RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 `75.00 (India-based buyer only) Aviation + www.spsaviation.net H Workhorse C-17: AStrong aircraft Advanced fighter Fleet IAF's route network regional aviation: oneywell in I oneywell $1.2 billion and counting... Transp SP’s ort ort
starts with aBang! ndia
2012 News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India.
Page 12 An SPGuidePublic JANUARY •2012 JANUARY a tion 47 Years of Excellence Personified 6 Aesthetically Noteworthy Publications 2.2 Million Thought-Provoking Releases
25 Million Expert Reports Voicing Industry Concerns
…. aspiring beyond excellence.
www.spguidepublications.com
InsideAdvt A4.indd back Cover_Home second option.indd ad black.indd 1 1 4/30/201017/02/11 1:12:15 11:40 PM AM SP’s An SP Guide Publication
Table of Contents News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. AviationIssue 1 • 2012
12 A contract for 22 attack helicopters will be awarded to Boeing for the already selected AH-64D Block III Apache Longbow assault helicopters.
first Interview 5 Debut Flight Cover Story 30 T-Hawk ‘T-Hawk does not require a TecKnow runway or large volumes of 6 Virtual Fitting Tech Looking Forward airspace to get into position’ to 2012 Civil India’s defence spending is expected to grow, providing Regular Departments 9 Regional Aviation opportunities for indigenous as Fight over Slots 4 A Word from Editor well as traditional global Military arms suppliers 7 NewsWithViews – Agni-V to be Launched by 16 Market Outlook • March end Bright & Exciting SP’s AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION – Monster Aircraft for Air- News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India. 75.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) BUYER 75.00 (INDIA-BASED Fighters ` 18 Aviationwww.spsaviation.net JANUARY • 2012 Better than the Best Launching Big Space Rockets
+ REGIONAL AVATION: ROUTE NETWORK Hall of Fame ADVANCED FIGHTER 35 21 Transport AIRCRAFT IAF'S TRANSPORT FLEET C-17: A STRONG George Cayley Filling the Gap WORKHORSE HONEYWELL IN INDIA 23 UAVs 36 NewsDigest Developments & Nuances 2012 starts with a Bang! PAGE 12 LastWord RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 $1.2 billion and counting.... 40 25 C-17 SP's Aviation Cover 01-12_final.indd 1 10/01/12 5:56 PM Work in Unison A Strong Workhorse Cover Photo: 28 Engines MICA missile on Mirage. MBDA has been contracted Bullish on Jaguar with $1.2 billion order of MICA for IAF Mirage Next Issue: upgrades. This brings in a wave of optimism towards Market Outlook Asian Aviation 32 Indo-Pak War 1971 finalisation of some of the mega deals in India. Victory Revisited Image By: MBDA
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 1 Table of Contents
PLUS... Publisher And Editor-in-Chief design & LAYOUT Jayant Baranwal Senior Art Director: Anoop Kamath Designers: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Assistant Group editor Sonu Singh Bisht R. Chandrakanth DIRECTOR SALES & MARKETING Senior Visiting Editor Neetu Dhulia Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia SALES & MARKETING Head Vertical Sales: Rajeev Chugh Senior Technical Group EditorS
Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey SP’s websites Lt General (Retd) Naresh Chand Sr Web Developer: Shailendra Prakash Ashish Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma 18 Better than the Best Senior Copy editor & Correspondent © SP Guide Publications, 2012 Sucheta Das Mohapatra Annual Subscription
Contributors Inland: Rs 900 • Foreign: US$ 240 India Email: [email protected] Air Marshal (Retd) N. Menon LETTER TO EDITOR Group Captain (Retd) A.K. Sachdev [email protected] Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha [email protected] Europe FOR Advertising details, contact: Alan Peaford [email protected] [email protected] Developments USA & Canada 23 & Nuances LeRoy Cook [email protected]
SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD Chairman & Managing Director A-133 Arjun Nagar, Jayant Baranwal (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] Survi Massey Representative Office Owned, published and printed by Interview with Pritam BENGALURU, INDIA Bhavnani, Honeywell Jayant Baranwal, printed at 534, Jal Vayu Vihar 30 Aerospace India Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd and Kammanhalli Main Road published at A-133, Arjun Nagar Bengaluru 560043, India. (Opposite Defence Colony), Tel: +91 (80) 23682534 New Delhi 110 003, India. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be MOSCOW, RUSSIA reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or LAGUK Co., Ltd., (Yuri Laskin) transmitted in any form or by any means, Krasnokholmskaya, Nab., photocopying, recording, electronic, or 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. otherwise without prior written permission Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762 www.spguidepublications.com of the Publishers. Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260
2 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Workhorse. High achiever. Lifeline. It’s in our power.™
When the mission matters, with lives in the balance, it’s mission-ready. Has been for over 20 years. The C-17 Globemaster III. Delivering relief supplies, evacuations, airdrops and other humanitarian roles–it’s all in a day’s work. And we’re proud that our dependable F117 engines have supplied the power for every mission. Learn more at www.pw.utc.com.
Military Engines
ME_C17_Workhorse_SPs.indd 1 1/5/12 2:52 PM Client: Pratt & Whitney Military Ad Title: C-17 - Answering the call Publication: SPs Aviation Trim: 210 mm x 267 mm • Bleed: 220 mm x 277 mm • Live: in 15 mm from trim A Word from Editor As the IAF’s C-17s begin to fly their operational missions, perhaps across the globe, they are likely to encounter many other ‘Globemasters’ sporting flags and insignias of many friendly air forces worldwide
n his recent New Year ‘message’, the Chief of the Air Honeywell’s large footprint in India was revealed more Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne while praising than adequately during a recent tête-à-tête with its coun- the men and women in blue stated, “Over the past one try head, Pritam Bhavnani. During the informal discussion, year, the IAF has taken confident strides on the path it was also revealed that with the company’s offer of the of transforming itself into a multi-spectrum force.” He F125IN, Honeywell is more than hopeful to help the IAF re- was obviously referring to some big ticket acquisitions alise its dream of powering its ‘strike’ workhorse—the Jag- such as the AWACS and C-130J Super Hercules ‘special op- uar fleet—with more powerful engines. Ierations’ aircraft during the year 2011. The tussle between airlines and MoCA over route net- But if 2011proved to be an eventful year for the IAF, will working is a continual process. An article on route network- 2012 prove be even more exciting? The New Year could very ing throws light on the procedure followed by the DGCA and well start on a high note, if the powers that be declare, as the BCAS in the allotment of slots to the airlines. expected, the ultimate winner of the IAF’s decade-long com- This issue also carries the concluding part of the article petition for its high-voltage MMRCA programme by the end published last month to commemorate the 40th anniver- of January. The declaration could greatly facilitate signing sary of the Indo-Pak War of 1971, bringing out details of the of the contract before the end of the current financial year air operations which clinched the ‘Blitzkrieg’ victory for In- ending March 31. Close on the heels of the MMRCA deal, dia. All this and much more; SP’s Aviation team once again two major follow on contracts are waiting to be signed in the wishes its esteemed readers an exciting, bountiful and a current year, namely, acquisition of six more C-130J Super glorious 2012. Hercules aircraft and two additional AWACS aircraft to aug- Jai Hind! ment IAF’s “eyes in the sky” capability. Given the growing state of the Indian economy and re- sulting security concerns and regional/global responsibili- ties to ensure peace and stability, India’s defence spending can be expected to expand correspondingly. According to the Government of India’s Thirteenth Finance Commis- sion Report, India is expected to spend $80-100 billion over the next four to five years for the Indian armed forces. The IAF being a capital-intensive service is likely to get a lion’s share of the ‘capital expenditure’ for its ambitious and well- planned modernisation/force accretion programmes. A major step has been taken by the IAF to increase its strategic/tactical airlift capabilities by signing the deal for 10 C-17 Globemaster III airlifters from the US Boeing Company through the FMS route, with an option for six more at a later date. To be inducted during 2013-14, the “Strong Workhors- es” C-17s will give tremendous boost to the IAF’s strategic reach capabilities. This would also give a great fillip to the IAF’s interoperability factor because as its C-17s begin to fly their operational missions, perhaps across the globe, they Jayant Baranwal are likely to encounter many other ‘Globemasters’ sporting Publisher & Editor-in-Chief flags and insignias of friendly air forces worldwide.
4 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net irst F F
AgustaWestland prototype AW189 has completed its Debut maiden flight Flight he first prototype of the AgustaWestland already been secured from leading operators serving the AW189 twin engine eight-tonne class helicopter has offshore oil and gas markets, including Bristow Helicopters, successfully completed its maiden flight. Bel Air, and Weststar Aviation Services. The aircraft was launched at the Paris Air Show Set to enter service in early 2014, the twin engine AW189 Tearlier this year and the first prototype made its maiden helicopter is optimised for long-range offshore transport flight ahead of schedule. AgustaWestland aims to achieve and search and rescue (SAR) missions. The spacious cabin civil certification for the AW189 in 2013 and to start deliver- seats 16 passengers in the standard configuration with the ies in early 2014. option of a high density 18 seat layout or an ultra long-range The AW189 was flown by AgustaWestland Chief Test Pi- 12 seat configuration. In the SAR role, the 11.2-metre cube lot Giuseppe Lo Coco at the company’s Cascina Costa plant cabin can accommodate a mission console, stretchers and in Italy. It performed as expected during the flight which seating for the crew and survivors. included an assessment of the helicopter’s general handling The AW189 will also benefit from the extensive and ex- and basic systems. The first prototype will be used for avi- panding AgustaWestland worldwide support network al- onics system testing and certification of offshore equipment ready serving the offshore oil and gas industry. A range of options, while the second prototype, set to fly in 2012, will simulator and training devices will progressively be made SP gusta Westland gusta be dedicated to a load survey programme. available to serve the worldwide AW189 customer base. The all-new AW189 was launched in response to the growing market demand for a versatile, affordable, mul- tirole helicopter in the eight-tonne class and has rapidly E-mail your comments to: [email protected] Photogra p h: A found success in the marketplace. A number of sales have
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 5 ec Know ec Know T T T T
Lufthansa Technik plans to fit the first complete cabin interior using a Virtual Virtual Fitcheck in two years FITTING tech
ufthansa Technik AG has developed a new a 12-square metre glass cube known as the cave automatic method for significantly shortening the “Fitcheck” virtual environment (CAVE). With the aid of special glasses and has filed a patent application for significant ele- and infrared cameras on the ceiling, the system creates a ments of it. The “Virtual Fitcheck” will revolutionise faithful three-dimensional reproduction of the cabin in Ltoday’s normal practice, under which the various elements which the technicians can move freely. of the cabin installation have to be trial-fitted in the real As all the data generated is mapped faithfully on a 1:1 aircraft in a time-consuming process. basis, any problem areas can be identified more easily and The new procedure, developed under a project due in investigated more closely than on the workstation. All the 2013, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and data gained through CAVE flows automatically into produc- Research (BMBF) and implemented through the excellence tion, so that inaccuracies or errors can be avoided even be- cluster for the aerospace region of Hamburg, is based on fore the elements of the cabin are built in the workshops. virtual three-dimensional modelling of the airframe, cabin In the medium-term, Lufthansa Technik plans to fit the and systems. Thus, most of the components can be de- first complete cabin interior using a Virtual Fitcheck in two signed and checked prior to the start of production, so that years. In the long-term, the findings from the project could they fit into the customer aircraft straightaway without a be used in other parts of Lufthansa Technik as well. SP test fitting. Not only is the complete 3D model (“digital mock-up”) tested on the computer, virtual reality is used during the Vir- E-mail your comments to: [email protected] Photogra p h: Lufthansa T echnik tual Fitcheck as well. For this purpose, the designers enter
6 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Photograph: DRDO NewsWithViews A VIEWS try. However, inorderthatthewholeofChinawithitsenor of Chinaiflaunchedfromthe North-easternpartsofthecoun- the rangetohittargetswith nuclearweaponsinmostparts with muchlongerrangeare China-centric. The Agni-V has tially totakeouttargetsinPakistan. The Agni-III and Agni-V systems thathavebeenoperationalised earlieron, areessen- km plus Agni-II intermediaterangeballisticmissile(IRBM) armed forces. The 700km Agni-I medium-rangeandthe2,000 in 2010, the3,500-km Agni-III wasinductedintotheIndian ond strikecapability. deterrent through a credible sec- developed toprovideapowerful ture. The Agni-V systemisbeing situation sodemandsinthefu- marine-launched versionifthe the potentialtodevelopasub- under development. There isalso capability isafeaturecurrently single target. The MIRV payload warheads canbeassignedtoa gets. Alternatively, two or more different widelyseparatedtar in asinglelaunch assigned to liver upto10nuclearwarheads This payloadwillbeabletode- getable re-entryvehicles(MIRV). carry multipleindependentlytar V willalsohavethecapabilityto accuracy. Induecourse, the Agni- with devastatingnearpinpoint system, the Agni-V couldperform the RussianGLONASS satellite access toprecisionsignalsfrom to Russiaintherecentpaston the IndianPrimeMinister’s visit ment with Russia inked during minal guidance. After theagree- laser gyroscopeandaccelerometerfornavigationter corporate thelatestcuttingedgetechnologiesinvolvingring With arangeofover5,000 km, theweaponsystemwillin- mobility providingitthecapabilityforspeedydeployment. ter-launch Agni-V missile system is specially tailored for road ` 2,500 crore. An upgradedversionofthe Agni-III, thecanis- People’s Daily People’s The proposedlaunchofIndia’s Agni-V missilebyMarchend, organ, hasruffledfeathersamongChinesepolicymakerswithCommunistParty the Agni-V to belaunchedbyMrchend strengthen themilitaryandpossessacloutthatmatchesitsstatusasmajorpower,” mouthpiecesaid. theparty ofairstrikecapabilitiesincludingtherecentlaunchanaircraftcarrier.missile build-upanddevelopment “It istheIndiangoaltocontinue describing Agni-V missileasa “killer” fora country”“certain withoutmentioningwhichcountry. However, itmadenomentionofChina’s massive After development and pre-induction trials completed After developmentandpre-inductiontrialscompleted Organisation (DRDO), ataprogrammecostofover by theIndianDefenceResearchandDevelopment solid-fuel intercontinentalballisticmissiledeveloped gni-V is , sayingthatthemovereflectsIndia’s “intention ofseekingregionalbalancepower”. ItquotedIndianofficialsandscientists a 50-tonne, 17.5-metre-tall, three-stage - - - - part ofIndiaevenwhenlaunchedfromdeepinside such asthe11,200kmDongFeng-31Acapableofhittingany China hasbuiltupamassivenucleararsenalwithmissiles both economicallyandmilitarily. However, overtheyears, lated more to India’s status as an emerging regional power, sponse toanyspecificthreatfromcountry, butwasre- to developasystemwithrangeof7,500kmorhigher. launched from any part of India, therewould be a requirement mous strategicdepthisbroughtwithinstrikerangeofmissiles neighbours’, largeorsmall, needworryabout. and hencewouldnottruly constitute athreatthatIndia’s first use” policy, the Agni-V willonlyserve asadeterrent nuclear weapondeliverycapability, givenIndia’s firm “no bour in the North. However, despite its range, accuracy and could be a cause for concern for the not-so-friendly neigh- to encircleChinaincollusionwiththeUS. This perception tion ofIndia’s strategicambitionsandan insidiousmove nership withtheUS, couldbemisconstruedasamanifesta- The Indianmissileprogrammewasinitiatednotinre- Issue 1•2012 —Air Marshal(Retd)B.K. Pandey tion ofitsarmedforcesandpart- expenditure in the modernisa- the background of themassive proposed inMarch2012with news ofthelaunch Agni-V missile capabilityattheearliest”. to “demonstrate the5,000-km exhorted thescientistsatDRDO A.K. Antony, Minister ofDefence, ly putonfasttrackwhenin2011, ponements, theprojectwasfinal- vived andafteraseriesofpost- some timeagowasthereforere- Agni-V projectthatwasshelved looming overthehorizon. The take noticeoftheominousclouds high timeforIndiatositupand in theSouthChinaSea, itwas confrontation over oil exploration with Pakistaninthe West, andthe border andthegrowingnexus from ChinaonIndia’s Eastern and theXinjiangprovince. range missilesdeployedin Tibet variety oflong-andmedium- Territory. Besides, Chinahasa It isunderstandablethatthe With theescalatingthreat
SP’S AVIATION
SP Chinese 7 Photograph: StratoLaunch NewsWithViews M quirements while maintaining all the advantages of air launch quirements whilemaintaining alltheadvantagesofairlaunch big-sized payloadstomeet the present-dayoperationalre- size andthereforetheability toputintolowearthorbit(LEO) launches tilldate(35successful). Butthedifferenceliesin as bythe ‘Pegasus’ airlaunchsystemwith as many40 nothing newandhasbeensuccessfully deployedearlier, such load intolowearthorbit. So, whatisthebig deal? and willhavethegoalofinsertinga6,100kg(13,000lb)pay - launch vehiclewillhaveamassofapproximately220tonnes will bedevelopedbySpaceX. The elled air-launched wingedvehicle 9-derivative two-stageliquid-fu- on airlaunchmissions. A Falcon it arangeof2,200km(1,200nm) come fromthe400-series, giving deck andlandinggear, willalso components, includingtheflight ing 747-400seriesengines. Other planned tobesourcedfromBoe- thrust-range jet engines that are ered bysix46,000—66,500lb vehicle. The aircraftwillbepow- including thefully-fuelledlaunch incredibly weighover540tonnes operational service today. It will gest commercialpassengerin decker giant, whichisthebig- will dwarf Airbus A380, adouble- ft—bigger than a football field—it wingspan thatwillstretch385 flew, justonce, in1947. With a record-setting flyingboatthat ‘Spruce Goose’, HowardHughes’s be largerandheavierthanthe will buildanairplanethat company StratoLaunchSystems direction; butwithadifference. realise hisextraordinarydreamisyetanotherstepinthat efforts forspaceexploration. Billionaire Allen’s endeavourto of thebox’thinking’—tokeepUSinforefrontglobal players starteddevelopingalternativemeans—oftenwith ‘out space shuttleprogramme, asubstantialnumberofprivate 8 VIEWS excited about,” heenthused. likearadiotelescopelisteningforalientransmissions.avid philanthropistwhohasalsofinancedefforts “… andthisisadreamthatIamvery orbit, carrying with it satellites, supplies and eventually, people. even number of dreams in one’s“One has a certain life to fulfill,” said Allen, an rocket businesswithaconceptseldomusedtillnow:planethatcantakeofftheconventionalwayandthenat30,000ft, launcharocketto On December13, 2011, PaulG. Allen, thebillionaireco-founderofMicrosoft, disclosedatapressconferenceinSeattlethathewasenteringthe Monster
Actually, thephenomenaknownas ‘air launchtoorbit’is Paul G. Allen’s newly founded SP’S AVIATION Aeronautics andSpace Administration (NASA) 21, 2011, whichofficiallyculminatedtheNational touch downattheKennedySpaceCenteronJuly uch before aircrft for
Issue 1•2012 the air-lunching bigsp space shuttle ‘Atlantis’US space ace rockets over launchesfromcostlyandstaticgroundstations. highly desirableequatoriallaunchcapability, whichincreases reduced rangeandsafetyconcerns, butmoreimportantly, the scheduling constraints, minimumlaunchsiterequirementsand better launch points. The other advantages include reduced aircraft toflyinadverseweatherconditionsaswell subject tolaunch-constrainingweather. This allowsthemother craft-like operationssuchaslaunchondemandandisalsoless herent flexibility. Air launch toorbitoffersthepotentialforair its astronomicallycostlier ‘Space Shuttle’programme. sense of it, a dream that NASA could realise only partially with launch andspacevehicleswould become ‘shuttles’ inthereal of magnitude. enal 6.1tonne-payload, increasingitseffectiveness by anorder launch massofjust220tonneswillgettherewithaphenom - tonnes ofpayloadinLEOwhiletheSpace-XFalcon Air witha shuttle stackwithalaunchmassof2,030tonnescouldput 24 The mainadvantageoftheairlaunchproviderisin- And whenthehuman-ratedversion takestoflight, boththe —Air Marshal(Retd) V.K. Bhatia case. Foracomparison, thespace sired orbit over a vertical launch of effortrequiredtoreachthede- per cent reduction in the amount initial velocitywithasmuch15 aircraft givestherocketalarge horizontal speedprovidedbythe benefits totherocket. The high presents significantperformance launch. Launchingataltitudealso ier, saferandcost-effectivespace tional forces, enablingamucheas- the battleofovercominggravita- craft wouldhavealreadywonhalf mean sea level), the mother air lying below30,000ftamsl(above cent oftheatmosphericpressure the atmosphericmassand50per With morethan70per centof with theuseofturbojetengines. to altitudemuchmoreefficiently aircraft isabletolifttherocket lant. This isbecausethecarrier duction intheamountofpropel- launching istheconsiderablere- for somemissionorbits. performance andisarequirement Another big advantage of air Another bigadvantageofair www.spsaviation.net
SP - - Civil regional aviation
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 9 Civil regional aviation relate to permission from the airport op- The route for this purpose is measured in available erator for arrival and departure time slots seat kilometres (ASKM), which is the (and by inference, night parking slots). In network of an sum of the products obtained by multi- case of the airports managed by the Air- plying the number of passenger seats ports Authority of India (AAI), it is the AAI airline depends available for sale on each flight stage by which allocates the slots. For airports not on “slots” and the corresponding stage distance. Routes managed by AAI, the slots are allocated have been classified into four categories by the concerned airport operator in co- route dispersal according to these guidelines, namely, ordination with AAI. All domestic airlines guidelines Category I, Category II, Category IIA and who want to operate at an airport, file for Category III. Any airline operating ser- arrival and departure slots with the Di- vice on one or more of the routes under rectorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Category I (routes connecting metro-to- and the respective airport operators such metro) is required to provide such ser- as AAI, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and vice in Category II (NER, J&K, A&NI and private operators in airports like Delhi, Lakshadweep to the rest of the country) Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Cochin airports. The slot to the extent of a minimum of 10 per cent of the ASKMs as requests are analysed vis-à-vis airport capacity parameters deployed in Category I. Further, a minimum of 10 per cent of such as runways, aprons and terminal buildings. Based on the ASKMs as deployed in Category II is required to be de- the analysis, all airport operators either approve the slots re- ployed in Category IIA (one Category II airport to another) and quested in respect of their airports or generate a list of alterna- a minimum of 50 per cent of ASKMs deployed in Category I is tive offers. These approved and offered slots are discussed in a required to be deployed in Category III (the rest of the airports meeting wherein all the airlines, the DGCA, the Bureau of Civil i.e. other than Category I and Category II). Aviation Security (BCAS) and the airport operators are present. Currently, there is a debate on whether the existing guide- After the meeting often involving animated horse-trading, the lines are serving the purpose of connecting to Category II and approved slots are conveyed to DGCA for approval of the flight III routes. Several proposals have been proffered by the air- schedule. Slots are allocated twice a year, for summer season lines to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). One long-pending and winter season; each season being a period of six months. proposal is for replacing the current guidelines with a system Allocation of slots is based on “Grandfather Rights” and “use it of reverse auction, where operations on loss-making routes are or lose it” rule in case of mergers and acquisitions of domestic subsidised through competitive bidding among airlines. There airlines. Grandfather rights means that the slots allocated to is also a proposal that if a flight operates on the Mumbai-Delhi- a particular carrier in the previous season are reverted to the Srinagar route, only the Delhi-Srinagar service should be con- same carrier. This policy accounts for allocation of a large ma- sidered as fulfilment of Category II obligation. As of now, the jority of slots, particularly at peak times. In the context of merg- Mumbai-Delhi leg is also taken into account. Similarly, there is ers, according to the domestic air transport policy, the airline a view among Civil Aviation Ministry officials that connections which is merging with or acquiring another airline is allowed to NER should be accounted only if they are from Kolkata or to take control of the airport infrastructure, including slots of another destination within the NER; and services from Mum- the latter. “Use it or lose it” rule implies that this right will be bai to Bagdogra or Delhi to Guwahati would thus be left out of available with the airline that takes over till such time as the this calculation. The Ministry is also looking into the possibility rights are under use. If the concerned rights are not used, the of adding more routes to the lucrative Category I and it is likely airline stands to lose the user rights over them. As per the slot that links to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi could be includ- allocation policy, after allocation of slots on the basis of “grand- ed therein. Also, on the agenda is the possibility of increasing father rights” and “use it or lose it” policy; 50 per cent of the left Category II deployment to 15 per cent of the capacity operated over slots are allotted to the new airlines. There are no charges on trunk routes as compared to 10 per cent now. The Minis- for peak and non-peak slots in the policy but this entry barrier try plans to discuss the viability of allowing excess capacity is particularly significant for new airlines which find it difficult deployed on Category II routes, over and above the minimum to capture peak hour slots, as those are rarely abdicated by the norms, to set off obligation on Category III. Air India, for ex- large players in the market. ample, deploys capacity on non-trunk routes far in excess of its RDG have been in existence since 1994, but have been obligations. Sometimes, it may be uneconomical for an airline tweaked a little every two or three years and especially since to operate flights in all the routes due to financial or technical 2003. One of the laudable objectives of the RDG is to provide reasons. The type of aircraft required to serve a regional route connectivity to smaller cities and towns, or in other words, may be different from the one required to serve the metros and to boost regional aviation. As airlines tend to crave for metro this may require the creation of a different fleet. slots, the routes they tend to fly also get biased towards metro- As is evident, the tussle between airlines and MoCA over to-metro connectivity. It is easy for anyone to see that there route networking is a continual process with the commer- is not much “carrot” that can be brandished in favour of the cial materialism of the former militating against the latter’s smaller airports. Therefore, the government has been forced desire to increase the reach of scheduled services to more to use a “stick” – the RDG that mandate domestic airlines to fly and more non-metro airports. One of the solutions, albeit a proportion of their total flying capacity over unviable and un- a long-term one, lies in improving the infrastructure at the attractive routes connecting cities/towns in the North-eastern smaller airports to a level that airlines find flying to them Region (NER), Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Andaman & Nicobar attractive. It is possible to then fantasise about a state of Islands (A&NI) and Lakshadweep. The capacity of an airline nature where there exists no RDG at all. SP
10 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net 1045SPsA267x210raptorNov.indd 1 10/12/11 3:00 PM Military Market Outlook cover story
omnirole fighter: short-listed for the mmrca iation & eurofighter iation Av assault programme, Dassault rafale is Versatile and best in all categories of missions and is a true “Force Multiplier” P hotographs: D
12 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military Market Outlook
he global market for mili- tary aircraft is one that is unlikely to shrink—except for short, temporary periods of time—given the propensity human nature has for power projec- tion. India has made a mark in the market by way of its Bangalore-based biennial TAero India show. However, it is yet to carve out for itself a place in the market as its indigenous manufacturing capability in the aviation regime remains unimpressive. Indeed, worldwide, the aerospace and defence market is dominated by four major players: EADS, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. However, new emerging entities are gradually showing their strength especially as the world market for mili- Looking tary aviation continues to grow; leading this demand are the US, China, India, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Germany, Japan and Saudi Arabia. Forward India is amongst the world’s largest importers of defence hardware but its name does not feature even among the first 15 largest exporters of de- fence hardware. This skewed import versus ex- to port picture is remarkable, and especially so as India has an impressive technological base and a sizeable defence budget. Given the growing state of the Indian economy, India’s defence spending can be expected to swell correspondingly, thus providing market opportunities for indigenous as well as traditional global arms suppliers. According to the Gov- ernment of India’s Thirteenth Finance Commission Report 2010-15, India is expected to spend $80 billion (`4,00,000 crore) over the next four to five years for the Indian armed forces. The more significant military aviation procurements currently in process (or under planning) are the medium 2012 multi-role combat airplanes (MMRCA), fifth-generation Given the growing state fighter aircraft, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and air-to- of the Indian economy, air refuelling planes. Approval is also likely to be provided for modernisation of airfield infrastructure, for which re- India’s defence spending quests for proposals have been floated to global aerospace can be expected to and defence (A&D) firms while further technology require- ments have been described in the areas of unmanned air swell correspondingly, vehicles (UAVs), tactical missiles, radar-based electronics, thus providing market warfare systems and munitions. Learning from past experiences in procurement for the opportunities for indigenous military, the Ministry of Defence has issued a new Defence as well as traditional global Procurement Procedure (DPP) and a new Defence Produc- tion Policy. The new DPP includes procuring Indian goods arms suppliers. for homeland security and civil aviation, including simula- tors and training, as part of offset programmes. This has widened the list of goods that can be procured from Indian By Group Captain (Retd) industry as offset by overseas companies, which was other- wise becoming an unachievable task for these companies. A.K. Sachdev Through the new production policy, the Indian Government aims to make the Indian defence sector self-reliant. This policy envisages external procurement, only where the lo- cal industry has no capability to design or manufacture in
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 13 Military Market Outlook
eurofighter typhoon: this twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter is the other strong contender for the MMRCA programme
a given timeframe. Going forward, an Indian Government objective is indeed laudable, it has the potential pitfall of initiative to promote participation by the Indian private sec- actually keeping us away from leading edge technology. As tor industries is inviting bids from Indian industry to par- aviation is perhaps the most technology intensive of all mili- ticipate in future military requirements under the “make” tary fields, this could become a stumbling block for the In- category. The increased emphasis on procuring from the In- dian military aviation market, and especially for the capital dian private sector may result in a higher number of merger market i.e. new aircraft or equipment acquisitions. The US, and acquisition deals. Recently, some private companies, for one, is unlikely to part with technology, especially if it of including Mahindra and Tata groups, have made acquisi- the leading edge variety. tions outside and in India. Maini Global Aerospace (MGA), Moving on to upgrades, according to one estimate by Vision- well known as the maker of the country’s first ever electric gain, a UK-based business information provider, the sales in passenger car Reva, has recently raised $10 million from the global military aircraft modernisation, upgrade and retrofit an overseas private equity (PE) fund, signalling the growing market totals up to around $12.43 billion (`62,150 crore) for interest of foreign investors in Indian A&D companies. MGA 2011; this figure includes government spending on airframe, plans to use the funds to build an aerospace manufacturing power plant and avionics upgrades. The figure is impressive factory. There are many such private players set to make a especially as intense economic pressures have troubled na- contribution to the military aviation market. tional defence budgets across the globe. Visiongain’s analysis Para 12 of the Defence Production Policy reads: “In all demonstrates that the global military aircraft modernisation, cases of transfer of technology (ToT), the Department of De- upgrade and retrofit market; is a growing marketplace offer- fence Production (DDP) along with Defence Research and ing government contract opportunities that are likely to see Development Organisation (DRDO), Integrated Defence Staff a range of companies realising commercial success, from the and Services’ HQ will be involved in identification and eval- major defence and security systems integrators to niche avi- uation of requisite technology, and subsequently would be onics specialists. Indian industry, with a strong technological responsible to ensure that appropriate absorption of tech- background and performance, has the potential to exploit this nology takes place in the Indian industry. Thereafter, suc- section of the military aviation market. However, it will take cessive generations of the weapon systems/platforms will be some time to do so because private sector has had inadequate developed in the country.” Transfer of technology has thus incentive and regulatory support to penetrate this area in the become an important “mantra” for defence procurement; historical past, while the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) there is a significant change from our earlier contentment has performed with characteristic public sector inefficiency. with licence production with only production plans chang- Private equity players in India, facing intense competition ing hands and there being no substantial ToT. While this to find the right deals, have shown rising interest in defence
14 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military Market Outlook and aerospace sectors in recent years. Their increasing interest MICA missile is fired by the expectation of pos- for upgraded Mirage 2000 sible expansion in defence budget, coupled with increased participa- tion from the private sector. Ac- MICA IR on a Rafale cording to one estimate, India’s defence budget is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15 per cent over the pe- riod financial year (FY) 2012-22. It is slightly more than the estimated nominal GDP growth of 12.5 per cent. This is in pleasantly placed comparison with the figures for the past decade; over the period 2101- 11, defence budgets grew at 10.3 per cent CAGR and the GDP by 12.8 per cent. Centrum Broking, an Indian fund mobilisation compa- ny, recently organised an investor conference on the Indian defence sector; more than 40 PE firms par- ticipated and their interest was evident across all the segments of the sector. According to Sandeep Photograph: MBDA Nayak, CEO, Centrum Broking, “Defence is a non-interest rate- fter getting stuck at the Finance Ministry for months, the weapons package for sensitive sector and demand is as- India’s upgraded Mirage 2000s was finally cleared last week, with the Cabinet sured for the next three-five years ACommittee on Security (CCS) gave its stamp of approval to a $1.2 billion deal due to the required military spend.” for 490 MBDA MICA IR/radar-guided beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM). The MICA will be the primary air superiority stand-off weapon in the IAF Mirage’s new The Indian Air Force (IAF) has avatar. With a stated operational range anywhere between 500 m and 80 km, the MICA been pressing for a private consor- has been recognised by the IAF as one of the most versatile munitions in the market tium in military aviation business, today, but also one of the costliest. While MBDA has refused to confirm numbers of price, which until now, has been domi- figures in the public domain would suggest that India will be buying the MICAs at over nated by the state-owned HAL. IAF $2-million a piece. In December, two IAF Mirage 2000s proceeded to France to begin the has given a proposal to the Ministry $2.2 billion upgrade programme being conducted by Dassault and Thales. The remaining of Defence (MoD) that they should 49 aircraft will be upgraded by HAL in Bangalore with transferred technology. Like the exploit private industry in finding Mirage upgrade deal, the MICA deal with MBDA has an offsets component of 30 per cent a replacement for its ageing Avro- that the French company will have to plough back into India. Sources reveal this could 748 aircraft. According to one esti- be partly through Bharat Dynamics Ltd, which is still to absorb advanced technology in mate, the entire Avro replacement a meaningful way. MBDA has also been pitching the vertically launched (VL) MICA to the Indian Navy for the ship-borne air defence role. On the Mirage 2000, the MICA takes over programme would be in the range the roles so far played by the Matra Magic II short-range fire and forget IR-guided missile of about $3 billion (`15,000 crore) and the active radar guided Matra Super 530D medium-range missile. • with the IAF’s requirement of —SP’s Special Correspondent about 60 planes. There have been discussions among companies from Tata and Mahindra groups for forming a possible consortium with foreign partnership tary expenditure that India has (against 1.5 times in 2000). for bidding for the project. If the IAF proposal goes through India’s resolve to spend generously on military aerospace is and an Indian consortium takes up the challenge of manu- targeted largely at expensive foreign acquisitions—MMRCA, facturing a modern aircraft to replace the old ‘Avros’, then it C-130, air-to-air refuellers, et al. What India needs to do is would bring about a huge change in the role of Indian pri- to capitalise on the high demand for aerospace products vate sector in defence industry. It would lead to a private through governmental regulatory support so as to exploit entity that could take on HAL in military aviation. its strengths—cost advantage and a strong engineering and There is something poignant about the seriously re- information technology base. The new DPP is aimed at giv- tarded growth of India’s indigenous aerospace hardware ing a boost to indigenous aerospace production. What needs industry; lack of healthy competion is just one part of the to be seen is whether and when it will achieve its objectives; malaise. There is possibly a warning for India in the mili- the fifth-generation fighter would be the test case (in the tary expenditure figures of China which has widened the context of technology transfer) to weigh the DPP’s efficacy gap in a number of areas and currently has thrice the mili- and adequacy vis-à-vis market forces. SP
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 15 Military market outlook Bright Exciting&
If 2011 proved to be an eventful year for the IAF in terms of new acquisitions, year 2012 promises to be even more exciting with the year expected to begin on a high note
By Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia
n his recent New Year ‘message’, the Chief of very first month of January itself. The winner of the IAF’s the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. decade-long competition for its high-voltage medium multi- Browne while praising the men and women in blue role combat aircraft (MMRCA) programme, valued at rough- for their professional calibre, commitment and ly $20 billion (`1,00,000 crore), is likely to be announced in achievements and wishing them continued success the third week of January, with contract being signed before in all their endeavours stated, “Over the past one the end of the current financial year on March 31. The final year, the IAF has taken confident strides on the path of step for the “mother of all defence deals” will bring to a close Itransforming itself into a multi-spectrum force.” The IAF is one of the longest and most dramatic competitions in the indeed taking big steps to continue to upgrade its capabili- history of aerospace contracting. ties to be able to fully address India’s emerging and future But the rest of 2012 promises to be no less action- security concerns. He was obviously referring to recent ac- packed. Aircraft contracts that are scheduled to be awarded quisitions of some big ticket acquisitions such as the air- during the year include the billion dollar deal for 197 recon- borne warning and control system (AWACS) and the C-130J naissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) for the Indian Super Hercules ‘special operations’ aircraft. Army and the IAF with two helicopters left in the race — the If 2011proved to be an eventful year for the IAF in terms Eurocopter AS550 Fennec and the Russian Kamov Ka-226 of new acquisitions, 2012 promises to be even more excit- Sergei. A contract for 22 attack helicopters will be awarded
ns, Pilatus & R ussian H elico p ters Pilatus S P G uide Pu b ns, Photogra p hs: Boeing, ing with the year expected to begin on a high note in the to Boeing for its already selected AH-64D Block III Apache
16 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military market outlook
Longbow assault helicopters. In the heavy-lift category, the fight is still on between the Boeing CH-47 Chinook and the Russian Mi-26 T2, but the winner is likely to emerge soon with the contract being awarded later in 2012. The Indian Government will also soon conclude a $1.2 billion (`6,000 crore) follow on deal for six more Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules ‘special operations’ aircraft to augment the already inducted into service six aircraft in No. 77 Squadron based at Hindon near Delhi. Another crucial contract to be awarded before the end of the current financial year is the $565 million (`2,825 crore) deal for 75 basic trainers to Swiss airplane maker Pilatus for the PC-7 Mk2 which had been delayed following a protest by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea. It is vital for the IAF to conclude the contract as soon as possible, con- sidering the compounded adverse affect the IAF is facing in its overall flying training programmes owing to the absence of an operational basic trainer in its inventory. There are good indications for some more big ticket follow on and new orders to be inked in the current year, especially in the field of force-multipliers. Leading the pack could be the follow on order for two additional AWACS systems (combina- tion of Russian IL-76 aircraft and the Israeli Phalcon radar and control system). Revived plans to add six flight refueller aircraft (FRA) to the IAF’s existing fleet of six (IL-78 MKI) is progress- ing rapidly. Competing for the contract valued in excess of a billion dollars, are the EADS’ Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) and Rosoboronexport IL-78 (Mk 90). The latest reports suggest that both competing aircraft have been flight evaluated last month at the IAF’s Gwalior air base, giving further credence to the possibility of announcing the winner during the current year itself i.e. before the end of 2012. Capital acquisitions, which would continue to accrue in 2012 from the ongoing projects from foreign sources, in- clude the Russian Mi-17 V-5 where the order book has fur- ther swelled to a total of 139 units. A great deal of activity can be witnessed on the home front too with continuing in- ductions of a variety of systems being produced indigenous- ly. These include the frontline air dominance fighter Su-30 MKI, of which the IAF has till now received close to 190 fighters out of a total order of 272 and additional ALH Dhruv helicopters. The IAF has also placed orders for 48 Tejas LCA jet fighters (eight already in service) which will continue to be inducted from the limited series production under way at HAL, Bangalore. Orders have also been placed on HAL for supplying to the IAF 65 light combat helicopters (LCH), still under development and 72 HJT-36 Sitara aircraft. For its ground-based air defence, the IAF will start getting the Israeli Spyder (18 systems on order) and the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) with an order worth eight squadrons till now. All this and much more; little wonder, the Air Chief has exhorted his air warriors to meet the challenges, empha- sising, “Operationalisation of the systems being inducted, speedy development of our operational infrastructure and integration of new capabilities in our overall operational employment matrix would require our undivided attention and commitment.” Capital Acquisitions: Not only bright and exciting, ‘Year 2012’ also promises (opposite page) AH-64D Block III Apache Longbow assault helicopter to be highly challenging for the Indian Air Force. SP (top to bottom) C-130J super hercules; pilatus PC-7 MK2 —With inputs from SP’s Special Correspondent basic trainer and the Russian Mi-17V-5 helicopter
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 17 Military Fighters
f one were to seek a benchmark to separate modern advanced fighters from the rest of the pack, fifth-generation By Air Marshal (Retd) fighters (FGFAs) clearly lie on top of the heap. They represent a class of their A.K. Trikha, Pune own. However, the technologies involved are so advanced and the resources required so Isubstantial that so far only the United States has been able to field an operational fifth-generation fighter in F-22, the Raptor. The United States Air Force (USAF) had originally intended to buy 750 aircraft with production beginning in 1994. However, both due to changed threat perception and even more significantly the prohibitively high cost, procurement target has gradually been whittled down to 187 units. The flyway cost of F-22 was $150 million (`750 crore) per air- craft in 2009. Joint strike fighter (JSF-Lightening II), the other claimant to that pedigree and which Better is slated to form the backbone of the USAF, has than had to tackle major technical and cost overrun the Best
Technology carries a certain momentum of its own. Despite very high costs and the considerable margin by which the US has already outpaced its nearest competitor, buzz for a ‘sixth-generation fighter’ dubbed ‘next generation tactical aircraft’ with even more powerful capabilities, is already audible. Su khoi & wiki p edia U SA F, Photogra p hs: Us Navy,
18 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military Fighters issues. A US Government Accountability Office report of March F-35 lightening II: 2010 states that the overall unit cost of an F-35A would be japan ministry of defence $112 million (`560 crore) in 2010 money. Technical complex- has selected F-35 jet as its ity and high costs have encouraged likeminded nations to next mainstay fighter form consortia to share risks and costs. For the F-35, while the United States is the primary customer and financial backer, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway and Denmark have agreed to contribute an overall $4.375 billion (`21,875 crore) towards the development costs of the programme. Russia is testing its FGFA, the PAK-FA, on its own, but joint Sukhoi/HAL FGFA would be built on the same PAK-FA foundation—thus sharing risks and costs. What are the attributes that separate the FGFA from the other fighters? Broadly the idea can be summed up as synergy of stealth, and information fusion for complete situ- ational awareness.
Stealth Of all attributes, ‘stealth’ or low observability is perhaps the most important defining characteristic of a FGFA. It is low visibility against the entire spectrum of sensors in- cluding radar, infrared, acoustic and even visual which yields a stealth fighter the edge that nullifies many other performance advantages that the adversary might enjoy. By outwitting all defences during the opening phases of the First Gulf War in 1991, F-117 A Nighthawk (the first fight- er with stealth as its predominant strength) brought home dramatically the exponential value addition of this attribute. However, in achieving low visibility, it had to sacrifice impor- tant performance parameters of speed and manouverability, thus leaving a window of vulnerability, should it get detect- ed. F-22 Raptor and other aircraft in the fifth-generation stable have overcome this limitation to varying degrees. For example, in manoeuvre performance, a F-22 (Raptor) in dry power, matches or exceeds F-15 C in afterburner regime. Low observability in FGFAs is achieved by a combina- tion of aerodynamic tailoring, usage of composite materi- als which help both in reducing weight as well as radar reflectivity, shaping intake ducts to prevent radar echoes from the highly reflective compressor and turbine faces and a host of other techniques which helps to reduce its foot- print. Earlier stealth designs (like the B-2 Spirit Bomber and Night Hawk F-117A) used absorbent materials and coatings extensively to absorb the incident radar energy. However, they were maintenance-intensive and required climate- controlled hangars to protect their stealth coatings. Aero- dynamic refinements now have reduced reliance on this method of signature control. Weapons carriage on external pylons, which is a major contributor to the RCS of all fight- ers, have been replaced by provisioning of internal weapon bays, thus maintaining the sleek stealthy airframe lines ex- cept for brief moments of weapon release. Close attention to detail has resulted in a virtually noiseless aircraft with very little thermal, acoustic or radar signature. For instance, while the exact radar cross section of the F-22 in various aspects remains classified; in early 2009, Lockheed Martin revealed that from certain critical angles, Raptor’s signature was comparable to that of a “steel marble”. fifth generation: It is obvious that some tradeoffs are necessary between F-22 raptor what is required to enhance low observability, mission requirements and even cost. F-22A design keeps it stealthy
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 19 Military Fighters
pak-fa: F-117 A Nighthawk: russian’s are the first fighter testing the fgfa with stealth as its predominant strength
from all aspects as required in an air dominance fighter. F-35 stealth amongst other desirables at the expense of other Lightening II on the other hand has a very low radar profile performance parameters. In real air combat scenarios, whiff from the front, is less stealthy viewed sideways and is least of agonising uncertainty whether the guy being seen on the stealthy in the rear quarters. Similarly, Canard surfaces and other end of the tube is a friend or foe, still remains. Fear leading edge extensions increase radar cross-section (RCS). of blue on blue engagements often results in combats being But many designs choose to retain canards to enhance agility fought at close ranges where the stealth’s relevance is largely while sacrificing some bit of their radar signature. negated. In such an engagement, numbers, agility, and a 360 degree cockpit view add up to more in creating the winning Sensor Fusion edge. Overemphasis on stealth design may compromise on With ever more challenging mission requirements, fighter some of these. Also while spare processing capacity in CIPs aircraft have gradually come to resemble sensor beds. A host yield potential for integration of additional inputs through of sensors operating at different wavelengths in the electro- software upgrade, any flaw in these mammoth software magnetic spectrum connect the pilot to his operating envi- webs can cripple supposedly unrelated aircraft systems. ronment. In a first, Raptor’s design for example embeds pas- FGFA certainly defines the gold standard in combat ef- sive sensors for various wavelengths all around the aircraft’s fectiveness. But if stealth and information fusion were to be structure. This greatly improves the aircraft’s first detection the hallmarks of these aircraft, these have also been incor- ability, even with its radar switched off. In the emerging porated to varying degrees both in new designs i.e. French battlefield environment, fighter aircraft on a mission no lon- Rafale, Eurofighter, Swedish Saab Gripen as well as the ger hunt individually. They operate in a networked environ- upgrades being undertaken on legacy fighters. With much ment—receiving and sharing data with a variety of dispersed enhanced capabilities, these new and upgraded fighters sources. The APG-77 active electronically scanned array (and the process is continuing) have become the so-called (AESA) radar system of the F-22 functions as a Wi-Fi access bridge between the fourth- and fifth-generation and a new point which can transmit data at 548 megabit/sec and re- category 4.5 has come into vogue. With advanced aerody- ceive in the gigabit/sec range. To put it in perspective Link 16 namic designs, up rated powerful engines, advanced digital still in use by the US, allied aircraft transfers data at just over flight control systems and thrust vectoring in some cases; 1 mb/sec. The intention behind high speed of connectivity is the manoeuvre capability is much enhanced. The new de- to generate seamlessly a comprehensive all round picture to signs also deliver a degree of stealth. New technology AESA enhance the pilot’s situational awareness. The flood of infor- radars have come to be a sine qua non for all 4.5 designs. mation spewed by multitude of sensors (all crucial to mission Separately, simultaneous maturation of BVR combat AAMs accomplishment) would overwhelm the pilot unless filtered, and GPS coupled air-to-ground weaponry has rendered prioritised and presented appropriately in an easily digestible these platforms highly effective. Equipped with secure, jam format. Powerful integration processors perform that crucial resistant datalinks, these ‘Bridge’ fighters are designed to function. In the F-22’s AN/APG-77, AESA radar is the key operate in network-centric environment thus enhancing to the Raptor’s integrated avionics and sensor capabilities. their effectiveness significantly. Therefore, even if they do Two common integrated processors (CIPs), each with a signal not belong to the top shelf, they still merit the sobriquet of processing capacity of more than 20 billion operations /sec being modern (even very modern) fighters. (Bops) fuse, filter and present to the pilot in the cockpit in an Technology carries a certain momentum of its own. De- easily digestible format the information gathered from the ra- spite very high costs and the considerable margin by which dar and other onboard and off board sources. The CIPs have the US has already outpaced its nearest competitor, buzz for built-in expansion potential of up to 50 Bops to accommodate a ‘sixth generation fighter’ dubbed ‘next generation tacti- inputs from additional sensors and systems as and when they cal aircraft’ with even more powerful capabilities, is already become available for integration. audible. The sudden appearance of Chinese J-20 in Janu- While fifth-generation fighters have established new ary 2011, with a seeming stealthy shape would undoubtedly benchmarks, some doubts remain about supremacy of add to the clamour for an even more capable fighter. SP
20 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military Transport
A mine resistant, ambush protected vehicle being offloaded from a Filling the C-17 Globemaster III Gap With India’s emerging status as a regional power, the nation will indeed require the capability of swift response and power projection to safeguard its national security interests transcending international borders
By Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia
n December 12, 2011, the Indian Air Force N.A.K. Browne who stated, “For the first time perhaps in (IAF) reportedly simulated a piracy contingency our history, the aircraft came before time and that has actu- at Campbell Bay in Nicobar Islands (the fur- ally helped us keep moving.” thermost Island territory of India) based on an The C-130J aircraft fills the vacuum created long ago intelligence input that an Indian merchant ship with the retirement of An-12s in the early 1990s, finally had been hijacked with hostages. The simulated bridging the gap in the 20-tonne payload capability. But launch of the long-range special operation mission was suc- clearly, the acquisition of just six of these airplanes would Ocessfully accomplished using a C-130J as airborne platform. be grossly inadequate to meet the IAF’s requirements in this The above report clearly illustrates the IAF’s reliance class. There are strong indications that India would order on C-130J Super Hercules to carry out ‘special operations’ another lot of six more C-130Js in the near future for the tasks, and the speed and seriousness with which its air war- IAF, to be based in ‘Charbatia’ to cater to the requirements riors are honing their skills to achieve the necessary opera- of the country’s eastern region. To boost the IAF’s capabili- tional capabilities. Within a short time span since its formal ties in the 15 to 20-tonne payload category, India had also induction into the IAF on February 5, 2011, the IAF’s Super planned to co-develop/co-produce a medium airlift aircraft Hercules aircraft have been involved in myriad air trans- (MTA) through a joint venture (JV) with Russia, with a pro- port roles including disaster relief operations for the victims jected maximum payload of 18.5 tonnes. Apparently, the of the recent Sikkim earthquake. The newly raised No. 77 JV is encountering some contractual problems, and in the Squadron ‘Veiled Vipers’, based at Hindon Air Force Sta- probably remote likelihood of it being called off, the need tion near Delhi has already received all six C-130J aircraft to induct more C-130Js to equip at least two full-fledged of the first order. The order was completed considerably squadrons—if not more—would definitely exist. The Indo- short of the scheduled delivery timeframes, eliciting highly Russian JV, it may be recalled, has provision for 45 and 100
P hotogr a ph: US Af enthused response from the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal MTA for India and Russia, respectively.
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 21 Military Transport
A quick glance at the IAF’s present transport aircraft suring peace and stability in the region, the nation will indeed fleets (other than C-130J) says that the IAF has the following: require this capability of swift response and power projec- tion to safeguard its national security interests transcending • IL-76 heavy lift aircraft: 17 international borders. But for tasks during airborne assault • An-32 tactical transport aircraft: 100+ operations such as insertion of troops into dropping zones of • Avro-748 light-medium transporter: Between 40 to 50 restricted dimensions, decoy missions, resupply operations, air maintenance of troops deployed in the forward locations • Dornier DO-228 light utility aircraft: 28 in the northern and north-eastern border areas of the coun- Note: The list does not include aircraft such as the Embraer Leg- try, as also for rapid deployment of small size security forces acy (used for VIP communication duties) and the IL-76 airborne within the country to meet various contingencies, the IAF will warning and control system (AWACS)/IL-78 FRA force multipliers. require aircraft in sizeable numbers with payload capability It is worth noting that all four types mentioned in the above ranging between five and 10 tonnes. list have crossed the midway mark of their respective service Currently, the IAF is fielding the An-32 fleet (max payload life with some of them suffering from serious deficiencies, 5-7 tonnes) to undertake the tasks enunciated above. The making it difficult to hold respectable serviceability states. For 100+ aircraft fleet is in the process of being given a boost with example, the IAF’s present fleet of 17 or so IL-76 heavy airlift- a much needed mid-life upgrade package with the help of its ers has been plagued with poor serviceability due to peren- Ukrainian original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The up- nial problems of spares and maintenance support including grade once completed would enhance the fleet life by another delays in overhauls which have to be conducted abroad in decade or so. Ostensibly, the Indo-US joint ‘MTA’ programme the absence of the requisite facilities in India. The situation is being undertaken as an eventual replacement of the An- fluctuates from poor to so grim that at times the IAF is unable 32 fleet. But as stated earlier, it would result in a situation to field more than a pair of these airplanes for operational of overkill in terms of payload capabilities and unnecessary tasks. Apart from the resulting serious erosion in its heavy-lift wastage of national resources. A need would therefore arise capability, the IAF has been subjected to undesirable embar- to equip the IAF with a few squadrons of tactical airlifters rassment at the highest level. But now, there is a silver lining with five-ten tonnes payload capability. In the absence of a amongst the dark clouds of deprivation. suitable indigenous programme, there may be little choice The crying need for the IAF to spruce up its strategic left but to import these aircraft available in the global mar- heavy-lift capability and ever-growing strategic partnership ket, such as the European, Spanish Airbus Military CN-235/ with the US, including enhanced defence relations, seemed C-295 or the Italian Alenia C-27J Spartan aircraft. Fully ap- to have fused together to facilitate India signing a landmark preciating the leadtime required in the context of MOD’s DPP, deal to acquire Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III airlifters from the IAF took the initiative by issuing an RFI for the acquisi- the US. From the very inception to the signing of the contract, tion of 16 medium military transport aircraft in 2010. Alenia it turned out to be one of the fastest defence deals as far as has reportedly responded enthusiastically to the RFI as its the IAF is concerned. It was in June 2009, the IAF selected product, the C-27J, a smaller sibling of Lockheed Martin’s C- the C-17 to fulfill its very heavy-lift transport aircraft (VHETAC) 130J, is considered to be the latter aircraft’s ideal partner in requirements. It took precisely two years for the proposal to go a complimentary role. The IAF as stated earlier, has not only through the intricate politico-bureaucratic process and the deal acquired six C-130Js but is also in the mode of a repeat order was signed for 10 aircraft in June 2011, in accordance with for more aircraft. The Spartan from Alenia could be a seri- the US Government’s foreign military sales (FMS) programme, ous contender for the the IAF’s medium military aircraft pro- under a government-to-government deal worth $4.1 billion gramme amongst similar offerings by other manufacturers. (`20,500 crore). There is an option for six more aircraft built The IAF which has been operating a large fleet of Avro-748 into the contract, to be ordered at a later date. Air Chief Mar- twin turboprop aircraft in the four- to five-tonne class since shal Browne revealed during a recently conducted interview the 1960s should also be looking around for suitable replace- that Boeing would deliver all the already ordered 10 aircraft ments as the aircraft is on a gradual phase out mode. Reduced between 2013 and 2014, which means that the first aircraft in numbers from the original 70+ aircraft to about 40, the Avro- would be inducted into the IAF within two years of signing the 748 of the IAF are now primarily deployed for communication contract. He went on to state that once the IAF was satisfied and training tasks, somewhat of an overkill for both tasks, as with its performance, six more C-17s would be ordered. “By they are primarily being used by the IAF’s different Command 2015, the induction of all the 16 aircraft should be complete,” HQs adorning the tarmacs of their respective communication he added. This augurs well for the IAF in quickly building up flights. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) its strategic/tactical heavy-lift capability. The C-17 with a max led development of the ‘Saras’ twin turboprop aircraft in the 77 tonnes payload far outstrips the IL-76 (max payload approx 1.5-tonne class could be used for these roles but will the design 47 tonnes) that it will initially complement and may replace reach the maturity level to be produced commercially, is yet to totally, as the years go by. be proven. If it ever reaches this stage, it could also become a If the planned inductions and the Indo-US JV fructify as worthy contender for the eventual replacement of the ageing planned, in terms of tonnages, there is little doubt that in the Dornier light utility aircraft. However, without waiting to see 2020s, the airlift capability with the IAF will be considerably whether ‘Saras’ delivers or not, what the IAF needs to consider enhanced compared to what exists today. However, the trans- seriously is to bring down the cost of ab initio transport training port fleet will be heavily weighted in favour of medium- to by using smaller twin-engine airplanes such as the Diamond heavy-lift aircraft (C-17, C-130J, MTA). With India’s emerging Twin-Star variety which even though fully loaded electronically, status as a regional power and the new responsibilities of en- provide cost-effective solutions to fulfill these requirements. SP
22 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military UAVs
Develop& ments Nuances
LONG range: Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk
With rapid advances in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, UAVs are increasingly becoming more versatile. And while the DRDO is taking steps to design and develop different types of UAVs, some of the private industries also need to invest in this rapidly growing aerial platform.
For knowing afar of the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow until everyone can recognise them; there is no longer any remedy to be found. —Machiavelli, The Prince, 1513
he last quarter of By Air Marshal (Retd) nian engineer wrote in the Christian 2011 has been a trying Science Monitor, “By putting noise period for the American B.N. Gokhale, Pune jamming on the communications, unmanned aerial vehicle you force the bird into autopilot. This (UAV) operations in and is where the bird loses its brain.” Ap- around the Afghanistan- parently, once it loses its brain, the Pakistan (AF-Pak) region. The botched UAV relies on GPS signals to get Tidentification and resultant fratricide of home. By spoofing GPS, Iranian en- 24 Pakistani soldiers on November 26, gineers were able to get the drone to 2011, has raised serious questions on fusion of behemoth “land on its own where we wanted it to, without having to of information that various sensors are gathering in the crack the remote-control signals and communications.” ‘areas of interest’. The US-Pak acrimony that has followed FMV is the key to activity based intelligence analysis, has resulted in the US having to vacate the Shamsi Air Base a discipline which had helped reveal the Abbottabad resi- in West Pakistan, which was vital for the UAV operations, dence of Osama bin Laden. The worry now is whether the flown by both the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Iranians, with or without the help from Chinese, would be US armed forces. able to reverse engineer this technologically advanced plat- Then came the downing of RQ-170 Sentinel, a flying wing form, which also incorporates a number of stealth features. shaped stealth UAV with a full motion video (FMV) payload, Having left behind at Abbottabad the damaged Blackhawk by the Iranian air defence on December 4, 2011. The Irani- helicopter with many new stealth characteristics; the US is ans claimed to have spoofed the GPS feed in the Sentinel’s worried of losing this important technological edge to others
raph: Northrop Grumma n P hoto g raph: Northrop navigation system, a new cause of worry for the US. An Ira- and in particular to the Chinese.
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 23 Military UAVs
The Flood of Information recent is the adaption of several platforms to carry air-to- Too much of information (TMI) is what the US military com- surface weapons, with some reports suggesting such use in manders are saying about the explosion of data being col- the troubled Uyghur region. lected by thousands of UAVs. As UAVs provide valuable infor- In the early days of development, the Chinese are known mation, over the years, the US military has been asking for to have received Israeli technology, but after complaints more and more of them to be sent to the Afghanistan-Paki- from the United States that some of this technology had stan region. In 2009, the American UAVs alone generated 24 actually originated in the US, China has had to rely upon years worth of video, if watched continuously. In 2011, this other sources including reverse engineering of the western figure is expected to grow many times. All this information platforms. On a related note, it was believed that China was needs to be processed so that it is useful for the command- able to decipher some of the sophisticated technologies and ers in the field. The software that can archive and retrieve software onboard the EP-3 signals reconnaissance aircraft information when needed and display it on a user-friendly that was forced to land on Hainan Island during the 2001 interface is the key for timely action. As Lt General David A. Sino-American “spy plane” incident. Deptula, erstwhile USAF Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR, said The domestic research has however taken firm root in Chi- recently, “We are going to find ourselves in the not too distant na, as evident from the development of ASN-211, a small ‘flap- future swimming in sensors and drowning in data.” ping wing’ platform, weighing only a quarter of a kilogram, The key therefore is in data fusion, which involves the com- emulating a bird in flight. Then there is the Qingdao Helicopter bining of data, such as UAV video, with a geographical infor- Manufacturing Corporation with their V-750 helicopter UAV. mation system (GIS), which adds location and time data to the The Chinese have also developed the high altitude long images gathered by UAVs. To accomplish this, the raw data endurance (HALE) version ASN-229A, which is a reconnais- has to be combined with metadata flowing out of the informa- sance and attack UAV with twin-boom design. This UAV can tion of multi-sensor fusion. To support such complex activity carry two underwing AR-1semi-active missiles with a ceil- of looking for the needle in a haystack, new softwares are be- ing of 30,000 ft and an endurance of around 20 hours. The coming available such as the General Dynamics’ Quarterback CASC CH-3 canard-configured UAV is reported to be capa- Information Fusion and Story Maker Fusion system. There are ble of carrying a 65 kg multi-purpose bomb. Then there are other sensors besides UAVs collecting information about the most recent designs, the Soaring Dragon and Sky Wing high battlespace. To bring together a number of ground, air and altitude UAVs, which are expected to perform similar func- sea-based sensors, as well as human intelligence in a usable tions to the American RQ-4 Global Hawk, in terms of long- format; will be a huge challenge as these systems proliferate. range surveillance. Further proof of the Chinese UAV indus- As the Indian Air Force (IAF) transforms itself into the try coming of age is evident by the recent export promotions real time ‘sensor to shooter’ paradigm, there is a pressing of some of the designs to Brunei, Malaysia and Pakistan. need to develop smart technologies which will automate the process of archiving, tagging, retrieving, managing, and dis- Lessons for India playing UAV videos and info gathered by increasingly sophis- All the three wings of the armed forces have now been using ticated sensors. Possibly, the Indian software industry will similar UAVs for over a decade. NTRO also has UAVs from the need to play this important role. same source except for the satellite feed for navigation. There is a need now for all the operators to upgrade their capabilities Anticipatory Style of Operations considerably in important areas such as diversification both in The RQ-170 Sentinel, equipped with FMV sensor, was a key terms of sources for acquisition and different types of UAVs for element in the Osama bin Laden raid in Pakistan. Perhaps different roles, selective weaponisation and data management. the most important lesson that emerged from the raid was Another important area that needs immediate attention is the how much of its planning relied on activity-based intelligence. human resource factor. UAV as an unmanned system is quite a Osama bin Laden was never seen, but frequent visits by im- misnomer. While it is true that the platform per se is without a portant people, revealed that he was there. Much of the infor- pilot, there are a number of personnel involved in keeping the mation was gathered by the FMV sensor system and the data UAV afloat and to glean information. The Indian armed forc- was analysed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. es and for that matter even NTRO need to cater to induction, With the Ministry of Home Affairs putting together the training, promotions and such HR issues for a motivated and National Intelligence Grid (NatGrid), prolonged analysis of operationally capable cadre. activities especially near some of the vital areas and vital points, will assist in gathering the activity based intelligence. In varied roles This will considerably help in a proactive strategy to fight With rapid advances in the fields of robotics and artificial varied spectrum of warfare including terrorism. It would intelligence, UAVs are increasingly becoming more versatile. also be a great tool for the Special Forces in planning their Notwithstanding the limitations of weather penetration and operational missions. lack of inherent flexibility of decision-making as compared to a manned platform, the UAVs are being fielded in a variety of Chinese UAV Programme complementary roles. Apart from reconnaissance and surveil- Unmanned aviation has been around in China since the lance, their utility during disaster management and in particu- late 1950s, when surplus fighter aircraft were modified as lar during the NBC scenarios, have a tremendous potential. target drones, but the development of a specifically built While the DRDO is taking steps to design and develop different unmanned aerial system for intelligence surveillance and types of UAVs, some of the private industries also need to in- reconnaissance (ISR) duties, is relatively new. Even more vest in this rapidly growing versatile aerial platform. SP
24 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military C-17c-17
a strong workhorse
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III was planned to be wound up in 2004, but production has been extended again and again, and the end is not in sight. As the IAF’s C-17s fly their operational missions, perhaps across the globe, they are likely to encounter many other C-17s sporting a variety of flags.
arly next year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will get a welcome boost in its strategic and tactical airlift capability. The service will induct 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift military transport aircraft in 2013-14. These potent workhorses of the air will gradu- ally replace the worthy but ageing IL-76 fleet. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, recently said, “The IAF is actually moving very fast towards transforming into a full spectrum strategic Ecapability.” The C-17 will provide the IAF a major push in this direction. By Group Captain (Retd) The C-17 is not really a new plane—its maiden flight was over 20 years ago. Joseph Noronha, Goa The US Air Force (USAF) declared its first few C-17s operational in January 1995 and has received 214 aircraft since then. Other customers include the Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Canadian Air Force, the Royal
ratt & whitney and D efense.gov p ratt Photogra p hs: usaf, Australian Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and the 12-mem-
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 25 Military C-17
exclusive power: Pratt & Whitney’s F117-PW-100 engines will power the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the IAF
ber Strategic Airlift Capabil- ity initiative, between North The key Atlantic Treaty Organisation to its (NATO) and Partnership for Peace nations. The C-17s impressive currently entering service, performance however, are significantly im- proved versions of the earlier is the models. They benefit from enhanced fuel capacity, up- powerful graded avionics, additional F117- lighting systems and Honey- C-17 Fact File well’s IntuVue 3D all-weather PW-100 radar system. Worldwide, engine that First Flight: 1991 Boeing has completed deliv- First Operations: 1995 ery of 239 C-17s as of No- powers every Aircraft Delivered: 239 (as of November 2011) vember 2011. Latest Development: 214th C-17 delivered to USAF in single C-17 December 2011 Operators: USAF-223 ordered (received 214); UAE-2; RAF- 7 Modernising the IAF (received); Royal Australian Air Force-4 (received); Canadian The IAF’s C-17 contract is Forces-4 (received); Strategic Airlift Capability consortium— part of its efforts to moder- members of NATO and Partnership for Peace- 3 (received); nise as fast as possible and Qatar- 2 (received) (as of May 2011); India has ordered 10 take its strategic airlift capability to a much higher level. C-17s with option for 6 more. The massive $4.1 billion (`20,500 crore) deal was signed in June 2011 under the US Government’s foreign military sales (FMS) programme. The C-17’s 77-tonne maximum payload Boeing is bound to invest 30 per cent of the contract amount is a marked increase over the 45 to 47-tonne capacity of the in Indian civilian and military industries, reportedly includ- IL-76—currently the IAF’s sole heavy-lift transport aircraft. ing a high-altitude engine test facility and tri-sonic wind
26 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military C-17 tunnel facility of the Defence Research and Development of 1,60,000 lb. The key to its impressive performance are the Organisation (DRDO). powerful F117-PW-100 engines that power every single C-17. Boeing is likely to accelerate production and deliver the air- craft before the scheduled time. Once the IAF is satisfied with Power Packed the C-17’s performance, six more may be ordered probably in The F117, a close derivative of Pratt & Whitney’s PW2037 2013, and all 16 aircraft are likely to arrive by 2015. The IAF commercial engine that powers the Boeing 757, is a dual- currently has about 20 IL-76 aircraft, and may eventually need spool, axial airflow, annular combustion, high bypass, turbofan up to 25 C-17s. Even with a small number of 10 to 16 aircraft, engine certified at 40,440 lb (179.9 kN) thrust. It has a bypass India will be the C-17’s biggest overseas customer. The planes ratio of 5.9:1 and overall pressure ratio of 30.8:1. With more will be based at Air Force Station, Hindon, near Delhi, but their than 50 million hours of military and commercial use, the happy hunting ground will be the remote and austere north F117/PW2037 has consistently proven itself as a world-class and north-eastern Himalayan regions, where a number of air- dependable engine. The latest F117 model—the reduced tem- bases are being prepared to receive these sturdy jets. perature configuration (RTC)—uses technical and material ad- As it joins the Globemaster Sustainment Partnership vancements such as second-generation single-crystal turbine (GSP), the IAF is also looking forward to securing enhanced materials, improved cooling management and thermal barrier reliability and maintainability—two promised benefits of coatings to lower operating temperatures. A full-authority digi- the C-17 system. The GSP is a performance-based logis- tal electronic control (FADEC) delivers high operational perfor- tics agreement between Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, under mance, low fuel burn and excellent maintenance diagnostics. which aircraft availability will be guaranteed at a fixed cost. The C-17’s four F117 engines are integrated in the wings Certain performance figures are assured by Boeing, includ- and have a unique thrust reverser system that can be de- ing an aircraft mission completion success probability rate ployed in flight for tactical descents. This allows the aircraft of 92 per cent, only 20 aircraft maintenance man-hours per to use a wider range of runways. On ground, the aircraft is flying hour, and full and partial mission availability rates of capable of turning in a small radius and can complete a 180 74.7 per cent and 82.5 per cent, respectively. After being at degree star turn in 80 ft. It can also carry out routine back- the receiving end of poor fleet serviceability states for de- ing. A fully loaded aircraft is capable of backing up a two per cades, this will be like a dream come true for the IAF. cent gradient slope using the directed-flow thrust reversers. Technologically, the heart of the C-17 is its propulsive lift Capability Plus system, which uses engine exhaust to augment lift genera- The C-17 is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tail aircraft capable of tion. This “externally blown flap” or “powered-lift system” carrying payloads up to 1,66,000 lb (77 tonnes). It can deliver enables the plane to operate at about twice the lift coef- passengers and cargo over intercontinental distances, provide ficient of conventional jet transport aircraft and make re- theatre and strategic airlift in both landing and airdrop modes, markably slow, steep approaches despite heavy payloads. and augment aero-medical evacuation and special operations Thanks to this system, the aircraft can land with loads as missions. Its design permits delivery of outsize combat cargo large as 160,000 lb on runways as short as 3,000 ft. and equipment directly into and out of small, austere airfields. It has 54 permanently installed sidewall seats and 18 pallet The Great Survivor positions (including four on the ramp). The aircraft is oper- The C-17 also has a self-protection suite of sensors that can ated by a crew of just three (pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster), detect the thermal signature of a missile exhaust plume. The reducing manpower requirements, risk exposure, and long- plane is among the most battle-proven transport aircraft flying term operating costs. The cockpit has two full-time all-function today, having logged well over two million flight hours. Over head-up displays (HUD) and four multi-function active matrix the past 15 years or so, its ability to fly long distances and land liquid crystal displays (AMLCD) with conventional instruments in remote airfields, has given it a significant advantage over as backup. It has sophisticated navigation and communication its competitors. It has proved to be a powerful and reliable systems. Its quadruple-redundant electronic flight control sys- workhorse in both Iraq and Afghanistan. It was also exten- tem (EFCS) also has a mechanically-actuated backup system. sively employed by the USAF in Bosnia (1995), Kosovo (1999) Significant features of the C-17 include supercritical wing and Libya (2011). Boeing has service departments around the design and winglets to reduce drag and provide increased fuel world to maintain the aircraft—this provides its sales staff efficiency and range; receiver in-flight refuelling capability; with further bragging points when negotiating orders. externally blown-flap configuration, direct lift control spoilers The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III was planned to be wound and high impact landing gear system; forward and upward up in 2004, but production has been extended again and thrust reverser system that provides backup capability, reduc- again, and the end is not in sight. The aircraft is set to benefit es the aircraft ramp space requirements, and minimises the yet again, because the US Government lacks the tens of billions interference of dust, debris, and noise on ground; and cargo of dollars needed to develop a new strategic military transport handling systems that require a single loadmaster that per- aircraft. Indeed, Washington may be left with little option but to mit immediate offloading without special equipment. During place further orders for upgraded C-17s and production could testing, C-17s have reportedly set 33 world records, including continue well into the next decade, while the aircraft currently payload to altitude, time-to-climb, and the short take-off and being delivered may have to serve the United States Air Force landing mark, in which a C-17 got airborne in less than 1,400 (USAF) for up to 40 years. Not for nothing is the C-17 called ft, lifted a payload of 44,000 lb to altitude and landed in less the Great Survivor. As the IAF’s C-17s fly their operational mis- than 1,400 ft. The aircraft cruises at Mach 0.74 to 0.77 and has sions, perhaps across the globe, they are likely to encounter an unrefuelled range of 2,420 nautical miles with a payload many other C-17s sporting a variety of flags. SP
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 27 Military Engines
Bullish Jaguaron Honeywell claims that compared to the current Adour Mk811 engines fitted on the IAF Jaguars, its proven and mass-produced F125IN is 267.6 kg (590 lb) lighter, while offering between 17 per cent and 40 per cent higher thrust, thereby offering the Jaguar a two tonne (4,400 lb) payload increase
oneywell’s large By Air Marshal (Retd) skilled engineers or eight per cent of footprint in India global Honeywell workforce is based was revealed more V.K. Bhatia in India. This represents in-country than adequately dur- presence of all the Honeywell stra- ing a recent informal tegic business groups such as aero- discussion between its space, transportation and specialty Country Head Pritam Bhavnani and materials and automation control HSP’s Aviation. Having entered the In- systems, making India a significant dian market way back in the 1920s, Honeywell continued to export hub for both products and engineering services with expand its presence over the decades to emerge as a large an annual turnover exceeding `1,400 crore ($280 million). employer and revenue generator for India. Today, more than Along with five manufacturing locations and four global
Photogra p hs: Sp guide ubns & usaf 10,000 (mostly Indian) employees including 6,000 highly technology and engineering centres, Honeywell has estab-
28 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military Engines lished key presence in 10 cities Jaguars, its proven and mass- and sales support in as many produced F125IN is 267.6 kg as 50 cities across India. (590 lb) lighter, while offering between 17 per cent and 40 per Partnering India cent higher thrust, thereby af- Honeywell has become a major fording the Jaguar a two tonne partner with Indian industry (4,400 lb) payload increase. In and institutes through Honey- addition, Honeywell Aerospace well Technical Solutions (HTS) asserts that F125IN-powered in Bangalore and Engineering Jaguars will see a 23 per cent Commercialisation Centre in Strike asset: IAF’s Jaguar reduction in takeoff distance, Gurgaon to make India a hub fleet was inducted in 1979 faster climb up to 6,090 me- for aerospace development. In- tres (20,000 feet) without utilis- dia’s aerospace defence public ing afterburners, and 36 per sector undertakings (DPSUs) cent extended range due to have also benefitted greatly with the licensed-production of improved specific fuel consumption and reduced usage of Honeywell’s TPE 331-10 turboprop engines (fitted on Dornier afterburners. Also, the F125IN has been claimed to improve DO228 aircraft) and radars. For example, Honeywell’s TPE combat survivability by incorporating an auto restart feature 331-10 represents the first aerospace engine to be completely while airborne. A dual full authority digital engine control manufactured in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (FADEC) capability with automatic back-up operating modes (HAL) for the worldwide market. (like continuous diagnostics/engine monitoring system, and fault detection logic) dramatically reduces the pilot workload, Re-engining IAF’s Jaguar Combat Aircraft according to Honeywell Aerospace. Jaguar combat aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Honeywell Aerospace, which first showcased the F125IN has been a key strike asset since the aircraft’s induction at the Aero India 2009 expo in Bangalore, claims that its into service in 1979. But owing to its poor thrust/weight proposed solution offers “improved pilot safety, lower main- ratio especially in the max all-up weight (AUW) configura- tenance costs and outstanding reliability,” and will result in tion, the aircraft suffers from serious deficiencies vis-à-vis more than `7,000 crore ($1.4 billion) in reduced life-cycle take-off distances in ‘hot or/and high’ conditions. Also, it can costs. The company also proudly labels the F125IN as being not climb to high altitudes without the use of afterburners a modular ‘drop-fit’ design that requires no airframe struc- for low-high-low missions against high-altitude targets or, tural modifications, and it had demonstrated this to the IAF where terrain demands transition at high altitudes. Having in May 2009. improved its avionics to a considerable extent and in view of Withdrawal of the Rolls-Royce from the Jaguar’s re-engin- the IAF’s decision to keep the fleet going for another two de- ing competition did create problems as the programme landed cade or so, the service has been looking at alternate engines up in a ‘single-vendor’ situation and had to be temporarily sus- with higher thrust to power its Jaguars for greater mission pended. However, there is a clause in India’s Defence Procure- relevance and enhanced flight safety. ment Procedure (DPP), whereby, under certain circumstances, It was in January 2009 that the IAF HQ set up a high- a single-vendor case recommended by HQ Integrated Defence level systems evaluation committee Staff (HQ IDS) in consultation with under Dr K.V.L. Rao with the task DRDO could, after suitable debate, to identify a suitable turbofan for be cleared by the Defence Acquisi- re-engining of the Jaguar. Bidding tion Council (DAC). Honeywell, on its for supplying up to 280 turbofans Along with five part, is so confident of the final out- (including 40 spare engines) were manufacturing come that it has acquired a Jaguar UK-based Rolls-Royce and the US- airframe with its own resources and based Honeywell Aerospace. Hon- locations and four has carried out the necessary modifi- eywell has offered its F125IN, a global technology cations needed for proper mating of 43.8kN thrust (with afterburning) the engines with other accessories, turbofan. Rolls-Royce, whose Adour and engineering such as the aircraft’s generators— Mk811 (rated at 32.5kN thrust with centres, Honeywell that are run by the engine through afterburning) currently powers the an accessory gearbox. Jaguars, had proposed its Adour has established key In the final analysis, what mat- Mk821 turbofan, an afterburning presence in 10 cities ters most is a speedy decision by the variant of the Rolls-Royce Adour ‘powers that be’ to ensure timely im- Mk871 fitted on the Hawk 132 AJT and sales support plementation of the ‘re-engining’ pro- being supplied to the IAF. Rolls- in as many as 50 gramme. With notable thrust accre- Royce has since withdrawn from tion and equipped with more capable the competition. cities across India avionics, the re-engined Jaguars are Honeywell Aerospace claims sure to continue to occupy the ‘pride that compared to the current Adour of place’, spearheading IAF’s strike Mk811 engines fitted on the IAF force well into the future. SP
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 29 Interview T-Hawk T-Hawk does not require a runway or large volumes of airspace to get into position
SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Can you briefly operations, explosive ordnance disposal describe the primary features of the (EOD) missions, infantry support, and Honeywell RQ-16A T-Hawk and its base and perimeter security. roles? Apart from being a ducted fan vertical takeoff and landing SP’s: Has the T-Hawk completed (VTOL) micro UAV, what are the its developmental flight test pro- special features of this UAV? gramme? What are the plans and Pritam Bhavnani (Bhavnani): The timeframes for its induction into the Honeywell T-Hawk is another exam- US armed forces? ple of innovative technology initially Bhavnani: The T-Hawk micro air vehicle created for defence purposes that has been proven in combat with the US can play crucial roles in humanitar- Army and Navy, with more than 2,500 ian and disaster relief efforts. One of combat missions flown and 2,000 flight the unique aspects of this particular hours till date in Iraq and Afghanistan as UAV is that from a logistics perspec- part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Op- tive, its size and weight provide tac- eration Enduring Freedom, respectively. tical operators real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) The T-Hawk micro SP’s: How does the T-Hawk decrease benefits without the significant ‘gear- combat risk for troops while support- footprint’ required by other UAVs. air vehicle has ing counter-IED missions? What tech- The entire unit can be carried by one been proven nology does it use for this mission? person into various locations or envi- Bhavnani: The T-Hawk reduces combat ronments. Unlike other helicopter-like in combat. In risk by giving tactical decision-makers VTOL UAVs, its ducted fan design of- an exclusive more options in an often compressed fers extreme stability under challeng- operational timeline. It offers command- ing wind conditions and allows it to interview with ers an upper hand during counter-IED carry a variety of sensors without any SP’s Aviation, missions by providing information about negative effects from air flow or rotor how and when insurgents may have wash. The T-Hawk has been used in Pritam Bhavnani, planted explosives along roads or on Iraq and Afghanistan to support coun- President, other targets. The T-Hawk is an airborne ter-improvised explosive device (IED) ISR asset used by route clearance units and counter-insurgency missions. Honeywell and EOD technicians to detect and posi- tively identify IEDs. Unlike fixed wing SP’s: At what level of command or Aerospace India, UAVs, the T-Hawk can hover in place and formation in the battlefield is the spoke about inspect a suspicious object. The T-Hawk T-Hawk micro air vehicle (MAV) de- currently uses a suite of optical sensors signed to be deployed and what has the unique operating in the visual and long wave IR been the experience with the MAV characteristics of spectrum. EOD technicians are able to in operational user trials so far? deploy T-Hawks during a response mis- Bhavnani: The T-Hawk is a tactical T-Hawk. sion or use them to gain visual context airborne ISR asset designed to be de- from above in a post-blast scenario. ployed at the platoon or squad level. In its current roles, it is asset-managed at SP’s: Are you thinking of using more the battalion level in a manner simi- sophisticated sensors in this micro lar to special weapons such as crew- UAV? served weapons like heavy machine guns and mortars. Field Bhavnani: While the current electro-optical (EO)/long wave experience with T-Hawks has been uniformly positive with infrared (IR) sensor payload gives tactical units a clear ad- Photogra p h: H oneywell deployed units having great success with route clearance vantage, our development team knew that additional pay- 30 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Interview T-Hawk
dynamic machine: Weighing in at load versatility would enable a wider less than 20 cility. Honeywell made four T-Hawks available, to provide of- span of ISR missions. With this in pounds with ficials with immediate visibility deep into the reactor site and mind additional payloads including vertical take- the surrounding area, where human access had been made off and landing a true high definition EO camera, a capability, the impossible due to dangerous levels of radiation and the wide- high-resolution long wave IR camera, T-Hawk does not spread infrastructure damage made it inaccessible to ground an integrated EO and high-resolution require a runway vehicles. Following some initial mission-readiness tests in Ja- or large volumes IR camera, a short wave IR camera, of airspace to get pan, the first flight over the actual mission site was April 10, and various standoff real-time radia- into position. when the team executed a 30-minute flight that provided key tion and chemical sensors are con- video footage back to officials on the ground. The video can sidered for adoption. be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqCout-TbBw. The T-Hawk executed primary missions in support of the re- SP: It seems that in our context it could be used in the lief efforts at Fukushima Daiichi and the neighbouring pre- Army at the Company/Platoon level and in counterinsur- fectures. These missions were ISR in support of search and gency it could be used for homeland security. rescue teams, radiation monitoring structural inspections of Bhavnani: Precisely so. The T-Hawk’s broad range of real- the reactors, the sea wall, and adjacent buildings, and ISR in time ISR capabilities increases the potential success across support of search and recovery teams. a spectrum of combat missions. Its ability to fly rapidly to a target and execute detailed inspection from various standoff SP: How are the versions of the T-Hawk designed for the distances, positions and angles, deliver high quality real- US Navy and the Army different from each other? time video to the operator, and provide accurate position Bhavnani: Weighing in at less than 20 pounds with vertical data even in cluttered urban areas is a force multiplier in take-off and landing capability, the T-Hawk does not require both military and homeland security missions. a runway or large volumes of airspace to get into position. It has an endurance run time of around 40 to 50 minutes, SP: What role did the T-Hawk MAV play towards disas- an approximate working sphere of a 10,000-foot ceiling and ter relief during the recent nuclear accident at Fuku- an operating radius of about six nautical miles (11 km). The shima in Japan? primary difference between the US Navy and US Army sys- Bhavnani: Honeywell was contacted by several agencies tems lies in the mission requirements. Both the Navy and the about the suitability of using the T-Hawk to assist with explo- Army utilise the T-Hawk to perform a variety of missions, ration activities at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power fa- from reconnaissance to communications operations. SP
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 31 Military Indo-Pak War 1971 Victory Revisited
Shorket Road strike: Gun camera film showing a PAF sabre on fire (Encircled)
The most befitting tribute to the IAF’s role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War came from none other than Lt General A.A.K. Niazi, who when asked as to why he had surrendered his command when his Army was still intact, had pointed at the flying wing on the uniform of an IAF officer and said, “Because of this, you—the Indian Air Force.” Read through the concluding part of the article to get a closer picture of the war.
PAF’s War Strategy By Air Marshal (Retd) forced to make precision attacks with In consonance with Pakistan’s grand front guns and rockets which would strategy based on the principle that V.K. Bhatia expose them to the inferno of anti-air- “Defence of East Pakistan rests in West craft weapons, causing unacceptable Pakistan”, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) losses. The PAF therefore, swung to had worked out its own war strategy the idea of mainly bombing the IAF in terms of deployment of forces and airfields to make the air complexes their employment. The PAF there- and runways untenable for certain fore stuck to deploying only one squadron (No. 14) of F-86 periods of time, to deny the enemy air interference with Pak Sabre aircraft (though with somewhat bigger than normal Army’s land assaults into Indian territory. In many ways, it strength and further beefed it up with a few RT-33s) in the turned out to be a flawed idea, as would become clear a little east, with rest of the force deployed in the west. Taking note later. The IAF on the other hand adopted a two-pronged strat- of the changed ground environment on all Indian Air Force egy for conducting counter air operations. Only fighter aircraft (IAF) bases with aircraft mostly kept in hardened protective were employed for daylight precision attacks mainly against shelters (as indeed was the case at PAF bases), it was felt that enemy aircraft on the ground causing as much attrition as the PAF would not be able to repeat the success in destroy- possible. During night strikes, Tactics and Air Combat Devel- ing the IAF aircraft on the ground as it did so remarkably in opment Establishment (TACDE) fighters (MiG-21s and Su-7s)
Photogra p h: warchat.org 1965. It was feared that if attempted, the attackers would be and Canberra light bombers were used to mainly cater to the
32 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Military Indo-Pak War 1971 enemy runways and parallel taxi-tracks. Even though the IAF did suffer some losses during daylight attacks, on the whole, ‘We had taken the enemy this dual strategy paid handsome dividends by turning the completely by surprise’ tables on the PAF vis-à-vis 1965 in terms of destruction of aircraft on the ground. f I recall correctly, the strike TOT was 1045 hours IST. The morning low clouds had lifted by then and the visibility was Conduct of Air War Ireasonably good— altogether, nice weather for the mission. In a pre-planned move, the PAF carried out near simultane- The Eagle formation got airborne on the dot. I carried out a gath- ous attacks late in the evening on December 3 against the ering turn at the end of which all four aircraft were in position. IAF airfields in the western theatre, trying to achieve the We flew a loose broad-frontage formation, keeping low all the way through stepping up our heights just a wee bit to avoid high kind of surprise the Israeli Air Force had achieved against tension pylons south of Lahore. While a strict R/T silence was its Arab adversaries during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. But maintained, I knew all other members had their eyes peeled to here, two things were missing, one: the IAF was well pre- spot bogeys (enemy aircraft), while I concentrated on navigation. pared for such an attack with most of its aircraft dispersed The next 15 minutes were spent in rapt attention after which I and protected in camouflaged blast pens; two: the PAF by could spot the initial point (IP) approaching dead ahead. A quick and large, targeted only the runways in hurriedly executed NATO turn (pairs turning inward to reverse direction for better bombing attacks. This resulted in only superficial damage cross-cover) for the final run-in to the target saw me keeping my being caused to runways at some places such as Amritsar, fingers crossed to find the target at the anticipated location. The which were repaired in just a few hours with next to nil suspense was building up to a crescendo when I gave the orders attrition to aircraft on the ground. As a matter of fact, the for the pull up. It was sheer delight to see the airfield sprawled slightly ahead and below us. I rolled into the attack over No 3 IAF lost just three aircraft on the ground during the entire and 4 heading for the nearest ORP pen, where I spotted an F-86 war. These aircraft were temporarily exposed on the ground Sabre parked just outside the pen. Sathaye, my No 2, who was while taking-off or taxiing in after their respective missions, flying 300 metres behind me, spotted two Canberra bombers when unfortunately the attack came. The PAF attempted no which were being refuelled. Closing into the correct range, I fired pre-emptive strikes worth the name in the east. the first salvo of rockets at the Sabre. We recovered in a perfect How ineffective was the PAF’s brilliantly planned but pre-planned formation, flew for a few kilometres clearing each poorly executed pre-emptive strikes is evident from the fact other’s tails and then turned around for the second attack. The that the IAF’s retaliatory strikes could be launched the same second attack was equally successful with more Sabres being night from its respective bases. But the real onslaught came targeted at the ORP pens. It appeared that we had taken the en- the next day, on December 4, with the IAF carrying out dar- emy completely by surprise as not a single round of ack-ack was ing daylight precision attacks against many PAF bases in the fired at us. We made a getaway by engaging the after-burners and accelerating to 1,100 kmph. The skies behind us were clear west. The next three days saw a lot of counter-air attacks in of enemy aircraft, and we headed for home. After an uneventful both theatres with the PAF bearing the brunt of losses on the return flight, we landed at Amritsar at about 1200 hours. The ground; and in the air. An independent post-war compiling strike turned out to be the most successful with one Canberra, a of losses by a foreign analyst pegs the losses to the PAF as refuelling bowser and three Sabres as confirmed kills. • 26 aircraft destroyed on the ground with 16 as ‘probables’. —Squadron Leader V.K. Bhatia And, this does not take into account 11 Sabres which were machine-gunned on the ground by the PAF itself in Dhaka. In response to the PAF strikes, the Western Air Command As mentioned earlier, two more strikes were carried out struck PAF bases at Sargodha, Mianwali, Shorkot Road, Mu- against Shorkot. Our suggestion for a repeat aircraft as soon rid, Peshawar, Chander, Risalewala, Chak Jhumra, Karachi, as possible after the aircraft were refuelled and rearmed Drigh Road and the radar stations at Lahore, Sakesar and was turned down by the planners at Command HQ. Instead, Badin. In addition, the IAF carried out interdiction to prevent we were given the ‘dusk’ TOT. The sortie was once again concentration of troops in the forward areas. The aircraft uneventful but only till we reached the IP, located about 20 used for these attacks were the HF-24 Maruts, Su-7s, Hunt- km short of the target. As we commenced the turn for the ers, Mysteres and the B-57 Canberras. The IAF had done its final run in, I could see a large umbrella of exploding ack-ack homework well with each squadron having been given speci- shells lighting up the sky in the gathering dusk. The enemy fied tasks in furtherance of the air campaign in both theatres was indeed expecting us because of the copybook (Staff Col- of war. For example, TACDE, the specialist unit had been lege style) TOT selected. During the initial pull up and roll in given specific enemy airfields in the west for night attacks. itself, we were engulfed by heavy ack-ack barrage. The attack However, No. 32 Squadron to which I belonged at the time was however carried out against Sabres in pens as planned. of the war had been given myriad tasks such as counter-air, Sathaye had targeted another B-57 he saw in his designated photo-reconnaissance and interdiction. The squadron was area and engaged it successfully. The second attack was also assigned the army close air support task as well as its second- pressed home, but this time, with only three aircraft as Mally ary mission. Counter-air targets included Sargodha and the was shot down by ack-ack during the first attack itself. Our PAF’s brand new secret airfield at Shorkot Road. I led three troubles, didn’t appear to end there, as during the getaway, strikes on Shorkot Road on December 4-5 with considerable we were intercepted by the PAF’s patrolling Sabres. The bo- success carrying out precision low level 57mm rocket attacks gey was spotted, but as we took the evasive action, we saw a against aircraft and installations on the ground (see box for sidewinder missile hurtling towards the now depleted forma- excerpts of my personal account of the first strike on Decem- tion. What saved us, however, was the pre-briefed ultra low ber 4, a narrative written soon after the war). height at which we were getting away, seducing the missiles
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 33 Military Indo-Pak War 1971 to streak through the broad-frontage formation and explod- estimate that the missions were conducted under AWACS con- ing harmlessly on the ground in front of us. After successfully trol of a ‘loaned’ Soviet Tu-126 Moss aircraft. extricating ourselves from the attacking Sabres (there was no In the east, the overwhelmingly superior IAF was able to question of engaging them as by now, we were precariously attain total air supremacy within 48 hours of the commence- low on fuel), we did a safe night recovery at Amritsar. ment of war with daringly innovative daylight bombing attacks The interception by Sabres had forced the formation to by MiG-21 supersonic fighters, pulverising PAF’s bases at Kur- jettison the drop tanks. This meant that the next morning we mitola and Tezgaon; and in the process, effectively grounding could launch only two aircraft because of the restricted avail- the PAF for the entire duration of war. This also resulted in ability of 900 litre long-range drop tanks. The third and final shoring up the mobility of Army IV Corps which was greatly mission was flown by me and Tambey where he was claimed enhanced by the intelligent and effective use of helicopters in by enemy ack-ack guns during the pull up for second attack. the riverine terrain. The first ever heliborne army air bridge It was a lonely journey indeed getting back home. But in the operation and the first battalion strength paradrop were con- final analysis we had destroyed six of the enemy Sabres, two ducted in furtherance of the ground operations. The main par- Canberras and a hangar with related paraphernalia; the dusk adrop operation was undertaken on December 11, 1971, by attack claims of three Sabres and a Canberra were converted 48 aircraft—six An-12s and 20 Packet aircraft operating from into ‘Probables’ due to the ineffectiveness of gun camera film Dum Dum and 22 Dakota aircraft from Kalaikunda landed in the fading light of the dusk attack and strict requirement most of the Para Battalion Group, north of Tangail between of physically irrefutable corroborative proofs for the award of 1600 and 1630 hours. The paradrop facilitated inclusion of ‘confirmed’ kills. Even then, the tally was firmly in our favour. Dhaka as a viable objective for the Eastern Army. However, In pursuance to its other missions, No. 32 Squadron was the straw that broke the camel’s back, was the pinpoint rocket also tasked to carry out large-scale interdiction of the enemy’s attack on Government House, Dhaka, by MiG-21s of No. 28 rail system in Lahore sector Squadron on December 14, and in the ‘bulge’ to prevent which led to the resignation reinforcements reaching the of the Governor and the sur- enemy ground forces in these render of the 93,000-strong sectors. In addition, some East Pakistani garrison, and daring single-aircraft photo the creation of Bangladesh. missions were flown against the enemy airfields such as Finally Chaklala and Murid which The final tally of the 14-day were converted into target 1971 war announced by the folders for the Intelligence then Indian Defence Minister sections at the concerned Jagjivan Ram in the Parlia- bases for decades to come. ment, put Pakistani losses at Overall, it is clear that 94 aircraft and Indian losses despite the handicap of a at 45 (54 overall). Needless Pakistan initiative, within to say, there are varying fig- the first few days, the IAF ures being quoted by differ- had gained a favourable air ent sources, not only from the situation over West Pakistan warring countries, but also which it exploited to the full. from independent interna- In the Battle for Bangladesh, the effective employment of air tional sources. But if one was to go by the attrition rates, which power in breaking the enemy’s will to fight was proved be- are based on actual number of sorties flown covering vari- yond any doubt. It was a classic case of total air supremacy ous aspects of air operations, there is near unanimity that the by the end of the second day of operations, which finally PAF’s overall per cent attrition was nearly thrice (1.42) than paved the way for the capitulation of Dhaka. the IAF’s (0.48). Whatever the real statistics are, it is quite clear There were numerous cases of brilliant and innovative that the IAF decisively won the air war of 1971, a fact that is uses of airpower in both theatres of war. In the west, there acknowledged today even at the highest levels of Pak Army, was the Longewala battle where just four Hunters operating despite what the PAF claims. Pakistan lost the whole of East from Jaisalmer airfield under outstanding leadership of the Pakistan, which became Bangladesh, plus a massive 5,500 sq Base Commander, Wing Commander M.S. Bawa (later Air miles of territory in the West, over 20,000 casualties and over Marshal), not only blunted a Pak armoured thrust into the In- 250 tanks lost in combat. The Indian Army wholeheartedly ac- dian territory but caused its total rout by destroying most of knowledges the critical role played by the IAF in achieving the enemy’s tanks and other paraphernalia. Other notable feats decisive victory within a very short period of 14 days. included night bombing of the enemy armour hiding in the Perhaps the most befitting tribute to the IAF came from Changa-Manga forest by An-12 aircraft. The IAF also engaged Lt General A.A.K. Niazi, Martial Law Administrator and Com- and caused big dents in the Pak’s energy sector. These includ- mander, Eastern Command (Pakistan). When asked after the ed attacks on Karachi POL dumps, Sui Gas Plant and Attock surrender ceremony as to why he had surrendered his com- Oil Refinery to name a few. Even POL depots were not spared mand when his Army was still intact, he turned, and walking in a bid to deprive and decelerate the Pak war machine. The up to an IAF officer, pointed at the flying wing on his uniform IAF’s performance was so good that some analysts began to and said, “Because of this, you—the Indian Air Force.” SP
34 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net Hall of Fame umanity’s conquest plane, especially lift and thrust. He built aeroplane. On one side of a silver disk of the air began in June a “whirling-arm apparatus” to measure was etched a depiction of the forces 1783 when a Montgol- the drag on objects at different speeds that govern flight; on the reverse, a fier hot-air balloon soared and angles of attack and experimented basic aircraft with a fixed main wing, skyward near Paris. But with rotating wing sections of various a fuselage, a cruciform tail unit with Hfor several more decades, aviation forms. He would methodically test his surfaces for vertical and horizontal was restricted to the ascent of similar ideas with small models before graduat- control and a cockpit for the pilot. The lighter-than-air vehicles. Then along ing to full-scale demonstrations. In the propulsion device consisted of revolv- came Sir George Cayley who said, “The course of his experiments, he succeed- ing vanes, a precursor to the propel- whole problem (of flight) is confined ed in developing an efficient cambered ler. It lacked just one thing—an engine. within these limits: to make a surface aerofoil to produce lift. He discovered Cayley built his first full-scale glider support a given weight by the applica- the importance of the dihedral angle for in 1849 and initially carried out tri- tion of power to the resistance of the lateral stability in flight and intention- als with ballast. The 10-year-old son air.” In other words, he proposed of one of his servants became the using an engine to create for- first person in history to fly when ward motion and predicted that he made a short flight in a Cay- such motion would develop lift ley craft. In 1853, 50 years before via the wings. Sometimes called the Wright Brothers’ first powered the Father of Aeronautics, Cayley flight, Cayley built a triplane glid- achieved the first major break- er (a glider with three horizontal through in heavier-than-air flight. wing structures). It reportedly It is widely accepted that the ba- carried his coachman about 900 sic aeroplane—albeit a powerless feet across Brompton Dale in the one—was invented by Cayley in north of England before crash- 1799 at Brompton, Yorkshire. In ing—the first recorded flight by 1909, Wilbur Wright himself ac- an adult in a glider. Cayley’s own knowledged,: “About a hundred portly frame may have prevented years ago, an Englishman, Sir him from ever attempting to fly. George Cayley, carried the science He died on December 15, 1857. of flight to a point which it had George Cayley was a man in never reached before and which it advance of his time—the first scarcely reached again during the true scientific aerial investigator last century.” and the first to grasp the basic George Cayley was born on George Cayley principles and forces of flight. December 27, 1773, in Yorkshire, Although he performed many England, and eventually became (1773 - 1857) experiments and constructed nu- the sixth baron of Brompton. merous models, his major con- As a lad, he would sit for hours tribution to aviation was that of watching how birds fly, espe- He was a man in advance design philosophy. He had the cially the timing and the process of his time—the first true natural humility of the true sci- of birds flapping their wings as entist and was never guilty of they moved forward. At the time, scientific aerial investigator making claims that he could not the main scientific research into and the first to grasp the substantiate. Cayley’s principal flight was devoted to the attempt- published work was a triple pa- ed construction of rudimentary basic principles and forces per entitled, “Aerial Navigation.” ornithopters—strange contrap- of flight It is perhaps the most important tions that might fly by flapping paper leading up to the invention their wings like birds. But Cayley of the aeroplane. He stated that later proved the utter impossibil- lift, propulsion and control were ity of human flight using attached the three essential elements for wings—because while the pectoral ally set the centre of gravity of many successful flight, apparently the first muscles of a bird account for more of his models well below the wings for person to so determine and clearly than two-thirds of its whole muscular this reason. And knowing the penalty enunciate. Cayley correctly predicted strength, in a human being, the mus- to be paid for any extra weight in avia- that sustained flight would not occur cles available for “flying” do not exceed tion construction, he literally reinvented until a lightweight engine was devel- one-tenth of the body’s strength. This the wheel, by using string rather than oped to provide adequate thrust and fact would not change no matter what spokes in the landing gear wheel, and lift, an event that first took place via mechanism might be used. thus changing the absorbing force from the famous flight of the Wright Broth- Cayley was the first to describe in compression to tension. ers in 1903. SP engineering terms many of the concepts In 1799, Cayley designed a con- —Group Captain (Retd) and characteristics of the modern aero- figuration that was remarkably like an Joseph Noronha, Goa
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 35 newsDigest BY SP’s Special Correspondent
Israel signs $1.1-billion deal with India Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has notified the Tel Aviv stock ex- change of a $1.1-billion defence contract with an Asian customer for "intelligence gathering systems, anti-missile defence platforms, un- manned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other platforms". While neither side is willing to confirm, it is well known that this is a deal with the Indian Government (Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna vis- ited Israel shortly after the notification) for unspecified number of IAI Aerostats sporting the EL/M-2083 long range air defence radar, Barak point defence systems for the Navy, surveillance UAVs to augment the existing all-Israeli fleet and certain other systems. It may be remem- bered that India is currently processing a solicited IAI proposal to sup- ply two more Phalcon AWACS systems. India-Israel defence ties have grown from strength to strength in the last decade, currently under- scored by three major joint-development efforts for a naval rotory UAV (NRUAV), medium range surface to air missile (MR-SAM) system and the LR-SAM (Barak 8 NG). Apart from several billions of dollars worth of equipment for the three services, a raft of proposed equipment is currently being considered by the Indian Government. This includes Spike man-portable anti-armour systems, Delilah-II anti-radiation loitering munitions, Gabriel Mk.3 anti-shipping missile, submerged
launch vehicle, bomb guidance kits and sundry avionics packages. Photo: IAF
MMRCA by third week programme is hoping to take to shortly, the production standard HAL in India) and the American of January the air again shortly. The Nation- aircraft should fly by November- AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven, al Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) December this year, with ex- demonstrated to the Army at Ex- is engaged in converting the first pected certification by end 2013 ercise Yudh Abhyas in 2009. prototype Saras to the PT-2 (the under FAR-23 regulations. aircraft which crashed) standard, Boeing to Pitch V-22 with higher powered engines PW India's Slybird MAV PT6-67A, new engine stub wing maturing fast and nacelle, landing gear actua- tors, and minor improvements to the flight control systems and flaps. The agency is also in the The mother of all Indian deals, process of completing a produc- the medium multi-role combat tion standard aircraft, which aircraft (MMRCA) competition is features an all-up weight lower likely to see a winner announced by 500 kg, using advanced com- in the third week of January posite components specifically 2012. After commercial bids were in wings, empennage, pressure The Indian Slybird hand-launched opened on November 4, the In- bulkhead, fuselage top skin, and mini unmanned drone is maturing The Indian military has been dian Air Force (IAF) and the Min- a weight-optimised fuselage with a series of regular test-flights impressed by the demonstrated istry of Defence (MoD) created a structure. Weight had been one this year, and the coast clear for capabilities of the Bell/Boeing specialised three-layered team to of the chief concerns of the Saras the second phase. Designed as a V-22 Osprey hybrid tilt-rotor squeeze a winner out of the final platform during early trials. Ac- two-kg all-composite fixed-wing aircraft, but has so far stopped round of comparisons between cording to sources, the produc- unmanned system with an endur- short of expressing any overt Dassault's Rafale and the Euro- tion standard Saras will be fully ance of one-hour and a 10-km interest in considering a pur- fighter Typhoon. There was a spot equipped with "a digital cockpit, range, scientists developing the chase, despite feelers from Boe- of doubt last week over the notion advanced avionics and flight drone say they are extremely hap- ing. That is about to change, of extension of commercial bids, control systems, a fully digital py with flight test results and are with Boeing preparing for a since their validity expired on autopilot, an engine instruments ready to begin sensor integration second level of detail presenta- December 31. However, the MoD and crew alerting system, and for Phase-2 of flights. The drone, tion to the Indian military estab- clarified that once the bids were an all-moving horizontal tail". If being developed for a service opened, there was no provision everything goes as planned, and ceiling of 14,000 feet (but which lishment (first the Navy) on one for extension, and therefore there the first prototype takes to the air has only been tested at 3,000 feet of the most remarkable—but was no cause for concern. and sea-level so far) is intended also controversial—aircraft ever built. Sources reveal that follow- NAL struggles to resume for real-time telemetry and video ing a request by an Indian del- flight testing of Saras surveillance using miniaturised After almost three years without electro-optic payloads or a day- egation at the Dubai Air Show in a single flight since the March light/IR video camera. The pro- November, Boeing is preparing 2009 crash of a prototype in gramme team intends to deliver its official V-22 pitch for India. • which three IAF test crew were a drone with capabilities and For complete versions log on killed, the beleaguered Saras performance similar to the Israeli to: www.spsaviation.net & light multi-role transport aircraft Elbit Skylark (being partnered by www.spsmai.com
36 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net newsDigest Military ers for around $1.06 billion fleet with highly advanced RoundUp was terminated. fifth-generation technology and Quick Asia-Pacific capability to adequately meet Japanese Ministry of the challenges arising out of AAI Trials for IAF's multi-role Defense to purchase F-35 the Chinese J-20 programme. tanker transport completed • AAI Corporation, Hunt Valley, Trials in support of the IAF’s Americas has been awarded a $10 million procurement of six multi- cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the role tanker transports for Pentagon announces contract modification of an existing contract around $2 billion involving to option for weapons integration for Europe's EADS and Russia's the Shadow 200 unmanned aircraft Rosonboronexport have been system. Estimated date of completion completed recently and the is December 12, 2012. rival commercial bids are expected to be opened early The Japanese Defense AgustaWestland in 2012. Official sources said Minister Yasuo Ichikawa has that the trials featuring the announced the selection of • AgustaWestland has announced EADS-built Airbus Military A the F-35 Lightning II aircraft that the first prototype of the 330 MRTT and the Russian for the F-X programme. The Sierra Nevada Corporation AW189 twin engine eight-tonne Ilyushin IL-78—of which Japanese Government’s deci- is being awarded a $355 class helicopter has successfully the IAF had acquired six in sion to acquire 42 F-35 Light- million contract for 20 light completed its maiden flight. The 2004—concluded in Gwalior ning II next-generation stealth air support (LAS) aircraft aircraft was launched at the Paris Air last month. This capabil- fighters for its defence forces and associated support. A-29 Show earlier this year and this first ity assessment in Gwalior makes Japan the second Super Tucano is produced by prototype made its maiden flight followed trials in Spain and country to receive the F-35 Embraer Defense and Secu- ahead of schedule. AgustaWestland Russia in July after the ten- through the United States rity, for the LAS programme. aims to achieve civil certification der was re-issued in Sep- Government’s FMS process, This is a non-developmental for the AW189 in 2013 and to start tember 2010, nine months and the 13th F-35 customer. aircraft procured for conduct- deliveries in early 2014. after a similar MRTT contract The F-35 programme will ing advanced flight training, featuring the same two tank- replace Japan’s ageing F-4 surveillance, air interdiction, Australia and close air support. The LAS aircraft is a single-engine • Lockheed Martin Mission Systems turboprop fixed-wing aircraft and Sensors, Owego, has been IAF Chief flies Su-30 MKI with tricycle, retractable awarded a $103.5 million firm- landing gear, and tandem fixed-price delivery order against two-place pressurised cockpit a previously issued basic ordering with ejection seats, capable agreement for mission avionics of operating from semi- and common cockpit non-recurring prepared air fields. Delivery engineering, programme support, order 0001 is expected to be and associated efforts required completed by April 30, 2014. for the production and delivery of 24 MH-60R helicopters for the Europe Royal Australian Navy under the FMS programme. Sukhoi’s contract for 27SM(3) fighters Boeing
• The Boeing Company’s Defense, Space & Security business has announced that it has signed MoUs with two Brazilian companies: MSM Powertrain Ltda. and Pan Metal Industria Metalurgica Ltda. The MoUs On December 21, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of outline plans for each company the Air Staff, Indian Air Force (IAF), flew a one hour sortie in to explore work opportunities with a Su-30 MKI at Pune airbase. Addressing the station, he said, Sukhoi has completed deliv- Boeing and its industry partners “I wanted to be here to not only fly the Su-30 MKI but also to ery of 12 new multi-purpose in MSM: logistics services, ground meet all of you and assure you that our Su-30 fleet is in good Su-27SM(3) fighters to the support equipment, engineering and capable hands. Our boys have been doing an excellent job Russian Air Force. The Su- support; and pan metal: assembly, and the momentum of building up the new Su-30 Squadrons 27SM(3) fighter aircraft has a subsystem installation, machined needs to be maintained. Our people should remain our highest strengthened airframe to en- parts, processing, heat treatment. priority because it is then that a cohesive team translates itself able takeoff weight increased into a success story.” by more than three tonnes Brazil and additional suspension The Air Chief was on a working visit to this base, which points to accommodate • The Brazilian Air Force has signed he had previously commanded as the Air Officer Commanding weapons. The fighters are the logistics support contract for the (AOC) from 2001 to 2003. During his visit, he interacted with equipped with new equip- fleet of EC-725 helicopters for R$149 the Squadron pilots, engineers and all the station personnel ment and weapons complex- million ($79.53 million).The five-year and met the key officers of the station. • es as well as with the new contract provides for the supply of AL-31F-M1 turbofan
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 37 newsDigest Appointments from Hong Kong (China) to RoundUp Sydney (Australia) with four Quick Indian Air Force passengers and NBAA IFR Air Marshal A.P. Garud has token over as the fuel reserves. Equipped with materials and services to support IAF’s new Director General Flight Safety & an advanced avionics suite the operation of the EC-725 aircraft, Inspection (DG FS&I) at Air HQ, New Delhi. He and the latest electronic fly- and was structured with the goal of replaces Air Marshal A.S. Karnik who superan- by-wire flight control system, ensuring the 80 per cent availability nuated from service on November 30. the jet provides pilots with a of helicopters EC-725. highly intuitive and profes- Eurogighter sional cockpit for safe and EADS Eurofighter GmbH has appointed Bernhard Zellner as Chief smooth trips. The aircraft is Operating Officer capabilities. He joins Eurofighter after a the only jet in its category • EADS North America, Arlington, has career of over 22 years in EADS. providing passengers with been awarded a $212.7 million firm- five distinct and spacious fixed-price contract for the modifica- Boeing cabin zones. tion of an existing contract to procure Boeing has appointed Christopher J. Ferguson, a retired US 39 production aircraft in support Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut, to take over as Boeing unveils first 787 for of the Army’s light utility helicopter Director of Commercial Crew Interface in the company's Japan Airlines programme. Estimated completion Space Exploration division. date is November 30, 2013.
Star Alliance Lockheed Martin The Chief Executive Board of Star Alliance has appointed Mark Schwab to head the Star Alliance central organisation, • Lockheed Martin has been based in Frankfurt, Germany, as its new Chief Executive. awarded a $485 million not-to-ex- ceed cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitised Bombardier modification to a previously awarded Bombardier Aerospace has announced the promotion of advance acquisition contract. This Raphael Haddad to the position of Vice President, Sales, On December 13, the first modification provides the F-35 Light- Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. Boeing 787 Dreamliner ning II, joint strike fighter Low Rate to enter service for Japan Initial Production Lot V production Northrop Grumman Airlines (JAL) rolled out of the non-recurring requirements inclusive Northrop Grumman Corporation has appointed Bart LaGrone paint hangar at the Everett of special tooling/special test equip- as Vice President, airborne early warning and battle manage- manufacturing facility. The ment and subcontractor technical ment command and control (AEW/BMC2) programmes. airplane's livery features the assistance for the Air Force, Navy, and iconic new brand mark on its the cooperative partner participants. tail and underscores the air- engines produced by tica (EEA) for the KC-390 line's commitment to provide Mitsubishi the MMPP “Salut”, which are military airlifter and aerial the highest level of service characterised by high thrust refuelling jet programme. to customers and contribute • Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and extended time between According to this agreement, to the advancement of the has announced that the Mitsubishi overhauls. Portugal, through EEA, will society. The logo is a distinct Regional Jet (MRJ) has been suc- develop the engineering proj- symbol of the airline which cessfully tested in the hydraulic and Euro 25 million C-27J contract ect for the KC-390’s compo- was the first Japanese carrier flight control system rig test (known with Bulgarian Air Force nents, which will be manufac- to fly internationally from Ja- as "iron bird"). The iron bird is one of Alenia Aeronautica and Bul- tured by Embraer subsidiary pan since 1954. Dreamliner most significant system integration garia’s Defence Minister Anyu OGMA. A declaration of intent will be used for airline's new tests of the development process to Angelov have signed a frame- between the Brazilian and Tokyo Narita-Boston route test the manoeuvring functions of the work agreement defining the Portuguese Ministries of MRJ. It is a system which consists procedures for the supply of Defence, signed in September Europe of flight deck, hydraulic and flight logistic support services to 2010, preceded this contract, control equipment, on-board software the C-27J fleet of the Bulgar- which emphasises Portugal’s Precision Air Services signs to be loaded on the actual aircraft, ian Air Force, for a 10-year commitment to purchasing contract for 5 ATR-600s and simulation computers creating period, thus strengthening KC-390 airplanes. the all of flight environment. even more the relationship between Alenia Aeronautica Northrop Grumman and the Bulgarian customer. Civil Aviation Within the agreement, a first • Northrop Grumman Defense contract has been signed for Asia-Pacific Mission Systems Incorporated of San the supply of logistic support Diego has been awarded a $47.17 services, for a five-year pe- First Lineage 1000 spreads million firm fixed price contract for riod, worth 25 million euro. its wings in China the purchase and integration of two Embraer has delivered the Tanzanian carrier Precision battlefield airborne communications Brazil and Portugal sign first Lineage 1000 ultra- Air Services and ATR have node (BACN) payloads on two Global defence partnership large executive jet to an announced a contract for the Hawk Block 20 aircraft. On December 14, 2011, Em- unnamed Chinese customer. purchase of four ATR 42-600s braer Defense and Security The Lineage 1000’s range of and one ATR 72-600 aircraft. Raytheon signed a partnership contract 8,334 kilometres assures its The deal is valued at $98 mil- with Indústria Aeronáutica de capability of flying non-stop lion. Delivery of the 50-seat • Raytheon Corporation, Integrated Portugal (OGMA) and Empre- from Beijing (China) to Dubai ATR 42-600s will start in late Defense Systems, Woburn, has been sa de Engenharia Aeronáu- (United Arab Emirates) or 2012. The ATR 72-600
38 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net newsDigest Show Calendar fleet of ATRs of Precision Air Airbus facility in Hamburg, RoundUp Services includes five ATR 72- Germany. This milestone Quick 19–21 January s, two ATR 42-s and two ATR comes just two years after the Bahrain International 42-300s. delivery of Airbus’ 6,000th awarded a sole-source letter Air show aircraft which underlines the contract, with a not-to-exceed value Sakhir Air Base, Bahrain continued vibrancy of the of $582.5 million as an undefinitised www.bahraininternationalair- Industry commercial aviation sector contract action to provide two AN/ show.com and the market’s clear vote TPY-2 radars for a Foreign Military Americas for eco-efficient aircraft. Sales case with the United Arab 24–26 January Emirates. The period of performance International Military Embraer rolls out jet is December 30, 2011 through Helicopter Embraer rolled out its newest Space September 30, 2018. 76 Portland Place, London executive jet last December www.militaryhelicopterevent. 23, from the production Americas Rolls-Royce com hangar at the São José dos Campos headquarters in Northrop Grumman NASA • Rolls-Royce Trent XWB and Trent 11–14 February Brazil. This milestone rollout delivery 1000 engines will power 12 Airbus HELI-EXPO will allow development and Northrop Grumman Cor- A350 XWB and eight Boeing 787 Dallas Convention Center, test engineers to perform poration delivered to NASA Dreamliner aircraft which are part of Dallas, Texas, USA important ground tests, prior the flight software that will Thai's fleet modernisation programme www.rotor.com/heliexpo to the aircraft’s first flight, enable the James Webb Space and will further improve the airline's which is scheduled for the Telescope to communicate operational and environmental 14–19 February third quarter of 2012. with its ground station nearly performance. SINGAPORE AIR SHOW a million miles away after it Changi Exhibition Centre, P&W awarded $1.12 billion passed formal verification Romania Singapore contract for F135 engine testing. The company is lead- www.singaporeairshow.com.sg The US Department of De- ing the telescope's design and • The US and Romania have fense (DoD) has awarded Pratt development effort for NASA's jointly announced that the Ballistic 21–22 February & Whitney an undefinitised Goddard Space Flight Center Missile Defense agreement on Indian Business Avia- contract award (UCA) not to in Greenbelt, Maryland. deployment of the US ballistic tion Expo (IBAE) 2012 exceed $1,122 billion for F135 missile defence system in Romania The Grand Hotel, New Delhi production engines to power World’s first purpose-built has entered into force, effective www.miuevents.com/ibae2012 the F-35 Lightning II. Pratt & commercial spaceport December 23, 2011. The US bal- Whitney and the DoD have Soon, would-be astronauts listic missile defence interceptor 24–25 February reached a tentative agreement will be able to realise their site will be located at Deveselu International Confer- on key terms for the low rate dream of taking a trip into Air Base as a part of the European ence On Autonomous initial production (LRIP) 5 space. “Spaceport America”, Phased Adaptive Approach to Unmanned Vehicles contract which contains fixed- located in the south-western missile defence in the 2015 (ICAUV 2012) price and cost-plus incentive state of New Mexico, is the timeframe. Eagleton Golf Resort, fee elements. A total of $358.6 world’s first purpose-built Bangalore, India million is being obligated at commercial spaceport devel- Saab http://icauv2012.org time of award, in addition to oped in part for space tourists. the $138.8 million obligated in Brave passengers will soon be • Defence and security com- 6–8 March 2011 for advanced acquisition able to experience weightless- pany Saab has received an order Abu Dhabi Air Expo materials. This LRIP contract ness and enjoy an incompa- amounting to $72.22 million from Al Bateen Executive Airport – includes production engines, rable view of the earth. the Swedish Defence Materiel OMAD/AZI, Abu Dhabi, UAE spare parts, programme man- Administration for system mainte- www.adairexpo.com agement, engineering support Europe nance and development studies for production, sustainment regarding Gripen. The work is to 14–18 March and field support for the F135. Arianespace's latest launch be carried out during the first four India Aviation 2012 a success months of 2012. Begumpet Airport, Hyder- Europe Arianespace confirmed Soyuz’ abad, India mission flexibility in opera- Sikorsky www.india-aviation.in 7,000th Airbus aircraft tions from the Spaceport with delivered December 17 successful • Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has 26–27 March launch that placed six satellite completed production of an S-92 Air Power Middle East passengers into Sun-synchro- helicopter for operation by CHC Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat, nous orbit. Departing precise- Helicopter on behalf of the Irish Oman ly at the planned liftoff time Coast Guard. As a dedicated search www.meairpower.com of 11:03:08 p.m. in French and rescue platform, the S-92 Guiana, the Soyuz performed aircraft is equipped with advanced a three-hour 26-minute flight systems and hardware, including an will be delivered to deploy its payload of the automated flight control system; a in 2014. French Pléiades 1 and Chil- wireless intercom allowing a rescue With this acquisition, On December 12, 2011, ean SSOT satellites for civilian swimmer to communicate with the Precision Air Services will Airbus delivered its 7,000th and defence image gathering, crew; radio transceivers; a weather bring its fleet of ATRs up to aircraft, an A321, to the US along with four French ELISA radar; a forward looking infrared 14 aircraft, thus becoming Airways, the airline that oper- micro-satellite demonstrators sensor and a digital video system the largest operator of ATR ates the largest fleet of Airbus for defence-related electronic to record rescues. aircraft in Africa. The current aircraft in the world, from the intelligence gathering. •
Issue 1 • 2012 SP’S AVIATION 39 LastWord
Workin Unison The urgent need today is for the government to create an industry-friendly and financially pragmatic environment
owards the end of 2011, Kingfisher Airlines two months. As the airline was obviously guilty of breach of took the civil aviation industry and the travel- contract, the mandatory notice period rightfully could not ling public by surprise with the rather sudden be enforced. The combined effect of these factors was wide- announcement of the plan to wind up Kingfisher spread cancellation of flights and loss-making routes leaving Red, its highly popular low-cost arm. The deci- passengers in the lurch and the DGCA fuming. Kingfisher’s sion was more ironic than surprising as it was business model was grossly flawed. Air Deccan, predecessor to Kingfisher Red, that in August At the behest of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the DGCA T2003 had ushered in the low-cost concept on to the Indian carried out a financial audit of all Indian carriers in the last civil aviation scene. Besides, in keeping with the trend, a quarter of 2011. While the audit team found irregularities with large portion of the capacity of Kingfisher was dedicated to all, the financial distress particularly in Kingfisher Airlines was low-cost operations. Also other low-cost carriers such as In- so acute that it could have serious ramifications for air safety. diGo, SpiceJet and GoAir were reportedly doing relatively The DGCA was of the view that the inadequacies and devia- better. Of these, only IndiGo is believed to be consistently in tions observed were serious enough to warrant cancellation profit though its financial performance is not available in of operating licence. As expected, there was instant and ve- public domain. But the most notable incongruity in the deci- hement denial by Kingfisher reiterating that the airline was sion was that Sanjay Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) perfectly safe to fly and that it would not close down. IndiGo of Kingfisher Airlines who had been eminently successful also came up with a similar response refuting the audit report. while heading the low-cost carrier SpiceJet, should be asked Along with the others, the management of Kingfisher Airlines to preside over the burial of a low-cost carrier. was summoned by the DGCA, briefed on the audit report and The decision to close down Kingfisher Red was inter- was directed to submit plans for remedial action indicating preted initially as a signal that the low-cost model was per- clear timelines for implementation. haps no longer viable. However, after some high voltage Kingfisher Airlines has never been out of the red since its interaction with the media, it became clear that the deci- inception in the year 2005. At the time of its launch it was sion by Kingfisher Airlines to exit the low-cost segment was surmised that the airline would break even in five years. precipitated by internal organisational contradictions aris- High and continuously rising cost of aviation turbine fuel ing out of running two widely differing and diverse business with taxes as much as 30 per cent in some states, exorbi- models under one management. The low-cost model was tant airport charges, depressed airfares due to fierce com- apparently impinging on high-end clientele of Kingfisher’s petition and bar on investment by foreign airlines in Indian full-service segment. The Kingfisher was therefore not inter- carriers, left the airlines struggling for survival. But being a ested in competing in the low-cost segment. small part of a huge global business, the UB Group, King- But the problems for Kingfisher did not end with the de- fisher Airlines has enormous staying power to sustain its mise of Kingfisher Red. With a debt burden of `7,500 crore glamorous and exclusive business model that is somewhat and cumulative losses of `5,000 crore, the airline was in out of tune with ground realities. Other airlines with similar the throes of a serious financial crisis. 20 of its 64 aircraft business model and predicament, may not survive without a were grounded, some for alleged default in the remittance sound financial base. of lease charges and others for inability to pay for spares The urgent need today is for the government to create an or maintenance costs. Leasing companies had threatened industry-friendly and financially pragmatic environment. The to repossess their aircraft. The airline also owed substantial airlines on their part need to create financially prudent and vi- sums of money to the Airports Authority of India and the able business models focused on fundamentals such as safety, oil companies who withdrew credit facilities. Meanwhile, efficiency and convenience in travel rather than on luxury and pilots were reported to be deserting the airline in hordes glamour. In the absence of a genuine and sincere collaborative without giving the mandatory six months notice. The Direc- approach between the government and the industry, there is torate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) refused to intervene as little hope that Indian carriers will remain afloat. SP
illustration: anoop kamath illustration: pilots had quit the airline after salaries were withheld for — Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey
40 SP’S AVIATION Issue 1 • 2012 www.spsaviation.net CFM. Generation after generation.
LEAP The legendary CFM56* and the LEAP engine. Famous reliability and fuel efficiency. Lower emissions, noise and costs. LEAP. Like father, like son. www.cfm56.com/leap
*CFM, LEAP and the CFM logo are all trademarks of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran Group) and GE.
SP-Aviation_Generations 267x210.indd 1 05/01/2012 12:49