Aircraft Of the Dassault Rafale

Important detail on Dassault Rafale, an Indian Air Force Aircraft. The recent skirmish between and post-Pulwama that resulted in shooting down of an F-16 fighter plane of Pakistan by an Indian aircraft MIG-21 has established the might of Indian Air Force.

The Prime Minister has lauded the Indian Air Force but at the same time, this also reflects the ageing fleet of aircraft that India has. To tackle this India is inducting two new aircraft - the Indigenous Tejas and the French Manufactured Dassault.

Dassault Rafale Indian Air Force Aircraft

The Rafale is manufactured by French Company Dassault Aviation, the same company that manufactured Mirage 2000.

It is a multi-role which is intended to perform aerial reconnaissance, ground support, . It is also called “Omnirole aircraft” due to its versatile capability.

The Need of Rafale in India:

Due to difficult neighbors, the Indian Air Force needs a minimum of 42 squadrons to protect its borders. Lack of finances & sluggish approach in aircraft manufacturing technology has caused the Indian Air Force to manage the borders with a mere strength of 31 squadrons.

These pressing situations prompted the government to induct more fighter jets. After years of pondering the UPA govt finally gave assent to the acquisition of 126 Rafale aircraft. But at that time the bone of contention became the responsibility of 108 aircraft which were to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited.

In 2015, the NDA government finally inducted acquisition of 36 Rafale in flyaway condition and withdrew the earlier deal. Many acquisitions were made by the opposition regarding corruption in the above deal as it was observed that in 2016 Reliance & Dassault both went into a joint venture. Finally, with recent information in light, the CAG finally said that there was no corruption in the deal and the increased cost is due to the inflation plus the purchase or certain high-end equipment and missiles like BVRAAM which was also accepted by the Supreme Court of India.

The IAF has proposed the deployment of the Rafale jets in Ambala, Haryana & Hashimara, Bengal. This would counter both Pakistan and Chinese borders.

Features of Dassault Rafale Aircraft

The 4++ (or 4.5) generation aircraft is equipped with state of the art and equipment. It also has integrated defensive aids system, SPECTRA, which protects it against any missiles and ground threats.

Due to its smaller size as compared to its counterparts such as Russian SU-30MKI the aircraft does not easily get detected. It also supports air to air refuelling.

It also has a flight control system (FCS) that is much reliable and prevents the chances of crashes. It is also equipped with Man to Machine interface integrated with HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) allowing best performance to Air Force.

The Difference between Rafale Vs Tejas:

The Indian Air Force is focussing towards multirole aircraft with putting stress on Indigenous Tejas and Dassault’s Rafale.

Let’s compare both aircraft:

Characteristics Dassault Rafale HAL Tejas Type Medium Multi-role Combat (LCA - Aircraft (MMRCA) Multi-role) Max Weight 24,500 Kg 13,500 Kg Max Speed 1.8 Mach 1.8 Mach Range 3700 Km 850 Km Combat Radius 1852 km 500 Km Surface ceiling 15.2 Km 16 Km Hardpoints (for 14 8 missile)

This clearly shows that Rafale is better than Tejas, but based on the various operational costs and ease of flight, the Tejas aircraft is also a better substitute to compensate the ailing squadrons of the air force.

Conclusion:

The Rafale aircraft would definitely prove to be an ace in the hole for India. The Hindustan Aeronautical Limited has also started working on the AMCA project and is also jointly developing FGFA with Russia which would strengthen the Indian Air Force.

Glossary:

AMCA - Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft

FGFA - Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft

Surface Ceiling - It is the max altitude at which the aircraft can fly

Hard points - Points present in the aircraft where missiles can be attached

MiG 21

Introduction to MiG 21 Aircraft in Indian Air Force along with design and specifications. With the recent skirmishes between India & Pakistan. The Pakistani govt under pressure ordered its Air Force to do significant damage to Indian military bases near PoK. Though the attack was conducted by them it did not go as planned and resulted in Pakistan losing there F-16 to nearly 5-decade old aircraft MiG -21.

MiG 21 Aircraft: Indian Air Force

The MiG- 21 is an interceptor aircraft manufactured by Mikoyan Gurevich in 1959 when Russia was a part of Soviet Union.

It is developed primarily to exceed sonic speed (i.e speed of sound) and be an improvement over its predecessors MiG-15, MiG -17 & Mig-19. The MiG-21(also known as ‘Fishbed’) was the first Soviet aircraft that combined the abilities of both an air to air combat fighter aircraft as well as an interceptor aircraft designed to attack enemy aircraft specifically.

India which is the largest operator of MiG-21 made its purchase in 1964 and as of 2019, 119 MiG’s are still in service.

The Flying Coffin:

It is observed that the plane has been plagued with serious maintenance problems. From 1970 to 2013 at least 14 MiG’s have been crashed. These crashes are not only due to engine problem but also due to weather conditions.

The Indian Air Force due to lack of budgetary cuts is not able to purchase newer aircraft and has to make do with refitting new technology in an older machine. Due to these crashes, the plane has earned the name ‘Flying Coffin’ and ‘widowmaker’.

MIG 21 Design:

The aircraft has a which permits it to take turns without any rapid loss of speed. It has an operational range of 1210 Km, Flying speed of Mach 2 (2175 Km/h) and a surface ceiling of 17.8 Kms which makes it one of the best aircraft in its 3rd generation league. India - Pakistan 2019 Skirmish:

After the Pulwama attack, the Indian govt has scaled up its military activity and adopted its “Offensive Defence” strategy. In retaliation to 26 Feb attack of the Indian Air Force where they conducting air strikes at Balakot, the Pakistan Air Force on 27 Feb planned to attack Indian Military bases with USA’s F-16 Aircraft. The Indian Air Force was ready with its interceptors and shot down one of the F-16s. Though the Indian MiG-21 piloted by Wing Cdr Abhinandan was also shot down but the global reaction was majorly focused on the fact that how did the Indian Pilot achieve this feat let's look at the specification of the two aircrafts:

MiG 21 Aircraft vs F-16 Aircraft:

Specification Mig-21 Bison F-16 Nick Name Fish Bed Fighting Falcon Generation 3rd Generation 4th Generation Type Fighter Multi-role Range 1210 Km 4220 km Missiles R-73, R-77 AIM-7, AIM 120 AMRAAM Speed 2175 Km/h 2400 Km/h Combat Radius 370 Km 547 Km

MIG 21 Aircraft Upgrades:

The MiG 21 also went under significant up gradation in 2006 with Multi-mode Radar, Better avionics & communication systems to give an edge over other aircraft. It was then renamed ‘MiG -21 Bison’. It was also fitted with R-73 Archer short range and R-77 medium-range anti-aircraft missile. It was also equipped with Helmet mounted displays which assisted the pilot while engaging in a dogfight.

Conclusion:

With the new upgrades the MiG-21 Bison gave a toe to toe competition to the F-16 Falcon but as it is said that it is not the machine that wins the war, it is the man behind the machine that makes it possible. Hence it is solely the practice of the Indian Air Force pilots who do all the hard work and make the impossible, possible.

Glossary:

Dog Fight: Aerial battle between fighter aircraft conducted at close range.

AMRAAM: Advanced Medium Air to Air Missile. It is a fire & forgets missile, generally equipped in F-16 and other US manufactured aircraft.

LCA Tejas HAL Tejas: Indian Air Force

The Tejas is the 4th generation fighter aircraft indigenously developed in India. It is designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Its Full-Scale Engineering Development (FSED) programme was sanctioned in April 1993 and the first Technology Demonstration took place in January 2001.

LCA completed about 3200 flights before getting final operational clearance in 2013. First Series Production (SP1) Tejas aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force on 17 January 2015.

Features:

The Tejas is a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This means that it engages in light strikes or attack missions, reconnaissance roles.

The Tejas is the first advance Fly-by-wire (FBW) fighter aircraft designed, developed and manufactured in India.

It has a and is equipped with state-of-the-art Satellite aided Inertial Navigation System. It is equipped with a digital computer-based attack system and autopilot.

The Tejas is capable of firing Air to Air Missiles, Bombs as well as Precision Guided Munitions. It also has Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, improved and better stand- off weapons and air to air refueling capability.

The aircraft with delta wing is capable of air combat, offensive air support and can perform a secondary role of reconnaissance.

Technical specifications:

Specification Measurement Max Takeoff Weight 13.5 Tonnes Payload 5.3 Tonnes Speed 1.8 Mach Combat Radius 300 km Takeoff distance 1700 m Service Ceiling 16 km

Tejas Mk2

It is expected to be a 5th generation aircraft. The Mk2 is supposed to be a replacement for Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and MIG 29 which will be an advanced medium combat aircraft.

It will be powered with GE-F414-INS6 engine which will be having higher thrust. It will also be equipped ski-jump take-off and arrested landing making it suitable for Navy. Mk2 is expecting its first flight by 2022.

Tejas in Indian Air Force

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) "Tejas" is inducted as No. 45 Squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF). No. 45 Squadron, also called the "Flying Daggers".

The flying Dagger has formally commenced operation from Sulu Air Force Station in . Southern Air Command based in Thiruvananthapuram has been entrusted with the responsibility of training the aircrew. it is seen as an alternative to MIG-21 and MIG-27.

Indian Air Force has ordered for 83 Tejas which include 73 Mk1a which is an improved version and 10 LCA .

Indian Tejas Vs. Sino-Pakistani JF-17

The Indian Tejas is one of the most formidable aircraft in its generation. Let’s see when we compare the aircraft with the Pakistan- jointly developed JF-17 aircraft.

Specification LCA Tejas JF - 17 Manufacturer Hindustan Joint Venture - Pakistan Aeronautical Aeronautical Ltd. Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Agency Speed 1.8 Mach 1.8 Mach Hard points 8 7 Missiles , Derby, AIM - 150 Fuel 2458 Kg 2300 Kg

The Missile, state of the art avionics of Tejas clearly give a solid edge over the JF-17 aircraft.

Conclusion

Though Tejas took a lot of time in its manufacturing due to its simple design and rugged nature, it is one of the most daunting aircraft. We hope that Tejas protects our skies from the predators so that India can rise to achieve its dream of being a superpower.

Mirage 2000

Days after the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force has given a befitting reply to Pakistan by carrying out an air strike targeting its terror camps across LoC. The Indian Air Force chose 12 Mirage 2000 aircraft to carry out this operation which launched a payload of 1000 Kg at the Balakot, Pakistan.

Let’s read about this mighty aircraft that has been in service with Indian Air Force for more than three decades.

Mirage 2000: Indian Air Force

The Mirage 2000 is the French multirole aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation in the 1970s as a replacement for the Mirage III of the French Air Force.

The Mirage 2000 is the deadliest and most versatile aircraft of the Indian Air Force. It was commissioned in the year 1985 and was given the name ‘Vajra’ which meaning thunderbolt in .

The Mirage 2000 is a 4th generation multirole fighter aircraft, which means that the aircraft is capable of performing air to air attack as well as support ground troops. It can also perform as an interceptor to other aircraft.

Features:

The Mirage was specially designed as a lightweight, highly maneuverable fighter that was being originally being manufactured as an air superiority fighter under the project “Delta 1000”. But due to changes in the role demanded by the French Military it was later made into a multirole fighter.

It has a speed of 2.3 Mach and has a combat ceiling of 17Kms. It has a climbing speed of 60,000 feet per min & designed for all-weather day & night operations.

It has delta wings and fly-by-wire control systems.

It also has air to air refueling technology that makes it possible to remain airborne for a long period of time.

Mirage in India:

The first 7 aircraft which India received was named the ‘Battleaxes’, with this India became the first country to use this aircraft.

The Indian Air Force used Mirage 2000s during the Kargil war when the made MiG - 21, MiG-23 and MiG - 27 were unable to execute operation due to difficult weather. These were remarkably successful in destroying the enemy trenches and assisted in capturing Tiger Hill.

The IAF currently operates 49 Mirage 2000s aircraft that went under maintenance upliftment and equipped it with Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, integrated multi-mode multi-layered radar, a war suite equipped with advanced beyond visual range missile system capability.

Legacy:

Mirage is widely used by many countries such as France, Egypt, India, Peru, UAE, Greece, Taiwan, and Brazil. With increasing frequency in maintenance and inception of new aircraft like Rafale, the Vajra is losing its sheen. Nonetheless, the aircraft has time and again proved itself as an excellent performer. The credit goes to the pilots and the support staff as well.

Sukhoi Su-30 MKI

Know about Technical specification of Sukhoi Su-30 MKI of the Indian Air Force here. The Indian Air Force has one of the most well-trained pilots of the world. When these pilots sit in one of the most fierce aircrafts, they make the enemy look back at its decision. This article will discuss all about the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

SU-30 MKI:

The Sukhoi Su30MKI was developed by the Russian Company Sukhoi Aviation Corpora tion as a 4th generation multirole air superiority fighter aircraft. It is an air superiority figh ter with multirole capabilities from surface mission capabilities along with air to air & air.

India entered in an MoU with Russia in the year 2000 and permitted the license production of Su-30MKIs at HAL’s plant. The Su-30MKI variant was inducted into the Indian Air Force in the year 2002, while the first indigenously assembled (at HAL facility) Su-30MKI was inducted in 2004.

The Indian variant of the aircraft was manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The MKI mentioned in Su-30 MKI is an acronym for "Modernizirovannyi, Kommercheskiy, Indiski", which means Modernized, Commercial, Indian.

There are a total of 240 Sukhoi's in service out of which, HAL has manufactured 202 Su-30MKI fighter jets for the IAF making it the highest number so far made under license from the Russian OEM.

Technical Specification:

Characteristics Technical Specification Max Speed Mach 2 Range 3000 Km Combat Radius 1300 Km Service Ceiling 17.3 Km Hardpoints 12

In addition to this, the Sukhoi Su-30 is well equipped with Brahmos to deter any incoming enemy aircraft.

Comparison with Dassault Rafale

• Top speed of Sukhoi 30mkiis 2,120km/h, while top speed of Rafale is 2,130km/h. Rafale target up to a range of 3,700km. And Sukhoi can target up to a range of 3,000km. Rafale is 15m long, while Sukhoi is 22m long. • There is a huge difference in the weight of both the aircraft while they are empty and also during takeoff. Rafale is much lighter in both the condition than Sukhoi which makes it better in maneuverability too and hence better during dogfights. • Due to small size Rafale is not easily detected on the RADAR which makes it more stealthy than Sukhoi Su-30. • Hence Rafale is a clear winner here.

Rafale is expensive but the reasons are diverse including a better range, a wider range of weapons including cruise missiles, comprehensive support infrastructure and its interconnecting technology to the Mirage 2000 that is being upgraded and overhaul. The range is critical as well as employing long-range cruise missiles and the French agreeing for India to develop and integrate into the existing source code to deliver nuclear bombs. The Rafale ups its game on its weapons capability to include nuclear delivery. The training program attached to Rafale is more comprehensive than the Su- 30MKI support program. These are the real key over the Su-30MKI.

The Indian Air Force is currently working with equipping the Su-30MKI with Israeli -2000 laser-guided bombs, to make it more deadly. Currently, only the Mirage-2000s are fitted with the SPICE-2000 bombs & these aircraft were successful in the pre-dawn strike mission done on the terror camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit in Balakot, PoK.

Conclusions

Top Brass of Indian Air Force (IAF) is not fully convinced that additional Sukhoi-Su- 30MKI fighter jets will actually help gauge fall of the fighter fleet in the force and Senior officials are also worried that IAF is already Top-heavy and actually needs Light and Medium class aircraft to strike the right balance in the force. Aircraft like Sukhoi-Su- 30MKI have a higher operating cost when compared with light or medium class fighter jets. Su-30MKI fleet also faces routine spares and maintenance issues which have improved over the last few years but still has not reached up to prudent levels.

Boeing CH-47

Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter

Good news to the Indian Air Force as the first batch of 4 Chinook Helicopters arrived on 11th Feb at Mundra Port, Gujarat. This seems like a positive sign for the Air Force who is struggling with equipping itself adequately with time.

The Deal: The Indian Air Force has been struggling with logistical supply and support, with its ailing Russian build Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters, Mi- 26 & Mi- 35 attack helicopters. With an increase in tensions across borders against Pakistan and China, India rapidly scaled up its defence purchases.

India signed the $ 3 billion dollar deal with the USA for the purchase of 15 CH-47 Chinook and 22 AH-64 Apache helicopters in 2018, a decision taken after 3 years of thought.

The Helicopter:

Named after American Indian tribe, the CH-47 F(I) “Chinook” is an advanced multi- mission helicopter that was manufactured by Boeing. It was introduced in 1962 and took part in many operations in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iran. It is said to be one of the most advanced heavy-lift helicopters of the world.

Boeing has strengthened its supply chain & has nearly 160 partners in JV to manufacture large sections of Chinook helicopters.

Strengths:

The helicopter can carry a payload of 9.6 tonnes including heavy machinery such as artillery guns, howitzers, and even light armored vehicles. This capacity can also be utilized for rescue operations, disaster relief, aircraft recovery, and parachute drops.

It can also help the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to complete long-pending road building projects and provide better connectivity to North-East India.

Clash of the heavy lifters: Mi-26 Vs Chinook

The Russian made Mi-26 has been a part of India since ages, but the Indian Air Force is facing many issues, the most prominent is spare parts. It is often seen that the Mi-26 spends most of its time on land than in air. To add to its woes the operational cost of the helicopter is also huge. So purchasing the Chinook is a better option.

Around the world:

More than 1100 Chinooks have been manufactured by Boeing and nearly 19 countries around the world are using Chinooks. India is the 9th Non-Nato countries that have received Chinook helicopter before India did.

Here is a list of Non-Nato countries: Libya, Iran, Morocco, , Thailand, China, Japan and Singapore.

Air Base and Establishments:

The helicopter will be stationed in Chandigarh Air Force Station as well as Mohanbari in the North East. The IAF has already trained its pilot on new helicopters since October 2018 in Delaware, USA. Conclusion:

The Chinook is one of the most important things in IAF’s arsenal which would boost its military capability to a vast extent.

Apache AH-64E

The helicopter is one of the most important piece of equipment for a country’s defence. Since its inception, helicopters have been used for various purposes due to its versatile nature. Depending on the size, a helicopter is used for transportation, attack, assistance in case of natural calamities etc.

The Indian Air Force had approved a procurement request for acquisition of 22 Apache attack helicopters from Boeing which is said to be inducted by July 2019.

What is Apache?

Apache is an attack helicopter which is regarded as the world’s most lethal helicopter. The helicopter is manufactured by Boeing and was first introduced in US army in 1986. Apache AH-64E is an upgraded version of the helicopter which will be inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Why did IAF choose Helicopter over Aircraft?

The Indian Air Force is struggling for the newer acquisition of the aircraft, so why did it prefer to choose a Helicopter over Aircraft? It is no doubt an aircraft has an edge over a helicopter when it comes to destroying the resources behind enemy lines, but the helicopter has their advantage too:

1. Helicopters can hover and can precisely target and mow down even man-sized targets with things like millimetre radar and night vision 2. Helicopters can also hug the ground, making them much more difficult to spot by air defences, RADAR and enemy troops. Therefore, the first wave of air attacks conducted in the 1st Gulf War was led by AH-64s (destroying radar sites). 3. Lastly, most attack helicopters are armoured. On the other hand, most fixed-wing aircraft are not (including all the ones you mentioned). So, if they take fire, they’re less likely to go down. 4. Attack helicopters can land and take-off from small pads and ships whereas fixed-wing aircraft require a runway or special . 5. India has a very difficult terrain where there are important passes and ranges which are difficult to target from an aircraft, hence helicopters gain an advantage.

The Helicopter is going to be a joint venture of US company Boeing & Indian company Tata under Make in India initiative.

Technical Specifications:

Here are some technical specifications of the aircraft:

Characteristics Specifications Crew 2 Operational Speed 158 Knots (293 Km/h) Range 476 Km Service Ceiling 21000 ft (6.1 Km) Hardpoints 4

Why Apache Ah-64E?

India Chose the Apache helicopter due to the following reasons:

1. FIM 92 Stinger Missile:

This missile is notorious for its impact in the Soviet-Afghan war. Mujahideen armed with these Stingers brought down jet fighters to transport aircraft to helicopters.

One of the worst helicopters to be affected by this missile was the MI-35 that India already has. These missiles form a large part of Pakistan’s arsenal (350 missiles) so we had to have a helicopter which would have better survivability rate.

2. AGM-114 Hellfire Missile:

This is a revolutionary Air-to-Surface and Surface-to-Surface missile specifically intended for an Anti-Armor role.

This missile is tailor-made for low-intensity conflicts where surgical removal of Armor is required.

These missiles come specially equipped with the Apache helicopters and make a lethal combination of speed & strength.

Fully armoured :

The helicopter is also known as the flying tank as it is so secure that it can take multiple bullets & still perform well in the battlefield.

Hence, it can be deduced that the Apache was the best choice for India. Apart from that India wanted to strengthen its friendship with the USA.

Conclusion:

The stealthy, agile chopper is designed for missions of all kinds. In addition to a 70 mm rocket arsenal and an automatic cannon, the Apache is equipped with laser and infrastructure systems for day-to-day operability.

The Apache is going to be India's first pure attack helicopter. While the Mi 35 from Russia has been operating for years and is now about to retire, the two pilot Apache is a dedicated attack chopper that experts believe will be a 'game changer'.