SP's Aviation October 2012

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

News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. 100.00 ( I ndi a -b ` Aviationwww.spsaviation.net OCTOBER • 2012 •• Mid-size business jets •• regional aviation: need planes aplenty •• the way forward: dr vivek lalL

Indian Air Force Modernisation years

Interview with Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne Vision Personified: Air Chief Marshal (retd) P.V. Naik Interview with R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL Getting Ahead with Upgrades

80RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 Enhancing Combat Potential READY FOR TRAINING

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Table of Contents News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. AviationIssue 10 • 2012

19 Interview ACM N.A.K. Browne 22 IAF Vision Vision Personified 26 Interview HAL Chairman 30 Transport On the Move 33 Viewpoint The Way Forward 35 Helicopters Development sans Indigenisation 37 Fighters Upgrades Getting Ahead The Indian Government has selected Boeing’s AH-64D Apache Block III 39 Fighters Fleet in its effort to buy new attack helicopters for the Indian Air Force. 35 Contract negotiations are expected to begin shortly. Status Per Se 42 UAVs Getting Lethal Civil IAf SPECIAL 44 Force Multipliers 6 Business Aviation Enhancing Combat Potential Mid-Size, the Right Size 13 Seminar Report IAF’s ongoing plans 46 Training Mood Upbeat The IAF is celebrating its 80th Strengthening the Foundation anniversary. On this special Industry Air Transport occasion, let us take a look at IAF’s 48 10 Regional Aviation modernisation, upgradation and Range of Offers Need Planes Aplenty transformation endeavours. 49 Space Expanding Roles IAF Special • 4 A Word from Editor 51 Hall of Fame

Special ISSUE Karun Krishna Majumdar Messages AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION 14 SP’s (1913-1945) – Defence Minister News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. 100.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) BUYER 100.00 (INDIA-BASED ` – IAF Chief Aviationwww.spsaviation.net OCTOBER • 2012 •• MID-SIZE BUSINESS JETS 52 NewsDigest •• REGIONAL AVIATION: NEEDS PLANES APLENTY 16 SP’s Exclusive •• THE WAY FORWARD: DR VIVEK LALL – Flanker Turns 10 Indian Air Force – IAF Chief Inspects First Modernisation regular Departments Indigenous AEW&C Aircraft years Interview with Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne Vision Personified: Air Chief Marshal (retd) P.V. Naik LastWord – HAL Scouts Cockpit Display Interview with R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL 56 Getting Ahead with Upgrades

Systems for Light Choppers 80RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 Enhancing Combat Potential Cautious Moves – IAF Hopeful of Rafale Deal SP's Aviation Cover 10-12 final.indd 1 05/10/12 5:05 PM this Year Cover Photo: – Decision on Heavy-lift Copter Competition this Month The IAF is equipping itself with next generation capabilities Next Issue: – Decision on Tanker Fifth Generation Fighters Competition Next Month Illustration By: Anoop Kamath

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 1 Table of Contents

PLUS... Publisher And Editor-in-Chief design Jayant Baranwal Holistic Directions: Jayant Baranwal Senior Art Director: Anoop Kamath Assistant Group editor Designers: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht R. Chandrakanth Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey Senior Visiting Editor Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING Neetu Dhulia Senior Technical Group EditorS Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey SALES & MARKETING General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh Lt General (Retd) Naresh Chand Mid-size, SP’s websites the Right Size 6 Senior Copy editor & Sr Web Developer: Shailendra Prakash Ashish Correspondent Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma Sucheta Das Mohapatra © SP Guide Publications, 2012

Contributors Annual Subscription India Inland: Rs 1200 • Foreign: US$ 320 Air Marshal (Retd) N. Menon Email: [email protected] Group Captain (Retd) A.K. Sachdev Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha LETTER TO EDITOR [email protected] Europe [email protected] Alan Peaford FOR Advertising details, contact: USA & Canada [email protected] 10 Need Planes Aplenty [email protected] LeRoy Cook [email protected]

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

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12_11909_SPsAviation_V01R01.indd 1 9/10/12 5:37 AM IAF SPECIAL A Word From Editor

A key aspect of the IAF’s force build-up programme is to not only regain its erstwhile combat jet fighters’ strength of 39½ squadrons but also to augment it further to 42 squadrons by 2022

s it celebrates its 80th anniversary, the Indian On the civil aviation front, R. Chandrakanth points out Air Force (IAF) may have just one wish to make as to how mid-size jets are labelled as the future of business before blowing out the candles on the birth- travel being sought out by most of the contemporary cor- day cake—modernise and transform. Indeed, porate leaders, while Joseph Noronha writing on regional the IAF is truly in the middle of an amazing aviation in India feels that a fleet of small sturdy turboprops phase of metamorphic modernisation in a bid is what the doctor ordered to rapidly take aviation services to transform itself into a ‘force’ with full-spectrum capabili- to the remote reaches of the country. Aties at par with the leading air forces of the world. In this, ‘Air Force Special’ issue, we not only take a look The IAF has come a long way since its inception in 1932 at the IAF’s ongoing endeavours in its flight to achieve the when it began with half a dozen officers and a few Wapiti desired capabilities, but also on the burgeoning responsi- aircraft. Today, the men and women ‘in blue’ of the world’s bilities of the private sector in the aerospace field in building fourth largest air force can proudly look on those years, hav- them for the IAF. Creating the much desired and much cher- ing bravely faced challenges not only from the enemy but also ished self-reliance to meet the requirements of the country’s have operated in some of the most hostile terrain in the world. aerospace power perhaps would be the best way to salute The IAF of tomorrow should be ready to scramble to guard the IAF, which should ideally aim for a 50-combat squadron India’s enhanced strategic and security interests that extend force by say 2032, when it could happily put 100 candles on to not only from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca its anniversary cake. but much beyond. For this, it is of paramount importance to Jai Hind! augment the IAF’s entire range of capabilities—from precision attack weapons to combat and transport aircraft to UAVs and heliborne operations, besides ushering in an era of vigor- ous research and development with active private sector participation. No wonder the acquisition of force multipliers like airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), mid-air refuelling aircraft, advanced radars and aerostats—all crucial to force potency—have been on the IAF’s extended shopping list. Speaking on the status of his force to the media in June this year, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne had said that key year for the IAF would be 2022. “All the contracts which were signed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan, will be executed till 2017. At least 65 to 70 per cent of force build-up will be accomplished by 2017.” A key aspect of the IAF’s force build-up programme is to not only regain its erstwhile combat jet fighters’ strength of 39½ squadrons but also to augment it further to 42 squadrons by 2022 (end of Thirteenth Plan). In all, the IAF could spend as much as $100 billion in the next decade towards realising it’s sanctioned ‘perspective plans’. Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air Staff, IAF, in an interview Jayant Baranwal with SP’s Aviation, spoke in detail about IAF’s capacity en- Publisher & Editor-in-Chief hancement plans to meet future security challenges.

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Mid-Size,

right fit: CITation ten, the Cessna’s High- the Right Size speed mid-size jet Labelled as the future of business travel, the mid-size jets are easily the most sought after private jets for business jet charters by the contemporary corporate leaders

The big news this year is that Chi- By R. Chandrakanth 16-aircraft product line. Citation Longi- na is entering the business jet market tude is placed above the high-speed mid- with a global tie-up and this is going to size Citation Ten. change the dynamics of the general avi- The eight-passenger aircraft which is ation market in the region and globally. estimated to cost nearly $26 million (`143 Aviation Industry Corporation of China crore) will be competing with other su- (AVIC) has firmed up an agreement with per mid-size aircraft such as Gulfstream mid-size business jets maker, Cessna Aircraft, to manufac- G280 and Hawker 4000. The Longitude is a stretched version ture mid-size business jets in China. of the mid-size Latitude under development. Longitude fea- The announcement has come as a breath of fresh air to tures a newly designed 87 ft (26.5 m), 30 degree swept wing. the challenging market for mid-size business jets. As such It also features winglets and a “T” style empennage. the business jet market is pinning hopes on the Asian region The Longitude is scheduled to make its first flight in mid- and the US recovery to prop up the market which is expect- 2016. Certification and service entry are earmarked for the ed to touch $22.68 billion (`1,24,740 crore) by 2017 with a third and fourth quarter of 2017 respectively. Cessna has re- CAGR of 4.28 per cent over the next five years, according to ported that it will develop and manufacture the Longitude at Lucintel, a consulting and market research firm. its Wichita facility but may set up assembly lines in other parts of the world where the demand is high. Cessna stir’s the market The mid-size jets and the super mid-size jets combine Cessna has indeed stirred the mid-size market, one by the long-range transatlantic capability with the speed and announcing entry into China, and two with the launch of Cita- comfort of a wide body, high-altitude aircraft and a seating P ho t ograph: c essna Ttion Longitude which is expected to sit at the top of Cessna’s capacity of eight to 12. Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Em-

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Exceeding expectations: Gulfstream’s G280 has a range of 3,600 nautical miles (6,667 km) at Mach 0.80

braer, Hawker Beechcraft and Gulfstream are the air fram- Overall aircraft performance improves slightly with the ers with business jets in different classes, but hotly contest- addition of winglets and updated Rolls-Royce AE3007C2 ing in the mid-size segment. engines with high-flow-fan turbines, rated at 7,034 pounds of thrust each, that deliver a four per cent boost in takeoff Options galore thrust, nine per cent better climb performance, seven per The aircraft in the super mid-size class include Challenger 300; cent more cruise thrust and a 1.4 per cent improvement in Challenger 605 (Bombardier Aerospace); Citation X (Cessna); specific fuel consumption. The new Citation Ten is scheduled Dassault Falcon 50, Dassault Falcon 2000 (Dassault); Legacy to fly at the end of this year and enter service in 2013. 600 (Embraer); Gulfstream G350; Gulfstream G450 (Gulf- stream); and Hawker 4000 (Hawker Beechcraft). The mid-size Learjet 85 all set to make a dash in 2013 jets are Learjet 60 XR, Learjet 85 (Bombardier Aerospace); Cita- Bombardier Aerospace has commenced production of its tion Columbus, Citation XLS, Citation Sovereign (Cessna); Das- new Learjet 85 aircraft with the development and produc- sault Falcon 20 (Dassault); Legacy 450, Legacy 500 (Embraer); tion teams in Wichita, Kansas; Montréal, Québec; Belfast, Gulfstream 150, Gulfstream 250 (Gulfstream); Hawker 750, Northern Ireland and Querétaro, Mexico; actively engaged Hawker 850 XP and Hawker 900 XP (Hawker Beechcraft). in the manufacturing validation phase. Labelled as the future of business travel, the mid-size jets “We have made solid progress,” said Ralph Acs, Vice are easily the most sought after private jets for business jet President and General Manager, Learjet, Bombardier Busi- charters by the contemporary corporate leaders. From each ness Aircraft. “Our manufacturing sites are ready, produc- of the air framers, we give a peek into one mid-size aircraft. tion has begun, we have been successfully building parts and we are ensuring that all quality standards are met for Cessna Citation Ten looking at a perfect 10 the Learjet 85 aircraft’s entry into service in 2013.” The Mach 0.92 Citation X speedster, renamed Ten, with The new Learjet 85 aircraft is expected to redefine the new winglets, tweaked engines, a new glass-panel Garmin midsize segment. Launched on October 30, 2007, with a G5000 avionics suite is an upgrade to give customers more customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft space. The cabin stretch yields nearly nine inches of addi- is positioned between the midsize Learjet 60 XR and the tional legroom in the forward club passenger seat grouping super midsize Challenger 300 jets. and almost five in the rear club. True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set It has a new fibre-optic cabin management system, pro- to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology viding high-speed Internet, satellite radio and cabin Wi-Fi are and exceptional value, the Learjet aircraft owners expect. The available options. Phone service will be provided via the Air- jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B en- cell Axxess II system, while Internet will be available via the gines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level

P ho t ograph: gulfs ream Aircell ground-based system or Inmarsat Swift Broadband. 86ºF (30ºC) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx

8 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Civil Business AVIATION emission combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The October 5, 2008, as a replacement for the large-cabin, mid- aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a trans- range G200. Comfort and convenience are just two highlights continental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km). of the G280 cabin. The aircraft has the longest seating area in The aircraft’s customised version cabin management sys- its class and a total cabin length of 25 feet, 10 inches. This ad- tem, developed by Lufthansa Technik, will feature a high- ditional space provides for a larger lavatory, an improved gal- capacity Ethernet network with a digital amplifier to feed ley and increased storage. Customers can select from three the high-fidelity speaker system and an interface to support interior floor plans, which seat from eight to 10 and berth up the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and tem- to four. All of them offer significant storage capabilities, with perature control. Bombardier remains confident that it can total storage of up to 154 cubic feet (4.63 cubic metres). bring its all-composite, $17.2 million (`95 crore) Learjet 85 to market by next year. Dassault Falcon Jet 2000S— first green production aircraft Embraer Legacy 450 pegs on fly-by-wire technology Dassault Falcon Jet announced the 2000S, a $25 million (`138 Embraer’s formal entry into the quasi-mid-size market came crore) variant of the popular twinjet aimed squarely at the in 2008 when it announced development of a pair (450 & 500) super-mid-size market. It said that the 2000S “is a large-cabin of fly-by-wire aircraft that share the same wings, empennage aircraft with fuel economy and operating costs that are much and cabin cross-section. The 450 is being designed to have a less than smaller aircraft in the mid-size business jet category.” range of 2,300 nm with four passengers at long-range cruise Till date, the test aircraft has accumulated more than and NBAA IFR reserves. The $18.4 million 500 is expected 300 flight hours in over 130 flights and opened up the full to enter service in 2013, and the $15.25 million 450 in 2014. flight envelope and demonstrated excellent handling quali- Embraer Executive Jets recently passed a major mile- ties. The last phase of the campaign revealed that low-speed stone in the mid-light Legacy 450 programme when the first performance will be significantly better than targeted fig- part was milled for the business jet, ushering in the begin- ures, up to 10 per cent for landing distances. Low-speed ning of fabrication. “Even as we have been making progress performance is not only a key factor for safety, but also de- on the Legacy 500, we have been anticipating this event for termines range/payload characteristics when operating out the Legacy 450,” said Ernest Edwards, President, Embraer of or into short or constricted airfields. The 2000S is outfitted Executive Jets. “The first metal cut for the Legacy 450 is a with inboard slats and winglets that work together to reduce landmark event for the programme and is the latest step in landing speed and together with a unique auto brake system, bringing this, the second of our revolutionary jets to reality.” make it possible to access shorter and more challenging run- The Legacy 450 is designed with the latest engineering ways than any other airplane in its category. software, CATIA V5, with production planning for the business aircraft simulated by digital virtual manufacturing soft- Hawker 900XP – ‘right-size’ ware. The two aircraft bring fly-by-wire technology to the A Robb report said that the Hawker 900XP is gaining atten- mid-light and mid-size segments for the first time. Based tion from operators ready to ‘right-size’ from bigger jets. on extensive customer feedback, the aircraft have a six-foot Building upon the popular Hawker 850XP’s capabilities, the stand-up cabin with a flat floor, making them the largest Hawker 900XP’s enhanced performance allows businesses cross sections and cabin volume in their classes. to build invaluable in-person connections around the world without the expense or unpredictability of commercial travel. Gulfstream G280 to deliver more than its promise With room for nine passengers, the ability to land on un- Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s best-in-class G280 air- improved runways and more cabin amenities, the Hawker craft has earned type certificates from the US Federal Aviation 900XP can take executives anywhere on their business calls. Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel The Hawker 900XP can cover over 2,800 nautical miles (CAAI). The G280, a joint effort between Gulfstream and the with four passengers and their luggage. It has an amazing Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), offers the most comfortable climb rate which goes up to 41,000 feet in just 25 minutes cabin and the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. at maximum take-off weight. With full fuel, the jet has more “Gulfstream is excited to bring this aircraft to its cus- range, twice the payload and 30 per cent larger cabin than tomers, especially since we’re able to provide a plane that that of the Gulfstream G150. Hawker Beechcraft has now does more than we originally announced,” said Larry Flynn, included digital pressurisation system as standard equip- President, Gulfstream. “The G280 has a range of 3,600 nau- ment on Hawker 900XP. Digital pressurisation is the latest tical miles (6,667 km) at Mach 0.80. This increase of 200 nm example of a long list of enhancements made to the Hawker (370 km) over our original projections results in increased 900XP, including new technology, fuel-efficient engines, ad- fuel efficiency and lower operating costs for our customers. vanced composite winglets, LED lighting, and new cabin It’s the only mid-sized aircraft that can reliably fly non-stop entertainment options. With the latest technology systems between London and New York. Additionally, our custom- integrated in a strong airframe with an unbeatable reputa- ers will find that the newly designed G280 has a great deal tion, the Hawker 900XP is the most advanced version yet of in common with large-cabin Gulfstream aircraft in terms of the world’s best-selling mid-size business jet. safety, reliability, handling, styling and cabin management. Given the trends in the global market, the mid-size jet The G280 is an all-around fantastic plane.” among all the business jet segments (large, super mid, mid- Gulfstream will deliver the first G280 aircraft before year- size, light medium jets, light, very light), is going to be stra- end to a US-based manufacturer with a worldwide presence tegic to all air framers. Cessna has made the first move and spanning 190 countries. Gulfstream announced the G280 on this should pay dividends in the next five years. SP

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 9 Air Transport Regional Aviation

Getting bigger & Faster Embraer 170/190 are being upgraded

The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) believes that Indian aviation could see transformational growth over the next decade Need Planes Aplenty ndia’s affair with re- By Group Captain (Retd) tion exceeding one million, with soar- gional aviation may finally be ing aspirations for comfortable travel. ready for take-off. Impressive Joseph Noronha Therefore, it’s only a question of time long-term economic growth before the demand for air services (despite the current temporary from faraway places explodes. turbulence) and rising wages The Centre for Asia Pacific Avia- in places far removed from the major tion (CAPA) believes that Indian avia- Icities mean that millions of people are tion could see transformational growth being lifted out of poverty to middle- over the next decade. It projects that class status. This explains why the growth in per capita month- total airport passenger traffic may triple from approximately ly consumption in rural India during the period 2009-10 to 143 million in 2010-11 to 450 million by 2020-21, making In- 2011-12, outpaced the consumption by urban dwellers for the dia the third largest aviation market in the world, behind only first time since economic reforms were launched 20 years ago. the US and China. Over the same period, the scheduled airline

P hotograph: e mbra r By 2030, the country is likely to have 55 cities with a popula- fleet is expected to swell from 430 to 1,030 aircraft.

10 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Air Transport Regional Aviation

This huge increase in aircraft is likely to have one important characteristic. The number of small planes, at present insignificant, is bound to rise. Currently, just 36 of the 87 operational airports in the country can take even the airline industry’s workhorses—the Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 narrow-body aircraft. Although dozens of Greenfield airports are in the pipeline, land acquisition issues are making their progress excruciatingly slow. In the meantime, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is striving to reclaim out-of-use airfields in out-of- the-way places as a means to quickly increase the number of functional airports. moving bullish: However, most of these are ATR 72-500 has a likely to have short runways. seat capacity of 78 Kingfisher Airlines’ once sizeable Besides, passenger demand from new and remote air- passengers fleet of ATR 72-500s, however, has ports may be insufficient to support large airliners, at shrunk to just five planes. In India, least to begin with. For these reasons, there’s no get- aircraft with up to 80 seats are ting around the need for small planes. exempt from airport landing and parking charges and billed at reduced rates for navigation Small and Sleek facilities. Aircraft with take-off weight less than 40,000 kg Air charter company Religáre Voyages Ltd has seen the also pay just four per cent sales tax on aviation turbine fuel writing on the wall. In July, when it launched Air Mantra, (ATF) across the country, whereas larger planes are charged the lone regional airline to start flying in the last five years, up to 30 per cent in some states. The Q400 and ATR 72-500 it converted two of its existing 17-seat Beechcraft 1900D both meet the requirements for concessional billing. aircraft for the purpose. The Beechcraft 1900, a twin-engine Turboprop aircraft are also growing in popularity world- turboprop manufactured by Hawker Beechcraft, has been wide as the most cost-effective method of penetrating short- employed as a regional airliner, cargo carrier and corpo- haul markets, especially in an era of rising oil prices. These rate aircraft from 1984 onwards. The 1900D is a substantial rugged planes constituted just 15 per cent of the global re- improvement and is its most popular version. gional fleet in 2001 but are now 40 per cent or more. And If the Beechcraft 1900D (currently India’s smallest com- demand for turboprops is expected to continue rising since mercial plane) seems small, Deccan Shuttles is going even average oil prices are projected to increase by $20 per barrel smaller. In August, this non-scheduled regional carrier, again within a year. Consequently, Bombardier Aerospace which has strong scheduled airline intentions, launched now anticipates a requirement for about 2,832 turboprops intra-state operations in Gujarat using two nine-seat Cessna over the next 20 years, representing 48 per cent of the over- 208B Grand Caravan turboprops. The Cessna 208B is a sin- all market for 60- to 99-seat aircraft. It also believes that gle-engine short-haul regional airliner and utility aircraft, there could be many customers for large turboprop aircraft with fixed landing gear, built by Cessna. It was introduced of 90- to 99-seat capacity and is mulling over its options in in service in 1984. this category.

Turbocharged Travel Jetting to a Competitive Future However, the mainline carriers, for long the only operators On the global stage, unlike in India, the trend is clearly of regional flights in the country, prefer standard-size turbo- towards larger regional aircraft. The main reason is fuel econ- props like the 80-seat Bombardier Q400 NextGen and the omy. Regional jets are getting bigger and faster; their range is ATR 72-500 (maximum 78 seats). Low-cost carrier SpiceJet, increasing, and they are becoming more comfortable. currently a key regional player, believes that the Bombar- Till now, the Bombardier CRJ series (of which the 86- to dier Q400 makes good sense for short-haul routes and has 104-seat CRJ1000 is the latest variant) and the Embraer E- already acquired 12 aircraft. This economical and fuel-effi- Jet family (of which the 106- to 122-seat E-195 is the latest cient plane is suited to the facilities at many small Indian and largest) have dominated the global scene. In fact, the airports, short runways and basic services. Jet Airways also two manufacturers are the only noteworthy producers of

P hotograph: ATR operates 20 ATR 72-500 aircraft, many on regional routes. regional jets and have pretty much succeeded in carving up

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 11 Air Transport Regional Aviation

Nextgen aircraft: Bombardier’s Q400 in flight

the market between them. But a clutch of new regional jets Work on the project, now called the National Civilian Plane, may spoil their fun. is being undertaken at the National Aerospace Laboratory, In April last year, the Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100-95 (maxi- Bangalore, and it is not yet clear how it might crystallise. mum 103 seats), entered commercial service with Armavia and it is now also flying with Aeroflot. However, an unfortu- How will the Leaders React? nate accident during a demonstration flight in Indonesia on Market leaders Bombardier and Embraer insist that they May 9 that took the lives of 45 people has dented its popu- are unfazed by the emerging regional jet competitors. For larity to some extent. now, Embraer seems content to plan upgrades of its popu- Among the earliest of the forthcoming launches (al- lar E-170/190 family, completion scheduled by 2018. The though currently running five years behind schedule) could promised package seeks to improve fuel burn and mainte- be the twin-engine Comac ARJ21 Xiangfeng (“Soaring Phoe- nance cycles, including a major aerodynamic clean-up that nix”). It will be the first passenger jet to be developed and is expected to cut five per cent of fuel burn on the E-175 indigenously produced in China. China is working feverishly variant and three per cent on the E-190. to open new airports in small cities, thus greatly expanding However, Bombardier has more elaborate plans to stump its potential demand for regional jets. The ARJ21 is fitted its rivals with the all-new futuristic CSeries. The CSeries is with specially developed General Electric CF34-10A engines a medium-range twinjet, the biggest and most complex air- that give it powerful take-off and climb performance, per- craft that Bombardier has yet built. The CS100 version with mitting the use of basic airports with short runways. While 110- to 125-seats and the CS300 that can accommodate 130 the ARJ21-700 baseline model will have a capacity of 70- to 145 passengers will both use another Pratt & Whitney 95 seats, the ARJ21-900 stretched version will take 95-105 GTF engine, the PW1524G. Long experience with regional passengers. Comac claims to have secured over 300 orders aircraft has prompted Bombardier to design the CSeries till date, and is targeting an end-2013 first delivery to launch systems and structure for ease of access and repair, given customer Chengdu Airlines. the vulnerability of high-utilisation fleets to impact ground Also beset by disagreeable delays is the keenly awaited vehicles. The CS100 is expected to enter service by the end Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), designed and manufactured of next year, followed by the CS300 at the end of 2014. Cur- by Japan’s Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. The MRJ twin- rently, Bombardier has firm orders for 138 CSeries aircraft jets will be fitted with Pratt & Whitney’s new fuel-efficient and options on 124. PW1217G geared turbofan (GTF) engines. The 92-seat Bombardier is also seriously considering a high-density MRJ90 is likely to enter service towards the end of 2015. version of the CS300 to meet growing demand from airlines The 76-seat MRJ70 is expected to follow perhaps a year for an aircraft with 160 seats. This would eliminate the di- later. Mitsubishi already has 170 potential orders from cus- viding line between regional and narrow-body jets and put tomers who are convinced that the MRJ will live up to the the company in direct competition with Airbus and Boeing. Japanese reputation for technological excellence. As for India, the larger regional jets are only of academic In India, plans to develop a new 70- to 90-seat jet aircraft interest. A fleet of small sturdy turboprops is what the doc- with a design range of 2,500 km have been on the cards for tor has ordered to rapidly take aviation services to the re- SP P hotograph: B ombardi e r some years. Such a plane would have strong regional utility. mote reaches of the country.

12 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Civil Seminar report Mood Upbeat Thanking ASSOCHAM for the perfect timing of the conference, the Minister said that with 49 per cent FDI in aviation sector, the focus will now be on encouraging the use of smaller aircraft to connect tier-I, tier-II and tier-III cities with the metros

highlights: Reports on Civil Aviation was released on the occasion; SP’s Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal with Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh; Aditya Ghosh, President, IndiGo, receiving an award

t the fifth Associated Chambers of Com- The Minister released two reports on civil aviation by merce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) International Yes Bank and KPMG and gave away the ASSOCHAM 2012 Conference on Civil Aviation, agreeing that ATF awards to Religáre Voyages for being the most versatile price in India is 50-60 per cent higher than other company; Frankfinn for being the best training institute; Acountries and is not transparent, Union Minister for Civil Safexpress, the best air cargo logistics company; IndiGo, the Aviation Ajit Singh said that his Ministry is talking to the best domestic airline; Emirates, the best international air- Finance Ministry to make ATF a notified good. With 49 per line; and, Airbus for being the best global aviation company. cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in aviation sector, the Earlier giving his welcome address, Rajkumar Dhoot, focus will now be on encouraging the use of smaller aircraft President ASSOCHAM, said that the industry body welcomes to connect tier-I, tier-II and tier-III cities with metros. “For the government’s decision for 49 per cent FDI, which will this, new and innovative solution in the form of route dis- lift the operators’ sentiments and will stimulate the Indian persal guidelines, aircraft acquisition and development of aviation industry. Amber Dubey, Director at KPMG (India), low-cost airports will be put in place.” He further said that said the year has seen challenges in terms of high fuel cost, we need different kinds of planes as small cities don’t need high airport charges and declining traffic. The sector needs bigger planes. There is the need for smaller airplanes with more initiatives in areas of taxation, regulatory clarity, in- 17-20 seat configurations. frastructure development and capacity-building. Sanjay A sum of `30,000 crore (approx $5.5 billion) has been Varkey, Chief Executive Officer, Shell MRPL Aviation, spoke allotted to Air India as a part of the turnaround plan for on aviation fuel related challenges which are hindrances in eight-ten years. And hence the struggling national carrier enabling sustainable growth. K.S. Kohli, Chairman, Frank- has been kept out of the new 49 per cent FDI policy. “There finn Group, expressed dissatisfaction at private vocational is no need for FDI in Air India”, Singh said. institutes not being included under the education loan pol- The Minister revealed that a bill will be introduced in icy of many banks. Joost Van Der Hejidan, Head of Airline the winter session of Parliament to set up a Civil Aviation Marketing, Africa, India, South East Asia and Japan, Airbus, Authority which would be an autonomous regulatory body. presented the Airbus market perspective and said that India Creation of the Civil Aviation Security Force, which would is the seventh biggest Airbus operator globally. take over the security task from the Central Industrial Secu- This was followed by two highly interactive sessions. The rity Force (CISF), is also on the Ministry’s agenda. As a lot first session on the topic “India as an Aviation Hub—Time of money is required to develop airports, he said that the for Collaboration” was chaired by Kapil Kaul, Chief Execu- private-public partnership (PPP) model for airport develop- tive Officer, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) who said ment will be extended to smaller airports. that India has both strong and weak points in becoming an Singh agreed that there is a need to develop India as hub. The second session on “Looking beyond the Obvious – an international hub for the passengers. For the purpose, Aerospace and MRO, General aviation, Cargo and Training”, the Ministry is revisiting the policy regarding bilateral air was chaired by the Editor of SP’s AirBuz, Air Marshal (Retd) services agreements with different countries as also ratio- B.K. Pandey. The seminar concluded that aviation industry is a nalisation of all bilateral and traffic entitlements on interna- fledging industry and needs tender care. SP

P hotog ra phs: S p guide pu b ns tional routes to Indian carriers. —Sucheta Das Mohapatra

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 13 IAF SPECIAL Message from Defence Minister

Minister of Defence • India

I am happy to learn that SP Guide Publications is bringing out a special issue of SP’s Aviation 10/12, coinciding with the com- memoration of Indian Air Force’s 80th anniversary. Our Air Force deserves the latest and the best equipment to build upon its air assets. Our Air Force has been rendering commendable service, both in times of war and during peace time. The rescue and relief measures undertaken by our Air Force in the wake of natural calamities has been widely appreciated. I hope that the SP’s Aviation 10/12 will be successful in its endeavours. Please accept my best wishes for your future endeavours.

A.K. Antony

14 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Message from IAF Chief

Air Chief Marshal N.a.k. browne • pvsm avsm vm adc

T he Indian Air Force completes 80 years of glorious service to the Nation this year. This long and ar- duous journey of eight decades has been enriched by the daily sacrifices, selfless service and commitment of our predecessors. IAF is indeed fortunate to have inherited such an enviable legacy of professionalism and a strong value system which has anchored the Service. We salute our veterans for their sterling contri- butions and for building a strong foundation. As part of our ongoing transformation plan, the proud men and women in blue continue to persevere in their efforts towards equipping IAF with the next generation capabilities. The induction and operationalisation of Mi-17 V5 and C-130J, sustained operations in support of ‘Op Triveni’, prompt response in all disaster relief contingencies and the unstinted support to our valiant surface forces through round the year air maintenance missions – all truly epitomise the professionalism and tenacity of our present air warriors. Mindful of the future challenges that await us as also the far reaching consequences of our present actions, our air warriors continue to toil with dedicated commitment. While we are inducting technologically advanced hardware on one hand, we remain clear in our minds that our real strength lies in our people and therefore, our men and women in blue always remain central to our efforts. The resilient and pioneering spirit of our air warriors has always helped us in taking on all the transformational challenges. We remain confident that the ‘never say die’ spirit of the men and women in blue will ensure that we brave all the future challenges confidently. On this Air Force Day, I take this opportunity to assure the Nation of our sacred resolve to safeguard our Nation’s skies and thank our leadership for its unwavering support to our modernisation efforts. My compliments to SP’s Aviation team for earning the reputation of being an insightful and well respected publication in the aerospace fraternity. My compliments and best wishes to the Editorial Board and staff of SP’s Aviation for their reporting on the IAF and the excellent work that it is doing in the service of the Nation. Jai Hind!

Air Chief Marshal Chief of the Air Staff Indian Air Force

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 15 IAF SPECIAL SP’s Exclusive

Flanker Turns 10 The Su-30MKI has proven as a reliable and supremely nimble platform in Indian service

The venerable Su-30MKI, the de- By SP’s Special Correspondent able and supremely nimble platform in finitive variant of the iconic Russian air Indian service, deployed for exercises dominance fighter, has turned 10 in the abroad, air displays across the country, service of the Indian Air Force—one of for island protection, air defence, air the largest Flanker operators in the world cover for VVIP aircraft and other duties today. Inducted in September 2002 and with licence production through the years. Now deployed with the Central, Eastern beginning to take-off two years later, the Indian Air Force is now and Western Commands, and with detachments operational at the cusp of first cycle modernisation of what is easily its most at bases in the West and South, the Su-30MKI represents a advanced jet. With a fleet of nearly 300 MKIs by the end of this platform of cooperation that the Indian and Russian Gov- decade, the IAF will have one of the largest air dominance fleets ernments hope to exponentially leverage and increase in the in the world if coupled with the intended purchase of similarly far more cooperative and ambitious perspective multi-role capable Rafale jets as part of the medium multi-role combat air- fighter (PMF/FGFA) project, in which HAL recently unveiled SP Photogra p hs: I A F craft (MMRCA) competition.The Su-30MKI has proven as a reli- the wind-tunnel model of its intended Indian variant. T16 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net 277 mm Bleed 267 mm Trim 257 mm Live Scale: 1.0" = 1" = 1.0" Scale: 0 25 3C 4C 50 5100 75 41M 50C 41Y 50K Output printed at: printed Output Production Artist: Space/Color: Frontline Communications Partners Communications Frontline Retoucher: file Name: file Client - Frontline Job # - 126517 Ver. - AD01 - Ver. 126517 - # Job Frontline - Client 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 T Live: rim: Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica 65 Helvetica (Plain), Helvetica (Bold), Helvetica 197 mm x 257 mm 257 x mm 197 S. Bowman S. mm 277 x mm 220 mm 267 x mm 210 Full Aviation SP 90% BOEG_BDS_IMG_2612M 9/4/12 Client: PUBLICATIONNOTE: Page–4-Color–Bleed Boeing Cyan 220 mm Bleed mm 220 Material for this insertion is to be examined carefully upon receipt. upon carefully examined be to is insertion this for Material Job Number: Job Magenta Guideline for general identification only. Do not use as insertion order.insertion as use only.not identification Do general for Guideline 210 mm Trimmm 210 Yellow BOEG_BDS_IMG_2612M Product: 197 mm Live mm 197 80CnuyPr at ut 01 o nee,C 90067 1011,CA Los Suite Angeles, East, Park Century 1880 Black Account Executive: Account Creative Director: Creative TrafficManager: Boeing Defense Space & Security & Space Defense Boeing Print Producer: Print Proof Reader: Proof Digital Copy Writer: Copy Art Director: Art Art Buyer: Art Vendor: Print Production at 310-601-1493. at Production Print Client: Legal: Artist: GCD: its 80thanniversar Indian AirForce asitcelebrates Boeing isproud tosalutethe Schawk P.Serchuk P.Koninck de P.Serchuk P.Serchuk Patty Lee Patty Boeing McAulif D. fe y Bleed Trim Live . Date/Initials Approved IAF SPECIAL SP’s Exclusive

is hopeful that the multibillion-dollar deal for 126 Rafale fighters will be signed before the end of this financial year. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, in Bangalore, said, “Negotiations are on. We should be able to finish the contract this financial year. It is a complex process. We are discussing offsets, transfer of technology, HAL’s role and the cost. It is progressing well.” The Air Chief’s words will come as comfort to Dassault Avia- tion at a time when there has been some speculation about Eu- rofighter making an effort to get back into the competition. Any reopening of the competition has been categorically ruled out by the MoD and IAF at this time. The MoD recently said that its officials were not in discussion—official or unofficial—with any company other than Dassault, in an attempt to quell speculation that Eurofighter and Rosoboronexport had both said that they were in discussions with the MoD and had reason to believe IAF Chief inspects first indigenous AEW&C aircraft that the MMRCA competition could be rebooted. According to India’s first indigenous AEW&C system has been formally resources, negotiations with Dassault are progressing smoothly, ceived by the Bangalore-based Centre for Airborne Systems even though there are several points that still need clarification. (CABS), which along with CEMILAC, DGAQA and an IAF/Em- Sources in Dassault said that they were confident that a deal braer team, will now put the aircraft through crucial systems and would be signed before the year was out. SP flight trials. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, had his first chance to inspect Decision on heavy-lift copter competition this month the new platform. Speaking on the occasion, he said he was per- The government is expected to open bids to select a new heavy- sonally very satisfied with this significant milestone in the pro- lift helicopter for the IAF—a choice between the Boeing CH- gramme which was not, and still is not, an easy programme. He 47F Chinook and the Russian Mi-26T2. The competition looks said the AEW&C programme is the starting point for much larger, to contract for 15 helicopters to augment and replace the small more complex projects such as AWACS India programme. number of older generation Mi-26 choppers that currently op- “The world is watching this programme with bated breath. erate from the IAF's Chandigarh airbase. Trials on both plat- Its success will put our country into the elite group which can forms took place in India and abroad in 2010-11. develop and deliver such complex state-of-the-art systems,” said While Boeing has all but been officially declared winner in a Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Director General of DRDO. He added, parallel attack helicopter bid (its AH-64D Apache Block III has re- “The ultimate milestone—the delivery of the fleet of AEW&C Sys- portedly defeated the Russian Mi-28NE Night Hunter), the compe- tem to the Indian Air Force is not only our goal but also a dream tition for the heavy-lift contract is still a hot one that could wing for DRDO. The indigenous AEW&C System based on projections either way. The IAF has stressed this time on a high-altitude bad by the IAF and built on the EMB-145I by DRDO has incorporated weather capability, something that both helicopters have been able more operational capabilities than contemporary systems of its to demonstrate. Sources indicate that the Boeing team made full class.” According to the makers, the indigenous AEW&C System is use of combat videos of the Chinook in the highlands of Afghani- a multi-sensor system providing for all aspects of airborne early stan to stress the platform's high altitude prowess. The Mi-26T2 warning and control in today’s defence scenario. The aircraft is team has stressed platform commonality with what the IAF already scheduled to proceed to 'shake down' trials shortly, and spend a operates and assured a lifetime supply of spares and support to year in integration and development flight trials. SP assuage any concerns on that front, in addition to fielding an upgraded helicopter with much more advanced onboard and naviga- HAL scouts cockpit display systems for light choppers tion systems than its earlier avatar in service with the IAF. SP HAL has announced interest in sourcing AMLCD-based display systems to replace the conventional cockpits of Cheetah, Decision on tanker competition next month Chetak and Cheetal light helicopters in service with the armed A crucial competition to select a new mid-air tanker for the In- forces. HAL has said that it would prefer off-the-shelf systems dian Air Force is likely to end next month with the opening for rapid evaluation and installation. It is looking for 50 sets of bids. EADS, which fields the Airbus A330 multi-role tanker for the Cheetal fleet and 200 sets for the Cheetah and Chetak transport, will be watching with baited breath, having burnt its fleets combined. The scope of work defined by the EoI invita- fingers once before: in late 2009, the competition's first attempt tion includes delivery of certified off-the-shelf engine display was scrapped after EADS emerged a frontrunner on the matter and other display systems, conducting required modifications of high fly-away cost, despite a strenuous effort by the IAF to to hardware and software, support during integration, ground convince the MoD not to cancel the tender. and flight testing of helicopters to full certification. The company is understood to have reworked its strategy The Engine Display System is to be installed on the heli- in the refloated competition with the same platform, and will copter cockpit to provide man-machine interface and to display make use of the new focus on ownership/life cycle cost, rather engine and other parameters. HAL stipulates that it needs to be than platform cost. It competes against the Russian Ilyushin- full colour NVG compatible AMLCD type with LED backlighting. 78M, six of which are already operational with the IAF. Follow- Two SMFDs will be required to be installed in each helicopter ing the floating of a fresh tender in 2010, field evaluation trials cockpit to provide man-machine interface and to display pri- were conducted in Spain in July that year, followed by Indian mary flight, navigational and helicopter data. SP trials in Gwalior. Both tankers are understood to have met all requirements. The IAF is understood to have once again stated IAF hopeful of Rafale deal this year its preference for the A330 MRTT, though it remains to be seen SP Photogra p h: D R O With contract negotiations on in full swing, the Indian Air Force how the mathematics work out at the MoD.

18 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Interview

‘The re-engining programme on the Jaguar aircraft is not stalled; it is being actively pursued’

Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force in a dialogue with Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia, Editor, SP’s Aviation, spoke in detail about IAF’s capacity enhancement plans to meet future security challenges. In the first instalment of the interview, read through what the Air Chief has to say on IAF’s MMRCA, FGFA, LCA and Jaguar programmes.

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Having completed more than a year contemporary aerospace power, capable of meeting all security now at the helm of one of the largest and battle-tested air challenges of the future and therefore, our capability enhance- forces in the world, what do you reckon are the major chal- ment plans cater to this requirement. Due importance is also lenges facing the Indian Air Force? How have you planned being given to training and preparing our air warriors to absorb to cope with these? new technology in the shortest possible time so that we remain Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): The IAF’s vision envisages a mod- technologically at par with the leading air forces of the world. ern force capable of addressing multi-dimensional and multi- Additionally, emphasis is also being given to synthetic training front threats. The wars of the future would be short and intense aids, simulators and acquiring modern training aircraft. As you wherein the application of aerospace power would prove to be are aware, the Hawk aircraft has already been operationalised the decisive factor in winning. Hence, one of the major chal- fully in the training role and this will be followed by the induc-

Photogra p h: Neetu Dhulia / S gui d e ub ns lenges for us is to ensure that the IAF continues to remain a tion of Pilatus basic trainer in February 2013.

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 19 IAF SPECIAL Interview

SP’s: “The IAF in metamorphic transformation” is an oft- sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. The number of fighter repeated statement which continues to emanate from dif- squadrons is likely to remain at 34 squadrons during the Twelfth ferent quarters, within and outside the ‘establishment’. Do Five Year Plan period. The phasing out of certain legacy aircraft in you agree? If so, could you elaborate, especially with regard beginning of Thirteenth Five Year Plan period would be offset by to its ideology, concepts and doctrines, etc? raising of the new Su-30 Squadrons, therefore, the overall combat CAS: We have embarked on a comprehensive modernisation potential will remain high. The drawdown in the number of com- programme which will transform the IAF into a strategic force, bat squadrons is being addressed through upgradation of some of capable of addressing diverse security challenges of the future. the existing aircraft like the Mirage 2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 and Our modernisation programme includes new inductions as well new acquisitions like additional Su-30 MKI, MMRCA, LCA and as upgrades of the existing weapon platforms and systems. In- FGFA in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Five Year Plan periods. duction of additional Su-30 MKI, light combat aircraft (LCA), medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) and fifth genera- SP’s: You flew the Rafale during your last visit to France tion fighter aircraft (FGFA) are planned to enhance our overall and the French Air Force? What are your personal impres- combat potential. Upgrades of Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 sions of the aircraft? Would it be a worthy fourth genera- aircraft are also being undertaken to extend their operational tion plus jet fighter for the IAF? What capability accretion life. In addition, induction of C-17, C-130J, attack helicopters, do you envisage for the IAF with the acquisition of Rafale? medium-lift and heavy-lift helicopters will also enhance our Most importantly, when is the contract likely to be inked operational capability. Our air defence network is being made and when would the Rafale be inducted into the IAF? more robust with induction of radars and missiles of various CAS: The Rafale is a combat proven fourth generation+ swing classes. We are also progressing well towards having full net- role aircraft equipped with high technology sensors and elec- work-centric operations. To my mind, no other air force of our tronic warfare (EW) suite, including a state-of-the-art airborne size has embarked on such a modernisation drive and that too electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The robust system within such a short period of time. To enable optimum exploi- architecture capable of data fusion, along with an outstanding tation of these platforms and networks, we are concurrently weapon carrying capability gives the Rafale true versatility to evolving our concept of operations (CONOPS) and relevant op- undertake a wide range of operational missions. The combat ca- erational doctrines. pabilities of Rafale were adequately proven in the recent air operations in Libya. The induction of Rafale in the IAF along with SP’s: What are the key ingredients of the IAF’s latest revised associated weaponry will indeed prove to be a game changer in doctrine? Does it mesh well with the Joint Sea-Air-Land the IAF’s combat capability. Commercial negotiations are cur- Doctrine (if there is any such thing in the true sense of it, in rently in progress, and we intend to sign the contract during the the Indian context)? Please elucidate. current financial year. The first batch of aircraft is likely to be CAS: The basic doctrine of the IAF has been revised and declas- inducted three years after the signing of the contract. sified. In keeping with the evolutionary nature of warfare and the need to stay relevant across the spectrum of conflict, the SP’s: Could you give a detailed update on the indigenous revised doctrine addresses all the contemporary challenges and LCA (Tejas) programme? When would the aircraft be in a war-fighting concepts. It also includes the aspects of air, land position to achieve full-fledged final operational clearance and maritime operations. (FOC)? How will the issue of the first 40 aircraft fitted with the underpowered GE 404 IN engines be sorted out in the SP’s: What impressions did you form after your recent visit long run? How many squadrons of Tejas Mark II are envis- to Russia? Would you like to share these especially with re- aged for induction in the IAF? Lastly, what would be the gard to the vital Indo-Russian joint fifth generation fighter IAF’s employment philosophy for Tejas? aircraft (FGFA) and medium multi-role transport aircraft CAS: The IAF has placed an order for the procurement of 40 (MMTA) programmes? LCA (Tejas) aircraft with HAL. The programme is running be- CAS: The FGFA programme is progressing well. Negotiations hind schedule with the revised initial operational clearance are in progress to sign the research and development (R&D) (IOC II) now planned in 2013. The final operational clearance Phase contract by the end of this year. The first prototype is (FOC) is expected to be achieved two years after IOC II. As far likely to be delivered in India in 2014 followed by two more as the power plant is concerned, the thrust available from the prototypes to follow later in 2017 and 2019. These three pro- engine fitted on the LCA is as per the desired specifications. The totypes will be the development aircraft for the project and the IAF plans to raise a total of six squadrons of the LCA by 2021- series production will only be ordered based on the final con- 22. However, the configuration of the balance aircraft would be figuration and performance of the third prototype. The medium with the new GE 414 engine, for which the request for proposal transport aircraft (MTA) of 15-20 tonne (payload) category is (RFP) has already been issued to GE. being jointly developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and UAC, Russia. The general contract was signed in May 2012. SP’s: Could you give an update on the stalled re-engining The Preliminary Design Phase contract is being finalised and is programme for the jaguar aircraft? What are the chances likely to be signed shortly. A total of 45 MTAs are proposed to be of its revival and which way is it likely to head? inducted from 2018 onwards. CAS: Contrary to common perceptions, let me reiterate that the re-engining programme on the Jaguar aircraft is not stalled. SP’s: Could you give an update on the current status of the It is a complex programme with many associated technologi- IAF’s combat squadrons’ strength? What steps are being cal challenges that the IAF is minutely looking into. The pro- undertaken to reach a figure of 42 Squadrons by the end gramme is being actively pursued and we have already ob- of the Thirteenth Five Year Plan (2022) as promised by De- tained the government approval for the programme. The RFP fence Minister A.K. Antony a couple of years ago? is being issued shortly. SP CAS: At present the IAF has 34 fighter squadrons against the (To be Continued)

20 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Air Force Day ad_p 215 267.indd 1 21/09/12 10:41 IAF SPECIAL IAF Vision

Vision Personified ‘I visualise a strong, modern, balanced aerospace force, fully-networked, with a mix of third, fourth and fifth generation aircraft and weapon systems, manned by motivated and trained air warriors, capable of projecting ‘national power’, and enabled to fully meet its mission and the country’s aspirations’

By Air Chief Marshal (Retd) P.V. Naik

The best rank in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is of a Pilot point in the gradual crystallisation of some sort of a ‘vision’ for Officer. You are king of all you survey; you fly your butt off; the IAF. The Staff College ensured an academic environment, in you have hardly any non-flying responsibilities. If you boobed sylvan surroundings, with good exposure to impressive sound- (made a mistake), you are always let off with a light admonish- ing words used during what is colloquially known as ‘waffling’. ment. Those were the days! Unfortunately, this rank is no more. One is exposed to things higher than the throttle and stick, and When I was a Pilot Officer, my vision for the IAF was of excel- starts thinking about ‘concepts’, ‘strategy’ and ‘vision’. Thereaf- lent serviceability in my Squadron with lot of aircraft on tarmac ter, as you keep rising in the Air Force hierarchy, the vision ex- and the Flying Programme showing my name for all the three pands to cover your span of control and at the same time under- details planned. As I grew in the IAF, this vision also must have go more and more refinement. Truly speaking, let us trace this evolved to include complex mysterious items like range and hierarchical rise. As a Flight Commander, there is no chance in endurance, weapons, combat and combat tactics, camouflage heaven for you to envision anything except operations and that and deception; communications, maintenance and technology, too Squadron related. The same thing happens as a CO, except etc. I say “must have evolved” because one did not have either that you have to project an image, especially in Commanders’ the time or the inclination to think of abstract, intangible con- Conferences. As a Chief Operations Officer (COO), generally, you cepts like ‘vision’. The flying and other ‘bull’ took away most of run out of daylight hours. As Air Officer Commanding (AOC) if the time. Then when I graduated from the Flying Instructors’ you have a good COO, perhaps you are able to get some concep- School (FIS) and became a QFI, quality of intake; need for a tualising done. This is generally the time you are involved in or good basic trainer, relevance of training syllabi, etc were induct- privy to the higher strategy and plans; and the brain cells start ed into the vision statement. After marriage, accommodation buzzing. The problem here is that your inputs are limited. To and infrastructure started impinging on the vision. My vision cut a long story short, in my opinion, it is only when you are a statement was slowly transforming itself under the influence three-star and above that you can actually set down a ‘vision’. of external, perceived needs and strong stimuli. Defence Ser- At least that’s what happened in my case. vices Staff College (DSSC) was the first turning point or way- A vision for the IAF is no simple matter. One can very easily T22 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net

IAF SPECIAL IAF Vision set down a vision statement over a glass of beer in the true ‘Gung give you ready answers. So you keep this awareness in your Ho’ mould. But when one sits down and really thinks about it, mind and go with your gut feeling. there are so many factors (pros and cons) that it is very easy to Technology: I visualise net-centricity as a mandatory require- get your thinking totally muddled up. So let me try and list out the ment. The IAF must be capable of network-centric warfare major factors that influenced my vision for the IAF. Here it goes: (NCW). The ground segment with Air Force Net (AFNet) and Inte- Relevance: My vision for the IAF is not a stand-alone entity. It is grated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), is established. enmeshed in the labyrinth of a large number of variables and in- ODL is proceeding well. Modern medium power radars (MPRs), fluences. Prime amongst them is the geopolitical reality. Our geog- low looking transportable radars (LLTRs), are in the pipeline. The raphy, to a large extent dictates the slant of our geopolitics. Today, air segment needs bucking up but more AWACS & airborne early the balance of power is not only confined to Europe and the US. warning and control systems (AEW&C) aircraft are on the cards. The shift in economic power is beginning to make Asia more rel- Space segment is a matter of concern with satellite launch capa- evant on the world stage. In our region, there is political instabil- bility still low. Transfer of technology (ToT) is the new mantra. I ity, poverty, economic disparity, internal strife, terrorism. Pakistan believe we must have access to cutting-edge technology whether continues to be inimical to us and will continue to use its policy of through ToT, offsets or reverse engineering. I visualise both DRDO a ‘thousand cuts’ against us. China, the arrogant ‘superbrat’, will and HAL being reorganised, refined, and made more accountable. continue to thwart our country’s progress at every opportunity. Strength: I have a vision of an Air Force with at least 55 combat Our future confrontations will not only be over land but the sea squadrons. Realistically, we can perhaps go up to 42, in the as well. Kashmir and the Naxals will continue to be our internal next 25 years. We need to maintain this strength because of trouble areas demanding increased involvement of air power. A a two-front requirement. The edge against Pakistan Air Force demand we cannot shy away from—ad infinitum. Coastal secu- (PAF) must never be allowed to be eroded. Unless our ongoing rity and security of sea lanes as well as our offshore assets will programmes deliver on time, I am afraid we shall be in for a achieve more importance. Therefore, I must visualise an Air Force long period of anxiety. that can meet all these commitments. My vision should not only A Judicious Mix: For fighters, I visualise a mix of Su-30s, me- cater to today. It must continue to remain relevant. Force struc- dium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) with fifth generation ture planning and ramping up takes time. Hence my vision must fighter aircraft (FGFA) in the final stages of induction. It will be be relevant over 20 to 25 years. vital to have light combat aircraft (LCA) in large numbers to fill Aspirations of the Country: Where is India going to be 25 the gaps. Power projection through C-17 aircraft, a strong AAR years from now? Going by the present set of circumstances, the fleet, upgraded An-32s, Dorniers and perhaps the C-27 as Avro outlook is dismal. But I have confidence in the innate resilience replacement complete the transport fleet. Special operations of our ‘aam aadmi’. The economic downturn will reverse in a will be through C-130Js, already flying with us. Choppers will couple of years since it generally follows the sine curve. There comprise MI-26, MI-17 V-5, Agusta AW 101, Apache, Dhruvs, is increasing awareness in our industry. Reforms will play their in various forms and the light utility helicopter (LUH). All these role. India continues to be a huge market. We cannot be ignored. are already in the pipeline. On the air defence (AD) side, I visu- Foreign direct investment (FDI) will come in. Once productivity alise long-range, medium-range surface-to-air missiles (LR/MR increases, job opportunities will rise. I visualise a future where SAMs), low-level quick reaction missile systems (LLQRMs), very India will play a bigger role in world politics and be called upon short-range air defence (VSHORADS) with effective linking of for more ‘away from home’ contingencies. Today, our zone of radars for reducing the sensor-shooter loop. Few squadrons of influence is from the Hormuz Straits in the West to Malacca improved Aakash missiles will add to the punch. We will need Straits in the East. In my opinion our aspirations will go well be- a few more units of aerostats and unmanned aerial vehicles yond these limits in the coming decades. The IAF must be able (UAVs). Induction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UCAVs) will be- to meet the country’s aspirations and be able to project power come a reality. where and when required. Basing: Though mundane, we must think of more bases and Viability: In the whole exercise of establishing my vision, this is infrastructure. They have to be planned now. Some will have to like a bucket of cold water. I may need 65 squadrons of combat air- be Greenfield while some acquired from other agencies like the craft, 100 squadrons of air defence weapons, 20 airborne warn- Aviation Research Centre. ing and control systems (AWACS), and may be 70 aerostats. Will I Human Resource: Finally, it is the human element that trans- be able to induct so many units? Will I have the manpower to man forms technology into operational assets. Recruitment, training, these? Will I have the infrastructure to accommodate them? Will induction and retention are major issues that need to be ad- I be able to train so many pilots or air and ground crew? Will the dressed soon. The manpower needs training to absorb cutting- Defence Minister throw a fit when he sees these demands? These edge technologies. Sometimes, the mindsets need to change. are some of the questions that need to be answered. This nitpick- This is one element that needs nurturing if we are to win wars. ing actually tempers your vision with pragmatism. After all, the Now, after this long-winded and convoluted discourse, if country has many other vital issues like someone were to ask me my vision for poverty, education and infrastructure that the IAF, I could encapsulate it in a short also need to be addressed expeditiously. and crisp statement. It would go some- Budgeting: The flow out from viability is thing like this, “I visualise a strong, the budget. The priorities of the govern- ‘My vision for the IAF is modern, balanced aerospace force, ment will dictate how big a piece of the not a stand-alone entity. fully networked, with a mix of third, pie you get. This is a major exercise. You fourth and fifth generation aircraft and have to extrapolate the state of the econ- It is enmeshed in the weapon systems, manned by motivated omy, the value of the rupee, international labyrinth of a large and trained air warriors, capable of relations, the outlay as per the five-year projecting ‘national power’, and en- plan period, inflation, delays and what number of variables and abled to fully meet its mission and the not. Of course, you have experts who influences.’ country’s aspirations.” SP

24 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net AgustaWestland wishes the Indian Air Force on its 80th Anniversary “ Keep touching the Sky with Glory” LEADING THE FUTURE

agustawestland.com

SP's magazine Aviation 3 versione 1.indd 1 25/09/12 11:59 IAF SPECIAL Interview

Total solutions. R.K. Tyagi took over as the Chairman of Hindustan It’s in our DNA. Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in March 2012. In an interview with SP’s Aviation, Tyagi spoke very optimistically about hal’s future plans ‘HAL has drawn a long-term perspective plan to become a significant global player in the aerospace industry’

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Can you briefly describe the size and space industry” by covering the period from 2010-2022 (i.e. the span of activities of the premier Indian aerospace ma- up to Thirteenth Plan). This document outlines the roadmap jor Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)? for HAL’s march towards the vision, through analysis of cur- R.K. Tyagi (Chairman): HAL is a premier aeronautical/aero- rent position, defining strategies to be adopted to overcome space company in Asia with 19 production divisions and ten re- challenges and to sustain growth. Detailed plans for technol- search and development (R&D) centres in India. HAL’s expertise ogy induction, modernisation, manpower, collaborations, etc encompasses design, production, repair, overhaul and upgrade are being prepared in line with the overall strategy brought out of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, accessories, avionics and in the perspective plan. systems. The company’s sales turnover has crossed `14,000 crore for the year 2011-12. HAL today provides one stop solu- SP’s: Is HAL exploring business opportunities in the tion for all the design needs of aircraft and helicopters in air- global market? frames, airframe systems, avionics, mission and combat sys- Chairman: HAL is exploring business options including joint tems using advanced design tools. All manufacturing divisions ventures, with different original equipment manufacturers of HAL are equipped with modern infrastructure for production (OEMs) in niche/critical technology areas like the active elec- Our world-leading solutions of aircraft and also helicopters. The company has over 32,000 tronically scanned array (AESA) radar, software defined radios, meet your most demanding employees of whom 50 per cent have over a decade of aircraft avionics, ultra light/heavy helicopters, small gas turbine en- requirements in space, industry experience. HAL has diversified into manufacture and gines, etc. The US and major European countries, which con- in the air, on land and at repair/overhaul of industrial and marine gas turbine engines. It stitute nearly 70 per cent of the global defence expenditure, are also manufactures structures for aerospace vehicles. witnessing reduction in military spending. This change is forc- sea. We aspire to redeﬁne ing the major OEMs of the industry to change their business adaptability, performance and reliability, SP’s: How do you see the roadmap ahead for HAL? strategy towards expanding and strengthening their positions for today and tomorrow, to fulfill our Chairman: HAL has been registering steady growth in term in the emerging markets like India, Brazil, South Korea, Saudi dream of a safer and secure world. of financial parameters over the last ten years. The sales have Arabia, UAE, etc. It is assessed that due to this shift in focus on grown from `8,625 crore in 2007-08 to `14,204 crore in 2011- the emerging markets, the market would witness more aggres- 12. The trend is expected to continue during Twelfth, Thirteenth sive competition and further streamlining of cost structure is and Fourteenth five year plans with new programmes such as likely to take place. In this scenario, HAL is looking for oppor- L fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), multi-role transport tunities of entering into strategic alliances with major foreign HA

h: aircraft (MTA), HTT-40, light combat aircraft (LCH), light utility OEMs in niche/critical technology areas by leveraging HAL’s p helicopter (LUH), Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH), etc. The strength in Indian market. HAL is also exploring to partner company has drawn a long-term perspective plan to realise with the OEMs to be part of their supply chain offering gains

Photogra its cision “to become a significant global player in the aero- of cost economics.

26 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Israel Aerospace Industries E-mail: [email protected] www.iai.co.il Total solutions. It’s in our DNA.

Our world-leading solutions meet your most demanding requirements in space, in the air, on land and at sea. We aspire to redeﬁne adaptability, performance and reliability, for today and tomorrow, to fulfill our dream of a safer and secure world.

Israel Aerospace Industries E-mail: [email protected] www.iai.co.il IAF SPECIAL Interview

indigenous programmes: (Left) advanceD light SP’s: Offset of 30 to 50 per cent in future helicopter and light combat portunity for long-term relationships and aircraft deals will translate into enormous helicopter in flight strengthen the supply chain, HAL recently workload for HAL. What steps have been organised a Global Business Partners meet taken to draw the private sector into a of its vendors in Bangalore. We received partnership arrangement to cope with the direct feedback from the vendors and this huge increase in work orders? should improve the business relationship. Chairman: With regard to the offset opportunities, HAL is pur- However, to gain advantage of this competitive industry suing closely with all the major vendors to enter into collabora- scenario with increased capabilities of the private industry in tion for offset liquidation, showcasing its capabilities and in- manufacturing of defence equipment, HAL has planned to out- frastructure set up, to provide services like design packages, source non-core manufacturing/ design jobs through the tiered work packages, forgings and castings, etc. Outsourcing is being level of supplier base. planned in a big way and HAL has drawn up plans to outsource up to 30 per cent of the manufacturing task. This strategy would SP’s: What would be your strategy to ensure that HAL con- enable HAL to add and use the capacity more optimally on high tributes effectively in the nation’s pursuit of self-reliance in value addition jobs or new business opportunities. defence related technology in military aviation? Chairman: Self-reliance in aerospace and defence is one of the SP’s: Has HAL taken any steps in anticipation of the me- key indicators in defining the economic and military strength dium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) project? of any country. Market dynamics ensures that no company can Chairman: HAL has initiated the project planning activities for become a global player without having its own products and establishment of manufacturing facility of MMRCA at Bangalore. innate technological and design strength. HAL has identified research and developemnt (R&D) as a thrust area and has es- SP’s: Can you please provide an update on the indigenous tablished ten R&D centres co-located with production divisions programmes? for enhanced coordination. HAL has involved itself in design Chairman: HAL is currently involved in the design and develop- and development of ALH (utility and weaponised version), LCH, ment of the advanced light helicopter (ALH), the light combat LUH, IJT and is a partner to ADA for the LCA programme. All helicopter (LCH), the light utility helicopter (LUH), the interme- these projects are at various stages of development and certifi- diate jet trainer (IJT) and the basic trainer aircraft. HAL is also cation. Future R&D programmes on the anvil are FGFA, MTA, the major partner to Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), HTT-40 and the IMRH. On successful completion of all the said the nodal agency for the design and development of the LCA- projects, HAL would have achieved self-reliance over a range of Tejas and its variants. The initial operational clearances (IOC) products in various categories of aircraft/helicopters. of the IJT and the LCA are expected by the end of this fiscal. On the rotary front, the Dhruv Mk-4 (Christened ‘Rudra’) is now SP’s: Does HAL have any focus on civil aircraft? in the last lap of certification and first delivery is expected by Chairman: HAL has already manufactured 116 Dornier DO- this year. LCH flight evaluation trials are in progress on the two 228 and 89 Avro HS 748 aircraft at its facility at the Transport prototypes and areas of improvement have been identified and Aircraft Division (TAD) at Kanpur. Of these, 14 DO228 and 22 these are planned to be addressed in the third prototype to be Avro HS748 were delivered to civil customers. We have also built by HAL. LUH, an ab-initio design is slated to have the high- exported part of these products to countries such as Mauritius est level of indigenous content of any helicopter made by HAL. and Germany. TAD Kanpur has signed a long-term agreement with Ruag Aerospace Germany for manufacture and supply of ubns p SP’s: What steps has HAL taken to foster capability growth complete structural assemblies of DO228 aircraft including fu- of the aerospace industry in the private sector? selage, wing sections and control surfaces. So far, eight sets of guide

Sp Chairman: HAL is encouraging partnerships with the private these assemblies have been delivered to Ruag. TAD Kanpur is

hs: industries in the areas of production and design and develop- the only agency in India to have received EASA certification for p ment. Many private industries are moving up the value chain, supply of these work-packages. It is also the only production from being suppliers of components to suppliers of packaged facility in the country equipped to undertake manufacture and SP Photogra assemblies and systems to HAL. In order to explore the op- maintenance of transport aircraft.

28 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net

IAF SPECIAL Transport HELICOPTER SOLUTIONS

NEW TOOLS FOR NEW RULES

On the Move The transport fleet of the IAF is in for a complete transformation over the next decade or so. It is indeed fortuitous that the process of modernisation of the IAF transport fleet is not trapped in the labyrinthine Defence Procurement Procedure.

Driven by a resurgent economy, By Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey fleets of Russian origin, i.e. the IL-76 by the middle of the century, India is and An-32, have been overtaken by ob- expected to emerge as a regional and solescence and for some time now, they economic power, a status that will con- have not been in any shape to cope fer upon it additional responsibilities. with the responsibilities and challenges It is important therefore that India’s military power grows in before the nation or for that matter to meet even the routine re- tandem with its rising global status to be capable of power pro- quirements. If the nation has to fulfil its obligations as a regional jection as also to be able to safeguard national economic and power, the transport fleet of the IAF ought to be equipped and security interests that would extend from the Persian Gulf to trained to play a central role in the exercise of projection of pow- the Strait of Malacca. India may be called upon to intervene in er and safeguarding security interests in the region. In the pur- the region to ensure peace, security and stability or respond suit of these strategic objectives, the IAF is currently embarked with aid in the event of humanitarian crisis or natural calamity. on another exercise in major upgradation of its airlift capability. These contingencies as also internal security compulsions will require the Indian Air Force (IAF) to have a respectable stra- The C-130J Super Hercules tegic airlift capability and the ability to provide swift response Under a $1.2-billion (`6,600 crore) contract signed in 2008 with large forces both within the country and in the region. through foreign military sales (FMS) programme of the US Gov- ernment, the IAF has already received six of the Lockheed Mar- Upgraded Mi17 Overtaken by Obsolescence tin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft customised for special op- Cockpit Face the Future. Today While the combat fleet of the IAF is the spearhead of national erations. Based at Air Force Station, Hindon, these four-engine Reach new safety and performance peaks with aerospace power, the role of the transport fleet of the IAF is no military transport aircraft with a 20-tonne payload capacity, Dless important. are equipped with special devices to undertake deployment of Elbit Systems' helicopter upgrades. Equip Western The IAF transport fleet last underwent a major revamp in Special Forces in all-weather conditions by day or night even and Eastern, transport, utility or attack helicopters the years between 1983 and 1985 with the procurement from in complete darkness. However, the fleet can also be employed the then Soviet Union of 17 of the IL-76 strategic airlift aircraft for other tasks such as airborne assault, air transported op- with sophisticated weapons, sensors, navigation and over 100 An-32 medium-tactical transport aircraft. Also, erations, air supply, air maintenance of forward locations and and targeting capabilities that turn them into multirole ANVIS/HUD®24T commencing from 1988, the IAF received 28 Dornier DO 228 disaster management. The Super Hercules can operate from platforms for the diverse day and night missions ahead. light utility aircraft that are currently employed for basic train- short, unprepared surfaces, is capable of receiving fuel in flight ing of transport pilots and communication duties. Of the fleet at low level and carries self-protection devices to cope with hos- of HS-748 Avro medium transport aircraft inducted in the late tile air defence environment. Though categorised as a “tactical 1960s, in the period under consideration, 56 remained in ser- transport aircraft”, with its capability of large payload and high vice employed primarily for communication tasks. range, the Super Hercules nudges the strategic regime. As de-

Photogra p h: US A f After nearly two-and-a-half decades since induction, the two scribed by Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air

30 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net CoMPASS™ Payload NEXT IS NOW ® HELICOPTER SOLUTIONS

NEW TOOLS FOR NEW RULES

Upgraded Mi17 Cockpit Face the Future. Today Reach new safety and performance peaks with Elbit Systems' helicopter upgrades. Equip Western and Eastern, transport, utility or attack helicopters with sophisticated weapons, sensors, navigation and targeting capabilities that turn them into multirole ANVIS/HUD®24T platforms for the diverse day and night missions ahead.

CoMPASS™ Payload NEXT IS NOW ® IAF SPECIAL Transport

IAF’s Recent & Planned Inductions of Transport Aircraft S.No. ITEM OEM Nos. Cost Remarks 11 C-130J US 6 $1 billion Order for six additional aircraft 2 C-17 Boeing 10 $4 billion After the initial experience, IAF may opt to go for seven more aircraft. 3 MTA JV UAC-Russia RAF-100 IAF-45 Total JV cost Hal-India Export-60 $2.6 billion 4 Avro replacement JV with private 56 $2.4 billion Futuristic sector participation from India

Staff, IAF, “This most potent and versatile aircraft will help the by March 2017. The upgraded An-32 fleet is therefore expected IAF move towards maintaining aerospace dominance.” As per to continue in service with the IAF till at least up to 2025. Defence Minister A.K. Antony, “This formidable aircraft would add muscle to the IAF and help in its modernisation. The gov- Multi-role Transport Aircraft ernment is fully committed to provide the latest and best equip- Meanwhile, plans to replace the An-32 fleet are already afoot. ment, and will not spare any effort to ensure that the IAF re- The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agree- tains its qualitative edge”. The IAF is to acquire another six to ment with the United Aircraft Corporation to develop a high make up to full-squadron strength. wing, rear loading, twin-jet multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) in the 15-20 tonne class for the IAF to replace the An-32 fleet. Enter the Globemaster III With more than twice the payload capacity of the An-32, the IAF In one of the quickest deals to be finalised, early next year, the will initially order 45. HAL will carry out the design and develop- IAF will begin inducting a fleet of 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III ment of the MTA at Bangalore while it’s Transport Aircraft Divi- strategic airlift aircraft. It has taken just four years since initiation sion at Kanpur will manufacture the prototypes and undertake of the proposal in 2009, to finalise the $4.1-billion (`22,550 crore) serial production, for which dedicated facilities are being set up deal for the acquisition of these mammoth military transport there. Maiden flight of the prototype is expected in 2017 and aircraft. Executed through the FMS programme of the US Govern- commencement of regular production in 2019. The IAF hopes to ment, the tenth aircraft should arrive by December 2014. With have a substantial number of MTA on its inventory and opera- nearly twice the payload capacity of the IL-76 and an unrefuelled tional by 2025. Meant for tactical employment, the MTA will also range of 5,600 km, the fleet of ten C-17 aircraft will provide the be bordering the strategic airlift capability envelope and will add IAF with humongous trans-continental airlift capability for swift a new qualitative dimension to the transport fleet of the IAF. and effective response in a crisis. This indeed will be a quantum jump in capability. The IAF is considering induction of another six Replacement for Avro Fleet of these mammoth airlifters, a decision that could be speeded up In July this year, the Ministry of Defence has cleared a proposal on account of pressure from Boeing. The company has indicated worth over `12,000 crore for the procurement of 66 transport that in the absence of new orders, production of the C-17 could be aircraft of 10-tonne payload capacity for the IAF to replace its discontinued. India must therefore decide quickly. fleet of vintage HS-748 Avro aircraft, acquired in the 1960s. The first 16 of the new aircraft are to be procured off-the-shelf from Revitalising the An-32 Fleet the foreign vendor identified through a tendering process. The Some of the 100 odd An-32 aircraft, in service with the IAF, are next batch of 16 would have a 30 per cent indigenous content, undergoing a mid-life upgrade programme at Ukraine’s Aviant while the component of locally-procured and produced items Aircraft Building Plant in Kiev. The $400 million (`2,200 crore) in the remaining 24 planes would be 60 per cent. Forty of the modernisation programme will include refurbishment of the 56 aircraft will be licence-produced in India by the indigenous airframe as well as systems modernisation including avionics aerospace industry in the private sector yet to be identified. For from Elbit Systems, to extend service life of the fleet to 40 years. the first time in the history of the indigenous aerospace industry, The upgrade includes increase in pay- the private sector is being preferred over load capacity from the current 6.7 tonnes HAL, the Indian aerospace major in the to 7.5 tonnes and reduction in cockpit public sector. Apparently, HAL is much noise. On completion of the upgrada- too overloaded to undertake this project. tion programme, the aircraft will have Under a $1.2-billion Hopefully, the fledgling indigenous aero- better flight management system, glass space industry in the private sector will cockpit and other equipment to improve contract signed in 2008 not disappoint the IAF. accuracy and lend the fleet a multi-role through FMS, the IAF has operational capability. The contract in- already received six of Transformation cludes upgrade of the remaining aircraft The transport fleet of the IAF is in for a at No 1 Base Repair Depot at Kanpur the Lockheed Martin complete transformation over the next de- under transfer of technology (ToT) from C-130J Super Hercules cade or so. It is indeed fortuitous that the the Ukranian company. The upgrade pro- process of modernisation of the IAF trans- gramme in Kiev is expected to be com- aircraft customised for port fleet is not trapped in the labyrinthine pleted by March 2014 and that at 1 BRD special operations Defence Procurement Procedure. SP

32 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Viewpoint

THINKING MINDS: DR VIVEK LALL WITH DR A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM, FORMER PRESIDENT OF INDIA The Way Forward One hopes that the private industry will have a bigger role to play in aircraft projects in the years to come. This will lead to an expansion of aeronautical industrial base in the country and help make the Indian aviation sector efficient.

Aerospace manufacturing is a high tech- By Dr Vivek Lall every phase of product development. nology and capital intensive industry. Its value OEMs are increasingly making use of the chain is characterised by a long project life cy- global supply chain. Today, OEMs are not only cle spanning research and development (R&D), farming out a big chunk of machined and sheet engineering design, manufacturing, assembly, metal parts production, but also expecting ven- maintenance, repair and overhaul. Intensive technology and dors to supply large aircraft sub-assemblies and even design ex- safety requirements require significant investments in R&D and pertise. While OEMs have been looking at leveraging manufac- quality control. Traditionally, most aerospace original equipment turing and service capabilities across various countries, some manufacturers (OEM) value chain activities were conducted in countries have made focused effort to scale up their capabilities. the domestic market—engineering and R&D activities were al- When we look specifically at ‘aerospace ecosystem’—fac- most exclusively done in the home market. Most manufacturing tors like the supply and quality of engineers, the supply and also took place in the home market with selected sourcing of cost of blue collar workforce, the depth of the supply chain and complete components like aero engines from foreign suppliers. the potential to reach critical mass—is important. However, Similarly, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and service infrastructure and government support are critical inputs for parts distribution facilities were also established in home mar- success. Different countries and governments had taken dif- ket, with some secondary international service centres. ferent approaches to develop their aerospace industry—some However, with the need to cut costs and deliver products countries have begun to specialise more within a particular tier, faster; aerospace design, development and production glob- and potentially around particular systems of types of technol- ally continue to undergo significant changes. Firms producing ogy. That means that industry clusters may develop around a commercial aircraft have reduced development time drastically system or type of technology, like aerostructures, engines, inte- throughA computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), which al- riors, avionics, control systems or landing gear, and potentially lows firms to design and test an entire aircraft, including the also focus on a particular platform type. individual parts, by computer. Increasingly, firms bring together On the other hand, some countries have adopted an inte- teams composed of customers, engineers and production work- grated approach to the aerospace sector, encompassing com-

Photogra p h: S guide ubn s ers to pool ideas and make decisions concerning the aircraft at prehensive manufacturing to MRO services through collabora-

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 33 IAF SPECIAL Viewpoint tion agreements with global OEMs, to leverage the expertise Getting certifications for processes and parts is a challenge necessary for a high-tech, end-to-end technology and manufac- for India-based suppliers. If the industry is to grow, the qual- turing base. ity and robustness of the certification organisations—Centre When we look at India, we see most elements of the ‘ecosys- for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and tem’ in place. Over the next decades, India undoubtedly has the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)—also need to be potential to become a significant part of the global aerospace strengthened. The certification process is both complex and ex- supply chain. It has been estimated that India offers cost advan- pensive and the government needs to step in with schemes to tages of between 15 and 25 per cent in manufacturing, depend- create awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ing on the type of component. Indian industry today has the and also part finance the process. technological capability to undertake complex manufacturing Everything that goes into making an aircraft, from the required for the sector—indeed there has been a remarkable screws to the engine components, has to meet stringent quality growth of this sector, as a large number of private players have controls for safety. Manufacturers must meet strict quality stan- entered the sector. However, the small and medium enterprises dards to guarantee that the parts are of high quality material for (SMEs) face hurdles due to the high capital cost, low volumes safety and durability, and made to precise specifications. The and long gestation period of the projects. Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) Technology can be transferred to Indian industry through performs this function for the defence sector; DGCA is respon- various channels: production linkages in the form of subcontract- sible for the non-defence sector. ing arrangements; technical licensing agreements; the import of From quality assurance perspective too, creating clusters intermediate and capital goods; training; technical consultancies makes greater economic sense in this industry. Such enclaves by consulting firms; or simply from the migration of workers. or zones may be set up with the requisite infrastructure like There are a number of aeronautics organisations like the airfields and traffic free air space. The opportunities for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Aerospace domestic industry that offsets will bring in, can be efficiently Laboratories (NAL), Defence Research and Development Or- utilised in such zones. ganisation (DRDO) laboratories, engineering colleges, etc in The aerospace manufacturing sector in India is fragmented. the country, and the sector is divided into defence and non- There is information gap between the defence and non-defence defence segments. With the entry of private companies, an in- sectors. DRDO and HAL are predominantly confined to the de- stitutional arrangement becomes necessary which could har- fence sector while the NAL and other civilian aerospace com- ness the knowledge residing in these various entities. Such an panies remain insulated from the developments in the defence institution could map indigenous capabilities, identify knowl- sector. If a mechanism is put in place that facilities greater in- edge gaps, direct resources efficiently to address critical tech- teraction among the two sectors, it will bring about synergies nology gaps. yielding benefits to all. We need to establish an organisation at the central level that Similarly, HAL, NAL, DRDO laboratories, engineering col- articulates our vision for aerospace manufacturing sector and leges, etc are divided into defence and non-defence segments. then acts as a facilitator for investments, and coordinates vari- Private companies have also entered the arena in a significant ous activities and initiatives towards that goal. The organisation way and an institutional arrangement becomes necessary which should articulate whether India should take an integrated ap- could harness the knowledge residing in these entities. Once proach to aerospace manufacturing, or, should we look at our there is active engagement of stakeholders, it could facilitate for- areas of strength and concentrate our efforts on certain systems mulation of a national aeronautics policy. or components? The organisation can act as a facilitator to in- The public-private partnership (PPP) model by forming joint vestors for obtaining requisite permission and approvals like ventures (JVs) should be encouraged. The JV Guidelines issued industrial licence, FIPB approval for foreign partnership, export by the Ministry of Defence early this year has articulated a set clearances, etc. of guidelines for establishing JV compa- Just transfer of technology (ToT) is not nies by the defence public sector under- adequate; we have to build the ability to in- takings (DPSUs) with companies in India novate. For this we require a very strong and abroad. One hopes that the private technical manpower base. India has the The offset policy can industry will have a bigger role to play in second largest pool of scientists and engi- become a significant aircraft projects in the years to come. This neers in the world. Every year, over 2.5 mil- will lead to an expansion of aeronautical lion graduates are added to the workforce, contributor and industrial base in the country and help including 3,00,000 engineers and 1,50,000 catalyst to the make the Indian aviation sector efficient. information technology (IT) professionals. development of the The offset policy can become a signifi- This human resource pool can give an ad- cant contributor and catalyst to the de- vantage in this sector. Active involvement Indian aerospace velopment of the Indian aerospace sector. of the government, as well as the private sector. The successful The successful implementation of offset sector is required to develop industry spe- policies of countries like Brazil and South cific courses that are relevant and effective. implementation Korea provides some encouragement of India so far has been restricted main- of offset policies a similar success in India. The Defence ly to a tier-3 supplier to the industry with of countries like Offset Guidelines issued this year pro- a focus on low-tech design and engineer- vide clarity and have made offset obliga- ing services. There is an urgent need for Brazil and South tion less onerous to the OEM through a the industry to take a long-term strategic Korea provides some number of provisions. Synergy between view and develop capabilities in new ma- offsets in the defence and civil aviation terial technologies for the development encouragement of a sectors needs to be developed through ef- of composites. similar success in India. fective mechanisms. SP

34 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Helicopters

On the anvil: IAF plans to acquire 22 Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters

Development sans Indigenisation

What will a huge IAF, with the responsibility of guarding extensive borders, and with providing support to the Army in the battlefield do with just 22 Apaches? Surely, the number appears to be too small. The question is a moot one, but serves to highlight the issue that the IAF would have more teeth in its helicopter fleet, if only indigenous development had given the government value for money.

In August, the Director Gen- By Group Captain (Retd) A.K. Sachdev are almost entirely of foreign origin— eral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found a matter of embarrassment that India some technical flaws in the indigenous has no choice but to accept. Dhruv helicopters and grounded them. The IAF started off with the US he- It issued an airworthiness directive licopters in the 1950s and expanded for civil variants of advanced light helicopter Dhruv and asked gradually to include French (including Indian, licence-built the manufacturer, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to French designs) and Soviet helicopters. The Allouette II/III sort out the flaws. A similar directive was necessitated in 2011. (Chetak and Cheetah) have been used in large numbers and This puts into perspective indigenous capability to manufac- for almost every conceivable rotary wing role: communica- ture helicopters despite heavy investment by the government tions, air maintenance (carriage of food and supplies to inac- into HAL. Besides belying the expectations of civil aviation, cessible regions), forward air controlling (for close air support), the HAL’s failure to produce a worthwhile machine despite de- recce, armed recce, anti-tank guided missiles carriage, casu- cades of outlay has also meant that defence users of helicopters alty evacuation (up to two lying casualties at a time), liaison have been denied an inexpensive, indigenous, frontline fighting duties, security duties, bird recce (over fly past routes ahead machine. The Indian Air Force (IAF), as the major helicopter of large formations), flower and leaflet dropping, ceremonial user, has been complaining about this incessantly; its endeav- parades (decked up as an elephant, for example), and armed ours to lobby for an IAF man at the helm of affairs at HAL policing. Until 1986, the task of directing artillery fire was car-

Ph otogr a p h : Boe i ng have met with no success. Meanwhile, its helicopter holdings ried out by Air Observation Post (AOP) Squadrons. In 1986, the I Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 35 IAF SPECIAL Helicopters

Government of India formally announced the formation of the ated that Indian armed forces are looking to induct as many Army Aviation Corps; as a result Chetaks and Cheetahs operat- as 900 helicopters in the coming decade, including 384 lighting AOP Squadrons were transferred from the IAF to the Army utility and observation, 90 naval multi-role, 65 light combat, 22 while the other roles were retained by the IAF. Licence-built by heavy-duty attack, 139 medium-lift and 15 heavy-lift, among HAL, these two types still continue to fly with the IAF. others. Currently, besides the 80 Mi-17 1Vs and Dhruvs men- Soviet design Mi-8s and MI-17s have been the vital back- tioned above, the other helicopter acquisition plans for the IAF bone of the IAF fleet as far as logistical roles are concerned. are 12 AgustaWestland crafts for Communication Squadron, 22 Their variants have been used with modifications permitting Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, and up to carriage of guns, bombs, rockets and missiles. Helicopter crew 15 heavy lift helicopters to replace the Russian Mi-26. have been undergoing training for armed roles and carrying The CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the Russian Mi- 26 T2 out live firing in combat configurations and formations (with helicopters are the two contenders for the heavy-lift role; the the unfortunate accident involving two Mi-17s at Sarmat air- idea is to enable the transportation of ultra-light howitzers to-ground firing range serving to highlight the occupational to high-altitude posts. A heavy lift helicopter is also of stra- risk attached to armed roles for helicopters). The latest flying tegic value as it can lift up to 70 armed troops or howitzers creature of this family to join the IAF is the Russian Mi-17 V5, for deployment in mountainous areas bordering China and of which 80 are in the process of being supplied with 57 more Pakistan. It could also be used for rapid deployment of mis- on order from Russia. The Mi-17 V5 falls in armed helicopter sile launchers for Agni or Prithvi from one place to other. The category, with substantial and effective firepower. It has the lat- currently held Mi-26, with 20-tonne capacity, is the biggest est and more powerful engines with enhanced payload carrying among operational helicopters, and can even lift Bofors guns capability at higher altitudes. It is an upgrade of Mi-17 choppers to higher reaches, place bulldozers at a height of 16,500 feet, in the medium-lift category and is equipped with state-of-the- and land critical equipment for the IAF at places like Ladakh. art avionics and an onboard navigation systems; it has onboard The replacement will do all that and the larger numbers will weather radar, a modern autopilot and is compatible with the empower the IAF substantially. latest generation night vision goggles. A modern attack helicopter to replace the MIi-25/35 vari- In May 1984, the first Helicopter Unit was formed with the ants or at least to augment their waning numbers (and tech- formidable Mi-25 gunship helicopter; it was used in Sri Lanka nology) was a critical requirement. The Apache will be a big against the LTTE but there has been a hold back on use of gun- reassuring factor for the force. The $1.4 billion (`7,700 crore) ships against militants on Indian soil. The upgraded Mi- 35 was contract for the 22 Apaches is also expected to include the sup- inducted in April 1990, and future requirements for armed he- ply of 812 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 542 AGM- licopters are planned to be met by the Dhruv. How far those 114R-3 Hellfire-II missiles, 245 Stinger Block I-92H missiles expectations will be met is a moot point at the moment. and 12 AN/APG-78 fire-control radars. The IAF’s official site is not very lucid on the subject of its A lamentable element remains the low level of indigeni- helicopter holding. It lists a total of 16 units (some of them of sation and self-reliance in meeting our defence requirements. ‘flight’—or half a ‘unit’—size). Taking the ‘Unit’ strength as 12 Considering the fact that the first Air Staff Requirement (ASR) and flight strength as six, the total would add up to 192. for an ALH was given out in the 1970s, the Johnny-come-lately Notwithstanding the above, the current helicopter fleet of the Dhruv does not generate any excitement with the IAF, and is Indian Air Force is estimated to be nearly 300 aircraft; around yet to prove its worth. The Chetak/Cheetah were scheduled to half of that figure is made up of Mi-8/Mi-17 variants, a fourth be replaced by Dhruv ALH in 2005 but there have been inor- consists of Chetaks and Cheetahs, and the remaining fourth part dinate delays in the Dhruv programme. The IAF is not fully is comprised of Mi-25/35 attack helicopters and heavy lift Mi-26 satisfied with the Dhruv, and even the Comptroller and Audi- helicopters which are used sparingly for special missions. The tor General (CAG) had indicted HAL for not living up to the latest induction into the IAF is the Dhruv, about a dozen of which promised performance as far as Dhruv was concerned; it had are in service currently. It is sobering to compare this total fig- charged HAL for “rendering less sophisticated helicopters to ure of less than 300 to the 400-plus helicopter holding of Air the Defence Ministry” in a report that underlined the fact that Methods, a US company providing medical evacuation services. HAL failed to meet the standard promised by it and that, as a It certainly is distressing to locate this figure in the context of result, the capabilities of armed forces, to an extent, had been “fourth largest Air Force in the world”. Although the IAF heli- compromised. Another question to ask is: What will a huge IAF, copter arm has discharged all responsibilities given to it with with the responsibility of guarding extensive borders, and with operational efficiency, professional respect for safety, and liberal providing support to the Army in the battlefield do with just display of valour in the face of enemy 22 Apaches? Surely the number, even and otherwise; it remains a force woe- without complicated analysis, appears fully short in numbers in proportion to to be too small—even to the uniniti- the nation’s vast territory and peacetime ated. However, while the IAF salivates requirements of preventing war. In addi- While the IAF salivates over the Apache’s capabilities, this small tion, there are the frequent calls for “aid number is all it can afford. What if our to civil authorities” which keeps a con- over the Apache’s PSUs or private industry had produced stant pressure on the IAF for deployment capabilities, this small the Apache or its equivalent? Would against militants, for disaster manage- number is all it can we be able to afford more for the same ment, and air maintenance of areas diffi- budgetary allocation? The question is a cult to supply by road/rail. One shudders afford. What if our PSUs moot one, but serves to highlight the is- to think of how the IAF would meet the or private industry had sue that the IAF would have more teeth requirements arising from a “two-front in its helicopter fleet, if only indigenous war” as is often talked about now. produced the Apache or development had given the government Media reports have sporadically iter- its equivalent? value for money. SP

36 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Fighters Upgrades

On track: the upgrade for iaf’s mirage 2000s has been initiated Getting Ahead The IAF has really understood the importance of upgrades which would not only help it to modernise its ageing fighter fleets but also enable it to keep the much needed numbers going to meet the future challenges of multiple threat scenarios

For almost six decades after its By Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia MiG-27 Upgrade Programme inception in 1932, the Indian Air Force While the IAF decided to prematurely (IAF) never carried out any meaningful phase out its robust fleet of imported exercise to upgrade its fighter fleets. The MiG-23BN strike aircraft, it opted for defence establishment was quite con- partial upgrade of its MiG-27 fleet which tent in providing the IAF with fighter aircraft, largely imported was licence-produced by HAL. Under a comprehensive tripar- from the foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or tite agreement between the IAF, HAL and the Defence Avionics licence-built in one of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Research Establishment (DARE) in March 2002, it was decided factories. But in the 1990s, stung by the obsolescence of its to upgrade 40 MiG-27s out of the IAF’s total holding of 133. large fleets of MiG-21 variants and realising the fact that the The MiG-27 needed plenty of work. The equipment that went indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) which was to replace the into the upgrade included a HUD and a full colour high definition ageing MiG-21s nowhere in sight, the IAF took the first tentative display (HDD). A new laser ranger replaced the old KLEN system. step towards upgrading its fighter fleets to extend the service The main navigation sensor, the INGPS along with VOR/ILS were life and operational capabilities. located in the nose bay. The new electronic warfare suite included a new radar warning receiver, an ELTA podded jammer and MiG-21 Bis: The Starting Point CMDS. The upgraded aircraft was also made capable of carrying The starting point was of course the MiG-21Bis fleet itself, a laser designation pod and a photo reconnaissance pod (see the Fwhich was the last variant of the large MiG-21 family of aircraft photo representation of the full upgrade). produced under licence in India. The proposal for 125 MiG Bis The entire upgrade package would give substantial boost aircraft with an option to upgrade 50 more aircraft at a total to the aircraft’s precision attack capability while greatly re- cost of approximately $630 million (`3,465 crore) was cleared ducing the pilot’s workload, thanks to an effective navigation in January 1996. The upgrade was to include major modifica- system and a fully-capable autopilot. But as is usual with all tions by MiG-MAPO which would incorporate Western Avion- indigenous programmes, the MiG-27UPG has also run into ics as well as indigenously developed components. The aircraft rough weather. First the costs have escalated to almost double which was given the nomenclature of MiG-21 Bis UPG came to the initially planned. Second, the programme has run into time be known as the ‘Bison’ in the IAF. overruns with only 20 aircraft upgraded so far. This has invited The ‘Bison’ was indeed an ambitious upgrade programme the Controller and Auditor General’s (CAG) unmitigated wrath but there were some major issues with regard to time and cost especially with respect to the residual life of the upgraded jets overruns which marred the upgrade scenario. The last i.e. 125th as the entire MiG-27 fleet is not likely to last beyond the end of Bison work was completed only in 2007, almost five years be- the Thirteenth Five Year Plan ((2022). hind schedule. This has had serious repercussions on the residual life of the upgraded aircraft, some of which will not even see MiG-29 Upgrade Programme 10 years of useful operational life post the upgrade, as the entire Continuing its drive to upgrade as many of its fighter fleets fleet is scheduled to be retired between 2014 and 2017. The sec- as possible, the IAF signed up another ambitious plan to up- ond shortcoming is that while the avionics and weapon systems grade its entire lot of more than 60 MiG-29 aircraft. In a land- were impressive in their upgraded avatar, the old airframes and mark deal with RAC MiG of Russia, India signed a $964 million aero engines continued to pose flight safety problems. A number (`5,300 crore) deal to upgrade 69 MiG-29s on the IAF’s inven- of upgraded MiG-21 Bisons have already been lost in CAT-I ac- tory to MiG-29 SMT standards. Under the agreement, the de- cidents because of these issues. The overall serviceability state of sign and development was to be done in Russia with first lot of

Photogra p h: A noo Kamath the fleet has also been a matter of concern. six aircraft being upgraded there. The remaining aircraft are to

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 37 IAF SPECIAL Fighters Upgrades be upgraded at Nashik. The programme had initially suffered a emy’s lethal airspace environment. The cost of acquiring the setback and was delayed by more than a year, but now the pro- new engines and the weapons would obviously be separate to gramme seems to be gathering steam now. However, it wouldn’t the HAL executed upgrade programme. be before 2017-18 the last of the jet is upgraded. The main features of the upgrade programme include a new Mirage 2000: Mother of all Upgrades ‘Zhuk M2E’Slot array radar which would replace the older Phaz- After massive parleys and discussions India signed a deal worth otron RLPK-29 radar. The jet would also get UOMZ’s KOLS-13SM $2.4 billion (`13,200 crore) with Dassault, France to upgrade 51 FLIR, Sh-3UM-1 helmet-mounted integrated targeting system. Mirage 2000s of the IAF to Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 standards, what The existing RD-33 engines will be replaced by the upgraded has probably been termed as the ‘mother of all upgrades’. This RD-33 Series 3 engines to be manufactured by HAL. These en- would indeed beef up the jet’s operational capabilities to Gen 4+ gines boast of an engine life of 2,000 hours along with BARK- standards making the aircraft operationally viable for another 88 FADEC and KSU-941UB removed control system. There is a three decades. whole range of new avionics obtained internationally and from Briefly, The Mk2 version of the Mirage 2000-5 incorporates indigenous sources to be fitted on the upgraded aircraft. further enhancements to offensive systems which include a data The aircraft will also be equipped to carry external fuel link for the targeting of MICA ER missiles, the addition of the Da- tanks and will have mid-air refuelling capability to give it much mocles FLIR targeting pod, and a newer, stealthier Thales RDY-2 needed ‘extra legs’ to substantially augment its range. all-weather synthetic aperture radar with moving target indicator capability, which also grants the aircraft improved air-to-ground Jaguar Upgrade Programme capability. The avionics have been further updated with higher Based on a fatigue analysis and continuing relevance of its resolution colour displays, an optional top-sight helmet-mounted frontline strike aircraft, the IAF has estimated that Jaguars display and the addition of the modular data processing unit could remain operational till 2030 or even beyond. The service (MDPU) navigation system with ring laser gyroscope and global has drawn up an ambitious upgrade programme under which positioning system (GPS) capability has been added, providing the aircraft will be re-engined and re-equipped with fourth-gen- much greater accuracy, higher reliability, and shorter alignment eration cockpit and mission avionics, and self-protection suite. time than the older ULISS 52 navigation system which it replac- Upgraded Jaguars will feature all-weather precision-attack ca- es. The other upgradation includes the addition of an on-board pability with enhanced weapon load. oxygen generation system (OBOGS) for the pilot and an ICMS 3 Jaguar avionics are being upgraded to employ ‘smart’ or digital countermeasures suite. Further planned upgrades include ‘advanced’ weapons like the joint stand-off weapon, Maverick Thales AIDA visual identification pod, a GPS receiver, MIDS data missile, Paveway precision-guided munition and AIM-9M Side- link, new long-range sensors, and the top sight helmet-mounted winder air-to-air missile. display. Other technologies developed for the Rafale will also be Under a `3,000 crore ($550 million) contract to be carried integrated into the Mirage 2000, including infrared and optical out by HAL, the upgraded Jaguars will feature ‘glass’ cockpit sensors for identification friend and foe (IFF) and targeting. with DARIN-3 navigation and attack avionics suite, wide-angle The contract reportedly entails the first two aircraft to HUD, a much needed auto-pilot and hands on throttle and stick be upgraded in France which may take between 40 and 44 (HOTAS) controls. An Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) is months. Thereafter, under a technology transfer programme, also being co-developed by the DRDO’s Defence Avionics Re- the next two aircraft would be upgraded in India under French search Establishment (DARE) and Cassidian (formerly EADS supervision followed by HAL undertaking the manufacturing of Defense Electronics) to enhance the jet’s survivability in the en- the remaining aircraft at the rate of one a month. As most of the work entails upgradation of avionics, Thales is expected to have a major (two-thirds) share of the workload, while Das- sault’s contribution would amount to about 26 per cent of the INDIAN AIR FORCE FIGHTER UPGRADE upgrade programme. But the story does not end here. Apart PROGRAMME from the `13,200 crore for the upgrade project, a sum of $500 million (`2,750 crore) would be needed to set up facilities at Sr. Aircraft Type No. of Cost of the Upgrade the HAL to undertake the necessary work. In addition, acquisi- No. Aircraft for Programme Upgrade tion of a plethora of state-of-the-art air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons with precision guidance and BVR/stand-off capabili- 1 MiG-21 B’s UPG 125 $650 million ties could cost the Indian exchequer close to $1 billion (`5,500 2 MiG-27 UPG 40 $200 million approx. crore) or more. This would also bring into the act MBDA, the 3 MiG-25 69 $964 million manufacturer of aerial weapons such as the AIM-132 ASRAAM 4 Jaguar 120 $600 million (this does short-range, Meteor long-range and dual-use MICA air-to-air not include the cost of missiles and Apache, or its derivatives Storm Shadow/SCALP- re-engining and smart EG, etc as a major supplier of arms to the IAF for its upgraded weapons) Mirage 2000 fleet. The entire package is slated to cost around 5 Mirage 2000 50 approx $2.4 billion ($4.1 $4.1 billion (`22,550 crore). billion with full arms In conclusion it can be convincingly stated that IAF has re- package) ally understood the importance of upgrades which would not Total $4.814 billion (could only help it to modernise its ageing fighter fleets but also enable touch $8 billion if it to keep the much needed numbers going to meet the future other aspects of challenges of multiple threat scenarios. While the IAF continues upgrades taken into to strive for new jet fighter acquisitions, a substantial portion account) of the allocated resources is being spent towards upgrades (see Table). And that indeed, is the right way to go. SP

38 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Fighters Fleet

PAK-FA: The IAF will have fifth generation capabilities by 2032 Status per se In the coming years, the biggest worry for the IAF would be how to hold on to at least the now achieved figure of 34 combat squadrons. What strategy would the IAF follow to not only fill the void created by the outgoing MiG-21s but also build up the ‘force’ further to a stipulated 42-squadron level by 2022?

By Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia

Speaking on the status of his force to the media in June global arena. As a rising economic power, India has the responsi- this year, after the passing out parade (POP) at the Dundigal Air bility to ensure peace and stability in the region. It is vital that the Force Academy, Hyderabad, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne combat fleet of the IAF is capable of coping with the threat posed said that the key year for the IAF would be 2022. “All the con- not only by Pakistan but more importantly by its other traditional tracts which were signed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan… adversary China as well, which is steadily moving towards becom- will be executed till 2017. At least 65 to 70 per cent of force ing a global superpower. build-up will be accomplished by 2017, and the rest by 2022,” he informed the media. A key aspect of the IAF’s force build up The Threat programme is to not only regain its erstwhile combat jet fight- China’s military modernisation progressing purposefully for ers’ strength of 39 ½ squadrons but also to augment it further more than two decades now is steadily shifting the military to 42 squadrons by 2022 (end of Thirteenth Five Year Plan). But balance in its favour. It is not only the Soviet/Russian military how will the IAF meet its stated goal? technology which provided the leap forward; the Chinese aero- The combat fleet which constitutes the spearhead of the IAF space scientists themselves are carving big successes in indige- needs to be constantly revamped and restructured in conformity nous design and development. The J-10 and the latest J-20 fifth P ho t ogr a ph: S ukho i with the growing status of the nation in the region as well as in the generation stealth combat jet fighters amply prove the point. Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 39 IAF SPECIAL Fighters Fleet

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China is IAF: Present Status rapidly progressing to be essentially a fourth generation plus It is a common knowledge that till recently the IAF was facing combat force, fielding as many as 1,500 frontline fighter air- a deep abyss of capability erosion having lost more than a craft, supported by a plethora of force-multipliers such as air- quarter of its combat jet fighter force. It is incredible but with borne warning and control systems (AWACS), aerial refuelling some faulty planning and premature retiring of the MiG-23 systems, modern air defence systems, space-based command, fleets, and the inevitable phasing out of the MiG-21 fleets, the control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance early years of the last decade began to witness rapid decline and reconnaissance (C4ISR) infrastructure and a large variety in the number of jet fighter squadrons. The IAF, which had of ballistic and cruise missiles in offensive roles. laboriously built up to a combat squadron strength of 39½ by Riding on the status of a ‘frontline state’ and a partner in the late 1980s, slid down to a mere 29 squadrons by about the the global war on terror (GWOT), the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) middle of last decade. Faced with the precarious situation, the has continued to reap a rich harvest in terms of military grants IAF leadership had to take some quick decisions to stem the from the US. Pakistan has also made copious use of its ‘spe- slide. With the LCA programme still teetering, the IAF decided cial’ relationship with China to procure state-of-the-art fourth to go in for additional Su-30 MKI aircraft which had begun generation fighters for the PAF in large numbers. Out of these, to be produced under licence by the Hindustan Aeronautics JF-17 Thunder is being produced indigenously, with the PAF Limited (HAL). The order book swelled up to 272 aircraft out already having received around 34 aircraft. Eventually, the PAF of which about 170 have been delivered to the IAF. In a re- is looking at inducting 250-300 aircraft into service. In addi- cent interview, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. tion, it has placed an initial order for 36 J-10 (FC-20) out of a Browne stated that a force level of 34 squadrons had been total order of estimated 150 aircraft to be acquired from China. achieved (see Table 1 for an estimate of the present strength Its present holding of around 65 F-16 upgraded and new air- of various jet fighter fleets). craft could finally swell up to 100 aircraft, if it continues to receive the US military largesse. By 2020, the PAF is estimated What Lies Ahead to have 500-550 modern fighters alone. On the other hand, In the coming years, the biggest worry for the IAF would it’s ballistic and cruise missiles pro- be how to hold on to at least the now grammes are also moving forward achieved figure of 34 combat squad- with added momentum, once again rons. As per the Ministry of Defence thanks to its all-weather friend Chi- (MoD), the remaining 10 squadrons na and North Korea. With the ongoing PAK- of MiG-21 fleets would be phased out It is against such formidable FA (FGFA) joint venture by 2017, with ‘Bisons’ exiting the last. threats, the IAF has to modernise What strategy would the IAF follow and augment its forces to provide the programme with Russia and to not only fill the void created by the necessary deterrence and if required, the indigenous medium- outgoing MiG-21s but also build up the war winning capabilities. While some ‘force’ further to a stipulated 42-squad- defence analysts in India feel that the combat aircraft (MCA), the ron level by 2022? possibility of a full-fledged two-front IAF will be able to induct Currently, the only aircraft avail- war against it by China and Pakistan fifth generation capabilities, able to the IAF is the under-production is remote; the deep strategic nexus Su-30 MKI. However, even though HAL between the two—both at the nucle- and by 2032, may be able to has stepped up production to around 18 ar and conventional levels—cannot field a 1,000+ aircraft (50 units per annum, this may not be suffi- be ignored and must be factored into cient to match the numbers of MiG-21s our thinking and consequent opera- squadrons!) combat force of being phased out annually. There is real tional preparedness. modern aircraft apprehension that, in the near future,

Table 1: IAF’s Combat Force Levels: Table 2: IAF’s Combat Force Levels: Present Status 2022 (Projected) Sr. No. Type Strength No. of Sr. No. Type Strength No. of Squadrons Squadrons 1 Su-30 MKI 270 13 1 Mirage 2000 50+ 3 2 Rafale (MMRCA) 126 6 2 Su-30 MKI 170+ 7 3 LCA (Tejas) 124 6 3 Jaguar 140+ 6 4 Mirage 2000 70 3 4 MiG-29 70 3 (upgraded to – 5 Mk II standard) 5 MiG-27 100+ 5 5 MiG-29 UPG 70 3 6 MiG-21 Bison 120+ 6 6 Jaguars (upgraded 120+ 6 7 MiG-21 Bis 40+ 2 and re-engined) 8 MiG-21 M 40+ 2 7 MiG-27 100+ 5 TOTAL Approx. 750 34 TOTAL Approx. 850 42

40 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Fighters Fleet

Su-30 MKI: IAF to raise five more squadrons

the number of squadrons may show a downward trend again before the augmentation plans in the pipeline starts to fructify. IAF: Estimated Costs of Ongoing and Planned Fighter Induction Programmes Augmentation Plans S No. Type of Aircraft Planned Programme Costs The rumour is that the eighth Su-30 MKI squadron is already Inductions under raising. With the present rate of production, hopefully the 1 Su-30 MKI 272 $20 billion* Su-30 programme would be completed by 2017 which would en- 2 MMRCA 126-200 $14.20 billion** able the IAF to raise another five squadrons bringing the total of Su-30 MKI squadron to 13. But as per the MoD, during the same 3 LCA 120+ $ 4-5 billion period, the IAF is to phase out all the remaining (10) squadrons 4 FGFA 250 $35 billion of MiG-21 variants. How will this shortfall be addressed? 5 MCA N/K N/K*** Notes: Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft * HAL produced Su-30 MKI reportedly cost `100 crore more than the First is the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) programme. direct import (`450 crore vs `350 crore) The current 2012 was to be a watershed year for the otherwise **There is a built-in option in the MMRCA contract for acquisition of beleaguered LCA with Tejas Mk I obtaining full operational clear- up to approximately 200 aircraft. ***The programme is still in the conceptual stage (drawing board). ance (FOC). This deadline has slipped and it is highly unlikely that the LCA would meet all design parameters and operational capabilities before 2014. Even if everything moves smoothly, the IAF would not be in a position to get more than two squadrons worth However, with optimism riding high on ‘free reins’, con- of Tejas Mk I (40 planned) by 2017. As per Air Chief Browne, the sidering that all programmes are completed in the stated IAF has plans to induct six squadrons of the LCA which would time frames, the IAF’s combat force could look like what is include four squadrons of Tejas Mk II at a later stage. But will the given in Table 2. IAF get all the aircraft by 2022, would remain a moot point. Impressive as it may look, the reality could be somewhat different from what appears in the Table 2 For example, with Rafale: The Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft only 40 MiG-27s having been upgraded, the fleet strength could On January 31, this year, the Rafale was declared the winner of be reduced to only two squadrons by 2022. But should the IAF India’s MMRCA competition. But as yet there are few signs of exercise its option of acquiring additional 63 (MMRCA), it could the deal being signed any time soon. While the IAF is hopeful of still measure up to 42 squadrons in due course. it happening before the end of the current financial year, with large fiscal deficit staring it in the face, the government is likely Conclusion to shift the process to the next financial year commencing April The IAF’s story, however, does not end here. With the ongoing 1, 2013. Even if the deal gets inked soon after that, the IAF by PAK-FA (FGFA) joint venture programme with Russia and the 2017 will be able to get only the first ‘off-the-shelf’ squadron indigenous medium-combat aircraft (MCA), the IAF will be able (18 aircraft) from the OEM. Whether HAL will be able to licence- to induct fifth generation capabilities, and by 2032, may be able produce the remaining 108 aircraft by the end of the Thirteenth to field a 1,000+ aircraft (50 squadrons!) combat force of mod- SP P ho t ogr a ph: IAF Five Year Plan (2022) will, once again, remain a moot point. ern aircraft to effectively deter its adversaries on all fronts.

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 41 IAF SPECIAL UAVs

Getting Lethal While the UAV and UCAV are becoming more ubiquitous with advances in technology, it will be quite some time before these can replace a manned aircraft. However, it wouldn’t be long before the Moore’s law allows a micro chip to be embedded with artificial intelligence to allow more and more routine functions to be carried out remotely.

By Air Marshal (Retd) B.N. Gokhale

With the centenary of unmanned aviation less than The ‘hunter killer’ UAVs like the US Predator and Reaper six years away, the success rate of unmanned aerial vehicles are proving to be a ‘game changer’ in the war against ter- (UAVs) operations in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region has bol- rorism. It is reported that in 2010 alone almost 957 suspect- stered the aviation industry to design more modern, multi-role ed militants were killed and another 383 injured by the US UAVs and the unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This drone attacks, in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. However, is evident from many newer designs and prototype platforms the ongoing friction between the US and Pakistan continues being developed, particularly in the Western countries and in to fester with Pakistan accusing USA of transgressing its na- China. It is heartening to note that the Indian UCAV design, tional sovereignty. As recent as in the first week of July 2012, code named Aura, is in the advanced stages of finalisation. a triple US drone attack on a militant compound in Pakistan’s The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) North-Western tribal area of Datta Khel village, near Miran- aims to fly the prototype version by 2016-17. It has been over shah, killed 15 insurgents. This village is considered to be a 20 years since the Indian armed forces inducted Israeli UAVs, stronghold of Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a Taliban commander, who is namely the Searcher and the long endurance Heron. Over the accused by the US of infiltrating insurgents across the border, years, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has been to fight the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) troops f A providing incremental upgrades, but the armed version of in Afghanistan. It was the first drone attack since Islamabad

h: US Heron has not yet been inducted in the inventory. The indig- reached a deal with Washington to reopen land routes into Af- p enous Rustom-2 HALE UAV being developed by DRDO is also ghanistan, after the US Secretary of State expressed regret for expected to provide attack capability, but the operational ver- the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers, who were mistakenly killed

Photogra sion is expected only in 2015-16. during a NATO air strike in November 2011. In the last couple 42W SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL UAVs of years, the industry is laying more stress on improving the space management and air defence, which will be required as accuracy of attacks so as to reduce collateral deaths. the number of UAVs grow in India. This ongoing diplomatic tension with USA has prompted This brings us to the important aspect of cost of UAV opera- Pakistan to develop its own indigenous armed UAV, named tions vis-à-vis the manned combat aircraft or helicopters. The Burraq, which is reportedly in the making for the last three commercially available smaller UAVs cost just a few thousand years. As per recent reports, with help from Chinese aircraft dollars. Whereas the modern UCAVs could cost almost a million industry and other unconfirmed sources such as Turkey, Burraq dollars depending upon the payload. For example, Zephyr un- is expected to be deployed shortly. It is expected to be armed manned aerial vehicle system is advertised on the Internet for with UMTAS infrared-guided anti-tank, multi-role missile be- $9,500 (`5,22,500). It is a compact light weight UAV with a viding developed by the Turkish firm Roketsan. It is also possible eo range of 48 kms and is good enough for company level sur- that Pakistan would acquire Chinese AR-1 laser guided attack veillance of Army or paramilitary troops. Similarly, a rotorcraft missile for its use from the Burraq UAV. Pakistan already co- UAV known as the Aibot X6, costing around €35,000 (`23.64 produces the Italian Selex Galileo Falco UAV, which can laser- lakh) is capable of low flying, thereby avoiding weather. It has designate targets for other platforms, but cannot deliver mis- the capability of image processing for surveillance, investiga- siles and munitions on its own. tion and inspection apart from many other commercial roles. The Chinese have gone well ahead with their armed ver- On the other hand there are bigger armed UAVs like the US sion of UAV which was reportedly used for the first time in July Predator B or MQ9 Reaper drone, which cost about $10.5 mil- 2009, in the Muslim dominated Uyghur region, to quell clashes lion (`57.75 crore) as compared to an F-22 fighter aircraft, which against the Han Chinese settlers. The Chinese have operation- would be around $150 million (`825 crore). The recently devel- ally deployed armed UAV CH-3, which can carry two precision- oped Netra UAV by the DRDO along with Idea Forge, a company guided air-to-surface weapons. China is also expected to shortly formed by students of IIT Mumbai, is available at its basic version deploy the jet-propelled UCAV known as WJ-600. This UCAV for approximately `20 lakh. The Border Security Force (BSF), being produced by China Aerospace Science and Industry Cor- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other paramilitary poration (CASIC) is reportedly fitted with synthetic aperture forces have already purchased few of these for operational use. radar (SAR) and has a maximum range of 2,100 kilometres, Similarly, the indigenously produced Rustom 2 is expected to cost while carrying payload of around 600 kg. The Chinese have also around `1,540 crore for 10 UAVs and the support equipment. evaluated stealth technology from the US RQ-170 Sentinel UAV, With about 40 per cent indigenous content, these costs are much which was captured by the Iranian troops in December 2011. less compared to a manned aircraft in similar configurations. The Chinese are developing a number of coastal UAV surveil- While the UAVs are generally much cheaper than the fixed- lance stations and a maritime version of WJ-600 is expected to wing combat aircraft, there are some hidden costs which must be deployed in anti-shipping role. While the Chinese have de- be considered before coming to a comparative analysis. This is veloped their own rotary wing UAV V-750, Pakistan Navy is also because there is a long tail of human resource involved in a typi- reportedly acquiring rotor-craft drones from foreign sources. cal combat mission of UAV. For example, it is reported that al- The military role of UAV is growing at unprecedented rates. most 80 personnel are involved when a Predator or Reaper fires Rapid advances in micro and nano-technologies coupled with munitions at the suspected militant. The jobs involved are from better robotics are being fitted on smaller airframes, which are intelligence gathering to fusion, satellite communication, main- resulting in large number of small unmanned aerial systems tenance and piloting, to name a few. There is also a long chain of (SUAS) being deployed for battlefield support functions. The maintenance equipment and logistics activity, which adds to the new generation UAVs not only perform intelligence, surveil- cost. Despite these hidden costs, the UAVs are still cheaper than lance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions but their roles have manned counterparts mainly because of cost of training a pilot, been expanded to areas including strike missions, electronic fitments of equipment such as escape system, cockpit environ- warfare, suppression and/or destruction of enemy air defence ment and more importantly no loss of life in case of an accident. (SEAD/DEAD), communications relay for various missions, in- While the UAVs and UCAVs are becoming more ubiquitous cluding combat search and rescue (CSAR), etc. with advances in technology, it will be quite some time before A Federal Law, recently signed by the US President Barack these can replace a manned aircraft. This is mainly due to the Obama on February 14, 2012, compels the Federal Aviation Ad- inherent flexibility of the latter owing to yet irreplaceable human ministration to allow drones to be used for various civil and intelligence. However, it wouldn’t be long before the Moore’s law commercial ventures such as mapping real estate, crop spray- allows a micro chip to be embedded with artificial intelligence to ing, monitoring oil spills and tracking wildlife and even shoot- allow more and more routine functions to be carried out remote- ing Hollywood films. Local police and ly. To some extent, the ultimate goal in emergency services have also been em- the development of autonomous technol- powered to use their own UAVs. While ogy is to replace the human pilot. But it the drone manufacturers are rejoicing, remains to be seen whether such future the new law raises worries about intru- While the UAVs are developments will continue to be costef- sion of privacy and other issues like pos- fective and operationally viable during sible crowding, leading to mid-air colli- generally much cheaper hostile battle environment, inclement sions coupled with damage to property than the fixed-wing weather and in case of failure of ground and lives on the ground. While the FAA combat aircraft, there control. Till then, UAVs and UCAVs will is working on bringing in new air regu- continue to offer a lucrative but collab- lations for the US, the Indian Air Force are some hidden costs orative option alongside the manned along with other Services needs to start which must be considered aircraft. The Indian Air Force therefore, working with Directorate General of needs to be actively involved with DRDO Civil Aviation (DGCA) for similar regula- before coming to a and other agencies, for making the UAV a tions, which will address the issues of air comparative analysis potent weapon system. SP

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 43 IAF SPECIAL Force Multipliers

AWACS: has the capacity to Carry a mixed crew of 16 Enhancing Combat Potential AWACS, MARS, PGMs, ECMs, UAVs and soon UAS, surveillance, communication and reconnaissance satellites, ODL, and AFNET are what are traditionally known as force multipliers. Together, these give invaluable support for the success of combat operations.

At dawn on a winter morning sometime in the near future, two large aircraft take to the sky; one from Al- lahabad and another from Nagpur and are soon on their way to previously assigned stations in two widely separated areas, along the border but well inside own territory. The saucer shaped antenna mounted on the rear fuselage of each aircraft is already scanning the skies for own and enemy aircraft, on ground and in air. These are two of the three recently inducted AWACS A-50 aircraft climbing to 30,000 feet, each capable of providing an all-round cover of up to 400 km. Two Il-78 tanker aircraft have also got airborne from an airfield in Central India and are proceeding to set up a pre-briefed ‘tow-line’ at about the same altitude. The AWACS now have the four Su-30 fighters on their radar screens and are busy directing them to expected threat areas. Two strike packages of eight Jaguars with MiG-29 ECM escorts are on their way to the targets in enemy territory. Although they are flying at low level, the AWACS can clearly see them and keep their ‘tails clear’. The AWACS can in fact look deep into the enemy territory and pick up the enemy interceptors even before they are airborne. A tactical reconnaissance UAV is soon airborne from a forward location in close proximity to the border and is streaming real time video pictures of the enemy ground positions to the local Brigade HQ. The four Su-30 interceptors will not be required to switch on their own airborne radars until the very last moment before engaging the enemy, thus preventing any possible jamming by the opposing side. All these aircraft are in radio contact through the operational data link (ODL) and the commander sitting in front of a massive screen in the underground operational centre at Command HQ is monitoring exactly how this network-enabled operation is proceeding.

Although this might at first By Air Commodore (Retd) Ramesh Phadke (AFNET) are what are traditionally sound fictional but such a scenario is known as force multipliers. Together, in fact what the IAF is working for. these give invaluable support for the This has become possible because success of combat operations. of the various ‘force multipliers’ that A force multiplier, as the term the IAF has acquired. Today, it is busy, carefully orchestrating suggests, “is a capability that when added to and employed by each of these elements to provide a fool-proof and nearly im- a combat force, significantly increases the combat potential of pregnable air defence of the country. AWACS, mid-air refuelling that force and thus enhance the probability of successful mission system (MARS), precision-guided munitions (PGMs), electronic accomplishment.” countermeasures (ECM) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and soon unmanned aerial system (UAS), surveillance, communi- AWACS

Photogra p h: S guide ubn s cation and reconnaissance satellites, ODL, and Air Force Net In March 2004, India placed an order for three Phalcon radar 44A SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Force Multipliers

systems with Israel for $1.1 billion elin, hellfire and other such multipurpose (`6,050 crore)and for three A-50 (Il-76) missiles have in the recent past reduced heavy transport aircraft, for $500 million India has not really the chances of collateral damage through (`2,750 crore). The IAF received the first better accuracy and a reduced spread. of its three Beriev A-50 AWACS, equipped used the 20-odd Mi-25/35 with the Phalcon radar on May 25, 2009. attack helicopters that it Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The radar uses the fuselage mounted obtained from the former At present, the IAF has the Heron and rotodome but the active electronically Searcher UAVs. Both are of Israeli origin scanned array (AESA) radar does not re- Soviet Union in the 1980s and are used for surveillance. Limited quire a rotating antenna that was used by anti-radiation capability is also reportedly older systems. A typical AWACS carries a available. Following its huge success in the mixed crew of about 16 that includes two/ Afghanistan-Pakistan region, the Hellfire three air crews to fly the aircraft and the dozen or so control- equipped Predator or Reaper UAVs are well known as ‘drones’. lers who man the multiple radar screens in separate cubicles in The IAF must also acquire these as these have more than proved the large fuselage. With an assured coverage of about 400 km, their worth in the ongoing operations against Taliban and Al- the AWACS can provide early warning in the true sense as it Qaeda insurgents in the mountainous areas of Afghanistan. Both can, depending on its position, pick up an enemy aircraft on the armed and surveillance UAVs can be of immense help against ground or soon after it gets airborne and well before it poses Maoists and other insurgents. These can also be useful in weath- a threat to own vital areas/vital points (VAs/VPs). The AWACS er forecasting, disaster relief, counter-terror, anti-narcotics, and is thus capable of performing the task of many ground radars. anti-smuggling and coastal defence duties. High altitude long Although vulnerable to enemy action, it can be protected by the endurance (HALE) type of UAVs and autonomous UAVs will soon many fighters that it would have under its control at any one become the preferred option for strategic reconnaissance mis- time. A typical AWACS has a range of 6,000 km and can remain sions and for operations in congested and contested airspaces on station for a considerably long time; its efficiency limited respectively. India’s Nishant and Rustam UAVs, both vehicle rail only by the endurance of the crew and total fuel carried. launched and parachute recovered, are still in the trial stage.

MARS Armed Helicopters Mid-air refuelling system is not a new concept but has only re- India has not really used the 20-odd Mi-25/35 attack helicop- cently entered the Indian skies. MARS as the IAF calls it, can ters that it obtained from the former Soviet Union in the 1980s. significantly extend the range of fighters and strike aircraft. The An excellent platform for counterinsurgency operations, the at- last time the IAF sent a Su-30 squadron to an American airbase, tack helicopter has yet to show its immense potential in India. the only support aircraft that accompanied them was one Il-78 Perhaps due to their inherent offensive character, there is some tanker and another Il-76 heavy transport that carried the main- reluctance to use them. Inter-service issues also need to be ad- tenance crews and ground equipment. Typically, when on a long dressed before these assets can be optimally utilised. The pur- ferry, the tanker follows a ‘trail’ procedure, which means that chase of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is on the anvil but it gets airborne earlier to meet the main fighter elements and the doctrine for its employment is not yet clear. on the way refuels these and then lands at the destination. The process is repeated until both reach the final destination. Anoth- Other Force Multipliers er method is to set up a tow line, usually a race course pattern Indian DRDO has been making radar warning receivers (RWR) with several fighters receiving fuel from the tanker when needed. and other ECM and ESM suites for some years. The IAF has Weather, visibility, light conditions, turbulence and enemy activ- also bid for a dedicated satellite for its exclusive use. The recent ity during hostilities are some of the important factors that affect induction of six C-130J Hercules aircraft with greatly improved these operations. Given the fact that the IAF fighters typically had performance and the projected purchase of 10 C-17 strategic- extremely limited radii of action (RoA), the addition of six tankers lift heavy transports adds to India’s force projection capabil- is a boon to the service. ity. ‘Persistent’ surveillance from ‘near space’ (20-100 Precision Guided km) is yet another possibil- Munitions Recent INduction: ity. An European aviation PGMs are not a recent addi- C-130J super hercules major has also recently an- tion but nevertheless a ma- nounced that its ‘passive jor force multiplier. A laser- radar’ is undergoing trials. guided bomb, cruise missile, Although this concept is joint direct attack munitions not new with advances in (JDAM), and a whole host computing, it has now be- of anti-ship, anti-radiation, come possible to use it. The air-to-air missiles both close radar reportedly analyses combat or all aspect and TV and radio transmissions beyond visual range (BVR), and fixes the position of a have vastly improved and flying object as it crosses enhanced the safety, lethal- these waves; and hence can ity and cost effectiveness of a detect even stealthy aircraft. modern combat aircraft. The It is bound to pose a major small diameter bomb, bun- challenge as and when it be- SP Photogra p h: A noo Kamath ker buster, brimstone, jav- comes operational.

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 45 IAF SPECIAL Training

flying with pride: bae hawk in iaf livery in flight Strengthening the Foundation Basic flying training in the IAF has been well-structured and the induction of the Hawk AJT has strengthened the process. The grounding of the HPT-32 has disturbed the system to some extent and the IAF needs to manage this disruption as best as it can.

Basic flying training is the founda- By Air Marshal (Retd) N. Menon stage, the trainee is introduced to more tion on which the skills and capabilities demanding exercises to build up his con- of a pilot are built. The transformation of fidence and skill levels. Stage I comprising a relatively raw individual into a skilled 65 hours of flying, used to be conducted on professional capable of piloting a modern the HPT-32 till its grounding in 2009. The fighter, a heavy-lift transport aircraft or an attack helicopter, HPT-32 has had a chequered history as a basic trainer and on which are all weapons of war, is a process replete with chal- many occasions had to be temporarily grounded due to accidents lenges, both for the individual and the system of training that resulting from recurring technical defects. IAF had warned the brings about this transformation. The process begins with selec- Government of India (GoI) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Lim- tion of candidates for the ‘flying branch’ of the Indian Air Force. ited (HAL) that HPT-32 would have to be phased out earlier than This process includes stringent medical tests to ensure fitness of planned, and the induction of a new basic trainer had become candidates for the demanding workload of a pilot. Visual acu- an urgent necessity. Neither the GoI nor the HAL took any con- ity and superb physical condition are vital requirements. Mental crete action to address this specific requirement. In July 2009, alertness, ability to perform in teams and social compatibility are consequent to a fatal crash involving two pilots in an HPT-32, the also checked. There is a special series called the ‘pilot aptitude IAF grounded the entire fleet of 116 aircraft as being unsafe to battery tests’ to gauge the motor coordination skills and spatial fly. The originally planned phase out of HPT-32 was to be 2014, orientation capability of the candidates. A failure in this means by which time, HAL’s new basic trainer, the HTT-40, would have permanent rejection for a flying career. been ready for the task. HAL tried to come up with alternative A majority of those wanting to join the flying pilots (FP) plans to revive the HPT-32, including a rather bizarre one of fit- branch route through the National Defence Academy (NDA) ting a parachute in the tail section so that a safe recovery could were cadets of all three armed forces are trained together. FP be effected in case of engine malfunction. The IAF rejected this cadets are introduced to glider flying in their senior term and proposal. Inputs are now available to suggest that the Lycoming then sent to the Air Force Academy. This is a unique institution engine which powers the HPT-32 may not be at fault and the Bwhere trainees of all branches of the IAF are jointly trained defect may be in the fuel system of the aircraft. HAL is reluctant for the first six months. All stages have compulsory academics, to admit this. A joint effort involving the IAF, HAL and Lycoming physical training, drills and service related events like dining- original equipment manufacturer (OEM) could result in the HPT- in nights and social etiquette lessons to strengthen officer-like 32 being declared airworthy again with consequential benefits qualities in the trainees. for all the stakeholders. Non-availability of a basic trainer has

Photogra p h: BAE Sy s tem Basic flying training is divided into three stages. At each forced the IAF to slash the syllabus from 65 hours on HPT-32 to a

46 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Training mere 25 hours on Kiran (HJT-16) aircraft of early induction of the IJT into the IAF which is also utilised for Stage II training. appear rather bleak at this stage. In effect, A flying instructor now has to assess an IAF had warned the both HTT-40 and the IJT are uncertain ab initio student’s motor skills, reactions prospects as far as the IAF is concerned. to emergent situations, air-mindedness Government of India and Transport and helicopter trainees and other parameters in one-third the the Hindustan Aeronautics also fly 85 hours during Stage II. Pilot flying time available earlier. The student- Limited that HPT-32 would trainees who successfully complete Stage pilot hardly gets enough flying hours II are awarded the President’s Commis- under his belt to consolidate the ‘feel of have to be phased out sion. Trainees who do not make the flying’ before being pushed into a more earlier than planned, and grade but are medically fit can opt for difficult regime at Stage II of the training. commission in the Navigation Branch. India has now contracted for 75 Pilatus the induction of a new basic Today, there are openings as weapon PC-7 trainer aircraft whose delivery will trainer had become an systems operator in the Sukhoi-30 air- start by end-2012 but full-scale training urgent necessity. craft and UAV crew in the IAF. may only begin in late 2014. At Stage III, fighter trainees move to ‘Trifurcation’ or streaming the flight Bidar to fly 140 hours on the Hawk AJT. cadets into fighters, transport and heli- The Hawk is an AJT with a cockpit that copters takes place at the end of Stage I. All three streams need mimics modern fighters to enable the pilots to transit easily into similar flying skills but individuals have differing aptitudes and the combat force of the IAF. Pilots are initiated into air combat dispositions. The flying instructors are trained to spot these dif- and live weapons training. The Transport pilots stay on at Yela- ferences and recommend the stream in which each flight cadet hanka to fly 85 hours, divided between the Dornier and the An- would do best. Women cadets are bifurcated into transport and 32. Helicopter pilots also come to Yelahanka to fly 85 hours on helicopter streams as per existing procedures. Army officers the Mi-8. The degree of difficulty is gradually raised during Stage proceed to Devlali for conversion to helicopters and naval train- III training. The quantum of flying for a transport and helicopter ees branch off to the Naval Academy. pilot is less in Stage III because even after joining an operational The fighter trainees are sent to Air Force Station Hakimpet unit, the young pilot will fly as a co-pilot to a more experienced for Stage II flying on Kiran Mk II aircraft, the transport trainees and senior pilot till the new pilot is considered fit to don a ‘Cap- fly the Dornier at Yelahanka while the helicopter trainees fly the tain’s’ mantle. All IAF transport and helicopter aircraft are twin- Chetak at Hakimpet. During Stage II, the trainees fly 85 hours pilot platforms. The bulk of our fighter force aircraft are single- over a 24-week period. The grounding of HPT-32 has increased seat platforms. At the culmination of Stage III training, pilots the burden on Kiran aircraft. move to frontline squadrons to start their operational careers. The numbers of Kiran aircraft available for basic flying train- Basic flying training in the IAF has been well-structured and ing were limited, as they were primarily tasked for Stage II flying the induction of the Hawk AJT has strengthened the process. The training. To get additional flying machines, the IAF had to disband grounding of the HPT-32 has disturbed the system to some extent its reputed and world famous ‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team and and the IAF needs to manage this disruption as best as it can. If the Indian Navy its ‘Sagar Pawan’, so that these Kiran aircraft resurrection of the HPT-32 aircraft is a technically safe and viable became available for training purposes. It is learnt that 20 ad- option, it would be a win-win situation for all. Alternatively, the ditional Hawk advanced jet trainers (AJTs) are being acquired to acquisition and speedy operationalisation of the Pilatus-PC7 will revive the ‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team. This is indeed good news. help stabilise the process. HAL needs to analyse its failure to man- Utilising the Kiran for basic training opens up another potential ufacture the HTT-40 and the IJT. Aircraft engine technology is an- problem. The numbers of a particular type of aircraft (like the Ki- other area where our public sector undertakings (PSUs) have been ran) inducted into the IAF and their projected phase-out year, are found wanting. Participation of the private sector in the military calculated based on the planned ‘utilisation rate’ (UR). UR is the aviation industry is a possible solution. Countries like China and number of hours an aircraft is planned to fly each year. If the ac- South Korea, which were nowhere on the scene when India began tual UR is higher than the originally planned UR, then calculations producing indigenous trainers and fighters, now produce world- go awry and the phase out will occur earlier. As Kiran UR has in- class military operational and training aircraft. HAL has produced creased, its phase out will be earlier than planned. HAL’s ‘interim the HF-24, the Gnat and in collaboration with foreign aviation in- jet trainer (IJT or HJT-36), which was to replace the Kiran, has dustry has co-produced the MiG series and now the Su-30. It is suffered serious developmental roadblocks, especially as regards difficult to fathom as to why they cannot design and manufacture its engine. A prototype crashed in April 2011 and the possibilities aircraft needed for basic flying training in the IAF. SP

IAF Trainer Aircraft Acquisitions/ Development Programmes Sr. No. Type of Aircraft OEM Nos. Remarks Cost 1 Hawk AJT BAE-(UK) Initial Order 66 Repeat Order Already received The total cost of the entire 57 Additional include 17 for IN Hawk programme would be in Order 20 RFP Issued the region of $4 billion 2 Pilatus PC-7 Pilatus (Swiss) 75 To be inducted in $1 billion approx 2012-13 3 IJT Sitara HT-36 HAL (indigenous) Approx. 200 to be inducted Under development N/K 4 HTT-40 HAL (indigenous) 106 Under development N/K

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 47 IAF SPECIAL Industry

Talon: Laser-guided rocket Developed by Raytheon and Emirates

Range of Offers Raytheon is offering varied helicopter-based weapon suites for India’s armed forces By Lt General (Retd) Naresh Chand

In a briefing conducted on September 21, in New Del- weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B, TOW hi, Raytheon officials spoke about a large number of weapon 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is a long-range, pre- suites for employment on attack/armed helicopters on offer cision anti-armour, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious land- to India. ing weapon system.

Stinger Air-to-Air (ATA) TOW 2B Aero Missile Stinger ATA is the helicopter-mounted version (developed from Over 2,100 units have been delivered and helicopters fitted with FIM-92) which provides defence against air attacks to the heli- the TOW missile include the AgustaWestland Lynx, Bell Textron copter as well as to ground troops, including convoys and other 206L, Hughes 500MD, AH-1 Cobra attack, etc. ground assets. It can be easily installed and integrated on helicopters, UAVs and fixed-wing aircraft. Each launcher can fire TOW Bunker Buster two Stinger missiles and multiple launchers can be mounted The TOW Bunker Buster missile is a recent development in onto the platform. Air-to-air Stinger’s all-aspect, fire-and-forget which its fragmented, high-explosive warhead can breach or advanced technology allow aircraft to rapidly fire, move, mask destroy a multitude of target sets, especially in the urban envi- and manoeuvre, or engage new targets immediately after firing. ronment. The warhead’s configuration enables it to breach 8 in Stinger ATA is accurate and lethal against helicopters, fixed- (20.3 cm) thick, double-reinforced concrete walls and provides wing aircraft, cruise missiles and UAVs. It is a light-weight, fire- overmatch against earth and timber bunkers. and-forget, two-colour infrared/ultraviolet (IR/UV), short-range Iair defense missile. Its speed coupled with advanced guidance RF Version and control system maximise missile accuracy. Superior lethali- RF links replace the legacy wire-guided system with it becom- ty is derived from hit-to-kill accuracy, a high-explosive warhead ing a command data link missile. and the impact force of Stinger at speeds up to Mach 2. The combination of speed, lethality and a proven greater than 90 Indian Perspective per cent success rate in reliability makes Stinger a formidable The RF version is being offered to India with opportunity to lethal weapon in the combat zone. develop the launcher with the Indian industry. It is a suitable Stinger has been combat proven in four major conflicts and for India’s light combat helicopter and Rudra armed helicop- has more than 269 fixed-wing and rotary-wing kills. ter programme. Due to its accuracy, lethality and all-weather capability, it has been selected as the only missile to be integrated with the Talon Laser Guided Rocket US Army helicopters. It is integrated on OH-58C Kiowa, H-58D Talon laser guided rocket is being developed by Raytheon Kiowa, and MH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, and is planned for and Emirates Advanced Investment Group under a coopera- the AH-1Z and AH-64D helicopters. tive development effort. Talon is a low-cost, semi-active laser guidance and control kit that connects directly to the front Indian Perspective of 2.75-inch (70 mm) unguided rockets currently in the US It is understood that Stinger ATA is coming along with the and international inventories. It has been designed to fill the Apache attack helicopter, 22 of which India is planning to ac- critical operational gap between unguided rockets and guided quire through the FMS route. It is also a suitable ATA Missile heavy anti-tank missiles. which is war-proven for India’s light combat helicopter and Ru- dra attack helicopter programme. Indian Perspective India can take the option of including it in the package, TOW RF (ATGM and Bunker Buster) with the Apache attack helicopters it is planning to acquire SP P hotograph: R aytheon The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) for the IAF.

48 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Space Expanding Roles With space having emerged as the fourth medium for military operations, the IAF had brought out its blueprint titled ‘Defence Space Vision 2020' in 2007. The IAF had also laid claim to the Aerospace Command as a natural progression for them.

By Air Marshal (Retd) Raghu Rajan

In the past five decades since the United States and Rus- the formation of the Space Commission and the Department sia competed to launch satellites into outer space, the scientific, of Space by the Government of India in 1972. Later, ISRO was commercial, and military development of space has advanced brought under the Department of Space that same year. at a rapid pace. Though space has not been transformed into In the history of the Indian space programme, the 1970s a new field for armed conflict, its potential for militarisation were the era of experimentation during which experimental makes it essential for nations like India to be prepared for such satellites like Aryabhatta, Bhaskara, Rohini and Apple were an eventuality. The advanced nations use space-based systems launched. The success of these programmes, led to an era of for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and nav- operationalisation in 1980s during which, operational satellite igation/communications. Space was utilised initially for peace- programmes like INSAT and IRS came into being. Fruitful co- ful purposes such as telecommunications, remote sensing, di- operation with other space faring nations, international bodies saster warning and relief, etc. Gradually, the military has found and the developing world is one of the main characteristics of satellites to be one more system that gives them round-the- India’s space programme. clock surveillance of areas of interest; they have found satellite- The Indian military had been taking tentative steps towards based navigation to be very precise and enable communication using the space arena for reconnaissance and communication to reach remote areas. purposes but had not put in place a dedicated military satellite At the same time, space is a place without frontiers! Who in space. India decided to develop an independent indigenous controls the skies beyond earth’s limits? Can disagreements reconnaissance satellite capability after the 1999 incursion of be resolved peacefully? The Pakistani troops into Kashmir ipotential risks increase as na- caught it by surprise. Several tions with growing political, of India’s current civilian sat- military, and economic ambi- RISAT-2: Radar ellites have resolutions that tions—notably China, Iran, Imaging Satellite would make them acceptable Pakistan and others—quickly spy satellites. The Technology develop expertise. The use of Experiment Satellite (TES), space information systems launched by ISRO in 2001, to oversee adjoining borders, can distinguish objects and monitor military forces and details on earth as small as movements, etc could make one square metre. The satel- nations opt for ways and lite is capable, for instance, of means to protect their assets identifying troop movements by military means. along the Pakistani border. ISRO says its programmes are What has been India’s civilian-related, but the organ- approach in preparing isation has demonstrated its for such a scenario? willingness to undertake mili- Despite being a developing tary enterprises in the past. economy with its attendant TES is reported to have trans- problems, India has effectively mitted high-quality images of developed space technology the war in Afghanistan and and has applied it success- of Pakistani troop movements fully for its rapid develop- along the border. ment. During the formative Though the Cartosat satel- decade of 1960s, space re- lites have been developed for search was conducted by In- cartographic purposes, their dia mainly with the help of potential dual-use (civilian sounding rockets. The Indian and military) functions and Space Research Organisation reconnaissance capabilities (ISRO) was formed in 1969. could certainly enhance mili- Space research activities were tary interests and operations

Photogra p h: IS RO provided additional fillip with as well.

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 49 IAF SPECIAL Space

Indian satellite capabilities have con- own aerospace capabilities to counter siderable implications for current nuclear China’s designs. The Indian Air Force on deterrence stability with Pakistan. The The Indian Aerospace its part had put in place plans for devel- planned military surveillance and recon- oping aerospace capabilities. With space naissance system could provide India Command needs to be having emerged as the fourth medium for with coverage of Pakistan’s military in- speedily sanctioned. military operations, the IAF had brought stallations, enhancing its ability to counter Since the responsibility out its blueprint titled ‘Defence Space Vi- Pakistani forces and military operations. sion 2020' in 2007. The IAF had also laid For instance, India would have the option for ensuring the nation’s claim to the Aerospace Command as a of reliably launching a conventional strike airspace is vested in the natural progression for them. against Pakistan’s F-16s and other nucle- However, the Indian Ministry of De- ar weapon delivery systems at their bases. IAF, defence of aerospace fence felt differently. Since space-related Pakistan’s missile forces could also be de- assets, must logically be technologies will be accessed by all three tected and monitored by Indian satellites, an extension of it services, and since future wars will be and therefore, might not be able to escape fought jointly and at theatre levels, and an Indian pre-emptive strike, a factor as command and control will be execut- which weakens Pakistan’s deterrence. ed via military networks, the Indian Min- China’s growing space capabilities istry of Defence felt that the Integrated needs to be considered by India. While trade has increased Defence Staff (IDS) is the appropriate agency to host the aero- substantially between the two nations in the last decade, the space department. relationship continues to have a competitive slant, particularly Accepting this logic, the Defence Minister announced the for- in the area of military and strategic interests. China’s shooting mation of an Integrated Space Cell under the IDS headquarters in down of a defence communication satellite and recent cyber at- Delhi to counter what he called ‘the growing threat to our space tacks on India originating from China, need to be viewed with assets.’ The role of this cell is however restricted to pure staff concern and countermeasures need to be developed. functions—to liaise with the relevant elements among the armed India’s satellite intelligence capabilities could also provide its forces, the Department of Space and ISRO—and the cell does not military planners tactical and strategic information on Chinese have any operational role, to enable it to function efficiently. military forces in Tibet. Satellite reconnaissance would give In- The reason why India needs to have an Aerospace Com- dian armed forces sufficient early warning about the movement mand, to be managed by the IAF, is that: of Chinese military forces from central China towards Tibet and • The air and space mediums are a seamless entity, and there India, thereby aiding the deployment of Indian forces in time to are no clear limits to each. Though earlier air and space counter any movement of Chinese troops. vehicles had distinct characteristics, developments in hy- The implementation of the military surveillance and recon- personic vehicles in the US, and many others on the design naissance system would provide India with dedicated military board, will ensure that these differences will be reduced in satellite intelligence that would enhance the increasing role sat- the future. One should also look ahead to foresee the ex- ellites play in India’s security concerns. panding military roles in space-protection of own space assets, monitoring other satellites operating performing What role does the Indian Air Force have similar roles, like navigation, telecommunication, recon- to play in this situation? naissance, etc, satellite avoidance and destruction if neces- Both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Navy have openly ex- sary, all of which require specific domain knowledge. pressed their interest in possessing dedicated satellites to fa- • Threats from air and the space medium can emanate simul- cilitate their communication and network-centric warfare re- taneously, or in conjunction with one another. They could be quirements. In March 2011, India successfully tested a ballistic operating at orbital speeds or less, and require responses missile defence system. Though one such experiment does not from an organisation that has been tested and trained for cover the full range of anti-satellite capability, it does reveal the such contingencies. potential to achieve such a status. • The most efficient organisational structure to handle these Numerous strategic and military writers have urged India to situations already exists in the IAF. It has been trained, develop a strong military space programme to counter threats tested and has handled aerial operational situations in the from China and Pakistan. most optimum manner. To cater to the aerospace medium, it These moves need to be taken on an urgent basis, after could be modelled on the North American Aerospace Com- China announced to the world the successful destruction of its mand (NORAD).This organisation tracks objects in outer own spacecraft by an anti-satellite weapon in January 2007. space, besides providing warning of attacks by aircraft, mis- They are also developing systems to jam global positioning siles and space vehicles. systems (GPS) and developing laser anti-satellite systems. • The other aspects to cater to the demands of the other two Though these measures are primarily aimed at the US, the services can also be effectively addressed by the IAF. same Chinese arsenal and capabilities can be targeted against India. Our experience with the Chinese during the incursion in Defence of Aerospace Asset the Northeast should serve as a guide to effectively counter these Security of space systems will be essential to ensure victory in moves. The Indian Army’s quick response to assume positions, warfare in the future. Since India has invested so much in these taken by the Chinese near the Thagla Ridge in 1986, forced systems, their protection needs to be stepped up at the earliest. them to back off. They respected capabilities and response, and The Indian Aerospace Command needs to be speedily sanc- hence, they backed off, and this is what we need to do i.e. build tioned. Since the responsibility for ensuring the nation’s airspace capabilities, so that we can respond across the board. is vested in the IAF, defence of aerospace assets must logically be The Indian Government needs to move quickly to build its an extension of it. SP

50 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL Hall of Fame n pre-Independence days, a bombsight; hence retaliation seemed ron on a bombing mission to the same it was often taken for granted out of question. Besides, how could the airfield, destroying several buildings, that courage and daring were lumbering Lysanders survive against wireless installations and aircraft on the quintessentially British qualities. the swift and deadly Japanese Zeros ground. Under his tutelage, his pilots However, Karun Krishna Majum- and Oscars? But Majumdar had other perfected the technique of dive bombing Idar begged to differ. The first Indian ideas. He immediately planned a repri- and were able to attack with pinpoint officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) sal raid against the Japanese airfield accuracy. Within days, the squadron was to be awarded the Distinguished moved to Mingaladon airfield near Flying Cross (DFC), and the only Rangoon. More retaliatory raids one to be awarded a Bar to the were launched against the principal DFC, he proved that bravery does Japanese airbases at Mae-Haung- not depend on the country of suan, Cheingmai and Chiangrai one’s origin. in Thailand. Most missions were Born on September 6, 1913, flown unescorted—they evaded de- “Jumbo” Majumdar, as he was tection by flying at low level. The fondly known, belonged to the Japanese Air Force soon lost much third batch of Indian pilots to be of its sting; as a result, No 1 Squad- trained at RAF Cranwell—the ron was also able to provide CAS course that commenced on Feb- missions to the Allied Army. There- ruary 1, 1932. The IAF was es- after, for the next two months, they tablished on October 8, the same plagued the Japanese. Majumdar year. Jumbo was commissioned even organised and led one large- on January 9, 1934, and joined scale raid by No 1 IAF Squadron No 1 Squadron, then the lone IAF and No 28 RAF Squadron. Later, Squadron, as a Flying Officer. He General Wavell, the Commander- flew a variety of aircraft like the in-Chief, personally congratulated Westland Wapiti and the Hawker him. However, the advance of the Hart. His leadership potential was Japanese Army proved unstoppa- soon evident and he was made a ble and when Rangoon fell to the Flight Commander rather early. Karun Krishna enemy in April, the allied evacua- And so it came to pass that No 1 Majumdar tion of Burma was ordered. Jumbo Squadron with its three flights was awarded the coveted DFC for came together at Ambala in July (1913-1945) his inspiring leadership during the 1938, the young Flight Command- Burma Campaign. ers being Subroto Mukherjee, Aspy Two years later, Majumdar vol- Engineer and Jumbo Majumdar. The first Indian officer of unteered to join No 268 RAF Squad- Mukherjee and Engineer went on the Indian Air Force to be ron operating in support of the Al- to become the first two Chiefs of lied invasion of Europe. In 1944, the IAF in independent India, and awarded the Distinguished just before the Battle of Normandy, there’s good reason to believe that he flew an exceptionally valuable Majumdar would have followed Flying Cross (DFC), and photographic reconnaissance mis- suit had fate not intervened. the only one to be awarded sion of the Seine bridges, in the Fal- World War II was in full swing aise Gap, undeterred by the heavy when Majumdar was promoted a Bar to the DFC, Jumbo German ground defences. He was to Squadron Leader and took Majumdar proved that awarded a Bar to the DFC in rec- over command of No. 1 Squad- ognition of this valiant feat. Report- ron in June 1941. In response to bravery does not depend on edly, in an independent study con- the Japanese pre-emptive strikes ducted after World War II, Jumbo on Pearl Harbour and Malaya, the country of one’s origin. was rated as one of the 12 best pi- the squadron with 12 Westland lots of the entire Allied Air Forces. Lysander aircraft was moved to On February 17, 1945, Wing Burma, reaching Toungoo airfield Commander K.K. Majumdar was on February 1, 1942. The very flying an aerobatics practice sortie next day, Majumdar had his baptism at Mae-Haungsan, from where the at- in a Hawker Hurricane. While in a steep by fire because the Japanese Air Force tacking aircraft were launched. He took dive for a particular manoeuvre, one of attacked Toungoo, striking the airfield off in a modified Lysander armed with the undercarriage legs malfunctioned facilities and destroying several allied just two 250 lb bombs, and escorted and unlocked itself, severely upsetting aircraft. No 1 Squadron’s aircraft sur- by two Buffalo fighters. The formation the Hurricane’s stability. The aircraft vived, thanks mainly to their effective made their stealthy ingress at tree-top stalled and crashed, killing Jumbo Ma- dispersal. The Lysander had been de- level and caught the Japanese napping. jumdar instantaneously, thus bringing signed for close air support (CAS) mis- Jumbo dropped his bombs on a hangar, to an untimely end the inspiring saga sions in cooperation with the ground destroying the aircraft inside, and prov- of one of India’s greatest war heroes. SP forces and that’s what the pilots were ing a point. But this was just the start. —Group Captain (Retd) trained for. The plane did not even have The next day, he led the whole squad- Joseph Noronha, Goa

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 51 IAF SPECIAL newsDigest BY SP’s Special Correspondent

Indian micro air vehicle aerospace industry ever, certain- rate corporate entities, perhaps has in several avatars, been an competition’ ly the biggest in Europe. The un- not taking the best decision old hand in dealing with India. der-discussion merger of defence available—something that may EADS, on the other hand, has and aerospace giants, EADS and be streamlined with a merger. faced a string of disappoint- BAE Systems, in discussions at The complexity of both compa- ments in India, certainly as far the highest levels since earlier nies, though, would still need a as defence is concerned. While this year, has a distinct Indian phenomenal degree of synergy, the Typhoon defeat stung badly, connection. It is widely believed considering that the EADS and it was also made to endure two that Eurofighter’s runner-up loss BAE have overlapping inter- big-ticket contract aborts at the in the Indian medium multi- ests and business units. For last moment—the first attempt role combat aircraft (MMRCA) instance, both companies man- to procure 197 light reconnais- competition presented not just ufacture trainer aircraft, un- sance helicopters and the first phenomenal disappointment for manned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attempt to procure six new mid- Eurofighter—a programme ad- and other advanced systems for air refuelling tankers. The com- India’s national programme on ministered by EADS and BAE the civil sphere. The merged en- pany waits eagerly for the out- micro air vehicle (NPMICAV), a Systems together—but also a tity would, however, be perhaps come of the sophomore attempt Department of Science and DRDO larger inflection point. While ac- the most integrated weapons on both contracts. joint effort, has announced a tual trigger may have been the company in the world—mak- A corporate coming togeth- countrywide competition MICAV MMRCA loss, the coming togeth- ing everything from warships er of the two companies would 2013 organised by the National er of the two massive firms has to aircraft, UAVs, helicopters make the resulting entity a for- Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) also been driven by a perceived and spacecraft, to land systems, midable one, even if one is to and Aeronautical Development need to mount a single corporate electronics, military vehicles, consider how wrong mergers Establishment (ADE) where na- entity to battle the US firm Boe- missiles and artillery. India has in the arms industry can actu- tional labs, companies and indus- ing. Synergies would also allow procurement or joint develop- ally go. In India, an EADS-BAE try, and students will build micro both firms to rationalise opera- ment interests in virtually every entity would be in a position to air vehicles and demonstrate their tions in the face of a global dip in of those areas. be a pan-industry vendor. And capabilities. According to compe- defence expenditure. Both EADS and BAE Systems considering that India happens tition literature, the competition One of the theories that in- have had a fairly mixed bag in to be one of the few countries seeks to “bring out the capability siders in both EADS and BAE the country, even if analysts find that does not appear to be in of vehicles and technologies be- had for the MMRCA loss was it tempting to paint most things a position to slash its security ing developed in the country for that it wasn’t led by the British now with the MMRCA brush. spending, New Delhi could take performing a defined mission us- team, which had decades of ex- BAE Systems has a success- primacy of place in the attention ing multiple MICAVs (fixed wing, perience doing aerospace busi- ful Hawk programme currently that the new company pays to rotary wing, flapping wing and ness with India. The much more on with HAL—and is in line to international customers. • combinations) and unmanned inexperienced German compo- receive close to a billion-dollar ground vehicles (UGVs).” • nent of the consortium, some deal for 145 M777 ultra-light ar- Effort to make Tejas in both companies say, may tillery guns. Several other com- EADS-BAE proposed more ‘Indian’ not have known precisely how petitions, both in defence and consortium In a concerted effort to reduce to handle the programme. This civil, shore up a healthy mar- It will be one the largest ever acts the percentage of foreign com- was only one example of dispa- ket outlook for a company that of consolidation in the arms and ponents in the Indian LCA Tejas fighter, the Aeronautical Devel- opment Agency has drawn up a comprehensive list of 111 air- RFP to BAE Systems for 20 more Hawks craft line replacable units (LRUs) IAF’s aerobatics display team, the erstwhile Surya that will be indigenised and built Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT), has been non- by Indian companies within the functional since it disbanded last year, handing country. The ambitious list in- over its Kiran Mk.2 intermediate trainers for pilot cludes 21 avionics components training. It had been known for a while that the (including gyro reference unit, Kiran would be replaced with the more powerful tactical navigation antenna and BAE Hawk. The wheels have begun turning now GPS antenna), 27 environmental with HAL sending out a request for proposal (RFP) control components, 14 electri- to BAE Systems for a potential order to supply cal components (including un- products and services for the manufacture of 20 der-carriage display unit, inte- Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) aircraft. gral drive generator and ground According to a BAE statement, “The aircraft, power receptacle), ejection seat, to be built by HAL in Bangalore, will fulfill the nine components in the flight IAF’s requirement for its prestigious aerobatic control area (left and right air team. Upon successful conclusion, this would data sensors, angle of attack be the third contract placed on BAE Systems for sensor, sensor assembly rate). • supply of materials and equipment for the Hawk craft in fly-away condition and 42 aircraft, built Mk132, building upon previous orders of 66 air- under license by HAL, and a further 57 aircraft For complete versions log on craft in 2004, comprising supply of 24 Hawk air- in 2010.” • to: www.spsaviation.net & www.spsmai.com

52 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL newsDigest Military prerequisite if the Tiger is to threats. The pre-engineering RoundUp be deployed in theatre by the and manufacturing develop- Quick Asia-Pacific end of the year. ment contract, valued at $34.7 million, will last 15 months. Airbus Military First meeting of India-Saudi China unveils second Committee on Defence stealth jet Fourth Bombardier Global • Colombia has signed a contract The first meeting of the India- Twenty-one months after Aircraft added to USAF with Airbus Military for the acquisition Saudi Arabia Joint Committee China’s Chengdu aerospace of an additional C-295 aircraft in tac- on Defence Cooperation was firm unveiled its J-20 jet tical transport configuration. Delivery held in Delhi on September fighter prototype—Beijing’s is scheduled for February 2013. This 10. The 11-member Saudi first stealth warplane—the new deal means that 114 C-295s delegation was headed by rival Shenyang company has have now been ordered, with 86 cur- Major General Suleiman unveiled what appears to be rently in operation, in 14 countries. Saleh Al-Khalifa, Chief of the a competing stealth war- Armed Forces Operations of plane. It was possibly a co- BAE Systems Saudi Arabia. The establish- incidence that the stealth jet ment of the Joint Committee was revealed right before the • BAE Systems has received a RFP had been decided during US Secretary of Defense Leon Bombardier Aerospace has from the Hindustan Aeronautics the meeting of the Defence Panetta was due to arrive in announced that it has deliv- Limited (HAL) for a potential order to Minister A.K. Antony with China which is not the first ered a Global 6000 aircraft supply products and services for the the Saudi Defence Minister time that the Chinese Govern- to the US Air Force in a cer- manufacture of 20 Hawk advanced (and now also Crown Prince) ment has used leaks to reveal emony conducted at a Bom- jet trainer aircraft. The aircraft to be Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz their military advancements. bardier facility in Connecti- built by HAL in Bangalore will fulfill Al Saud, during Antony’s visit cut. This aircraft is the fourth the Indian Air Force’s requirement for to Saudi Arabia. Americas Bombardier Global aircraft to its prestigious aerobatic team. be added to the existing US Induction ceremony: Su-30 US Air Force begins F-35A Air Force inventory with E- Boeing MKI at Halwara operational utility evaluation 11A Military Designation. The Su-30 MKI aircraft was in- intention is to equip this new • The Boeing Company, Seattle, ducted into Western Air Com- addition with the battlefield has been awarded a $1.9 billion mand in a formal ceremony airborne communications modification to a previously awarded at Air Force Station Halwara node (BACN), in time for de- fixed-price-incentive-firm contract for on September 25. Air Mar- ployment next summer. This the procurement of 11 P-8A multi- shal Arup Raha, AOC-in-C system will allow disparate mission maritime low rate initial pro- Western Air Command, IAF, battlefield communications duction III aircraft. Work is expected was the chief guest for the in- systems to share data. to be completed in May 2015. duction ceremony. While the first batch of Su-30 MKI was Europe Denel inducted into IAF in Septem- The US Air Force officials ber 2002, No. 220 Squadron began their F-35A Lightning DGA orders studies on • Denel and Airbus Military have at Halwara known as ‘Desert II Operational Utility Evalu- communications satellites signed a new agreement with revised Tigers’, which flew the MiG- ation which is an instru- Frances’ Directorate General terms for manufacturing aircraft 23BN aircraft till 2005 is now mental step in beginning of Armaments has awarded components on the A400M, in a resurrected with the latest joint strike fighter pilot and Astrium and Thales Alenia development that will contribute sig- Su-30 MKI Squadron in West- maintenance training for the Space a study contract on nificantly to the financial turnaround ern Air Command. service. Since February's future military satellite com- of the South African company. Military Flight Release, 11 munications capabilities. The Four Tigers delivered for experienced fighter pilots results of these studies will Elbit deployment to Afghanistan checked out in basic F-35A inform the broad orienta- operations so they can be tions of the "COMSAT NG" • Elbit Systems has announced that prepared to be the military's programme to be launched Tor Advanced Flight Training which first cadre for the fifth gener- next year in view of ensuring was established in partnership with ation fighter. This milestone the continuity of the current Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, for will be a precursor to train "Syracuse III" programme the Israel Air Force's future trainer other services and allies. after it is retired in 2019, and programme; has reached an agree- taking into account poten- ment with the Ministry of Defense Northrop next-gen air tial cooperation with Euro- on a $603 million contract, of which defence radar system pean partners, especially the Elbit Systems' share is $420 million The US Air Force has United Kingdom and Italy. for providing services and systems. A significant milestone in awarded Northrop Grumman Eurocopter’s Tiger support a contract to demonstrate Eurocopter helicopter programme has technologies for its three- Civil Aviation been reached following the dimensional expeditionary • The upgrade of the UK Ministry of delivery of the first four long-range radar (3DELRR) Asia-Pacific Defence’s Puma aircraft took a further helicopters to be upgraded programme. Designed to major step forward when Eurocopter for deployment to Afghani- replace the current AN/TPS- Rockwell Collins signs handed over its first Puma Mk2 aircraft stan. This now leaves the 75 radar systems, 3DELRR agreement with Emirates to MoD. This upgrade will significantly German Army in posses- will be the primary Air Force Rockwell Collins has entered enhance the aircraft’s performance, sion of a complete batch of ground-based, long-range into a five-year agreement mission capability and safety. ASGARD helicopters—a vital radar for detecting airborne with Emirates Airline to be

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 53 IAF SPECIAL newsDigest Appointments Executive Officer of Gulf- RoundUp stream’s parent corporation, Quick Rockwell Collins General Dynamics. Rockwell Collins has announced the appointment of Robert GE Aviation K. (Kelly) Ortberg, as the company’s President. Conviasa takes delivery of its first Embraer 190 Jet • GE Aviation, Cincinnati, has been Northrop Grumman awarded a $394.75 million indefinite Northrop Grumman Corporation has named Ginger Wierz- delivery and indefinite quantity banowski Vice President of Space, Missile Defense, Advanced contract modification for the Adaptive Technology and Ground Programmes. Engine Technology Development programme which is expected to be EADS completed by September 30, 2016. EADS has announced the composition of the new Group Executive Committee. Besides Tom Enders the EADS Chief Honeywell Executive, the other top managers’ form the EADS Group Executive Committee include: • Honeywell International, Albu- • François Auque: CEO of Astrium and Coordination of Space On September 21, Embraer querque, has been awarded an $8.3 & Defence delivered the first Embraer million contract for post-production • Thierry Baril: Chief Human Resources Officer, EADS & 190 jet to Venezuelan Airline support services for the RQ-16B Airbus Conviasa, Consorcio Venezue- T-Hawk Block II micro air vehicle. The • Lutz Bertling: CEO of Eurocopter lano de Industria Aeronáutica RQ-16B is a rugged, field-repairable, • Jean Botti: Chief Technical Officer of EADS e Serviços Aéreos S.A. The single operator, vertical launched, • Fabrice Brégier: CEO of Airbus companies signed a contract unmanned air system that is currently • Günter Butschek: Chief Operating Officer of Airbus last July for the acquisition of being used in theatre to support • Bernhard Gerwert: CEO of Cassidian six E190, including an option Operation Enduring Freedom. Work • Marwan Lahoud: Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of for an additional 14 units of is expected to be completed by EADS the same aircraft model. The September 2013. • John Leahy: Chief Operating Officer–Customers of Airbus contract also includes a flight • Sean O’Keefe: CEO of EADS North America simulator and a logistics India • Domingo Ureña-Raso: Head of Airbus Military package to support opera- • Harald Wilhelm: Chief Financial Officer of EADS & Airbus tions for the next five years. • DRDO developed 4,000 km range The total value of the deal, nuclear capable ballistic missile DRS at list price, and January Agni-IV, was successfully flight tested DRS Technologies has appointed Joseph Militano as Senior 2012 economic conditions, from Wheeler’s Island in Odisha on Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications. is $271.2 million, and could September 19. This long-range mis- reach $904 million should all sile propelled by composite rocket purchase options be convert- motor technology was tested for its the exclusive provider of im- devices at the end of this ed into firm orders. full capability. age generation and projection year. The aircraft exhibited systems for the air carrier’s on static and flying display Europe Lockheed Martin fleet of full flight simula- at the ILA Berlin Air Show, tors. Under the terms of the is the flight test aircraft for Austria's InterSky orders 2 • Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Missile agreement, Rockwell Collins CFM engines and will also be ATR 72-600s has successfully detected, tracked and will initially provide 10 vi- delivered to AirAsia in 2013. intercepted an aerodynamic tactical sual systems that feature the ballistic missile (TBM) target in a test company’s industry-leading Americas at White Sands Missile Range. The test EP-8000 image generation included a ripple fire engagement, utilis- and liquid crystal on silicon Gulfstream G650 Receives ing two PAC-3 Missiles against a single (LCoS) projection systems. Type Certificate target. The first interceptor destroyed On September 7, Gulfstream the target and the second PAC-3 Missile AirAsia to become first Aerospace Corporation’s self-destructed as planned. A320 ‘Sharklets’ operator ultra-large-cabin, ultra- long-range Gulfstream G650 NH Industries business-jet aircraft received On the occasion of the ILA Air a type certificate from the Show, the Austrian carrier In- • NH Industries has announced the Federal Aviation Administra- terSky, INTRO Group, a major first flight of the first NH90 tactical tion (FAA). The certification shareholder of the airline (49 transport helicopter ordered by the verifies the airworthiness of per cent) and the European Belgian armed forces. The NH90 the aircraft’s design. Gulf- turboprop aircraft manufac- tactical transport helicopter variant stream expects to deliver the turer ATR announced signing is a helicopter of 11-tonne class, first fully outfitted G650 busi- of a contract for the purchase primarily configured to perform ness jets to customers before of two ATR 72-600s, valued tactical transport missions in all Airbus and the world’s larg- year-end. The company has at $47 million. The first of the environments by day and night. est A320 customer AirAsia received more than 200 70-seat ATR 72-600s will be announced that the airline orders for the aircraft. “The introduced in December this Northrop Grumman will become the first operator G650 sets the new world year, with the second one fol- of the A320 with ‘Sharklets’ standard for business-jet lowing in March 2013. These • Northrop Grumman Corporation when they take delivery of performance, range, speed aircraft will become the first has been awarded a contract to sup- the first A320 equipped with and comfort,” said Jay L. ATRs to be operated by an ply the hybrid GPS and inertial refer- these fuel-saving wing-tip Johnson, Chairman and Chief Austrian carrier.

54 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net IAF SPECIAL newsDigest Show Calendar (MCG). Under the agreement, subject the aircraft to a range RoundUp MCG will engage potential In- of loads that it would typically Quick 9–14 October dian partners to provide mass encounter in actual flight. JAPAN AEROSPACE notification and non-lethal ence system for the Embraer Defense INTERNATIONA L 2012 systems to solve challenging Europe and Security’s KC-390 medium-lift Port Messe Nagoya, security problems and emerg- military transport aircraft. Under the Nagoya, Japan ing safety requirements. Su-30SM multi-role fighter’s contract, the company's German navi- www.japanaerospace.jp Applications of these products maiden flight gation systems subsidiary, Northrop include high-value asset and Grumman LITEF, will provide the fibre- 22–23 October critical infrastructure security, optic, gyro-compass LCR-100 Attitude Police Aviation protection against terrorism and Heading Reference System. Prince Hotel & Residence, and piracy, explosives detec- Northrop Grumman Corporation Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia tion and innovative emer- has signed an exclusive teaming http://www.tangentlink.com/ gency response solutions for agreement with Detroit-based KUKA police-aviation--kuala-lumpur- natural disaster management. Systems Corporation North America, malaysia--22nd-23rd-octo- a commercial automation and as- ber-2012-.html Americas sembly line integrator, to help design the assembly line for the US Air Force 24–25 October Northrop's navigation Su-30SM fighter, developed Trainer X (T-X) programme. Northrop Unmanned Aerial system for Embraer KC-390 by JSC Sukhoi Design Bureau Grumman is the manufacturing Sy stems Conference and designed for the Russian partner on the BAE Systems Hawk 2012 Ministry of Defence, per- advanced jet training system team The Copthorne Tara Hotel, formed its maiden flight on that is pursuing the T-X programme. London Kensington, September 21 which lasted for London, UK two hours and was flawless. Pak Army www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/ Su-30SM multi-role fighter is uk/unmanned-aerial-systems the further development of • The Pakistan Army carried out a the Su-30MK combat aircraft successful test-firing of a Hatf-7 (Ba- 6–8 November family. JSC Sukhoi Design Bu- bur) nuclear-capable cruise missile Dubai Helishow 2012 reau’ specialists designed the on September 17. Babur, which has Grand Stand, Meydan Hotel, Northrop Grumman Corpo- fighter in accordance with the a range of 700 km, can hit precision Meydan Racecourse, ration has been awarded a requirements of the Russian targets and employ stealth technol- Dubai, UAE contract to supply the hybrid Air Force in terms of radar ogy according to local media reports. www.dubaihelishow.com global positioning system (GPS) system, radio and recognition Pakistan's Air Force had earlier tested and inertial reference system system, ejection seats and a its air-launched Ra'ad (Hatf 8) mis- 6–8 November for the Embraer Defense and number of support systems. sile on May 31. Pakistan's strategic International Fighter Security KC-390 medium-lift cruise missile arsenal will consist Conference military transport aircraft. entirely of Babur and Ra'ad missiles Grand Connaught Rooms, Under the contract, the com- Space in the near future. London, UK pany's German navigation www.international-fighter.com systems subsidiary, Northrop Europe Raytheon Grumman LITEF, will provide 13–14 November the fibre-optic, gyro-compass SPOT 6 Joins Pléiades 1A • The Missile Defense Agency and Military Aviation Summit LCR-100 Attitude and Heading Astrium’s SPOT 6 earth obser- the USAF has awarded Raytheon Jacksonville, Florida, USA Reference System. vation satellite has been suc- Company a $125.3 million contract www.militaryaviationsummit.com cessfully launched by a PSLV to modernise and add new capability F-35 airframe completes the launcher from the Satish Dha- to an Air Force early warning radar 13–18 November journey of a lifetime wan Space Centre in India. It system. The upgraded EWR (UEWR), a AIRSHOW CHINA Eight thousand hours or one will join in orbit Pléiades 1A, high-powered mission-critical radar, Zhuhai Airport, Zhuhai, China complete lifetime of durability the very high resolution earth will continue providing early warning www.airshow.com.cn/en testing is now complete on observation satellite with of missile launches and space the F-35 conventional takeoff products distributed by As- surveillance. The UEWR also adds a 27–29 November and landing (CTOL) variant. trium Services. Both satellites new capability—providing targeting Air Power in Irregular Durability testing of the CTOL will first work together and data that can be used to shoot down Warfare airframe to 8,000 hours was will form a complete constel- incoming ballistic missiles. The Kensington Close Hotel, completed ahead of sched- lation with Pléiades 1B and London, UK ule, proving the airframe to SPOT 7, the next satellites on Rockwell Collins www.airpowerinirregularwar- be able to handle a variety the launch track to complete fare.com of flying conditions it will Astrium Services full optical • Rockwell Collins has been selected experience when in service. constellation. As soon as they as the prime contractor for the UAV Work continues on schedule are validated in orbit, each portion of the High-Assurance Industry for proving the aircraft for of SPOT 6 and SPOT 7 will be Cyber Military Systems programme up to two lifetimes or 16,000 operated by Astrium satellites sponsored by the Defense Advanced Asia-Pacific hours. The 350-tonne struc- and exploited by Astrium Ser- Research Projects Agency. The tural test rig at Brough facility vices in coordination with the four-and-half-year contract calls for Raytheon joins hand with was purposely built to ‘fly’ the two Pléiades satellites along Rockwell Collins to develop cyber Monument Capital Group F-35 through a series of flight the same orbit. SPOT 6 is an security solutions for UAVs with ap- Raytheon has entered into a scenarios. Over 32 Kilometres earth observation satellite of- plicability to other network-enabled distribution agreement with of wiring, 2,500 strain gauges fering optical high-resolution military vehicles. Monument Capital Group and 160 loading actuators capabilities. •

Issue 10 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 55 LastWord cautious moves olding of stake by foreign airlines in Indian carriers was in vogue at the time when the avia- For FDI in the aviation tion sector was liberalised in the early 1990s. In fact, Jet Airways was established with sizeable sector to be a reality as also investments from some of the flourishing airlines meaningful, the government of the Middle East. However, efforts by the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA) to set up a new air- would have not only to take Hline in the private sector in India as a Tata-SIA joint venture, was successfully thwarted, allegedly by vested interests within the speedy steps to improve the country thus perpetuating a ban on investment (designated as investment climate but also foreign direct investment or FDI) into Indian carriers by airlines from abroad. Investment by agencies other than foreign airlines enhance shareholding beyond was however permitted, but during the period 2000 to 2012, the 49 per cent, to facilitate total FDI into the Indian civil air transportation sector was merely `2,400 crore (about $400 million). This is pittance considering the control by foreign carriers. growth potential of the airline industry. In the last five years or so, India’s private carriers have been facing severe financial crunch on account of high cost due to high taxes on aviation turbine fuel, rising airport charges, higher financing costs, lack of confidence instance. As per British Airways, “India is an attractive destina- amongst financial institutions, inadequate infrastructure and tion to serve; but not one to invest in”. Foreign airlines are also fierce competition that have kept air fares depressed. The private apprehensive about the prospects of competing with the national carriers with Kingfisher Airlines in the lead have been pleading carrier Air India that has unfettered financial support by the gov- with the government to permit foreign airlines to invest into In- ernment despite the fact that the airline is notoriously inefficient. dian carriers. Finally, after years of dithering by the government, As per the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, India, “The floodgates in early September this year, the Cabinet Committee on Economic of investment are unlikely to open in the short-term, but from the Affairs cleared the proposal for investment by foreign airlines into perspective of improving the sentiment and demonstrating that the cash-strapped aviation sector including both the scheduled the government is committed to supporting the development of a and non-scheduled Indian carriers. Political and economic com- viable airline industry, this is a positive milestone.” pulsions have ultimately prevailed over narrow vested interests. The potential investors appear to be in no hurry to rush in with Generally hailed by the aviation industry as also aviation huge investments that the debt-ridden and ailing industry would analysts as a positive move, FDI by foreign airlines is expected need. Major foreign airlines themselves suffering the ill-effects of to provide the much-needed relief to the Indian carriers wal- a global economic slowdown seem to have adopted a wait-and- lowing in debt. watch policy. After all, foreign airlines will not like to invest in an Following the announcement, the mood in the industry was industry tormented by financial uncertainty, hostile operating en- definitely upbeat. Kingfisher Airlines, which is reeling under a vironment, archaic regulatory framework and an insensitive gov- debilitating debt burden nudging `10,000 crore, is hopeful of ne- ernment, slow to reform. If foreign airlines bring in investments, gotiating with greater confidence for the much needed lifeline, they will do so not in the form of fixed deposits, but to generate reviving hopes of recapitalisation. But the crucial question at handsome and speedy returns through efficient business models this juncture is the response of the foreign carriers that could operating in a vibrant, dynamic and a healthy competitive envi- be regarded as potential investors. From the indications so far, it ronment. They would certainly not relish the prospects of their appears that foreign carriers are not overly enthused by the op- investments being jeopardised on account of carriers doddering portunity offered by the Indian Government for them to acquire on the verge of collapse, a situation over which they would have no stake in Indian carriers in the private sector. Air India is in any control with the current investment limit of 49 per cent. case out of the ambit of FDI as it receives the required support For FDI in the aviation sector to be a reality as also mean- from the government. Some of the prosperous airlines believe ingful, the government would have not only to take speedy and that while in principle, investment in Indian carriers may ap- meaningful steps to improve the investment climate but also pear to be logical and a good proposition, an intimate scrutiny enhance shareholding beyond 49 per cent, to facilitate control of the overall environment which the Indian carriers operate in, by foreign carriers. Unless this is done, FDI in aviation may indicates that the proposal of investment into Indian carriers remain just a pipedream. SP

i on: A noop Kamath Illustrat after all, may not be as attractive as it may appear in the first — Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey

56 SP’S AVIATION Issue 10 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net INDISPENSABLE

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