I and will do with C-17. SP and future avionics upgrades and the wing area has been increased by 25 per cent. Its new power plant F414-GE-400 has been developed by General Electric from the Hornet’s To read the complete interview log on to: F404 and has 35 per cent greater thrust. The Super Hornet www.spsaviation.net/interviews has improved ‘Bringback’ capability which means that owing For more information and video, visit: to its much greater maximum landing weight limits, it can www.spsaviation.net

Photogra p h: A bhishek / Sp guide ubns bring back 9,000 lb (4,100 kg) or more of unspent fuel and

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 31 Military Interview

Super Hornet will inject advanced military strength into IAF

The increasing bilateral relationship between India and the US over the last few years has contributed to the opening up of the defence market. Dr Vivek Lall, Vice President, Boeing Defense, Space and Security, India, in an exclusive interview with SP’s Aviation spoke about Boeing’s partnership with numerous SMEs in India.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Boeing has made some inroads into these projects. Currently, Boeing has more than 60 active in- India’s defence acquisition market. What is the strategy? dustrial programmes worth more than $18 billion (`81,200 Dr Vivek Lall (Lall): Boeing’s presence in India dates back six crore) in 24 countries around the world. Boeing has also com- decades with close ties in commercial aviation shaping the pleted programmes totaling more than $41 billion (`1,85,000 partnership with the country. Opportunities for the defence crore) in nearly 40 countries over the past 30 years, with a side of our business opened up more recently. Our approach 100 per cent success rate in meeting offset requirements. In to India, irrespective of platform sales, has always been to India, Boeing is partnering with numerous small and medi- partner with the country for the long-term and contribute to um enterprises in India, both directly and through its exten- the development of the country’s aerospace industry. sive network of suppliers. For example, Boeing and its F/A-18 Super Hornet Industry Supplier Team have signed MoUs with SP’s: What would you attribute the growth of this spend- 38 companies in India in support of the MMRCA campaign. ing and how has the perception changed towards Ameri- Coupled with other Boeing programmes, the MMRCA offset can companies doing business in India? programme would lead to the creation of a world-class ad- Lall: India’s intent to modernise its defence equipment and vanced production system for India’s future combat aircraft; invest in homeland security and border protection are driv- and provide the basis for significant export potential. ers of this spend. Further, the DPP and offset regime has put India on the right path to develop a robust and thriving indig- SP’s: Can you give us an indication of how the procure- enous aerospace and defence industry. This is a very progres- ment of the C-17 Globemasters is progressing? sive move by the Ministry of Defence. The increasing bilateral Lall: We welcome President Obama’s announcement that pre- relationship over the last few years between the United States liminary agreement has been reached to purchase 10 C-17s and India has also contributed to the opening up of the defence and look forward to the letter of agreement (LoA) being signed market and the US President’s visit to India has solidified the soon. With the C-17, IAF will enjoy proven operational per- foundation of the association between the two countries. formance and versatility, along with unequaled reliability in worldwide operations. India will be well-positioned to rapidly SP’s: The F/A-18 Super Hornet is pitted against five respond to strategic and tactical needs in-country, around the other competitors in the MMRCA competition. How well region and the world. positioned is the Super Hornet in the competition? Lall: We offered a fully compliant solution and demonstrat- SP’s: How did the Apache and Chinook perform in the ed everything that we intended to about the Super Hornet’s attack and transport helicopters trials held this year.? formidable capabilities as a combat-proven strike fighter. Lall: The unique capabilities of the Apache and Chinook make We believe the Super Hornet will inject advanced military them both a good fit for India’s attack helicopter and transport strength into the Indian Air Force and complement its air needs. The Apache Longbow is a combat proven, force mul- superiority capabilities with precision strike. The Block II tiplier that will offer the Indian Air Force the latest Block III Super Hornet is the most advanced multirole fighter avail- ­capability. It also has defined technology road map to ensure able for export in the world and always receiving upgrades operational relevance to meet the changing and diverse threats that will keep it relevant against current and future threats. across the full spectrum of conflict.The Chinook as a heavy lift helicopter that has unsurpassed ability to deliver heavy pay- SP’s: Given the offset obligations that will accrue from loads in extreme conditions and to high altitudes, and is emi- the sale of military equipment to India, what steps has nently suitable for operations in the high Himalayas. SP Boeing taken in this regard? Lall: Boeing has demonstrated a 100 per cent success rate in To read the complete interview log on to: meeting offset requirements around the world and is offering www.spsaviation.net/interviews

Photogra p h: A bhishek / Sp guide ubns India the expertise and knowledge that has been gained from

32 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Hall of Fame acqueline Auriol was happen. Over the next two years, she ry between the two Jacquelines, and France’s most famous underwent 22 operations to rebuild they went on to swap the women’s woman aviator and one of the her face. Did the experience put her world speed record for over a de- world’s leading military test off flying? She once said, “In the case cade. Jacqueline Auriol beat her own pilots of the 1950s and 1960s. of pilots, it is a little touch of madness record on December 21, 1952, in a JThe daughter of a wealthy shipbuild- that drives us to go beyond all known Sud-Est Mistral. But she had to settle er, she was born Jacqueline Marie- bounds.” It merely strengthened her for being only the second woman to Thérèse Suzanne Douet on November resolve to achieve greatness in the air. break the sound barrier, on August 5, 1917, in Challans, a small town in Between her last two operations in the 3, 1953, months after Jacqueline Co- France. In 1938, she married Paul USA, she earned her helicopter quali- chran. She reclaimed the speed title Auriol, son of Vincent Auriol who from Cochran on May 31, 1955, later became President of France this time in a Mystére IV N. from 1947 to 1954. When World On June 22, 1962, Jacqueline War II broke out, Jacqueline re- Auriol set another world speed fused to leave, but lived in hiding, record at Istres, France. After assisting the French Resistance, weeks of preparation, she took off and evading Gestapo agents. “I in a Dassault Mirage IIIC. Her first began to realise that I loved dan- attempt failed, but by late that af- ger,” she later recalled. ternoon she was again airborne. After the war, Jacqueline took Flying at 37,000 feet, Auriol cov- up flying, obtaining her first pi- ered over 63 miles in three min- lot’s certificate in 1948. One day, utes and 23 seconds, at an aver- she went to meet a famous in- age speed of 1149.65 mph. She structor, Raymond Guillaume, to exceeded Jacqueline Cochran’s learn aerobatics. He was sceptical record by a comfortable margin about whether this society lady and simultaneously broke the would be able to withstand harsh men’s record set in 1959. The title aerial manoeuvring. In order to of world’s fastest woman returned test her, he went far beyond the to Auriol for the last time on June 10 minutes required for this type JACQUELINE AURIOL 14, 1963, in a Dassault Mirage of evaluation and flew for an hour IIIR at 1,266 mph. through various manoeuvres, in- (1917 - 2000) Later, Jacqueline was one of cluding inverted flight. From the the first pilots to fly the Concorde corner of his eye he watched her supersonic passenger aircraft. reactions. She smiled back and During her 20 years of She was awarded the Harmon seemed happy and said she was distinguished service to Trophy as the world’s most out- feeling wonderful. So he contin- standing aviatrix for the years ued to train her and became her aviation, she totalled 5,000 1951, 1952, 1955 and 1956. Dur- friend and mentor, imbuing her hours of flight, including ing her 20 years of distinguished with a passion for aerobatics. By service to aviation, she totalled 1949, she was the only woman in 2,000 test flights and trials 5,000 hours of flight, including France able to perform aerobat- 2,000 test flights and trials on ics and the public flocked to see on more than 140 more than 140 aeroplanes and her in action. She took part in a aeroplanes and helicopters helicopters of all types. She was competition flight between Algiers intimately involved with some of and Dakar and then in July 1949, of all types the most famous products of the demonstrated her skills at the French aviation industry, among Paris Air Show. them the Mystère II and IV, Su- A few days later, Auriol was per-Mystère B-2, Mirage III, Vau- sitting next to the pilot in a twin- tour, Breguet Alizé, Gerfaut II and engine hydroplane, when it crashed fication in just four weeks. In 1950, Caravelle II. Jacqueline Auriol passed into the river Seine. Apart from other she gained her military licence and away on February 11, 2000, at the injuries, her face was severely hurt, qualified at the Flight Test Centre at age of 82. President Jacques Chirac, with a torn nose and fractured jaw. Bretigny, France, as one of the world’s paid tribute to her thus, “For decades, Yet, her first question while being first women test pilots. this great lady embodied courage and rushed to the hospital was, “Will it On May 11, 1951, attaining a modernity for the French. Her name be long before I can fly again?” The speed of 508.8 mph in a British Vam- will forever be associated with heroic press lamented that the most glam- pire jet, Auriol established a new aviation history and with aeronauti- orous woman in Paris would be per- women’s speed record, besting the cal research.” SP manently disfigured. But Jacqueline earlier mark set by Jacqueline Co- —Group Captain (Retd) was determined that this would not chran. This triggered a friendly rival- Joseph Noronha, Goa

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 33 Militaryindustry SpecialSpecial Mi Missssionion

bombardier global 5000: four of these jets will be operated by german ministry of defence’s special mission wing for vip transport

Specialised & Amphibious Bombardier continues to improve upon existing and high performing ISR aircraft solutions by evaluating the upgrades to current systems as required by specific missions

ombardier has continues to develop new special- the longest By Our Special Correspondent ised aircraft solutions to maintain track record and its market leading status. the widest range of experience of any Airborne C4ISR special mission air- Any mission requiring surveil- Bcraft provider. The company’s rich heritage of developing lance, monitoring, intelligence gathering, airborne coordi- aircraft for governments, armed forces and specialised nation or simply national presence comes under command, commercial operators stretches back more than 40 years control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveil- and tens of thousands of flight hours. lance and reconnaissance (C4ISR). Bombardier aircraft are Bombardier has designed, built and delivered well over already well established in these roles, particularly in the 300 special mission aircraft for customers worldwide since increasingly sophisticated air-to-ground surveillance envi- January 1965, when a Learjet 23 flew a tactical training mis- ronment, including overland and maritime domains. sion for the US Air Force. Today, the Learjet, Challenger and The ASTOR programme for Britain’s Royal Air Force Global business jets and Q-Series turboprop airliners provide (RAF) underlines the credentials of the Global Express as a a full spectrum of special mission capabilities that can meet superior C4ISR platform for air-to-ground surveillance. almost any current requirement. With the largest fleet of spe- As part of a team led by Raytheon Systems, Bombardier cial mission aircraft in corporate aviation, each member of won the UK’s ASTOR competition, supplying five Global Ex- Bombardier’s comprehensive business jet and regional air- press aircraft for the programme. Bombardier was respon- craft family is firmly established in-service with specialised sible for all simulation and modeling of the airframe modi-

hotographs: bombardier, raytheon & usaf raytheon P hotographs: bombardier, mission operators. For future mission concepts, Bombardier fications as well as a 300-hour flight test programme. The

34 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net industry Special Mission

ASTOR platform—known as the Sentinel R.Mk—is equipped with a Raytheon dual-mode SAR/MTI radar, mission man- agement systems, MILSATCOM, and the latest in communi- cations and data link equipment. The Sentinel R.Mk 1 is the only dedicated NATO C4ISR aircraft in operation outside the United States. The success of the ASTOR programme has led to the Global Express being considered as a candidate platform for other C4ISR requirements worldwide. Key customer nations for Bombardier’s surveillance and patrol aircraft include the United Kingdom (Global Express), Korea (Challenger 604), Australia (Q-Series), Denmark (Challenger 604), Sweden (Q-Series), Iceland (Q-Series), and the US (Q-Series). The US Department of Homeland Security has acquired Q200 aircraft for the counter-narcotics/border surveillance missions.

Aircrew Training Bombardier aircraft are currently deployed for training, on special missions: evaluation and mission readiness procedures with a host bombardier’s 415 amphibious of government and military operators. Specialised functions aircraft; global express - a superior platform for c4isr; extend beyond training for aircrews (pilots, navigators, etc.) Learjet 35A (C-21A) which to include threat simulation, electronic warfare and airborne can undertake operational target presentations to train air defense systems operators support airlift missions on land, at sea and in the air. Some well-established operators include L-3 Flight In- ternational (US), Phoenix Air (US), SAAB-Nyge Aero (Swe- den), Pel-Air Aviation (Australia) and the United Arab Emir- ates Navy. Bombardier’s experience and comprehensive product line makes it a strong contender for future military flight crew training requirements around the world.

Executive Transport and Logistic Support Bombardier aircraft transport high priority passengers and essential cargo for air forces worldwide. The United States Air Force alone has an extensive fleet of Learjet 35A (C-21A) aircraft that undertake operational support airlift missions around the clock and across the globe. Other nations that call on Bombardier aircraft for head of state, ministerial, government and senior military transpor- tation include Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Malaysia, and the US Coast Guard. As more nations become integrated with long-standing allied organisations, they turn to Bombardier aircraft as a reli- able and highly supportable means of transportation. Four Global 5000 jets will be operated by the German Ministry of Defence’s Special Mission Wing for VIP transport and medi- cal evacuation (MedEvac) flights.

Maritime Patrol, Search and Rescue, Disaster Response Government organisations around the world consistently turn to Bombardier platforms to meet their unique require- ments. The flexibility, endurance, range and payload of Bombardier aircraft make them highly suitable for maritime patrol and search and rescue. Government agencies that have trusted the Bombardier Q-Series aircraft family with the task of maritime patrol include Coast Watch (Australia), Swedish Coast Guard, Icelandic Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard.

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 35 industryINDUSTry Special Mission

for special tasks: artist rendition of a q400 multi-mission aircraft

The Q400 aircraft is ideally suited for maritime patrol of excellence for technology development. The United States missions, given its extensive cabin volume, 360 knot cruise Federal Aviation Administration (USFAA) operates a Global speed and large payload capability. 5000 as an airborne research laboratory for testing a vari- Bombardier aircraft also undertake life-saving missions ety of state-of-the-art equipment related to communications for a range of operators, including air forces and agencies and navigation systems. Other customers include industry in Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and the US. Bom- leaders such as NASA and Northrop Grumman. bardier aircraft can operate not only in the traditional sea- The USFAA operates an all-Bombardier fleet led by four going search and rescue (SAR) role, but also in providing Challenger aircraft (a Challenger 604 and three Challenger capability to civil authorities in disaster relief scenarios. 601-3R jets) and six Learjet 60 aircraft. As a joint organisa- Several aircraft/capabilities options are available to support tion with the United States Air Force (USAF) Combat Flight rescue, recovery and restoration work following hurricanes, Inspection detachment, the FAA Challenger aircraft have flooding or other natural disasters including Bombardier’s supported allied nations in certifying airfields for military op- 415 amphibious aircraft. erations from Kabul to Baghdad to Uzebekistan. Additionally, Bombardier aircraft already have a long history of air another world-renowned civil aviation organisation, Japan’s ambulance and MedEvac flying. The Challenger 604 has Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), operates two Global Express emerged as a preferred aircraft for air ambulance missions. ultra-long range jets and one Q-Series airliner for flight in- REGA, Swiss Air-Ambulance Ltd has been operating a fleet spection missions. of three Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft for air ambu- lance operations since 2003. Based in Zurich, the aircraft Future Concepts are equipped with two intensive care stations and the latest Bombardier continues to expand the capability range of specialist life support equipment. As well, the Government its aircraft to undertake new and emerging specialised of Quebec operates two Challenger 601 aircraft. Most re- missions. cently, Bombardier has sold Learjet 60 XR MedEvac aircraft Bombardier continues to improve upon its existing and into Saudi Arabia. high performing ISR aircraft solutions by evaluating the up- grades to current systems as required by specific missions. Flight Testing, Airways Calibration, An example includes programmes such as the Q-Series Research & Development maritime patrol aircraft where Bombardier has supported Bombardier aircraft are in use for airborne test and trials airframe, avionics, and mission system improvements solely work with several aerospace corporations and other centres for the benefit of special mission customers. SP

36 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net newsDigest Military Boeing starts work on first P-8I for Indian Navy QuickRoundUp Asia-Pacific he Boeing team has begun fab- rication work of the first part Afghanistan LCA successfully test Tfor the Indian Navy’s first long- fires R-73 missiles range maritime reconnaissance and • Edinburgh is a small forward op- India’s indigenous light anti-submarine warfare aircraft in erating base, which lies surrounded combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas Wichita. The P-8I, based on the Boe- by mountains and conflict in the has successfully completed ing Next-Generation 737 commer- northern region of Helmand province. air-to-air close combat mis- cial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Seven marines and 14 civilian sile firing tests ahead of its Poseidon being developed by Boeing for the US Navy. contractors work around the clock clearance for induction into Employees at Spirit AeroSystems—where all Boeing Next-Gen- keeping eyes in the sky known as the IAF. The tests for firing eration 737 fuselages, nacelles and pylons are designed and built— the X-200 ScanEagle, which provides of R-73 missiles took place cut the P-8I’s first part, a bonded aluminum panel that later will over watch for ground forces. The at the INS Hansa naval air be installed on the fuselage’s upper lobe to support an antenna. ScanEagle is a highly effective base in Goa on November The panel and other fuselage components will come together on UAV, which can stay airborne for 30. “One of the main objec- the Spirit’s existing Next-Generation 737 production line. Leland more than half a day and is almost tives of the current phase of completely silent. Wight, Boeing P-8I Programme Manager said, “We’re on schedule flight trials was clearing the firing envelope of air-to-air and the Indian Navy is looking forward to receiving its first plane,” Airbus close combat missile from he added. The Spirit will ship the P-8I fuselage to a Boeing Com- the Tejas,” a DRDO statement mercial Airplanes facility in Renton, Washington, in mid-2011 for • Airbus’ A320 aircraft family, said. The R-73 missile, which final assembly. Following this, Boeing Defense, Space & Security which is recognised worldwide as is the chosen air-to-air close employees will install mission systems and complete testing prior to the benchmark single-aisle jetliner combat missile for supersonic delivery to India. “P-8I fuselage sections are designed and built us- product line, will be even more fuel- Tejas, is integrated with the ing the same processes we use on the commercial 737,” said Mike efficient and eco-friendly with the on-board digital stores man- King, Spirit AeroSystems Fuselage Segment Senior Vice President new engine option now being offered agement system (SMS) and and General Manager. “We have built seven P-8A fuselages to date to customers. Designated the A320n- open architecture mission and continue to increase efficiency as we move forward,” he added. eo, this option provides the minimum and display computer. Boeing will deliver the first of eight P-8I aircraft to India within change with maximum benefit for the 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in best-selling A319, A320 and A321 Saab receives FMV Gripen January 2009. India is the first international customer for the P-8. through the availability of two new jet order for Thailand The P-8I will provide India with speed, reliability, persistence engine choices—CFM International’s Defence and security com- and room for growth to satisfy the country’s maritime reconnais- LEAP-X and the PW1100G PurePower pany Saab has received an sance and anti-submarine warfare requirements now and well from Pratt & Whitney. order from FMV (Swedish into the future. The aircraft features open system architecture, ad- Defence Material Administra- vanced sensor and display technologies, and a worldwide base of BAE Systems tion) for six Gripen aircraft suppliers, parts and support equipment. • intended for the Royal Thai • BAE Systems has been awarded a Air Force. The order is worth £20m contract for the upgradation of approximately 2,2 billion Italian Air Force Tornados which will SEK. The six Gripen aircraft company officials. Bernhard due to its flexibility to perform give the aircraft extra capability. Work are of the single-seat C ver- Gerwert, CEO of Cassidian Air a broad range of missions, will begin next year on the midlife sion and the project duration Systems (new name of EADS including light attack, surveil- upgrade of the electronic combat/ is between 2010 -2013. They Defence & Security) and lance, air-to-air interception, reconnaissance and interdictor/strike are part of an intergovern- Chairman of the Supervisory and counter insurgency. aircraft variants and is expected to mental business transaction Board of Eurofighter GmbH, Equipped for military missions be completed in 2015. BAE Systems where FMV, as representa- briefed Dr Liam Fox on the and designed to operate from involvement in the midlife upgrade in- tive of the Government of current status of the Euro- unpaved runways, the Super cludes the design, development and Sweden, sells an integrated fighter Typhoon campaign Tucano’s weaponry capacity manufacture of kits for 25 aircraft air-defence system based on to win India’s tender for 126 comes with a wide variety of and provide support to Alenia. products manufactured by medium Multi-Role Combat external options, including Saab, including Gripen. Aircraft (MMRCA). conventional and laser-guided Boeing bombs, air-to-air missiles, and UK supports Eurofighter Super Tucano for others. The aircraft is also • Boeing and Copa Airlines have Typhoon campaign in India Indonesian Air Force equipped with electro-optical/ announced an order for 22 Next- Embraer has won a competi- infrared (EO/IR) sensors, Generation 737-800s at a signing tion held by the Indonesian including laser designator, and ceremony at the US Department of Ministry of Defense to supply secure radios with datalink Commerce in Washington, D.C. for eight Super Tucano light attack communications. approximately $1.7 billion (`7,600 turboprops for the Indonesian crore) at list prices. Operating out of Air Force. The deal includes Republic of Korea selects the “Hub of the Americas” in Panama ground support stations and C-130J Super Hercules City, Copa provides service to 46 an integrated logistics pack- Lockheed Martin has signed destinations in 24 countries. age, and represents the debut a contract with the Republic On November 23, UK’s Sec- of the Super Tucano in the of Korea (ROK) to provide General Atomics retary of State for Defence Asia-Pacific region. Deliveries the nation four C-130J Super Dr Liam Fox visited the will begin in 2012. The Super Hercules aircraft. South • General Atomics Aeronautical Eurofighter Typhoon Office in Tucano has been chosen to re- Korea’s new Super Hercules Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., has New Delhi and met high-level place a fleet of OV-10 Broncos, will be the longer fuselage or

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 37 newsDigest Appointments Indian integrated life support RoundUp technology for Tejas Quick Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin has appointed Brad Hicks to join its mission been awarded a $18 million (`80 systems and sensors (MS2) business. Hicks will serve as Vice crore) contract modification which President of radar programmes under MS2’s radar systems will provide for contractor logistics line of business. support for the Italian Air Force MQ-9 Reaper programme including Boeing all logistics necessary to support Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim the Italian Air Force main operat- McNerney has announced that the Boeing Board of Directors ing base and possibly a forward has elected Ronald A. Williams as a new Director, effective An integrated life support sys- operating base. immediately. tem (ILSS) for fighter aircraft is a state-of-the-art technology IAE International Raytheon that enables a fighter pilot to Raytheon Company has appointed Daniel J. venture to the limits of the • IAE International Aero Engines AG Crowley as President of Raytheon network cen- aircraft capability in terms of has announced that BOC Aviation tric systems (NCS). Crowley succeeds Colin J.R. flight altitudes and G-forces. (wholly-owned by Bank of China) Schottlaender, NCS President since August 2002, This technology had hitherto has signed an exclusive agreement who will retire from Raytheon on December 31. been the hallmarks of the few for the firm order of V2500 engines highly advanced countries. to power 25 A320 family aircraft Finmeccanica Now Defence Bioengineering newly ordered from Airbus. The 25 Finmeccanica has announced the following management and Electro medical Laborato- new aircraft are due for delivery changes at Selex Galileo. Steve Mogford will take up the role ry (DEBEL) Bangalore, under from 2012 onwards. IAE is a mul- of CEO of United Utilities PLC, Fabrizio Giulianini will take DRDO, has taken a lead in this tinational aero engine consortium over as the new CEO of Selex Galileo with effect from January technology that to start with whose shareholders comprise 1, 2011, Norman Bone, at present UK Chief Business Officer will go into Tejas aircraft. of Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Group Operations Director, will be appointed Managing Japanese Aero Engines Corporation Director of Selex Galileo Ltd, and will report to Giulianini. Mission accomplishment and MTU Aero Engines.

Thales L-3 Communications Thales has announcedd the appointment of Victor Chavez as UK Chief Executive Officer, with effect • L-3 Communications has an- from January 1, 2011. Victor has been Deputy CEO nounced that its link simulation and of Thales UK since October 2008. Alex Dorrian, cur- training division has been awarded a rently CEO of Thales UK and Executive Vice President $24.1 million (`108 crore) contract (EVP) of Thales SA, will be Chairman of Thales UK Plc from the US Navy to provide the as part of his role as EVP of Thales SA. Lord Freeman, currently Kuwait Air Force (KAF) with two Chairman of Thales UK Plc, will remain a Director of the Thales The Indian Air Force (IAF) F/A-18C tactical operational flight SA Board and the Chairman of Thales UK Advisory Board. is adopting a multi-pronged trainers and associated training strategy to combat ozone equipment. The training system is Saab depletion including limiting being sold to the KAF through the Heino Lundgren has been appointed as the new CEO for the use of Halon to mis- FMS programme. Saab in Denmark from December 1. He will continue as CFO sion critical uses, tighter for Saab in Denmark in parallel. control laws and incorporat- Lockheed Martin ing accountability towards phase-out of ozone depleting • The cost of the joint strike ‘stretched’ combat delivery milestone on November 19 substances (ODS) said Air fighter, the US fighter jet which is variant. Deliveries will be in when the fifth limited series Chief Marshal P.V. Naik while to replace the ageing Dutch fleet 2014 and the contract also production (LSP-5) aircraft delivering the inaugural ad- of F-16s, will be €1.4 billion higher contains a two-year support made historic first flight. dress at the recent two-day than the original estimate. This is programme including aircrew LSP5 aircraft is the first LCA International Workshop on an increase of 20 per cemt over and maintenance training. in the operational configura- ‘Benefits of ODS Phase-out in the amount of €6.2 billion which Korea joins 14 other nations tion for the Indian Air Force. Defence Forces’ organised by the government initially expected that have selected the C-130J. The flight was uneventful Centre for Air Power Studies would buy 85 JSF planes. and all systems functioned (CAPS). While highlighting Tejas LSP-5 first flight normally, clearing all the initiatives taken by the IAF, Rolls Royce test points. This is the culmi- and encouraging alterna- nation of the efforts of all the tives, the Air Chief clarified, • Rolls-Royce, the global power stakeholders’ viz Hindustan “Mission accomplishment systems company, will provide Trent Aeronautics Limited, Indian remains paramount for the 700 engines for six Hawaiian Airlines’ Air Force, Defence Research armed forces. Substituting an Airbus A330 aircraft, in a contract and Development Organisa- ODS would only be done, if it worth $420 million (`1,882 crore) tion labs, defence public sec- doesn’t impinge on operation- at list prices. The order includes a tor undertakings, CEMILAC, al effectiveness of the system TotalCare long-term services agree- DGAQA, and Aeronautical De- in question.” For new weapon ment. Hawaiian Airlines already has Tejas, India’s light combat velopment Agency. This has systems in the pipeline, inclu- ten Trent 700-powered A330s in aircraft (LCA), in its march been a great team effort to sion of a clause in RFPs for service or on order and today’s order towards operational sta- get the final standard aircraft provision of alternatives is is incremental. tus, achieved an important on the flight line. being considered.

38 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net newsDigest Show Calendar vice with the Indian Air Force 100 jet, we look forward RoundUp following its first purchase of to establishing a branded Quick 12–14 December Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers charter service beyond any- ATC Global Middle from BAE Systems in 2004. thing India has seen before,” Royal Air Force East 2010 Cobham’s contract award said Vinit Phatak, Managing Beach Rotana, Abu follows India’s purchase of Director of Invision Air. “The • Since October last year, RAF Tornado Dhabi, UAE 57 BAE Hawk advanced jet coming of this jet to India GR4 squadrons have been flying over www.atcglobalme.com trainer aircraft (AJT) in July via Invision Air truly marks the landscape of Afghanistan providing 2010, to be built by Hindu- a milestone in the local gen- support to troops on the ground. But 15–16 December stan Aeronautics Ltd in India. eral aviation industry. Indian it is not just awesome firepower that Energising Indian Forty aircraft have been as- customers will, for the first these fast jets can deliver. The Tornado Aerospace Industry signed to the Indian Air Force time, have access to a safe GR4 is providing support to ground DRDO Bhawan, and the remaining 17 will be twin-jet experience at a price forces when they come under attack New Delhi, India operated by the Indian Navy. point between two-and-a and its sophisticated intelligence and www.ciidefence.com half to three time’s full-fare surveillance capabilities are playing a Americas business class rates for up to key role by searching for IEDs. 24–26 January 2011 200 destinations across the Airport Security US Army unit flies new country. This will allow our Russia Asia 2011 unmanned aircraft in Iraq target customers—corporate Hong Kong SkyCity Marriot executives, investors, celebri- • In a contract signed with Eurocop- Hotel, Hong Kong ties, and high-end tourists— ter, Gazpromavia selected the Arrius www.airportsecurityasia.com to travel quickly, efficiently 2B2 engine to power their eight EC and comfortably to Tier II and 135T2i helicopters. These aircraft will 1–2 February 2011 Tier III cities, which we be- be operated in challenging weather MRO Middle East 2011 lieve will help fuel the much conditions throughout Russia. The Airport Expo Dubai, UAE anticipated economic growth Turbomeca fleet in Russia comprises www.aviationweek.com/ in rural India.” currently 75 Arrius and Arriel engines events/current/mme/index.htm installed in 49 helicopters for civil An Army unit deployed to operators, based mainly in Moscow 9–13 February 2011 Camp Taji, Iraq, is shap- Industry and Saint-Petersburg. Aero India, 2011 ing the future of the Army’s Air Force Station Yelahanka, unmanned aircraft systems Americas Telephonics Corporation Bengaluru, India programme with a handful of www.aeroindia.in/Main.aspx its newest aircraft, the MQ-1C Phantom Ray completes • Telephonics Corporation, a wholly Gray Eagle. The unit, known low-speed taxi tests owned subsidiary of Griffon Corpora- 21–23 February 2011 as Quick Reaction Capability The Boeing Phantom Ray tion, has announced that its Radar Indian Business 1-Replacement 1, deployed unmanned airborne system Systems Division has received a Aviation Expo (IBAE) in June to use the Gray Eagle successfully completed low- contract from The Boeing Company to Hotel Shangri-La, in combat before the Army speed taxi tests on November supply APS-143C(V)3 Multi-Mode Ra- New Delhi, India fields the aircraft to all of its 18 at Lambert International dar (MMR) for India’s P-8I aircraft. The www.miuevents.com/ibae2011 aviation brigades in the next Airport in St. Louis. The tests contract includes systems to support few years. It is one of two were the first for the Phan- [eight] P-8I Aft Radar installations 28 February–2 March 2011 deployed Army units cur- tom Ray following its rollout integration and support services. MEXICAN BUSINESS rently flying the Gray Eagle, ceremony in May. Boeing now AVIATION EXHIBITION/ and it is the only one using it will prepare Phantom Ray to USAF HELIMEX in Iraq. The Gray Eagle is an travel to Edwards Air Force Toluca Airport, Toluca, Mexico extended-range, multipurpose Base, California, on top of one • Blue Knight 2010, an unmanned www.mbaeexpo.com unmanned aircraft designed of NASA’s modified Boeing aircraft system (UAS) demonstra- primarily to provide ground 747 shuttle carrier aircraft. At tion was carried out at the Nevada commanders a set of “eyes in Edwards, Phantom Ray will Test and Training Range (NTTR) and Cobham selected for BAE the sky.” undergo high-speed taxi tests Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases Systems Hawk trainer before making its first flight. for two weeks to evaluate the US Cobham will supply weapons The flight-test programme will manned and unmanned joint force carriage and release equip- Civil Aviation last approximately six months. capabilities against airborne UAS, in ment for the Indian Air Force a one-on-one capacity. Blue Knight Hawk advanced jet trainer Asia-Pacific 2010’s goals were to provide results programme, under an £18m Space to operators and develop joint tac- contract with Hawk manufac- Embraer delivers first tics, techniques and procedures. turer BAE Systems. Cobham’s Phenom 100 Executive Jet Europe mission equipment strategic Embraer delivered the first US business unit will deliver Phenom 100 entry level jet to 3 Russian satellites crashed significant quantities of light India’s Invision Air Services in the Pacific Ocean • The Defense Security Cooperation duty ejector release units Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-based on- On December 5, Russia Agency (DSCA) has notified US Con- and carrier bomb light stores demand air charter company. failed to send three Glonass gress of a possible foreign military (CBLS) training aids to BAE The aircraft is the first of 18 navigation satellites into orbit sale to the Government of Japan for Systems between 2012 and Phenom 100s that Invision after they were launched installation and checkout of mission 2014. Both of these systems Air ordered three years ago, by a rocket from Baikonur equipment for AWACS aircraft and are integrated onto a variety along with two Embraer cosmodrome, space industry associated equipment, parts, training of platforms around the Phenom 300 jets.“With the sources told Russian news and logistical support. world and are already in ser- delivery of our first Phenom agencies. •

Issue 12 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 39 LastWord Let Go What Air India needs is professional management and not mere administration by the bureaucracy. The remedy is privatisation, and the sooner the better.

he National Aviation Company of India Lim- beit with some debate and possibly delay. However, given ited (NACIL) was established three years ago to over- the overall financial state of the airline, in the assessment of see the merger of Air India and the national domes- the Board, the Airline is badly in need of a one-time infusion tic carrier, Indian. Since October 26 this year, rather of `10,000 crore primarily to clear mounting dues and not Tthankfully, the company has shed its rather pedestrian des- piecemeal equity infusion. ignation and the merged company has been renamed as Ever since May 2009, when Arvind Jadhav assumed Air India. Certainly, a more dignified and inspiring identity! charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), the airline However, the prevailing woes of the erstwhile NACIL are is believed to have been embarked on a financial turnaround indeed overwhelming and cannot be just wished away or plan to enhance revenue and cut losses. However, despite his concealed under the new mantle. Air India and Indian were respectable credentials and brilliant track record, the new merged in March 2007 to improve the financial state of the CMD has evidently not so far been able to get his act together. two companies through the integration and more efficient And the Ministry of Civil Aviation has not been of much help utilisation of resources with the two entities. However, even either even though there has been continuity in leadership after three-and-a-half years and expenditure of hundreds of of the Ministry between UPA-I and UPA-II. During the finan- crores of rupees, the process of merger does not appear to cial year 2009-10, Air India posted a net loss of `5,551 crore have made much headway. despite the surge in demand for air travel during this period From reports in the media it appears that at present the which the private carriers have successfully exploited to their national carrier is seemingly in difficult financial state to put advantage. Air India, on the other hand, has been plagued by it mildly. Air India’s total debt burden stands at over `40,000 management-union conflicts, pilots strike, a major air disaster crore. Much of it is related to the acquisition cost of the fleet at Mangalore and the Terminal 3 fiasco at Delhi airport that of 111 aircraft which has been ordered and several of which continues to linger. There have also been reports of crisis of have been delivered. Over the next decade, this involves an an- confidence between the independent members of the Board nual commitment of around `3,600 crore towards repayment and the CMD believed to be triggered by alleged irregularity in of capital and `2,400 crore towards interest. appointments in the top echelons of the organisation. Over the last four While the crisis over the appointment of the Chief Opera- years, the airline tions Officer for Air India Express appears to have been dif- has incurred loss- fused for the time being, the management does not appear es amounting to to be unduly concerned about the precarious financial state `14,000 crore. Dur- of the airline. Expenditure on five-star hotel accommodation ing the last financial for Delhi-based pilots handling managerial responsibilities in year, the airline had Mumbai and on an expensive bungalow in Delhi are a burden received an equity infu- which the cash-strapped airline can ill afford. Some of the sion of `800 crore from senior appointments in the recent past with salaries rang- the government as a part ing from `1.2 crore to `3.1 crore along with lavish perks, of `2,000 crore bailout are not only dichotomous but bordering the obscene. plan. Infusion of the bal- There is little doubt that the so-called restructuring ance of `1,200 crore was plan, if at all there is one, is not working and the deferred to 2010 and was airline will in all probability continue to slide linked to a restructuring plan deeper into the red with consequent burden of which Air India has appar- on the exchequer. What Air India needs ently nothing to show as yet. is professional management and not There is also discreet silence mere administration by the bureau- on the subject on the part of cracy. The obvious remedy is pri- the Ministry of Civil Aviation. A vatisation, and the sooner the reluctant Cabinet Committee on better. SP Economic Affairs may have no — Air Marshal (Retd)

Photogra p h: A bhishek / Sp guide ubns option but to accord approval, al- B.K. Pandey

40 SP’S AVIATION Issue 12 • 2010 www.spsaviation.net Inside front Cover_Home AD.indd 1 06/12/10 1:30 PM