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` Aviation Sharp Content for Sharp Audience

www.sps-aviation.com vol 17 ISSUE 9 • september • 2014

• IAF Key Programmes • Connecting Japan with ERJs • LABACE Report • Safety Management Systems Indian Air Force in for Business Aviation Disaster Management • Indo-Japan Defence Cooperation

First Dr Vivek Lall, CEO, General Atomics

page 19 PARADOX RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 of in TEASER ADVERT OF SP'S AND BAOA SUPP_Final.indd 1 09/09/14 1:26 PM table of contents

vol 17 ISSUE 9 • September • 2014

SP’s AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION 100.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) BUYER 100.00 (INDIA-BASED

` Aviation Sharp Content for Sharp Audience

www.sps-aviation.com VOL 17 ISSUE 9 • SEPTEMBER • 2014

• IAF Key Programmes • Connecting Japan with ERJs • LABACE Report • Safety Management Systems Indian Air Force in for Business Aviation Disaster Management • Indo-Japan Defence Cooperation

FIRST Dr Vivek Lall, CEO, General Atomics

PAGE 19 PARADOX RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199 OF AIRLINES IN INDIA

SP's Aviation Cover 9-2014_Final.indd 1 12/09/14 8:11 PM

Cover IMAGE: Airlines in India are going through a period of transition and hopefully should witness an upward trend in the coming years. looking upwards: There is no disputing the fact that India’s aviation sector has enormous potential for growth, but presently the industry is in a major crisis. Cover image by: SP’s Design

SP’S EXCLUSIVEs BUSINESS AVIATION page 19 6 Modernisation 28 Safety – IAF for 200 light bullet-proof vehicles Safety Management Systems (SMS) – MoD approves Chinook & Apache Lead Story purchase show report – IAF scouts Jaguar DARIN II/III full 31 LABACE 2014 mission simulators Latin America Holds Promise – DRDO scouts long-range sensors for Airline conundrum aerostats Presently, airlines in India are going OEM regular through turbulent times, making one 9 First Interview Departments wonder how new airlines are daring Dr Vivek Lall, CEO, General Atomics 4 A Word from Editor-in-Chief to enter this business when there is Military bloodshed around. 5 NewsWithViews Bilateral Relations 10 Tender for Light Utility Helicopters Beginning of an Era Scrapped 13 Relief Operations Responding to Disaster 34 Hall of Fame Bessica Raiche (1875–1932) 16 Indian Air Force Applied for A Season of Hope 35 Focus India Civil 37 NewsDigest Regional Aviation NEXT ISSUE 24 Connecting Japan 40 LastWord NBAA + IAF Special 26 Fasten Your Seat Belt & Relax Dealing with Misdemeanour

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 1 table of contents

10 Beginning of an Era Publisher And Editor-in-Chief SP’s websites Jayant Baranwal Sr Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma senior Editor Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) © SP Guide Publications, 2014

Assistant Group editor Subscription/ Circulation R. Chandrakanth Annual Inland: `1200 • Foreign: US$ 320 Senior Technical Group Editor E-mail: [email protected] Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) [email protected] Contributors LETTER TO EDITOR India [email protected] Group Captain A.K. Sachdev (Retd) [email protected] Group Captain Joseph Noronha (Retd) FOR Advertising details, contact: Europe [email protected] Alan Peaford [email protected] USA & Canada LeRoy Cook SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD A-133 Arjun Nagar, Chairman & Managing Director (Opposite Defence Colony) Jayant Baranwal New 110 003, India. Planning & Business Development Tel: +91 (11) 24644693, 16 A Season of Hope Executive Vice President: Rohit Goel 24644763, 24620130 ADMIN & COORDINATION Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 Bharti Sharma E-mail: [email protected]

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Clearance of long-pending deals within 100 days of the new government coming to power does signal the possibility of speedy finalisation of the contract for the Rafale medium multi- role combat aircraft

The month of September has indeed been calamitous for of the long-pending deals within 100 days of the new govern- the state of Jammu and Kashmir during which it has been dev- ment coming to power does signal the possibility of speedy astated by floods the scale of which, as per the Chief Minister finalisation of the contract for the Rafale medium multi-role Omar Abdullah, has not been witnessed in the last 100 years. combat aircraft. However, this natural disaster has once again provided the On the civil aviation front, R. Chandrakanth analyses the opportunity for putting to test the capability of swift response state of the airline industry in India that is passing through and the state of preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It turbulent times. With the exception possibly of one carrier, all is a matter of pride for the nation that once again the trans- others are accumulating humongous losses. However, despite port and helicopter fleets of the IAF have performed credibly the difficulties, and AirAsia India have dared to jump in meeting with the challenges of disaster management, sav- into the fray in the recent past and Tata-SIA venture is ing precious lives and ameliorating the sufferings of thousands. to take off next month. Also, there are a number of applicants Both the new inductions in the fixed-wing transport fleet, i.e. waiting in the wings to launch regional airlines. Despite the tur- the C-17 Globemaster III and the Lockheed Martin moil in the industry, optimism continues to prevail! C-130J Super Hercules aircraft as also the recently acquired Chandrakanth also reports on the 11th edition of the Mi-17V5 helicopters have considerably enhanced the capability Latin American Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition of the IAF to meet with the challenges of disaster management. (LABACE) 2014 held in the second week of August at São Paulo, Salutations to the Indian armed forces for their bravey and Brazil. It was evident from the show that the airframe manufac- dedication to the nation! turers the world over are going ahead with their programmes With the Modi-led NDA Government in power at the Cen- in the hope that the market around the world would pick up. tre, there is fresh hope that the plans to modernise the IAF All these and more apart from the regular features. We will now move forward. The case for procurement of light util- would be delighted to receive any feedback about this issue! ity helicopters from a foreign vendor that had run into a dead end on account of serious allegations of wrongdoing has finally Tbeen laid to rest. This will definitely be a setback for the origi- nal equipment manufacturer (OEM) that was declared as the vendor of choice as well as the armed forces who will continue to be afflicted by deficiency in the helicopter fleet so urgently required to support troops deployed in forward locations. How- ever, the silver lining is that this decision has come as a windfall for the indigenous aerospace industry both in the public and private sector, who should benefit immensely with new busi- ness of `40,000 crore in a single contract for more than 400 light utility helicopters. Besides, the NDA Government ought to be given due credit for clearing a number of other long-pending contracts such as for the 22 Apache attack helicopters and for 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, both for the IAF as well as for 16 multi- role helicopters for the Indian Navy. With a few other smaller Jayant Baranwal contracts included in the list, the total value of deals cleared by Publisher & Editor-in-Chief the new government is to the tune of `20,000 crore. Clearance

4 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com News with views NEWS: Tender for Light Utility Helicopters Scrapped

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) that instead of procuring helicop- has scrapped a scam-tainted tender ters from foreign sources, the Indian worth over `6,000 crore to procure industry would be given the oppor- 197 light utility helicopters (LUHs) for tunity to produce around 400 such the Indian Army and the Indian Air machines to meet with the require- Force (IAF) to replace the vintage fleet ments of the armed forces. This deci- of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters that sion of the government is expected to are used to support forces deployed in generate business worth over `40,000 high altitude locations such as on the crore for the indigenous industry in Siachen Glacier. The MoD has decided the defence sector.

VIEWS:

The case for the procurement of 197 LUHs that was urgently ond tender for the 197 LUHs was also cancelled. required by the Indian Army to replace the obsolescent fleet of In the meantime, HAL had already begun working on the Cheetah and Chetak that were acquired in the 1970s, was ini- project and did manage to display a mock-up of the LUH during tiated by the Army Headquarters in 2001 and the tender was Aero India International Airshow at Yelahanka near Bengaluru floated in 2004. In December 2007, after prolonged and inten- in the year 2009. The first flight by the prototype was expected sive effort during which all the competing helicopters were put in 2013 and the production was scheduled to commence in 2015 through elaborate and gruelling trials in different weather condi- initially delivering ten machines in year increasing in due course tions and operating environment, the Eurocopter AS550 Fennec to 36 annually. However, as is usual with the Indian aerospace was selected as the preferred platform. Eurocopter, now renamed industry in the public sector, there has been some slippage in as Airbus Helicopters, was the world’s largest maker of civil and the project and the maiden flight is now rescheduled for 2015 military helicopters. However, the Indian Army was somewhat followed by initial operational clearance (IOC) in 2017. As things shocked to learn that on the day the $550 million contract was to stand, the programme is expected to be completed not earlier be signed with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the than by the middle of the next decade. Currently, the first ground tender was cancelled rather abruptly. The decision to scrap the test vehicle is being readied for factory tests. tender was taken by the MoD apparently on account of allegations The single-engine helicopter being developed by HAL would of irregularities in the process of selection as well as the involve- be powered by the Shakti 1U engine supplied by Turbomeca ment of middlemen which was not permitted under the Defence of France. A derivative of the Shakti 1H1 engine that powers Procurement Procedure. Reports also appeared in the media indi- the latest version of the HAL-produced Dhruv advanced light cating that one of the contenders, a foreign vendor apparently helicopter. The French engine for the LUH selected through a with political influence, had complained of lack of fairness in the tendering process will have full authority digital engine control selection process. Whatever the case, six years of effort by Army (FADEC) with a control system software which will be specifi- Headquarters in processing the case as also the time, effort and cally developed by Turbomeca for matching its single engine resources expended by the OEMs involved, proved to be in vain! application on the LUH. The LUH will feature a highly agile The tender was floated for the second time in July 2008 rotor system and composite rotor blades for low maintenance. and the estimated cost for 197 helicopters had been revised Critical aspects like the rotor system, transmission, engine and upwards to $750 million. By this time the total requirement of glass cockpit are of state-of-the-art design. These attributes will helicopters in this class that included that of the IAF, had gone see the fleet in service through to 2050 at the very least. up to 384. However, the number to be procured from a foreign The sordid episode related to the tender for 197 LUHs for vendor was retained at 197 (133 for the Indian Army and 64 for the Indian Army and the IAF is symbolic of the paralysis in the IAF) and the Indian aerospace major Hindustan Aeronau- decision-making that the previous government was afflicted tics Ltd (HAL) was tasked to indigenously develop a platform of with. The strong inclination at the drop of a hat to order inves- equivalent payload (three tonnes) capability and performance. tigation into allegations, cancellation of contracts and blacklist- Tentatively, the number indicated to HAL for the new machine ing of companies, have in recent times played havoc with the was pegged at 187. In the second round of tendering, there was operational preparedness of the Indian armed forces. Hopefully, only machine, the Russian Kamov Ka 226T competing against the new government will have its priorities right in addressing the Eurocopter AS550 C3 Fennec. Once again the MoD ordered the imperatives of national security. SP investigations into allegations of wrongdoing in the processing

Kamath / S p guide ubn s Photogra p h: A noo Kamath of the tender. Based on the results of the investigation the sec- —By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 5 SP’S EXCLUSIVEs modernisation Around the clock. IAF for 200 light bullet-proof vehicles No matter what.  By SP’s Special Correspondent

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 160-200 port, bullet-proof glass window on the driver’s door and a bullet- light bullet-proof vehicles for movement and operations of small proof windscreen. The vehicle needs to also have roof-mounted independent teams. The vehicle needs to sport a turbocharged 360-degree traversing gunner’s hatch/turret of suitable diam- diesel engine with a life of not less than 1,00,000 km and be eter with foldable perimeter protection with suitable detach- capable of operating at high altitudes with maximum ground able mounts to house and effectively fire weapons like INSAS or clearance. The IAF has stipulated that the vehicle needs to have light machine guns. The IAF needs the vehicles for deployment bullet-proof side glasses on each side, one each above the fir- around sensitive establishments and bases, as well as for use ing port, bullet-proof rear glasses located above the rear firing by Garuda commando units, including at high altitude areas. SP

MoD approves Chinook & Apache purchase

 By SP’s Special Correspondent

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the purchase of 22 Boeing AH-64D Apache Block III and 15 Our worldwide Total Component Support TCS® for CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Indian Air Force after the your Boeing 787. The success of an aircraft’s daily meet, chaired by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, provided off- sets clearance to the Apache deal. The two deals will be sent to operations depends on flawless component sup- the Cabinet Committee on Security before contract signature port when needed. With decades of experience with Boeing and the US Government. The Apache deal is to be spanning hundreds of aircraft, Lufthansa Technik’s split contract between Boeing for the helicopters and the US Air component team has successfully established an Force for the Longbow radar and fire control system that will optimum supply process for 787 operators. Wher- arm 12 of the 22 helicopters being purchased. The Chinook deal will be a contract with Boeing. The United States is understood ever you need us, we are happy to be of service. to be pushing for the deal ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Lufthansa Technik AG, [email protected] Modi’s visit to Washington D.C. and New York City in September. While it is not clear when precisely the deals will be signed, the Call us: +49-40-5070-5553 approval comes as huge relief for the IAF and for Boeing. The twin chopper deals come as windfall for the aerospace major after the P-8I for the Indian Navy and C-17 Globemaster III for SP Photogra p h: US A rmy the Indian Air Force. www.lufthansa-technik.com/787 More mobility for the world

6 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com

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259_210x267+A_24-787_ICv2_RZ01.indd 1 16.07.14 11:28 SP’S EXCLUSIVEs modernisation IAF scouts Jaguar DARIN II/III full mission simulators  By SP’s Special Correspondent

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 1-3 Jag- have the capability for insertion of multiple and various types of uar DARIN-III ‘Fixed Base Full Mission’ and 1-3 Jaguar DARIN- friendly and enemy aircraft in a tactical situation and intuitively II ‘Fixed Base Full Mission’ simulators. The simulators would project them on the tactical display, Radar, and Radar Warning be used to impart realistic training to aircrew flying the Jaguar Receiver as desired by the instructor. Capability for simulation DARIN III/DARIN II aircraft. The IAF has stipulated that the simu- of ground targets like class A & B vehicles, surface-to-air mis- lators need to enable realistic pilot conversion training for phases sile (SAM) sites, ships, command posts, etc, and the capability to of flight under normal and degraded modes in all flying condi- network with other similar simulators. The IAF has also men- tions, including adverse weather. Basic flying encompassing all tioned that given the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the normal aircraft operations and procedures from checks before lead integrator of the DARIN-II and DARIN-III avionics upgrades, start up to flying a full mission profile and up to switch-off will vendors other than HAL would need to enter into an agreement be practised on the intended simulators, including emergency with HAL to obtaining technical details of the standard operating procedures and various failure modes. The simulators need to procedures of DARIN-II and DARIN-III upgrade aircraft. SP

DRDO scouts long-range sensors for aerostats

 By SP’s Special Correspondent

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is scouting a long-range electro-optic (LREO) payload for day and night reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting at long ranges to be mounted on an indigenous aerostat platform, Akash- deep and its variants. The payload employed needs to include daylight CCD/CMOS camera with continuous zoom, narrow field of view spotter, MWIR/LWIR thermal imager, eye safe laser range finder and stabilised turret that performs sight line steering with precised stabilisation. According to DRDO, the LREO should enable ground-based operators to steer the payload line of sight of aerostats for border surveillance. Akashdeep is a medium-size in azimuth and elevation axes to detect and recognise targets aerostat system indigenously designed and developed by the Aer- at required ranges during day and night, and should include a ial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) video tracker, which will enable automatic target tracking during in Agra. It was tested for the first time from the IIT Kanpur air- SP F, D R O Photogra p h s : I A F, day and night target acquisition. The DRDO is building a family strip in October 2012.

8 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com OEM first interview Dr Vivek Lall, CEO, General Atomics

Dr Vivek Lall has taken over as the Chief Executive of General Atomics headquartered in San Diego and will be overseeing the global operations of the company. An enterprising aerospace and defence expert, Dr Lall has held various key appointments in the past. Of late he headed Boeing India operations and later and its TRIGA® research reactors have operated around the took over as President & CEO of Reliance world for over 50 years. General Atomics is committed to de- New Ventures. He is affiliated with the veloping innovative energy solutions to meet global needs. We are focused on the fundamental theoretical research needed for United Nations in New York to advise on sustainable, alternative technologies that are safe and economi- broadband and cyber security issues. Dr cal through improved performance. And with over 50 years of experience, General Atomics plays an important role in nuclear Lall spoke to SP’s Aviation on September research and scientific discovery. 3 in his first official interview indicating the SP’s: What are the core strengths of the company as of today? plans and strengths of General Atomics. Vivek Lall: In addition to what has been mentioned, GA develops electromagnetic aircraft launch and recovery systems for the US Navy, as well as electromagnetic railgun launchers, pulsed power systems, and projectiles. General Atomics Aeronautical SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Congratulations on taking over as CEO Systems is a world leader in proven, reliable unmanned aircraft of one of the world’s most technology driven companies systems (UAS) and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as headquartered in US. Can you indicate on your foreseeable advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. GA produces a roles within the company and for the company? variety of high technology products from high-energy capaci- Vivek Lall: Many thanks, Jayant. As Chief Executive globally tors and nuclear/radiation monitoring systems, to deicing prod- responsible for commercial strategic development it becomes ucts and diagnostic enzymes. imperative for me that the cutting-edge technologies developed by the world’s leading scientists and engineers are of benefit to SP’s: How would you view, as the CEO of General Atomics, US and international governments and customers. India as part of your global expansion and global market- ing strategy? SP’s: General Atomics is renowned for its contribution to- Vivek Lall: India is increasingly becoming the epicenter of great wards nuclear sector. Can you elaborate on this? Its initial innovation and it is critical that we help contribute to its growth charter was focused towards peaceful missions of atomic and technological prowess. energy. Can you take us to the journey from that point to the current vastly expanded capabilities? SP’s: How do you find the policy initiatives by the new gov- Vivek Lall: General Atomics (GA) had an initial charter to ex- ernment in India? plore peaceful uses of atomic energy. Leading scientists came Vivek Lall: It is very encouraging that the new government is to GA, forming the nucleus of the human resources. GA carries working actively to create an enabling environment for catalys- out the largest and most successful nuclear fusion programme ing true technology growth and innovation. One element of that in private industry. The company has been the primary devel- enabling environment is FDI policy. I am very optimistic about oper of modular helium-cooled nuclear power reactor systems, the future prospects. SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 9 Military BiLateral Relations

THE ESSENCE OF BRITAIN Made in Switzerland by BREITLING

dawn of a new era: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the Joint Press Remarks at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan Beginning of an era India will be setting a new template for defence cooperation with Japan, which other strategic partners of Japan would also like to emulate

By Ranjeet Kumar

British chic, Swiss excellence: Breitling for Bentley combines the best After the summit meeting on September 1, 2014 plane. A joint statement said, “Both sides directed the Joint of both worlds. Style and performance. Luxury and accomplishment. between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Nar- Working Group to accelerate progress in the discussions and Class and audacity. Power and refi nement. Perfectly epitomising this endra Modi, India and Japan will witness an enhanced and preparations for a road map for the development of the Indian exceptional world, the Bentley B05 Unitime houses a Manufacture new era of cooperation between the two countries in defence aircraft industry through US-2 amphibian aircraft cooperation Breitling calibre, chronometer-certifi ed by the COSC (Swiss Offi cial and security arena, for which the way has been cleared by the including the transfer of the aircraft and its technology to India.” BENTLEY B05 Japanese decision to lift the ban on six Indian defence enti- If the US-2 deal materialises India will perhaps be first coun- Chronometer Testing Institute), the highest benchmark in terms of UNITIME ties including the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and the decision try since World War II to acquire a military system from Japan. precision and reliability. It is distinguished by its exclusive crown- To facilitate this Prime Minister Abe had only a few months to accelerate the talks on US-2 amphibious plane transfer to adjusted worldtime system featuring revolutionary user friendliness. Indian Navy. In fact India will be setting a new template for ago decided to dismantle the ban on weapons exports that has defence cooperation with Japan, which other strategic partners dissuaded his country from entering into world arms market A proud alliance between the grand art of British carmaking and the of Japan would also like to emulate. in spite of possessing most advanced and competitive defence fi ne Swiss watchmaking tradition. Both countries decided to upgrade and strengthen their technology. The US-2 (ShinMaywa industries) amphibious air- defence cooperation and directed the officials of the two gov- craft deal will be worth $1.65 billion, which includes off-the- ernmentsA to launch consultations to promote military equip- shelf purchase and technology transfer for license manufacture ment cooperation and speed up discussions on modalities for in India. According to sources India is negotiating for at least 15

Photogra p h: P IB the supply and transfer of technology of the US-2 amphibious planes for direct sale at the cost of $110 million each.

breitlingforbentley.com 10 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com

CA106085_BeckhamOr_210x267_SP Aviation.indd 1 22.07.14 14:21 THE ESSENCE OF BRITAIN Made in Switzerland by BREITLING

British chic, Swiss excellence: Breitling for Bentley combines the best of both worlds. Style and performance. Luxury and accomplishment. Class and audacity. Power and refi nement. Perfectly epitomising this exceptional world, the Bentley B05 Unitime houses a Manufacture Breitling calibre, chronometer-certifi ed by the COSC (Swiss Offi cial BENTLEY B05 Chronometer Testing Institute), the highest benchmark in terms of UNITIME precision and reliability. It is distinguished by its exclusive crown- adjusted worldtime system featuring revolutionary user friendliness. A proud alliance between the grand art of British carmaking and the fi ne Swiss watchmaking tradition.

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CA106085_BeckhamOr_210x267_SP Aviation.indd 1 22.07.14 14:21 Military BiLateral Relations

The US-2 plane, likely to be based at the Andaman Nicobar in the Asia-Pacific region and on long-term strategic and Islands, can fly for 4,500 km which will give a reach up to South global issues. East Asian coastal areas and can be employed in support mis- • Bilateral cooperation within multilateral frameworks in sions. This will step up the profile of Indian Navy across the Asia, in particular the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Indian Ocean which will help in countering rival China. Forum and ReCAAP processes. The US-2 will prove to be a symbolic launching of defence • Defence dialogue and cooperation within the framework of cooperation between the two countries. To enable deeper coop- the Joint Statement signed in May 2006 between the two eration the two sides signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Defence and Foreign Ministries. Exchanges in the Field of Defence during Prime Minister Modi’s • Cooperation between coast guards. five-day visit. “We intend to give a new thrust and direction to These dialogues continued on a regular basis and the lat- our defence cooperation, including collaboration in defence tech- est decision to upgrade the defence cooperation is a result of nology and equipment, given our shared interest in peace and the Modi-Abe summit which will see a new era of cooperation stability and maritime security. We have also decided to expand in defence sector between the two Asian giants. Prime Minis- our cooperation in advanced technology, science and technology, ter Modi told the Japanese businessmen to take advantage of people-to-people exchanges, educational exchanges, etc,” Modi India’s liberalised FDI regime in the defence sector. said at the joint press briefing with his Japanese counterpart. The cooperation and joint programme between the armed The Tokyo Declaration said,“The two forces of two countries will also become Prime Ministers expressed hope that this a regular feature. As the two countries would usher in a new era of cooperation decided to include Japan in the bilateral in defence equipment and technology. India US Malabar maritime exercises on They recognised the enormous future “We intend to give a new regular annual basis, the two Prime Min- potential for transfer and collaborative isters also welcomed the dialogue between projects in defence equipment and tech- thrust and direction to the Director General of Indian Coast Guard nology between the two countries,”. our defence cooperation, and the Commandant of Japan Coast Guard The foundation for defence and secu- including collaboration and the joint exercise between Indian and rity cooperation was laid in 2006 when the Japanese Coast Guards conducted off the then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee in defence technology coast of Kochi in January 2014. Both sides had visited Japan and issued a joint state- and equipment, given our expressed their desire to further promote ment with Fukushiro Nukaga, Japan’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation on Minister of State for Defence, who empha- shared interest in peace maritime issues and decided to hold the sised on “deepening the dialogue and and stability and maritime next bilateral dialogue in Tokyo and joint cooperation” in security and defence fields security. We have also exercise off the coast of Haneda between and a deep interest in tackling regional Indian and Japanese Coast Guards in Octo- and global security challenges. In 2001, the decided to expand our ber 2014. bilateral Comprehensive Security Dialogue cooperation in advanced Though the Japanese were in the was initiated. The two countries further forefront of imposing sanctions on India institutionalised the bilateral security coop- technology, science after India conducted nuclear tests in May eration by issuing the Joint Declaration on and technology, people- 1998, the role of Indian Navy in Novem- Security Cooperation between Japan and to-people exchanges, ber 1999 when they rescued the Japanese India in October 2008 and commence- Alexandra Rainbow ship from the sea ment of 2+2 bilateral dialogue involving educational exchanges, pirates impressed the Japanese decision- the defence and foreign ministries. Under etc,” Modi said at the makers so much that they decided to take this the following elements were included. a U-turn and initiated the talks with India • Information exchange and policy joint press briefing with in defence and security arena. These talks coordination on regional affairs his Japanese counterpart. have now matured to the level of the Tokyo Declaration which expresses the resolve to strengthen defence and security coopera- tion. Perhaps the ongoing spat with China over Senkaku (Diayou) islands in East China Sea has encouraged amphibian aircraft: Japan to find a new partner in Asia in defence arena to bolster its shinmaywa’s US-2 maritime security. The resolve to enter into a defence and security cooperation with India will allow the Japanese defence giants like Mitusbishi Heavy Industries Limited and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Limited to enter in a big way in Indian defence sector, These companies already supply important components to US and British aviation and armament companies. Since India is a leading market for defence hardware, the Japanese government would not like to be absent from the Indian market, which offers huge scope of over $100 billion in the next decade. India needs cutting-edge technol- ogy in defence electronics and the Japanese electronics companies are well suited to meet the needs of the country’s armed forces. Japan seems to have shed its post-war inhibitions and is ready to SP Photogra p h: S hin M aywa work with India as a reliable partner in defence sector.

12 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Military Relief Operations

swift in response: Garud commando onboard consoling one of the rescued persons during flood in Srinagar RESPONDING TO DISASTER True to its reputation, the IAF has once again risen to the occasion to respond effectively to the unforeseen disaster that struck the state of Jammu and Kashmir

By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

In conformity with its reputation that is characterised by the lives of several hundred hapless victims and left thousands the capability to provide swift response, in the first week of Sep- homeless. What has compounded the problem for the National tember this year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) once again sprang Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed to conduct into action to undertake relief and rescue operations as the state relief and rescue operations is the widespread destruction of of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was devastated by what has been infrastructure by way of rail, roads and bridges across the state. described as a natural calamity of unprecedented magnitude. With the communication links severed, countless have been left Regarded as the worst since the year 1959, the floods that have stranded in areas that are not accessible by land route com- P hoto g raphs: IAF Ibeen ravaging the state of J&K in the recent past, have claimed pounding the problems for the government and the allied agen- www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 13 Military Relief Operations cies involved in their efforts at providing succour to the affected populace of the state. Endowed with unparalleled reach and the unique and unmatched capability of providing swift response that is war- ranted in a crisis, the IAF has had an impressive record of always being in the forefront of disaster management. The service has given an admirable account of itself having undertaken a number of relief operations during the last ten years. In December 2004 when a tsunami hit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it was a Dornier Do-228 aircraft of the IAF based at Carnicobar Island that transmitted a ‘MAYDAY, the very first distress message received on the Indian mainland reporting that Carnicobar Island was hit by a severe earthquake and that the island was being swamped by tidal waves generated in its wake. The pilot of the Dornier air- craft requested immediate rescue and relief which the IAF did provide in substantial measure in the days following the tsunami. As speed was of essence in order to save precious lives and to miti- gate further effects of the disaster, a massive airlift operation was launched from the mainland. The aircraft involved were heavy lift IL-76, medium-lift An-32, Avro HS-748 and Dornier Do-228 air- craft. In addition, helicopters of the IAF that were pressed into service included the MI-17, MI-8, Chetak and Cheetah. In September 2009, unprecedented rains in north Karna- taka inundated and cut off several districts including Bijapur, Bagalkot and Bellary. The adjoining districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh were also similarly affected. Once again the IAF responded immediately deploying its fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters based in the two Southern States of India for drop- ping of food supplies as well as airlifting the sick and the injured to safety. Two years later, reequipped with a fleet of the versatile C-130J Super Hercules four-engine military transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin Corporation of the United States, the IAF responded with alacrity and far better airlift capability when on a Sunday in September 2011, a major earthquake of a magni- tude of 6.9 on the Richter Scale struck the State of Sikkim bor- dering Nepal. Quick to respond, the IAF immediately deployed four of its newest acquisition, the Super Hercules and within hours, airlifted personnel of NDRF along with the required heavy their light and heavy equipment as well as the required material from Delhi to Bagdogra, an IAF airfield located close to Sikkim, for relief and rescue operations. The fleet of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft continued to support the disaster relief operations thereafter for several days. In mid-June 2013, in the wake of unprecedented heavy rain that continued for several days, the northern state of Uttara- khand was devastated by massive landslides and destruction of communication links. Villages were cut off and thousands of pilgrims stranded. The IAF responded to this formidable chal- lenge with characteristic speed, resolve and fortitude. It com- mitted three of its C-130Js Super Hercules aircraft in support of the disaster relief operations dubbed as “Operation Rahat”. These aircraft delivered thousands of tonnes of relief material/ supplies, provided 30,000 litres of fuel at the advanced landing IAF helicopters carrying out rescue, relief & evacuation of people grounds for helicopters operating in forward areas and airlifted marooned during the flood fury in Jammu and Kashmir sick and injured personnel in large numbers. The C130-J landed at Dharasu, a landing strip near Uttarkashi only 4,500 feet long. The operation demonstrated the flexibility and versatility of the largest storm to make landfall in recorded history, the Super Super Hercules aircraft in crisis situations. Within 48 hours of the Typhoon Haiyan causing widespread destruction of homes, liveli- commencement of operations, the IAF inducted 45 helicopters hood and infrastructure. An IAF C-130J Super Hercules delivered of eight different types, operating from eight different locations. 15 tonnes of relief supplies in Tacloban City consisting of hygiene Soon after, in the second week of October the same year, chemicals, drinking water, tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water puri- Cyclone Phailin hit the coast of Odisha. Once again, the IAF fication equipment, ready-made meals and powder milk. pressed into service the C-130J Super Hercules to support relief Swift response to disaster is virtually a trait ingrained the operations. In mid-November 2013, Philippines was hit by the character of the IAF.

14 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Military Relief Operations

link between Pathankot and Jammu has been cut off on account of severe damage to a bridge on River Tawi. Districts in South Kashmir are the worst hit by the catastrophe with many areas still isolated from the headquarters. Out of the over 3,000 villages affected by the floods, 400 odd have been totally cut off and some even completely inundated by flood waters. Nearly half the city of Srinagar has been sub- merged under flood waters. The toll in terms of life and property is difficult to assess with any degree of accuracy at this stage. Thousands have been stranded and peering into the sky for vir- tually divine intervention by way of the IAF helicopters to come to their rescue. The nature’s fury unleashed on the state did not spare even the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi resulting in suspension of the Yatra. Despite the continuing inclement weather, the IAF aircraft were pressed into service almost immediately after the disaster struck. A disaster monitoring cell was established at Headquar- ters Western Air Command at New Delhi to coordinate opera- tions by different types of aircraft launched from the several and widely dispersed airbases in the country. Meanwhile Air Head- quarters alerted all its bases to be prepared to respond if and when called upon to assist in the disaster relief operations. The highest priority defined for the IAF was to save lives. From its fleet of transport aircraft, the IAF has deployed for disaster relief operations, a dozen An-32, four IL-76, five C-130J Super Hercules and two C-17 Globemaster III, the latest addition to its inventory. These aircraft have been operating from Bhatinda, , Srinagar, Jammu, Awantipur Agra, Hindon and Delhi to support rescue and relief operations, airlifting teams of NDRF personnel along with hundreds of tonnes of equipment and relief material. Alongside, the helicopters of the IAF have been operat- ing from Srinagar, Awantipur, Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot and Sarsawa. While food including ready-to-eat meals, drinking water, medical supplies, blankets and tents have been airlifted to those stranded with their homes destroyed, thousands have been flown out to safety by both the fixed-wing transport aircraft and helicop- ters. Hundreds have so far been winched up by helicopters hover- ing over isolated rooftops and brought to safety. Commandos from the recently created Special Force of the IAF, Garud, have been lowered by helicopters to dismantle roofs of buildings to evacuate persons trapped in the higher floors. In all the IAF has deployed more than 60 fixed and rotary wing aircraft in this endeavour. At the time of writing i.e. as on September 9, 2014, a total of 370 sorties have been undertaken by the fixed and rotary wing aircraft of the IAF in which nearly 500 tonnes of relief materials have been airdropped. With the help of communication equipment and personnel from the IAF, BSNL is making efforts to restore its mobile services through satellite network at the earliest.

The Final Word True to its reputation, the IAF has once again risen to the occa- (Top) NDRF team rescues stranded civilians in the flood-affected part of sion to respond effectively to the unforeseen disaster that struck Srinagar; (Middle) Garud commandos carrying out winching operation the state of J&K on a scale large enough for it to be called a during flood in Jammu and Kashmir; (above) IAF personnel helps an aged national calamity. The IAF has upheld its commitment to be in flood victim getting onboard a C-17 Globemaster at Srinagar the service of the nation not only during war against an external threat; but also to come to the aid of its citizens whenever their Disaster in J&K security is threatened in any manner during peacetime as well. The IAF is now confronted with its most recent challenge in Unfortunately, however, as the saying goes, “Both God and Doctor disaster management. Since the beginning of September this are forgotten once the misery is over”. Hopefully, the inhabitants year, the situation in J&K has been highly challenging for the of J&K and more importantly, the political establishment there, agencies deployed to cope with the calamity resulting from heavy will not let this happen in the case of not only the IAF but of the and incessant rains leading to massive flooding of the state that Indian armed forces in general who have rendered selfless and has adversely affected over a million people. The road and rail yeomen service during the calamity. SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 15 MILITARY Indian air Force A SEASON OF HOPE

more to come: Lockheed Martin will commence deliveries in 2017 against the order for additional six C-130J-30

The growing inadequacies in the offensive and defensive assets of the IAF may undermine its capability to effectively shoulder its responsibilities

By Joseph Noronha

With the government in New Delhi completing a hundred Fast Depleting Force days in office, hopes that the manifold problems facing the coun- In February 2014, the IAF informed the Parliamentary Stand- try can be speedily resolved have slightly dimmed. Realisation ing Committee on Defence that it would be difficult for it to is dawning that despite the best intentions, complex issues such handle a “collusive threat from Pakistan and China” – a contin- as the economy, will take time to address. Quick-fix solutions gency it is supposed to be prepared for. As is well known, the might end up creating even more serious complications. But current strength of IAF combat squadrons is just 34 against the security is another matter. This, after all, is a region where three presently authorised 39.5 slated to increase to 42 by 2022. The nuclear-armed neighbours rub shoulders and where hostilities situation is likely to deteriorate further as obsolescent types are run deep. India’s armed forces desperately need decisions on withdrawn from service and the number of operational squad- various acquisition and modernisation proposals, some of them rons might well plunge to 26 at some point. The root cause of hanging fire for several years. this alarming prospect, as recognised by the Standing Commit- Of the three services, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is perhaps tee, is poor planning by the Ministry of Defence, and the glacial the worst hit. It will be in the forefront of any future military pace of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal. operations;W but growing inadequacies in its offensive and defen- Over the next few years, the IAF can count on about 49 sive assets may undermine its capability to effectively shoulder Dassault Mirage 2000 multi-role fighters, 60 Mikoyan/RAC its responsibilities. The IAF knows it must strictly prioritise its MiG-29 interceptors and approximately 120 Jaguar deep strike demands due to the fragile state of the economy. Even so, its aircraft, built under licence by the Hindustan Aeronautics Lim- much-delayed re-equipment plan will take tens of thousands of ited (HAL). All these are either being upgraded or planned for

Photogra p h: IAF crores of rupees to implement. upgrade. It has inducted the bulk of 272 Sukhoi/HAL Su-30MKI

16 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com MILITARY Indian Air Force

progressing gradually: (clockwise - from top left) rafale by dassault; airbus’ a330 mrtt; AEW&C system being developed by DRDO on the Embraer ERJ 145 platform; apache of boeing

air dominance fighters, which will be the major component of or “more economical” aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon or the force for many years to come. Although the IAF has about the Saab JAS 39 Gripen or even the Tejas. However, it may be 80 MiG-27ML ground attack aircraft, they will be withdrawn recalled that the Rafale was selected from amongst six leading from service by 2020, while 150 vintage MiG-21s, that are due fighter jets following a stringent and unprecedented evaluation to retire by 2017, will somehow be kept going till 2022. This lasting over four years. Any decision now in favour of another huge number of 230 aircraft slated for drawdown over the next aircraft would be purely arbitrary. The Tejas is woefully inad- eight years can be only partly replaced by HAL Tejas Mk1 and equate to fulfil the MMRCA’s role, since it has less than half the Mk2 light combat aircraft (LCA), if made available in a respect- range and armament load of the Rafale. Although its first flight able time frame. Thus, the stated goal of 42 combat squadrons was in January 2001 it still hasn’t received final operational by 2022 seems as elusive as ever. clearance (FOC). Given the Tejas Mk1’s track record of delays, The country’s northern border is most at risk because China more interruptions can be expected during the development of

US A r m y Sp G uide Pubns, A irbus Mi l itary, viation, is rapidly developing its overall military capability including a the enhanced Mk2. The IAF has already committed to ordering t A large fleet of fifth-generation combat aircraft. That is why the two squadrons of Tejas Mk1 and four squadrons of Tejas Mk2. Rafale MMRCA deal, estimated to cost $25 billion over the next Of the 126 Rafales required, the first 18 are only expected 36 assau l decade, is top of the IAF’s priority list. to 48 months after the contract is signed. The remaining 108, to be manufactured by HAL on transfer of technology terms, will MMRCA Misgivings take up to 11 years. Meanwhile, since the MMRCA will equip the Taking advantage of the unconscionably delayed deal, some IAF for about 40 years, each passing year only brings it closer

Photogra p hs: D analysts advocate scrapping the Rafale in favour of a “better” to obsolescence.

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 17 MILITARY Indian Air Force

Why is this vital deal held up? Since January 2012 when the jet training. Its planned replacement, HAL’s HJT-36 Sitara, was Rafale was declared the winner, based on its performance and initially slated to enter service by 2007. However, the Sitara has lowest commercial bid, negotiations with Dassault have been faced a number of serious problems related to controllability and tortuously slow. Apart from haggling over costs, which have power plant over the years. The project has also been plagued sharply escalated, the main sticking point apparently was HAL’s by a number of accidents. It is understood that the Sitara would insistence on keeping a major part of the production work share have to be redesigned which makes the time frame of its avail- for itself. Dassault was understandably hesitant to agree since ability completely uncertain. Since the IAF’s need to replace the HAL isn’t famous for meeting production timelines. The latest Kiran fleet is urgent, the only available option is to buy a suit- information emerging from the corridors of power is that nego- able aircraft off-the-shelf from the global market. The IAF has tiations “are progressing well” and a draft contract is ready. It already issued a global RFI, seeking inputs on jet trainers for is hoped that the contract will be signed by the end of the year. intermediate stage training of fighter pilots as well as for counter- Apart from the Rafale, hopes for the IAF’s long-term future insurgency operations. This needs to be expeditiously pursued to rest squarely on the Sukhoi/HAL fifth-generation fighter aircraft its logical conclusion without succumbing to pressure by HAL. (FGFA) or perspective multi-role fighter (PMF), of which it plans to order 144 aircraft. The $30 billion programme to develop and Force Multiplication produce the PMF, earlier designated PAK-FA, is expected to be The IAF currently has only three AWACS – Ilyushin IL-76 jets India’s most expensive ever. The aircraft is intended to match equipped with Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Phalcon radar the US stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor. However, earlier this and mission control systems and redesignated A-50EI. A case year, some IAF officers reportedly found the prototype wanting for procurement of another two is at an advanced stage and they in many respects – especially its stealth features and the all- should be received by 2016. A Defence Research and Develop- important fire-control radar. Besides, the programme has been ment Organisation (DRDO) programme to develop a basic air- plagued by delay. Urgent decisions need to be taken on the pace borne early warning and control (AEW&C) system aircraft, on and direction of this project lest the IAF be saddled with a dud. the Embraer ERJ 145 platform, is already three years behind schedule. The IAF is also backing the indigenous development Lifting Spirits of another more capable AWACS. An RFP has been issued for an The modernisation of the IAF’s air transport and helicopter aircraft that can support an antenna dome of about 10 m diam- fleets presents a brighter scene. The IAF’s ten Boeing C-17 eter. This indicates the possibility of a large, long-endurance Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft will be delivered platform like the Airbus A330 or Boeing B-767. The programme by December. The IAF hopes that the government will order was launched late last year and needs to be closely monitored another six and this decision assumes considerable urgency to avoid delays. since Boeing has already announced its intention to cease C-17 Flight refuelling aircraft (FRA) are also vital, considering the production by mid-2015. Further, Lockheed Martin will com- growing area of responsibility of the IAF as it transforms into a mence deliveries in 2017 against the order for six C-130J-30 strategic force. The IAF currently has six Ilyushin IL-78 FRAs. special operations aircraft to add to the existing inventory Last year, Airbus Military was selected to supply six A330 multi- of five. The IAF’s An-32 medium tactical transport aircraft role tanker transport (MRTT) to the IAF following a lengthy and upgrade project is making good progress. That leaves only the thorough selection process. Contract negotiations are in prog- ageing twin-turboprop Hawker Siddeley/HAL HS 748M Avro ress, expected to culminate soon in a deal for six aircraft. Value light transport. The government recently re-issued an RFP for of the contract is expected to be around $1.5 billion. The first 56 aircraft worth an estimated $2 billion to replace the venera- aircraft should fly in about three years from the date the con- ble Avros. A contract is expected to be awarded by 2015-16, the tract is concluded. main contenders being the Airbus C-295 and Alenia Aermacchi C-27J tactical transports. Spearheading National Power As for helicopters, 80 Mil Mi-17V5s have already arrived, The credibility of the nation’s military might rests heavily on adding to the existing 110 Mi-8/17s. The IAF is close to acquir- the IAF because air power will be the spearhead of any future ing 22 cutting-edge Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters conflict. China’s growing military prowess leaves room neither and 15 Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters at an esti- for complacency nor for any delay in decision making. Pakistan mated cost of $2.5 billion, following approval by the Defence too seems happy to keep the regional pot on the boil. The IAF Acquisition Council (DAC) at the end of August. Hopefully, both needs to have 42 combat-ready squadrons for all contingencies. contracts will be signed this year. However, a proposal by the Yet the pace of its modernisation is less than satisfying. Indian Army dating back to 2003 to acquire 197 reconnais- The new government has promised to meet all the needs of sance and surveillance helicopters (64 of these for the IAF) has the armed forces and ensure defence preparedness. However, if finally been cancelled. A new tender will be issued with the aim decisions are not taken soon, the season of hope could fast turn of keeping the competition largely indigenous under the “Buy to a season of despair. At the end of August, Minister of Defence and Make (Indian)” category. The process needs to be expedited, Arun Jaitley set a one-year deadline for the launch of the Indian as both the Army and the IAF continue to suffer operationally. Navy’s first Scorpene submarine. Similar deadlines need to be set for crucial IAF modernisation projects, so as to spur laid Training Trauma back officialdom. In the IAF’s training fleet there’s a sense of déjà vu. It took 20 It is a good sign that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has years of toil with the government to induct the Hawk Mk132 reportedly agreed to meet the three service Chiefs every month. Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT). Similarly, although the HAL-built This will help the country’s top leadership sense the angst in the HPT-32 basic trainer had to be prematurely grounded in July armed forces over slow-motion re-equipment that impersonal 2009, the replacement Pilatus PC-7 MkII began to arrive only in military memos cannot adequately convey. Swift decisions and February 2013. The latest issue is the rapidly ageing fleet of HJT- speedy implementation, especially on the MMRCA contract, are 16 Kiran MkI and MkII jets, which the IAF uses for intermediate the need of the hour. They cannot be delayed much longer. SP

18 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Civil market

AIRLINE CONUNDRUM Presently, airlines in India are going through turbulent times, making one wonder how new airlines are daring to enter this business when there is bloodshed around

By R. Chandrakanth Photogra p h: S guide ubn s

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 19 Civil market

It is an airline conundrum. Four of the six of new airlines Air Costa, AirAsia India, and soon-to-be-launched commercial airlines presently operating in India Tata-Singapore Airlines. There are a number of new ventures approved but yet to takeoff. Indian carriers are expected to dou- are bleeding profusely, even while new airlines ble their fleet size by 2020 to around 800 aircraft. are venturing into this business. Something some- where is right, something somewhere is wrong. LCCs Dominate There is no disputing the fact that India’s aviation Over the last decade, there has been a significant upward move- ment of the low-cost carriers (LCCs) in India. In 2013, LCCs sector has enormous potential for growth, but accounted for almost 70 per cent of the domestic capacity, driving presently the airline industry is in a major crisis. growth through low fares, regional routing and discounted offers. The potential for growth is a great story, but the airline Immense Opportunity industry is weighed down by adversity. The most important IIt is projected that India would be the third largest aviation market factor impinging on profitability has been the rising price of by 2020. It is now among the top 10 globally with a size of around aviation turbine fuel (ATF) that is fuelled by both the escalat- $16 billion. The numbers augur well. Passenger traffic increased ing price of crude and devaluation of the rupee.On an average, from 73 million in 2006-07 to 159.3 million in 2012-13. Passen- fuel costs are around 60 per cent higher in India than in other ger capacity climbed 3.5 per cent in 2013, and load factor was countries and adding to that is the mosaic of state taxes, some 74.6 per cent, up 1.7 percentage points compared to 2012. Air as high as 35 per cent, making India one of the costliest places freight touched 2.19 million tonnes, a compound annual growth in the world to run a fleet of planes. It is not surprising that the rate of 10 per cent over 2012-13. However, the International Air balance sheet of majority of the airlines in India is in the red. Transport Association (IATA) noted that the demand environment was challenging in view of the weakening economy, inflation and Restructuring of slow down in manufacturing and resource industry. The national carrier Air India has been on life support for quite Considering the trends and the potential, India may well some years now. It has embarked upon a path of restructuring achieve the third largest aviation market status, but the ques- and it remains to be seen how it will emerge out of the deep tion is what role will the home-grown airlines play in this morass it is in. It ended the financial year 2014 with operating endeavour? Presently, they are going through turbulent times, loss of `2,123 crore, but reported EBIDTA (Earnings Before Inter- making one wonder how new airlines are daring to enter this est Depreciation Taxes and Amortization) positive for the second business when there is bloodshed around. consecutive fiscal at over `700 crore, a significant increase from `19 crore in the previous fiscal. The signs are encouraging. Cumulative Losses Air India has been assured of an equity infusion of over The cumulative losses of all airlines have been estimated at `30,000 crore by 2020, provided it achieves certain milestones. `49,000 crore with Air India accounting for a staggering `30,000 The Ministry of Civil Aviation in its 2012 audit found that 13 crore. And in the recent past, the industry has witnessed merger long-haul international routes accounted for about 80 per cent or closure of airlines such as , , Par- of losses during 2011-12. Hopefully, Air India’s entry into Star amount Airways and Air Sahara. It has also witnessed the birth Alliance will prop up its overseas operations.

Passenger Traffic Total passenger traffic stood at a 159.3 million during FY13.

160m

140m

120m

100m

80m

FY13 FY12 FY11 FY10 FY09 FY08 FY07 Source: DGCA gra p hic: A noo Kamath

20 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Civil market

Jet Airways in Distress FINANCIAL HEALTH Pre-2007, before it took over Sahara, full- service carrier was known for OF AIRLINES on-time-performance and world-class service. Air India However, in 2013-14, Jet Airways reported its highest-ever annual loss of `4,129 crore, forcing it to adopt Particulars 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 tough measures to lower costs and achieve profitability with a Revenues 19,661.78 18,213.79 15,901.79 three-year business plan. Jet Airways ranks second by market Expenses 25,050.60 23,703.95 23,461.53 share and has not reported an annual profit since 2007. As part Loss after tax 5,388.82 5,490.16 7,559.74 of the restructuring process, it has shut down JetLite, its low- Jet Airways cost arm, and is focused on its full-service operations. Etihad Particulars 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 Airways has a taken a 24 per cent stake in Jet. Revenues 19,035.84 17,403.17 15,173.08 “We as an airline confused customers with multiple brands. The main aim in the tie-up with Etihad Airways is to increase Expenses 21,773.10 21,350.40 11,314.10 market share,” says Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal. Loss after tax 4,129.76 4,955.00 1,236.00 According to Kapil Kaul, CEO South Asia, Centre for Asia Pacific Source: Jet Airways Aviation (CAPA) Jet Airways lost focus in the domestic mar- SpiceJet ket after 2005-06 as it concentrated largely on international Particulars 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 services, to become another ‘Singapore Airlines’. “Jet Airways Revenues 6,437.05 5,805.14 4,019.11 went in for 20 wide-body aircraft for international operations. Operating Expenses 6,008.19 4,810.47 3,707.90 Its expansion happened without an adequate capital base. The 2006 Air Sahara acquisition, which to me was a big mistake, Loss after tax 1,003.24 1910.70 605.80 blocked precious capital at a very crucial phase of Jet’s inter- Figures above in crores of rupees Source: SpiceJet national programme.” In 2005, the airline’s profit was `392 crore while its debt was under `3,000 crore. In 2008 Jet’s consolidated loss was FINANCIAL STATEMENTS `654 crore and its debt had ballooned to `12,600 crore, com- pounded by a bad acquisition. AS PER CAPA IndiGo-Consistent Performance Revenue 2012 Net Income 2012 Revenue 2013 Net Income 2013 IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share of 31.6 per cent, GoAir 278 million 24 million 375-400 million 14-16 is a profitable carrier. For 2012-13, IndiGo reported a net profit million of `787 crore. Delhi-based Rahul Bhatia’s InterGlobe Enter- prises holds over 51 per cent stake in IndiGo while India-born IndiGo 1.0 billion 23 million 1.5-1.6 billion 100-110 million US citizen Rakesh Gangwal’s Caelum Investment LCC holds 48 Note: Figures are in US $ per cent stake. InterGlobe Enterprises, the company that owns

freight Traffic Freight traffic is expected to touch 11.4 million tonnes by 2032.

2.5m tonnes

2.0m

1.5m

1.0m

0.5m

FY13 FY12 FY11 FY10 FY09 FY08 FY07 Source: DGCA G ra p hic: A noo Kamath

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 21 Civil market

Tata SIA Airlines Limited’s vistara is likely to start operations in october 2014

B737-700 JETLITE

IndiGo, has revived plans to launch an initial public offering fleet of 19 aircraft, soon to go up to 20. It made a profit of just (IPO) to raise $400 million. Launched in 2006, IndiGo has cap- under `100 crore in the fiscal year 2014, as against a little tured the imagination of passengers through its operations, on- time-performance, connectivity and reasonable pricing. It is the fastest growing airline in India. It has a fleet of 79 aircraft with an order book of 186. DEFUNCT Commercial SpiceJet Looking for Equity AIRLINES IN THE PAST India’s second largest low-fare airline SpiceJet, owned by media baron Kalanithi Maran, is in advanced stage of negotia- 25 YEARS tions with an overseas investor for a possible infusion of capi- tal to help fund its expansion plans and pare debt. An equity Name Year of Launch Closure infusion is critical for SpiceJet as losses continue to mount. Air Deccan 2004 2007 ‘Merged with Kingfisher R’ SpiceJet posted a record net loss of `1,003.24 crore for the fis- cal year ended March 2014. The loss widened five times from 2012 2013 `191.07 crore a year ago, as a weak rupee and rising operat- Air Sahara 1991 2006 ‘Merged with Jet Airways’ ing costs took their toll. SpiceJet recently said in a statement: “The year ended March 1991 1999 31, 2014 was perhaps the most challenging in Indian aviation Damania Airways 1993 1997 history. The sharp depreciation of the Indian rupee during the East-West Airlines 1992 1995 quarter ended September 30, 2013, was unprecedented. Given the fact that over 75 per cent of any Indian airline’s cost is influ- Indus Airways 2006 2007 enced by the dollar, the effects of the exchange rates on a broad Kingfisher Airlines 2005 2012 spectrum of cost heads were crippling.” SpiceJet is working to achieve profitability by garnering a Kingfisher Red 2007 2011 greater market share and reducing costs, a strategy that will MDLR 2007 2009 help the airline in the future. SpiceJet has started filling up empty seats by offering heavy discounts, which have ensured 1994 1996 that fixed costs like taxes and fuel charges are recovered, even NEPC Airlines 1993 1997 if the airline doesn’t make any profit from those seats. 2005 2010 GoAir—Slow and Steady 1981 1997

Photogra p h: S guide ubn s Run by the Wadia Group, GoAir is a low-cost airline with a

22 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Civil market

Tata-SIA JV vistara is likely to start operations in october 2014

over `100 crore in the previous year. Group and investment firm Telestra Staying nimble since its November 2005 Tradeplace. Announcing the new routes, launch, GoAir has focused on flexibility. Tata’s and SIA’s legendary Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia India, ear- To beat competition, GoAir increased lier said, “Given the size of the population aircraft utilisation, raising it to 13 hours hospitality standards and in India, there is great potential to expand. a day while the industry average is 11 service excellence will Starting flights to Jaipur and Chandigarh hours. Currently, GoAir has 24 per cent was a strategic decision since we wanted of flights on metro routes, 70 per cent on make Vistara a natural to accelerate our operations in the North, metro to non-metro and six per cent on choice for passengers. considering the demand for our services.” non-metro routes. It is said to be in talks As per Tony Fernandes, AirAsia India with foreign airlines for a possible equity would take at least a year to break-even. stake sale to support future expansion. “We are lot more bullish about the Indian market. There is no secret recipe to doing that. We are Air Costa, so far, so good very much conscious about the costs and the discipline about End 2013, Vijayawada-based LEPL Group forayed into regional keeping everything low. This is about volume. The secret weapon aviation with two Embraer aircraft and the is is to grow very quickly and become a mass-market company. If said to be doing well. Buoyed by its initial performance and we are doing one flight a day, our aim is to make 10 flights a expansion plans of pan-India connectivity, Air Costa signed a day. Second, infrastructure is there and if we can use it more, definitive agreement with Brazil’s Embraer for 50 E-Jet E2 we can offer less cost per passenger,” said Tony Fernandes. planes with purchase rights for additional 50 jets. The initial order is for 25 E190-E2s and 25 E195-E2s, which together are Vistara—Limitless Expanse estimated to be priced at about $2.94 billion. Vistara meaning ‘Limitless Expanse, is the name given to Tata Currently the fleet size is four (two E170s and two SIA Airlines Limited (TSAL), a joint venture between Tata Group E190s) which connect nine destinations such as Ahmedabad, and Singapore International Airlines. Vistara is expected to Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Vijayawada, Coim- launch operations in October 2014 and promises to transform batore, Madurai and Visakhapatnam. the air traveller’s experience. Headquartered in Delhi, Vistara will take delivery of its first plane, an Airbus A320-200, in Sep- AirAsia India, hoping to make waves tember and plans to increase its fleet to 20 aircraft, including India’s fourth budget carrier AirAsia India, commenced opera- A320neos, by the end of the fifth year of operation. tions on June 12 this year with its first flight from Bengaluru to Prasad Menon, Chairman, TSAL, said, “Vistara will redefine Goa. It is currently operating flights from Bengaluru to Kochi, the way we travel in India. I can confidently say that Tata’s and Chennai, Goa, Jaipur and Chandigarh. AirAsia India is a three- SIA’s legendary hospitality standards and service excellence will SP Photogra p h: TATA way venture between Malaysia-based AirAsia Berhad, Tata make Vistara a natural choice for passengers.”

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 23 Civil Regional Aviation Connecting Japan JAL’s wholly-owned subsidiary J-Air is playing a significant role in JAL’s restructuring and the new E-Jets ordered are in line with its regional expansion plans

By R. Chandrakanth

In 2011, Japan Airlines (JAL) came out of bankruptcy. It made from 128 million to 95 million. To spur domestic travel, airlines a strategic and significant decision of expanding its regional ser- have to rethink their strategies and JAL has taken the lead. vices, under its medium-term business plan from 2012-16. The strategic shift is towards domestic regional markets using ‘right J-Air Concentrating On Domestic Expansion size’ aircraft. The airlines understood that it had to make early JAL’s wholly-owned subsidiary J-Air is going to play a signifi- expansion moves, both on international routes and domestic cant role in JAL’s restructuring. J-Air is a regional commuter routes, if it had to survive, considering that Japan’s population airline with its headquarters at Osaka’s Itami Airport. The car- growth has been on the negative side. In an analysis, the Centre rier is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines and an affili- for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) has noted that JAL differentiates ate of the OneWorld Alliance. J-Air has a fleet of 24 aircraft, itself from the low cost carriers and is responding to technologi- consisting of 15 Embraer 170s and nine Bombardier CRJ-200s. cal innovations. It intends to stimulate new air travel in a coun- It operates scheduled passenger services to 21 destinations try where the population is shrinking. It is reported that Japan’s across Japan. J-Air currently operates 176 daily flights across population is expected to shrink one-fourth by 2060, declining its network of 21 cities that include Osaka-Itami, Sapporo, Sen-

E170, powered by GE CF34-8E engines, will be configured for 76 passengers, I in a single class, and will be operated by J-AIR P hoto g raph: Embra e r

24 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Civil Regional Aviation dai, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Fukuoka. To expand its regional This certification, granted by the JCAB (Japa- operations, J-Air has embarked upon aircraft acquisition pro- nese Civil Aviation Bureau), marks the last gramme with a combination of Embraer jets and Mitsubishi step before the introduction of the first ATRs Regional Jets (MRJs). that will fly in the colours of a Japanese air- line. Though Air Link was to take delivery of New E-Jets Orders the first ATR 72-600, the operator since has filed for bankruptcy. On August 28 this year, Embraer S.A. signed a firm order with As part of the certification process, Japanese authorities Japan Airlines for a total of 15 E-Jets comprising the E170 and have approved the operation of the new equipment of the new the E190 jets models, as well as for an additional 12 E-Jets ATR-600 avionics, such as the MPC (multi-purpose computer), family options. The value of the firm order is estimated at $677 as well as new autopilot, communication, navigation aid and million, based on 2014 list prices. The order will be included in flight management systems. Embraer’s 2014 third-quarter backlog. All aircraft will be oper- Meanwhile, at Farnborough International Airshow 2014, ated by Japan Airlines’ wholly-owned subsidiary, J-Air, which Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the world’s largest regional air- has headquarters at Osaka’s Itami Airport. This order is added craft leasing company, has signed a letter of intent with Japan’s to the existing 15 E170s that the airline currently flies. New Amakusa Airlines for a sole ATR 42-600. When the Kumamoto deliveries of E-Jets are scheduled from 2015. Prefecture-based regional airline accepts the aircraft in the “We have been operating our E-Jets for five years and the fourth quarter of 2015, it will become the first ATR 42 operator aircraft have achieved an outstanding 99.7 per cent dispatch in Japan. Established in 1998, Amakusa Airlines provides regu- reliability. They are efficient and have displayed exceptional lar scheduled regional services connecting the Amakusa City off performance,” said Yoshiharu Ueki, Representative Director, the coast of mainland Kyushuu in south-western Japan to large President of Japan Airlines. “Having the combination of E170s cities to such destinations as Kumamoto, Fukuoka and Osaka, and E190s in our fleet will give us greater flexibility, enabling offering up to 10 frequencies daily. us to match capacity with demand on routes within our existing “We are delighted to make this agreement with Nordic Avia- and future networks. Our passengers have been impressed with tion Capital and look forward to welcoming this brand new ATR the space and comfort on board our E170. They value the fact 42-600,” commented Takashi Yoshimura, President of Amakusa that there is no middle seat.” Airlines. “The ATR 42-600 is a fine aircraft, combining excel- “This repeat order by Japan Airlines is an affirmation of the lent economics and versatile characteristics with superior cabin added value that E-Jets have brought to its operations over the comfort which our passengers will love.” years – it has enabled the airline to grow its domestic network The aircraft will replace the airline’s existing 39-seat turbo- in a sustainable way,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO, prop, enabling Amakusa Airlines to offer greater capacity thus Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The E-Jets have a proven global playing an even larger role in developing tourism while most track record and we look forward to the operational debut of importantly better serving the local people. the E190s in Japan. It is a reaffirmation of the family concept To date, there are almost 260 ATRs operating in the Asia- to see the E190 complementing the E170 fleet also in Japan, Pacific region, operated by 50 companies in 23 countries. The enhancing J-Air’s operations, and delivering a seamless passen- ATR 72-600 is also the 70-seat aircraft which has most recently ger experience across its network. The airline will also benefit obtained certification from the major international certification from the high level of commonality between the two E-Jet types.” authorities, the EASA in Europe and the American FAA. Around the same time, JAL signed a letter of intent with Domestic air travel is dominated by the JAL Group and the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation to buy 32 MRJs, as the next- ANA Group, which each consist of several airlines and serve generation regional jet for the JAL group. JAL plans to deploy over 50 airports across the country. In addition, there are sev- the MRJs on domestic routes from 2021, operated by J-Air. eral smaller airline companies competing with JAL and ANA on the country’s most popular routes. JAL’s recovery path has been Orders MRJs too noticeable. In June 2014, the Senior Managing Executive Direc- Mitsubishi Aircraft has made steady progress on the develop- tor and General Manager of Finance, Norikazu Saito, gave finan- ment of the MRJ, Japan’s first passenger jet, which is sched- cial details as per which the ASK on domestic routes decreased uled first delivery in 2017. As a network carrier that also oper- by 4 per cent from a year ago, RPK increased by 2.2 per cent. ates regional jets, the JAL aims to contribute to the birth of As a result, the load factor improved by 3.8 points to 62.4 per this passenger jet that Japan boasts to the world, by not just cent. Unit price declined due to a larger percentage of group pas- operating the MRJ, but also providing comprehensive support. sengers and an increase in passengers using advance purchase Equipped with newly-developed geared turbofan engine, the discount fares. But on the whole, demand has been strong. MRJ will achieve significantly lower operating costs than cur- He said: “In the first quarter, we enjoyed strong sales of the rent regional jets. JAL will operate the MRJ as the core aircraft new Tokubin Discount 21 fares, which can be purchased 21 days on its regional routes, and remains committed to improving prior to the boarding date. We also implemented measures such products and service quality from the passengers’ point of view as extending the booking time line of travel products for group and developing more convenient networks. The MRJ will sup- passengers from 10 days to 7 days before the day of departure. port JAL explore a new era of air travel. Furthermore, on May 28, we rolled out JAL SKY NEXT services, Although Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation has not pro- offering more legroom, on the Haneda-Fukuoka route, and this vided any details of its new letter of intent with Japan Airlines, has been well received by the customers. Yield was a negative sources suggest that JAL is planning to order both the MRJ70 4.9 per cent from the year before due to more passengers flying and MRJ90 versions of the Mitsubishi Regional Jet family. on advance purchase fares such as Sakitoku discount fares, and a larger proportion of group passengers in the customer mix. ATR yet to make an entry As a result, domestic passenger revenue declined by 2.8 per The European turboprop manufacturer ATR has obtained cer- cent year-on-year to 105.7 billion yen.” What is significant is the tification to start operations of the new ATR 72-600 in Japan. airline is creating demand. SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 25 Civil regional aviation FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT & RELAX If we look at the global scenario for aviation safety, approximately 1,00,000 flights take to the sky and land without incident on a daily basis

By R. Chandrakanth

The Modern Cockpit - A Digital World

There is this interesting story in USA Today wherein a voluntarily exceed that standard, creating a safety difference. reader, Paula from North Carolina, is a little concerned about While there is much attention focused on the regional airline her travel on a regional jet and poses a question to John Cox, safety record, my experience is than the safety attitude and a retired airline captain with the US Airways and runs his own commitment is more important than the size of the airline.” aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems. These are just samples from the US that can be extrapolated Paula’s question is simple: Are regional jets safe and how expe- to any part of the world where mainline as well as regional air- rienced are the pilots? lines fly. If we look at the global scenario for aviation, approxi- John Cox reassures her stating that regional jets are safe. mately 1,00,000 flights take to the sky and land without inci- T“The pilots and flight attendants have completed extensive dent on a daily basis. In 2013, over three billion people flew training and demonstrated their ability to handle normal and and there were 210 fatalities. The International Air Transport abnormal situations.” He further comforts her by stating: “I Association (IATA) mentions: “Regrettably, we have surpassed ride on regional jets frequently and am not concerned about that number already this year. But even so, getting on an air- the safety of the flight. Additionally, I put my family on regional craft is still among the safest activities that one can do.” jets frequently. If I had any safety concerns, I would make other arrangements. That is the best example I can give you.” Hiring and Training of Pilots Another flier from Boston, Jeff, asks whether there is a dif- In the wake of the Colgan Air accident near Buffalo in 2009, the ference in the level of safety in regional flights compared to US passed the Airline Safety Act to strengthen standards for hiring mainline flights. Cox answers, “All airlines in the US are regu- and training of pilots for regional carriers and to provide the same lated to the same standard. The Federal Aviation Administra- level of safety among mainline and regional carriers. According to tion (FAA) requires uniform standards of safety and operational Arnold Barnett, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology profes-

ining, L uf t h a ns fligh r ining P ho t ogr a phs: sofi fligh r ining, excellence in both main and regional airlines. Some airlines sor, who specialises in aviation safety statistics, the Continental

26 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com Civil regional aviation crash and safety questions about regional carriers have blurred bers to implement a safety management sys- an important distinction between jet and propeller aircraft. “His- tem (SMS), in putting into Eurocontrol’s Euro- torically, the safety record for piston and propjet aircraft has not pean Action Plan for the prevention of runway been as good as that for pure jets,” Barnett says. “US regional jet excursions and providing a confidential safety flights have a splendid safety record,” he goes on. “They have suf- forum where safety incidents can be discussed fered only one fatal crash in the past two decades.” According to in order to share lessons learned and produce best practice. Barnett’s analysis, the risk of death on your next regional jet flight The ERA Directorate works closely with the European Avia- in the US is one in 30 million. In other words, you can travel every tion Safety Agency (EASA) and has several member representa- day for the next 82,191 years before you will die on a regional tives on their safety groups such as the European Commercial jet. For comparison, your chance of dying on your next trip on a Aviation Safety Team (ECAST) and SAFA forums. The use of Per- major carrier, one of the big airlines, is one in 60 million. sonal Electronic Devices (PEDs) is now part of normal everyday “Propjets, planes with propellers driven by turbojet engines, life, with most people owning a mobile phone, tablet computer, are a different story,” Barnett points out. “Your risk of death on laptop or an MP3 player. Working on the assumption that most your next propjet flight, he says, is one in five million. Yes, the airline passengers will, on an average, be carrying at least two risk is greater than a jet flight, but you can still fly every day for of the aforementioned devices. A flight with 200 passengers a very, very long time before you run into a problem.” could be accompanied by over 400 PEDs. “There is no difference between regional and major airlines Many airlines have found the introduction of the new guide- when it comes to safety of passengers and crew, the No.1 prior- line seamless. The obvious benefit to the passengers following ity of all airlines,” Roger Cohen, President of the Regional Airline publication of the new guideline is the increased freedom to use Association (RAA), a trade group representing 30 airlines has said. their PEDs regardless of the phase of flight. However, the ben- “Regional airlines and our 60,000 airline professionals are proud efit to the passengers has come at a cost to the airlines whereby of our performance serving 160 million passengers every year and a problem has been created in respect of safety including dis- especially of our commitment to transport them safely.” “This is all tractions to passengers rather than listen to the safety-critical one industry,” Cohen insists. “One level of safety. And that’s some- pre-flight cabin announcements and whether passengers have thing the industry is committed to 24 x 7.” actually switched the PED to airplane mode. Regular announce- With safety as its highest priority, RAA ments over the PA system could help allevi- represents North American regional air- ate this problem. lines and the manufacturers of products There is also the added danger of lithium and services supporting the regional airline battery fires. The increase in electronically industry, before the Congress, DOT, FAA There is no adjusted passenger seats has identified the and other federal agencies. With more than risk of a PED being dropped between the seat 13,000 regional airline flights every day, difference between and the interior trim. If the PED is caught in regional airlines operate more than 50 per regional and major the seats electronic mechanism any move- cent of the nation’s commercial schedule. airlines when it ment of the seat could cause a lithium fire. At The RAA and its member airlines are the IATA conference, concerns were raised launching a Strategic Safety Initiative to comes to safety of as to the correct procedure should such a study and recommend actions responsive passengers and crew. fire occur on the flight deck with an elec- to challenges facing the airline industry. tronic flight bag. Several airlines stated that This initiative has four elements—Review their flight crew would tackle the problem Safety Procedures, Study Impact of Fatigue, in situ whereas other airlines reported that Fatigue Awareness Management Programme and come up the procedure would be for the immediate removal (if possible) with recommendations. of the device from the cockpit into the main cabin area for the Currently, cockpit voice recordings can be reviewed only as cabin crew to deal with! There is continuous monitoring of safety, an accident investigation tool. Yet, an initiative permitting safety depending on the situation on ground and in the air. experts to conduct random audits to track trends and mine data, could provide valuable information before an accident occurs. IATA’s Six-Point Safety Strategy The FAA said it plans to: IATA has a six-point safety strategy that encompasses all sched- • Write new regulations on how many hours pilots can work. uled airlines across the world. The strategy is a comprehensive Several efforts in recent decades have failed, but Babbitt approach to identify organisational, operational and emerging said, “We will get a new rule.” safety issues. The strategy focuses in six key areas: reduce opera- • Pressure all airlines to adopt safety programmes that closely tional risk (runway safety, loss of control in flight, controlled flight monitor data from every flight. All the major carriers use into terrain, collisions and fatigue); enhance quality and compli- such programmes, but many regional carriers do not. ance; advocate improved aviation infrastructure (IATA safety • Improve the ability of airlines to research the flying records will continuously promote improved ATM infrastructure related of pilots before they are hired. Currently, airlines are only to phasing out NDB/VOR approaches, airport and air navigation required to look at a prospective pilot’s records at other car- harmonisation); support consistent implementation of safety riers for the past five years. management system (involving safety performance monitoring, analysis and dissemination of information and safety promo- European Scenario tion and facilitation); support effective recruitment and training Air transport is one of the safest modes of travel and the work (ATC next generation of aviation professionals, ground handling that European Regions Airline Association (ERA) does on safety agents etc) and Identify and address emerging safety issues. aims to further it more. Safety issues are addressed by the ERA The last of the issues relates to management of unmanned Air Safety Advisory Group and involves working on subjects such aerial vehicles, transportation of lithium batteries, signal interfer- as advocating a non-punitive reporting culture, assisting mem- ence (GNSS jamming and space weather) and laser attacks. SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 27 BUSINESS AVIATION SAFETY

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

i on: A noop Kamath Illustrat SYSTEMS (SMS)

28 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com BUSINESS AVIATION SAFETY

The business case for safety manage- ment systems (SMS) is clear. Accidents make bad business sense, as insurance does not cover risks and economic viability requires public confidence. In the case of Indian non- scheduled operator companies, the repeated downgrade by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on safety concerns has, not surprisingly, adversely impacted the charter business. Safety management is a prerequisite for any sustainable avia- tion business and few organisations can survive the economic consequences of a major accident. The direct cost of accidents entails repairing physical damage to equipment and property and cost of hospitalisation of people injured. The indirect costs of accidents are many including: • Loss of business and reputation • Loss of use of equipment • Loss of staff productivity T• Cost of investigation and clean-up • Insurance deductibles • Legal action and damage claims, and • Fines and citations Here is a sample of accident costs relating to small aircraft operators: Benefits of SMS: A sampling of the savings of effective SMS implementation by aircraft operators are: • Air Transat initially saved $5 million per month, while Sky Service saved $5 million per year • In Jet Blue, the injuries in technical operations from 2009-10 dropped 83 per cent, company-wise, the average dropped by 14 per cent • Moncton Flight College (MFC) saved $25,000 annually. Insur- ance premium reduced 22 per cent, as determined by the insurance company. It is reported that effective implementa- tion of SMS has been a critical factor in the business success of MFC, which further influenced a significant influence on the number and size of the training contracts signed – a good indicator for flight schools in India to implement SMS. • In the case of Con Air, successful implementation of SMS has meant the following: – Occupational health & safety costs reduced from +30 per cent to – 30 per cent of industry average. – Overall savings of $1,40,000 per year. – Insurance premiums have stayed constant rather than rising as with competition. SMS is the cornerstone of the IS-BAO. Its implementation by Indian GA/BA operators makes for eminent business sense! Expe- rience also demonstrates that safety is a good business practice!

Safety Oversight, SSP & safety downgrade The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) document 9734 defines ‘safety oversight’ as a “function of states which ensure effective implementation of safety-related standards and recommended practices (SARPS) of ICAO. There are critical ele- Safety management is a prerequisite for ments to safety oversight that requires development, relating to the following: any sustainable aviation business and few • Primary Aviation Legislation, • Specific Operating Reg- organisations can survive the economic ulations, • Empowered Regulatory Authority, • Technical Guidance, • Licensing and Certification, • Continued Surveil- consequences of a major accident lance, • Resolution of Safety Issues The legislation for setting up of a CAA for India is long overdue and not likely to be an immediate priority. The lack By Air Commodore A.M. Ganapathy (Retd) of resources in the hands of the regulator can be expected to adversely impact the ability of the regulator to effect timely changes to meet the expectations of the GA/BA sector.

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 29 BUSINESS AVIATION SAFETY

Benefits of IS-BAO A sample of The ICAO standard states that GA operators of large aircraft (gross weight >12,500 lb/5,700 kg) and turbojet aircraft must accident costs establish and maintain an SMS appropriate to the size and complexity of the operation. ICAO recommends that GA SMS Claim Insurable Portion of Claim include: Flight Training Fixed-wing Air Helicopter • A process to identify actual and potential safety hazards and Operation Taxi Operation Air Taxi assess the associated risks • A process to develop and implement remedial action neces- Forced Landing (aircraft $1,50,000 $3,00,000 $9,00,000 destroyed) sary to maintain an acceptable level of safety • A provision for continuous monitoring and regular assess- Damage to propeller $20,000 $30,000 $1,50,000 ment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of safety (contact with object management activities. on ground) Overhaul propeller or rotor and The IS-BAO standard meets the requirements specified engine teardown/sudden by ICAO. The IS-BAO provides the operator with a process to stoppage inspection conduct internal evaluations and audits. These processes pro- Hangar Rash (replacement $5,000 $10,000 $35,000 vide the means for continuous improvement. The IS-BAO pro- of rudder or rotor blade) gramme is overseen by the IBAC (a not-for-profit organisation collocated with ICAO). The IBAC updates best practices on an Flight cancellation per day $500-1,400 $3,000-5,000 $8,000-10,000 annual basis and provides this info to operators implementing the IS-BAO. IS-BAO operators are thus assured of the validity of their practices year after year. State Safety Programme (SSP): The SSP is an integrated set Mapping of a Safety Strategy: The IS-BAO contains inputs of regulations and activities aimed at improving safety. States from an industry analysis, wherein, safety strategy is con- are responsible for establishing a safety programme based on structed around the following major safety themes: the following elements: • Safety culture, • Codes of practice (including SMS, train- • Safety Regulations, • Safety Oversight, • Accident/Inci- ing and human factors), • Adherence to industry standards, • dent Investigation, • Mandatory/Voluntary Reporting Sys- Regulatory framework (rules and oversight), • Data collec- tems, • Safety Data Analysis & Exchange, • Safety Assurance, tion and analysis, • Safety equipment and tools, • Air naviga- and • Safety Promotion. tion and airport services, • Industry support services Safety Downgrade: It would appear that the safety down- Operators embracing the IS-BAO would have a solid profes- grade by the FAA points to deficiencies in the twin areas of sional foundation based on the Business Aviation Safety Strat- oversight as well as the SSP. egy conducted by IBAC and member associations with support Effective Implementation of SMS: The DGCA had issued a from the FSF (Flight Safety Foundation). As mentioned earlier, CAR on SMS in July 2010. NSOP operators were to implement SMS is the cornerstone for the IS-BAO, which provides a mecha- their SMS over a three-year period. However, it would appear nism for companies to continuously improve safety, which is a that operators have not had much success in effectively imple- requirement of ICAO SARPS. menting the SMS. Part of the problem appears to be a deficiency As can be seen, many of the issues already raised by the on the part of the regulator to provide suitable guidance to GA/ BAOA with regulatory authorities deals with the need to address BA operators. the concerns / interests of the GA/BA industry, which for long The inability to effectively implement SMS has adverse busi- has been ignored by the regulator. Some of the changes would ness implications for GA/BA operators, especially those flying to require changes to existing aviation legislation, which means international destinations. EASA’s new approach to the authorisa- further delay and attendant frustration for the GA/BA fraternity. tion of third country operators will focus not only on validation of Adoption of the IS-BAO would automatically provide solutions to the air operator certificate (AOC) but would be subject to its con- both stakeholders, namely, the GA/BA fraternity as well as the fidence in the foreign (Indian) AOC. An increased activity/inter- regulator (DGCA). vention by international regulatory authorities can be expected in future; this trend is driven by a multitude of factors with globali- Standardisation of Multiple Types sation and third party liability issues playing a key part. The IS-BAO is applicable to both fixed-wing as well as rotary Since the IS-BAO is well recognised internationally, the wing aircraft. A standard that is common to both aeroplanes IS-BAO provides a good option for Indian GA/BA operators to and helicopters makes for ease of oversight by the regula- adopt, from the point of view of protecting business interests, as tor. Since the IBAC oversees the certification process, there is well as reassurance to passengers and international regulatory much advantage to the regulator in terms of savings in scarce authorities concerning the safety quality of the operator! resources (in trained personnel and finance).

The Conundrum Faced by GA Operators Procedure for IS-BAO Implementation & Certification Failure to harmonise standards with internationally accepted NSOP and private operators interested in implementing the IS- best practices could be construed as contributing to safety defi- BAO may contact the BAOA for purchase of the IS-BAO manual ciencies. GA/BA operators are therefore concerned that this and tool kits that assist in the implementation process. SP gap should be bridged at the earliest, lest their operations are adversely affected, especially when traversing international air The author is an SMS instructor and IS-BAO auditor based space. Post the safety downgrade, entry into certain air spaces in Bengaluru. He is a Managing Partner of CBAS Pvt Ltd may be denied to GA operators, unless proof of SMS implemen- that conducts aviation safety audits and MITRE-based SMS tation to an acceptable standard is endorsed by our regulator. training. The views expressed are those of the author.

30 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com show report LABACE 2014

Milestone: Embraer Legacy 500 Certification

LATIN AMERICA HOLDS PROMISE

The airframe manufacturers are going ahead with their programmes in the hope that the market around the world will pick up

By R. Chandrakanth Photogra p h: Embra e r

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 31 show report LABACE 2014

manufacturers are going ahead with their programmes in the hope that the market around the world will pick up.

Embraer Leads On the opening day of the show, the Brazilian aircraft giant, Embraer announced receiving type certification from Brazil for the Legacy 500 business jet and how it has performed during the flight tests. The President and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Executive Jets, Marco Tulio Pellegrini, explained the performance during the tests and said it would make a huge difference to operators. The Legacy 500 was first showcased at EBACE Geneva in 2008 and Embraer has revealed that the twinjet would have characteristics typical of larger, super-mid-sized jets to the mid- size class with long range and a larger baggage compartment. The aircraft will deliver the take-off distance typical of midsize jets with a range profile approaching the super-midsize class. The certificated Legacy 500 can takeoff in 1,250 metres (4,080 ft), compared with the originally promised 4,600 ft. “The closest competitor is 4,800 ft. So you’re going to be doing some missions that the other competitors – they cannot do it or they do it with some limitations,” Pellegrini mentioned. “We are thrilled with the achievement of the Legacy 500 certification, a revolutionary jet that delivers true innovation to our customers,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. “I want to congratulate our teams for their passion and their dedication to bring to market this extraor- dinary aircraft.” The flight test programme comprised four prototype aircraft, which have carried out extensive function and reliability testing. The Legacy 500 test fleet completed over 1,800 flight hours. Over 20,000 hours of tests were con- beechcraft announced the beginning of proadvantage ducted in laboratories with rigs for aircraft avionics, electrical, product support programmes hydraulic and environmental systems. Production of the Leg- to its global turboprop fleet acy 500 has already begun and the first delivery is scheduled for September. Up to six aircraft will be produced in 2014 and production of the Legacy 500 will increase throughout 2015. “This aircraft is a game changer! With greater range and better field performance than originally planned, the Legacy The 11th edition of the Latin American Business Aviation 500 sets a new standard for the midsize class,” Pellegrini added. Convention and Exhibition (LABACE) 2014 held from August 12 to 14 at Sao Paulo, Brazil, was a successful one, being the second ProAdvantage on Beechcraft King Air Turboprops largest business aviation event after EBACE. Though the indus- Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc company, continues to identify try has been a wee bit optimistic, there is lot of expectation that best practices between Beechcraft Corporation and Cessna Air- governments across the world will make policy level changes to craft Company since the integration of both companies began facilitate healthier growth of the business aviation segment. in March. As a result of that initiative, Beechcraft Corporation In Brazil itself there are efforts to improve infrastructure as announced at LABACE that it will begin offering ProAdvantage Tthe fleet size of fixed wing business jets has been on a steady product support programmes to the global Beechcraft King Air growth trajectory increasing from 623 units in 2012 to 724 in turboprop fleet. 2013, helicopters from 1,654 to 1,893 and turboprops grew by “Latin America is one of the largest worldwide markets for 11 per cent. Brazil has shown much higher growth rates than the the King Air turboprops and we wanted to make this announce- rest of the world. “Once more in 2013 the market grew by five ment here at LABACE knowing the interest in the region would to six per cent as it has for the last decade,” said Eduardo Mar- be strong,” said Brad Thress, Senior Vice President, Customer son, President of Brazilian business aviation industry group and Service. “The Cessna support programmes under the ProAdvan- LABACE organiser ABAG. “The general aviation generates 23,000 tage umbrella have become the standard in our industry and direct jobs and recorded the highest growth than gross domestic extending those services to our Beechcraft products is another product (GDP) of Brazil, but we still have many challenges.” example of the customer benefits that flow from the combined One of the challenges, not just in Brazil but in Latin American strength under Textron Aviation.” ProAdvantage is a legacy sup- countries, is infrastructure. Ricardo Nogueira, Director General of port solution, previously exclusively available for Cessna Cita- ABAG, said that the investments in airports were not encourag- tion customers, comprised of a number of programmes pro- ing. “We’ve seen little effort to handle more aircraft, only to handle viding life-cycle maintenance and spares support for aircraft more passengers. There’s been a focus on terminals and not on airframes and avionics, engines and, when applicable, auxiliary airports. There has been nothing relevant to improve capacity for power units. More than 7,200 Beechcraft King Air turboprops air traffic, only localised, uncoordinated and temporary actions.” have been delivered to customers around the world, with more While infrastructure creation remains an issue in most part than 1,100 currently operating in Latin America, making it one

Photogra p h: Bee chcraft of the developing world, what is good news is that the airframe of the most popular business aviation aircraft.

32 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com show report LABACE 2014

(Left) GULFSTREAM fleet in Latin America has grown by nearly 70 per cent since 2009 (Right) Bombardier Debut the Challenger 350 Jet at LABACE 2014

Gulfstream Highly Popular in Latin America Dassault displayed state-of-the-art Falcon 7X that has a Gulfstream Aerospace Corp opened LABACE by announcing range of 5,950 nautical miles and a cabin mock-up of Falcon that its fleet in Latin America has grown by nearly 70 per cent 5X. “Brazilians appreciate the superior technology and design since 2009. The company had its in-production fleet — the Gulf- of the Falcon jets. We have a Falcon to fit any mission that Bra- stream G650, G550, G450, G280 and G150 — at São Paulo. zilian customers demand,” commented Rosanvallon. “I am very proud to say that one of every four business jets based in Latin America is a Gulfstream,” said Larry Flynn, Russian Helicopters Serve Niche Sector President, Gulfstream. “That figure translates to nearly 180 air- Russian Helicopters presented the Mi-171A1, Ka-32A11BC and craft. Five years ago, we had 105 aircraft here. Such remark- Mi-171A2 helicopters. The legendary Mi-8/17 type helicopters able growth, in a relatively short amount of time, is a testament hold a strong position in the market of corporate and VIP trans- to our aircraft’s value in Latin America as a tool for conducting portation. The Mi-171A1 helicopter, one of Mi-8/17 series heli- business. That is very gratifying for us as a company.” copter modifications, obtained a type certificate permit in Brazil The country with the largest Gulfstream fleet in Latin Amer- Aviation register in 2005. The fleet of Brazilian company Atlas Táxi ica is Mexico, with nearly 80 aircraft based there. Also, there are Aéreo includes Mi-171A1 utility helicopters. They serve a growing more than 30 company aircraft that operate out of Venezuela. Brazilian oil and gas sector. The Mi-171A1 helicopter has won the Gulfstream’s popularity in Latin America is particularly evident tender of Brazilian national oil company Petrobras and is used as in the country with the region’s largest size, population and a transport helicopter for cargo transportation in hard-to-reach economy — Brazil. Since 2009, the Gulfstream in-country fleet areas of the Amazon rainforest. The Mi-171A1 served as a plat- has nearly tripled, going from 14 to 40 aircraft. Nearly half of the form for the development of a new advanced Mi-171A2 helicopter. large-cabin business jets based in Latin America are manufac- tured by Gulfstream, including 30 per cent of the large-cabin jets Bombardier’s Class-Defining Aircraft in Brazil. The demand for Gulfstream aircraft in Latin America Bombardier Business Aircraft presented four of its class-defin- was the catalyst for establishing a company-owned maintenance ing business aircraft—Bombardier’s Learjet 75,Challenger 350, facility in Sorocaba, Brazil, near São Paulo, in June 2012. Challenger 605 and Global 6000 aircraft. The Challenger 350 jet that entered service in June 2014 made its debut in Brazil. Dassault Falcon’s Strong Growth The Learjet 75 aircraft is continuing its worldwide dem- in Brazil Continues onstration tour with a visit to the Caribbean prior to arriving Brazil continues to be a strong market for Dassault, with another at LABACE. The aircraft will also be on display in Chile. It is five Falcons delivered to customers in the country during 2013. expected that the aircraft will generate a high level of interest Dassault is the market leader in the Brazilian large cabin busi- with Bombardier’s customer base in the region. The Challenger ness jet segment with about 60 per cent market share. 350 will also go on a regional debut tour, with stops planned in “Brazil has been at the centre of the world stage over the Guatemala and throughout Brazil after LABACE. past couple of years. It’s a dynamic country with a very healthy “There is tremendous energy and growth in Latin America, and diversified economy,” said John Rosanvallon, President and and each year, LABACE is an excellent venue for Bombardier CEO of Dassault Falcon Jet. “Our commitment to Brazil has to demonstrate the strength of its product portfolio,” said Sté- steadily progressed since we sold our first new airplane there phane Leroy, Regional Vice President, Sales, Latin America. over 30 years ago.” Unveiled in May 2011, the Falcon 2000S was “We’ve invested considerably in our products in the past few showcased at LABACE. Equipped with a full slate of standard years and we’re proud to show the results with the new Learjet features, including upgraded EASy II avionics, FalconCabin HD+ 75 and Challenger 350 aircraft. Our fleet in the region is strong entertainment system and a brand new fixed-configuration cabin and growing, and we remain committed to the needs of our designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the Falcon 2000S customers in Latin America by delivering innovative business SP am, B ombardi e r Photogra p hs: G u l fstr e am, brings large cabin comfort to the super-mid-size segment. jets and growing our customer service network.”

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 33 hall of fame

There were two claimants to the skimmed over the airfield a few feet at full speed. The machine was dam- title of the first woman in the United off the ground. The fifth flight of the aged.” Another newspaper added: “She Sates to fly solo of whom Bessica Raiche day ended in a mishap that definitely calmly said she was not injured to was declared the winner. And there’s no qualified as the first aircraft crash by a those who ran to her aid and then she denying that Bessica was the first any- woman. This is how The Knoxville Sen- directed the men to drag the wrecked where in the world to solo in an aircraft tinel dated the same evening reported plane back to the shed.” she herself built. A person of many dis- it: “Mrs Raiche came out on the field Was Bessica’s flight truly the first tinctions, she was a dentist, physician, this morning for an initial trial, which by a US woman? Blanche Stuart Scott musician, painter and linguist. She was with beginners, consists of what is had already got airborne two weeks also well ahead of her time, being skilled known as ‘grass cutting’ or skim- earlier on September 2, 1910. However, in manifestly ‘unfeminine’ pur- Blanche had been taxiing and was suits like driving a car, swimming briefly and inadvertently lifted and shooting. into the air by a gust of wind. In Although it was an age when contrast, Bessica got airborne on women first began to be recog- a planned flight; besides her feat nised as individuals in their own had enough eyewitnesses and Tright, it was still believed that fly- was well documented. Bessica, ing was socially inappropriate for not wanting any rivalry to develop females – on par with smoking, between herself and Blanche drinking, dancing and whatever Scott, graciously said: “Blanche else was deemed immoral. deserved the recognition, but I Little is known about the early got more attention because of my life of Bessica Medlar Raiche lifestyle.” In the event, the dispute except that she was born in Wis- was settled by the Aeronautical consin. Even her date of birth Society of America which declared cannot be fixed more precisely Bessica’s flight as the first solo than April 1875. She was sent to flight by a woman in the United Paris to study music and she hap- States. Bessica was awarded a pened to witness the Wright Broth- diamond-studded gold medal ers demonstrating their flying inscribed ‘First Woman Aviator in machine to rapturous crowds. It America’ at a dinner the Society was also the time when Raymonde held in her honour. de la Roche was in the news for Later, François and Bessie her aviation feats. Bessica Raiche Raiche formed the French-Ameri- was greatly impressed by Ray- can Aeroplane Company and pro- monde and decided that she too duced several more aircraft. One would take to the air as soon as Bessica Raiche of them was Bessica’s design and possible. After returning to the (1875–1932) she flew it herself. But once, when US, she met and married Fran- she became seriously ill, the doctor çois Raiche, a Frenchman. The declared that the air in the clouds newly-weds painstakingly built The Aeronautical Society of was bad for her lungs. She took the various parts of a biplane they America declared Bessica’s his advice and retired from avia- designed, that vaguely resembled tion. She decided to enter medical a Wright Flyer. Their design space flight as the first solo flight by school where she again made a was their living room and their a woman in the United States mark. After she received a degree workshop was their backyard. for which she was awarded a in medicine, she became a prac- Since they couldn’t get a powerful tising physician, one of the first enough engine they used bamboo diamond-studded gold medal woman specialists in obstetrics and silk, rather than the heavier inscribed ‘First Woman Aviator and gynaecology in America. canvas favoured by the Wright On April 11, 1932, Bessica Brothers, so as to keep the weight in America’. Raiche died in her sleep of a heart of the biplane as low as possible. attack. At the time of her death, For the same reason, they decided women comprised just three that Bessica rather than François per cent of the world’s licensed would pilot the machine because pilots. Bessica herself never got she was lighter of the two. ming the field. She had gone perhaps her licence. That feat was reserved On September 16, 1910, at Hemp- a mile when suddenly she ran into a for Harriet Quimby who became the stead Plains, New York, Bessica Raiche depression and came to grief. The nose first US woman to obtain a licence on made her first solo flight. She had no of the machine was jammed into the August 1, 1911, and only the second in first-hand experience of aviation and ground. Mrs Raiche was thrown out, the world after France’s Raymonde de her only lesson was by a mechanic the machine falling on top of her. She la Roche who received her licence on who pointed to the control wheel and scrambled out from under the wreck March 8, 1910. SP said, “Pull it this way to go up and push and ran, limping somewhat, to shut that way to go down.” She took off and off her motor, which was still running — Joseph Noronha

34 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com focus india / SP’S SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Crucial to IAF plans, all eyes on and Brazil’s Embraer have entered dis- prototype. While HAL LCA Tejas Mk.2 cussions on the possibility of arriving at is moving ahead with The Aeronautical Development Agency a derivative of the EMB145I for export to the rotor develop- (ADA) has been told in no uncertain mutually agreed friendly countries based ment, the design team terms that the future of IAF squadron on a prospective business plan that can has felt it felt neces- numbers depends largely on how the be hammered out between both sides on sary to review the rotor system design Mk.2 avoids the pitfalls of its predeces- the lines of the arrangement Embraer (critical design review) by an indepen- sor. The question, therefore, is: Will the had earlier with another radar house. dent agency in order to preclude issues LCA Mk.2 fulfil all IAF requirements and What makes things easier is that the which could come up during the rig emerge, on time and cost, as the frontline structural AESA with dummy electron- tests and flight tests. The design review interceptor the IAF is hoping it will be to ics is certified for airworthiness by the of the rotor system design needs to shore up squadron numbers and operate Brazilian certification agency, ANAC, primarily cover the safety of design, across the country. equivalent of FAA in the US. The last of flying quality characteristics, vibration ADA has so far completed a prelimi- the three EMB145I modified platforms issues, manufacturing, maintenance, nary design review of the GE414-INS6 will arrive from Brazil later this year and time before overhaul and lifing. turbofan engine. Systems designs of fuel join the flight test programme. system, hydraulic system, electrical sys- Grounded Dhruv fleet expected to fly soon tem, environment control systems were Light Helicopter acquisition scrapped, The ALH Dhruv platform, grounded completed in the 2012-13 period and to be re-tendered across the four armed services since July Limited System Design reviews had been For the second time, the Indian Gov- 25 when an IAF Dhruv crashed killing carried out at the time, but not moved ernment has decided to scrap the 197 seven personnel on board, is likely to be forward in a substantive manner. reconnaissance and surveillance heli- cleared for flight soon. Individual inspec- Coming to the LCA Navy Mk.2, things copter (RSH) programme, announcing tions of each platform has taken place are slightly more complicated. The that a new tender will be issued under over the last three weeks, with concerns second and third prototypes NP3 & NP4 fresh guidelines, keeping the competition raised over certain safety-critical com- will be Mk.2 variants of the LCA Navy, largely Indian under the ‘Buy & Make’ ponents, including the tail rotor, spider while NP5, a second trainer is under route. In effect, this will involve an Indian assembly, transmission system etc. HAL build as a risk mitigation exercise. As is company or consortium entering into a sources said investigations were still well known, the main contributors to im- joint venture with a foreign aircraft ma- underway and that it would be prema- provement in LCA Navy Mk.2 are higher jor to first buy and then manufacture the ture to conjecture on whether there were thrust engine (the F414), increased wing helicopters in India with a certain degree any design or construction issues, though span, lighter landing gear and structure, of Indian systems on board. IAF sources suggest there could be qual- and improved systems layout towards ity scare. On all counts, otherwise, the better safety and maintainability. A HAL to accelerate LUH programme ALH platform has proven to be robust design consultancy with Airbus Defence The scrapping of the 197 reconnais- and reliable, even at the highest altitudes & Space (Earlier EADS/Cassidian) has sance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) of helicopter operation in the country. been initialised following its assistance programme has placed fresh onus on A comprehensive safety report on the in the LCA Navy Mk.1. In the inerm, HAL’s light utility helicopter (LUH) proj- Dhruv will be submitted by the three ser- computational fluid dynamics (CFD) ect that targets a first flight by next year. vices to the MoD by November this year. studies on several configurations of LCA HAL’s LUH is in a tense race against time Navy Mk.2 have been carried out. Per- to service a requirement of 187 heli- Big boost for BrahMos-M formance estimation with new GE-414- copters. With the scrapping of the RSH With the BrahMos Block II missile prov- INS6 engine has also been carried out. programme, HAL has the opportunity ing itself well during trials in multiple The next phase will involve wind tunnel to make up for lost time and ensure no engagement modes, the focus has shifted testing. Design iterations of LCA Navy further slippages in acquiring systems to the next variants, with the incoming Mk.2 surface geometry has also been and getting the chopper off the ground BrahMos CEO S.K. Mishra signalling that undertaken based on suggestions made on time next year. MoD stipulations on one of his priorities will be the BrahMos- by design consultant Airbus D&S and the project were that for every waypoint M (now, officially the BrahMos-Mini), have been evaluated with CFD studies. that HAL missed on its development a compact, but fully capable version flightpath, the parallel RSH procurement of the original cruise missile. Planned IAF to get 1st EMB145I AEW&C jet this year? programme would gain with correspond- for operational induction by 2017, the With DRDO Chief Dr. Avinash Chander ing follow-on orders, thereby chipping BrahMos-M could find applications publicly stating that the first EMB145I away at HAL’s total order numbers. Top across dimensions, including air launch. airborne early warning and control sources at HAL tell SP’s that the com- It is anticipated that a tripartite agree- (AEW&C) platform will be handed over to pany’s helicopter division has decided to ment between NPO Mashinostroyenia, the Indian Air Force this year for accep- push full throttle on the LUH programme BrahMos Aerospace and DRDO will be tance tests, flight and systems/sensors now, sniffing the opportunity of some finalised, if not signed, when Russian tests will gather momentum to ensure valuable breathing space. President Vladimir Putin arrives on an there are no slippages ahead of opera- official visit to Delhi in December this tional service from next year. The DRDO HAL for design review of proposed year. BrahMos Corp. will also conduct has recently tendered for 253 items of LUH rotor the first ‘demonstration launches’ of the ground support equipment for the user HAL has decided to go in for a critical BrahMos-A from a Su-30MKI early next trials, final acceptance and handover design review of the rotor system it has year, followed by further tests of the process. In a parallel thrust, the DRDO developed for the light utility helicopter underwater launched BrahMos, being

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 35 focus india / SP’S SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT developed for the P-75I submarine line. requirement for an Integrated Avionics lier by SP’s, the ASTE had begun ground The focus also shifts qualitatively now to Tester (IAT), a ground-based test facility, trials of the modified PT1N platform the hypersonic BrahMos-II. Mishra’s oth- designed and developed to carry out around December last year, and has er big priority will be to move BrahMos testing and integration of the avionics undergone a rigorous routine of ground into the export regime, so far throttled by system functionalities of the HTT-40 handling, turning and taxi trials, includ- foreign policy concerns. platform. HAL needs the rig to verify and ing static systems trials. validate the performance in an inte- HAL reaches out to Indian electronics grated environment. According to details BrahMos-A wind tunnel test completed, industry published by HAL, the HTT-40 avionics many firsts With several development projects on architecture consists of central 6”x 8” The Bengaluru-based National Aerospace its hands, as opposed to a skewed order SMFD, 5” x 7” MFD, conventional GPS & Laboratory (NAL) has carried out crucial book of licence-produced aircraft, the communication controllers and standby drop tests of the air-launched BrahMos-A Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) instrument system in each cockpit for from a Su-30MKI fighter model in a 1.5 is making a concerted effort to ramp display. The SMFD is a smart display m low speed wind tunnel to “estimate the up cooperation with India’s electronics with integral on-board processor. The actual trajectory of the missile at differ- industry, both large firms as well as (and SMFD shall have direct interface with ent conditions of the aircraft in a record especially) small and medium enterprises aircraft sensors such as engine, fuel, time”. NAL says it has also successfully (SMEs) to build a more viable produc- hydraulics, brake and electrical systems. conducted the captive and isolated strain tion and supply base for its currently and The SMFDs perform the data processing, gauge tests to generate highly accurate future projects. In HAL’s words, it is a health monitoring, warning & logic func- data needed for the BrahMos-A in tri- proactive approach for a stronger aero- tion. The SMFDs perform the video gen- sonic wind tunnels. According to NAL, nautics ecosystem. With life cycle costing eration for its own display as well as the dynamic store separation trials in a wind set to be paradigmatic in all future MFDs in both the cockpits. The SMFDs in tunnel have been successfully conducted procurements and assessments, HAL front and rear cockpits shall have data for the first time in the country. Ground has deduced that avionics will be crucial synchronisation via Ethernet port. trials of the Su-30MKI modified for to life cycle costs of aircraft systems it the BrahMos mission will commence develops (These would include com- HAL reveals new turboshaft engine effort, shortly at Nashik. If executed success- munications, flight controls, electrical scouts single crystal tech fully, the BrahMos will be test-fired from systems, sensors, utilities management The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited a Su-30MKI in the firing ranges of the etc and mission roles like navigation and has revealed that it is developing a new Thar Desert by early next year. NAL is guidance, surveillance, stores/weapons 1,000 to 1,200 kW turboshaft engine also standing by to provide wind tunnel delivery, command & control). for helicopter applications and plans to proof services on the BrahMos-Mini and use single crystal (SX) blades in the high BrahMos-II, which has already begun. HTT-40 wind tunnel tests by year end pressure turbine rotor section of the HAL has revealed that it plans to under- engine. HAL has not specified which heli- 5th generation AMCA on backburner take comprehensive wind tunnel tests to copters the new engine is intended for. The Aeronautical Development Agency’s study spin and recovery characteristics Single crystal technology has been one concept Advanced Medium Combat Air- for compliance to FAR-23 (aerobatic of the chief technologies HAL and the craft (AMCA), a stealth fifth-generation category) standards on its HTT-40 basic DRDO have been scouting for years in concept, could be placed on the back- trainer aircraft by the end of this year their engine efforts, so far unsuccessfully burner with the Indian Air Force, HAL or early 2015. HAL has announced its re- given its cutting-edge nature, and un- and DRDO deciding to bring to bear the quirement for a test agency to design and willingness by foreign vendors to share. full might of their resources on the LCA manufacture the required scale model(s) HAL is therefore interested in obtaining Mk.2, the variant of the indigenous air- to achieve all test objectives, which the services of vendors for the design, craft that will see combat service, unlike include rotary and static tests towards development of necessary tooling and to the 40 Mk.1s. It has become increasingly development of mathematical model for establish the processes for SX blade and clear that two squadrons of LCA Mk.1s analysing the spin and recovery char- supply the blades to HAL. In the second will be employed as advanced/lead-in jet acteristics of HTT-40. HAL has revealed phase, HAL stipulates that the technology trainers, a psychological blow to the pro- that the HTT-40 weighs about 3,000 kg. of developed SX processes and tooling gramme, but a practical one according The winning vendor will also be required have to be transferred and established at to the IAF, which only sees operational to provide a simulation (mathematical) HAL’s Foundry & Forge Division. sense in looking more closely at the model of the HTT-40 aircraft to aid HAL Mk.2, powered by an F414 engine. The in understanding predicted aircraft spin Saras ready to take off again IAF has also sent out a strong message response and recovery controls based on India’s first indigenous civilian aircraft, to HAL to focus strongly on the FGFA, wind tunnel/ other data. the 14-seater push-prop Saras could get rather than get roped into fabrication back into the air any day now. After a work on the AMCA programme. Sukhoi HAL scouts integrated avionics tester five-year grounding following a devas- has begun front-end engineering work for HTT-40 tating March 2009 crash that killed its on a prototype of the PAK FA that will New details have emerged throwing there-man IAF test crew, the National finally derive down to the configuration light on what the cockpit environment Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), in coordi- that the Indian version, the prospective of the in-development HTT-40 basic nation with the IAF’s Aircraft & Sys- multi-role fighter (PMF) will be. • trainer aircraft (BTA) will be like. HAL is tems Testing Establishment (ASTE) are pushing ahead with its HTT-40 propeller undersood to be confident of a first flight For complete versions log on to: trainer effort, and has now declared a before Diwali this year. As reported ear- www.sps-aviation.com & www.spsmai.com

36 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com News Digest

Military other vendors, then the group will not be considered regardless of the competi- Asia-Pacific tiveness of the offer. However, where the group is the single vendor, the Govern- Indian Government not to blacklist ment is empowered to go ahead with the Rolls-Royce deal. It may be the first baby step in not The Indian Government has decided to blacklisting companies in haste without go ahead in its dealings with Rolls-Royce, adequate evidence and considering the ruling out blacklisting of the company compulsions of national security. QuickRoundUp which was alleged to have bribed to se- cure Indian contracts due to “operational Indo-Russian Air Force Exercise exigency and national security”, as there Avia Indra 2014 is no other alternative available. It is The IAF and Russian Federation Air Force learnt that the legal advice was obtained (RFAF) have commenced joint air exercis- Airbus while taking the decision with the proviso es named Avia Indra with the first one be- Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest airline, has signed a firm that the defence forces will have to certify ing held from August 25 to September 5 at contract with Airbus for two additional A320ceo aircraft, the operational requirements of the Astrakhan near the Caspian Sea in Russia. adding to the order for five A320 aircraft placed in engines and the maintenance contracts at The aim of Avia Indra is to boost military September 2007. senior level. This decision will bring a big relations and joint operations. The exer- The Airbus A400M new generation airlifter has relief as Rolls-Royce engines are used in cise involved participation of fighter pilots, performed air-to-air refuelling tests with F/A-18 Hornet several aircraft in service in India like the helicopter pilots, missile combat crew, as fighter successfully. The tanker test campaign was devel- Jaguar, Sea Harrier jump-jets, Avros, Em- well as engineers from the IAF and their oped in five flights in which the A400M performed 33 dry braer Legacy jets, C-130J Super Hercules counterparts from the RFAF. contacts and dispensed 18.6 tonnes of fuel to an F/A-18 and Hawk AJT. in 35 wet contacts. Kandhahar’s Liberty Operations end Deputy Chief of Air Staff Flies Tejas After four years of intelligence, surveil- Bell-Boeing lance and reconnaissance missions (ISR), Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office has been awarded the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance $2,13,95,545 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order Squadron has completed their MC-12W against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement for Liberty operations in southern Afghani- non-recurring engineering in support of the MV-22 Inte- stan. The squadron was activated in grated Aircraft Survivability Equipment Universal Urgent Southern Afghanistan in May 2010 and Needs Statement Effort. Work is expected to be completed contributed to Operation Enduring Free- in April 2016. This order provides for the replacement of dom by providing real-time ISR through- the warning system and radar warning receiver system out Southern Afghanistan. Missions and upgrades the capabilities of the programmer and included convoy over-watch, geographic associated software. Tejas light combat aircraft (trainer location of high-value targets and ser- version) was flown in Bengaluru on vices for various forward operating bases Boeing September 3 by Deputy Chief of Air Staff, and ground units in the area. The Boeing Company, Arizona, was awarded a Air Marshal S.B.P. Sinha. After the flight, $23,47,00,000 undefinitised contract action to procure he said that the aircraft handles well both IAF can’t afford delay in Rafale deal long lead items for the production and delivery of 24 on the ground and in the air. He was on –states Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha AH-6I aircraft, initial spares package and ground sup- a two-day visit to Aeronautical Develop- In an interview, Air Chief Marshal Arup port equipment. This contract involves foreign military ment Agency (ADA) and the Hindustan Raha said that it is critical to keep the sales to Saudi Arabia and estimated completion date is Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during which $25 billion French Rafale fighter deal on December 31, 2016. he reviewed various aspects of the Tejas schedule as the IAF cannot afford any Boeing has supported more than 1,000 missions for programme. This was the first flight by a more delays. He added, “It will not be ap- the Strategic Airlift Capability programme’s fleet of three senior officer of the rank of Air Marshal propriate to make any changes in the pro- C-17 airlifters, achieving a mission capable rate of nearly from Air HQ which was very encouraging cess. The current government has set the 94 per cent during the five years it has provided mainte- for all the stakeholders of the programme. pace of work and things are moving fast nance, engineering and spares through a comprehensive enough on the fighter deal.” The IAF Chief performance-based logistics programme. Finmeccanica to do conditional refused to set a deadline for signing the business in India Rafale deal but said, “it’s going to happen Cassidian The Ministry of Defence has decided soon”. If India were to sign the Rafale deal Cassidian SAS, Elancourt, France, has been awarded a maxi- against barring Finmeccanica and Agus- today, the IAF will induct the last of the mum $9,80,00,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity taWestland from doing business with India. 126 fighters only by 2025. The acquisition contract, with firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost- However this is conditional. Brief details as is crucial as China is modernising its air reimbursement contract line item numbers for support and cleared by the Attorney General are: force rapidly. sustainment of the Eagle Vision Data Acquisition Segment. • All ongoing contracts included related Work is expected to be completed by August 21, 2019. to spares, contracts with Russian Americas manufacturers where Finmeccanica GE Aviation group is involved, will continue. F-16V completes major upgrade The first GEnx-1B-powered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, • Finmeccanica will be allowed to par- The latest configuration of the F-16 which was recently certified by the US Federal Aviation ticipate in all tenders but if there are Fighting Falcon, the F-16V, has reached Administration, has been delivered to United Airlines. This

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 37 News Digest

a major capability milestone with the integration of a new active electroni- Show Calendar QuickRoundUp cally scanned array (AESA) radar. The 25–26 September completion of AESA radar Critical Design CENTRAL ASIAN BUSINESS AVIATION Review ensures Northrop Grumman’s Rixos Hotel, Almaty, Kazakhstan scalable agile beam radar design meets www.aeropodium.com/caba.html all specified US Air Force and Lockheed event marks two firsts: the first delivery of a GEnx-powered Martin requirements. Lockheed Martin 26–27 September Boeing 787-9 aircraft and the first Boeing 787-9 aircraft will continue with follow-on activities SOUTHEAST AVIATION EXPO delivered to a North American airline. such as development integration and Greenville Downtown Airport, ground and flight test for Taiwan’s fleet Greenville, South Carolina, USA IAE of 144 Block 20 F-16A/B fighter jets. www.scaaonline.com/southeast- IAE International Aero Engines AG has achieved Federal More than 4,550 F-16 aircraft have been aviation-expo Aviation Administration certification of the V2500-E5 delivered to date, and production is engine for Embraer’s KC-390 aircraft. The KC-390’s launch expected to continue through 2017, with 14–16 October customer is the Brazilian Air Force. major upgrades being incorporated for HELITECH INTERNATIONAL 2014 all F-16 versions. Amsterdam RAI, Netherlands Indian Air Force www.helitechevents.com A student interaction drive commenced on September 1, The MD 530G demonstrates 2014 which was flagged off at Chennai by Air Officer-in- its firepower 21–23 October Charge Personnel Air Marshal S Sukumar. The drive is one MD Helicopters Inc (MDHI) has an- NBAA 2014 – BUSINESS AVIATION amongst many activities undertaken by the IAF to connect nounced the successful completion of CONVENTION & EXHIBITION with the youth and create an awareness about induction Live Fire Qualification Exercises at Yuma Orange County Convention Center, into the officer cadre. Proving Grounds, Arizona, for its new Orlando, Florida, USA MD 530G Scout Attack Helicopter. The www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2014 Israel Aerospace MD 530G was configured with the Moog Industries Stores Management System (SMS), the 11–16 November Israel Aerospace Industries has recently performed Mace Aviation Extended Range Weapons AIRSHOW CHINA 2014 successful test-flights on a Boeing B-767-300ER aircraft, Wing, FN Herstal Machine Gun Pods Zuhai, Guangdong, China equipped with an advanced fly-by-wire (FBW) boom system. and Rocket Machine Pods, Dillon Aero www.airshow.com.cn/en The new added FBW boom capability enhances the com- M134D-H Mini-Gun, the L-3 Wescam pany’s extensive experience in converting tens of aircraft MX-10D, and M260 rocket pod. The MD 8–10 December (B767, B707, C130, and IL-78) to tankers or multi-mission 530G Program debuted at HeliExpo in MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS AVIATION tanker/transport platforms for more than 12 customers February 2014. Following the success- Dubai World Central, Dubai, UAE worldwide, including the Israel Air Force. ful live fire exercises at Yuma, the 530G www.meba.aero is on schedule to complete Certificate of Japan Airlines Conformance by September 2014, with Japan Airlines Company Ltd (JAL) and Mitsubishi Aircraft initial rate production beginning in the E-2D Aerial Refuelling Preliminary Corporation have signed a letter of intent to order 32 Mit- fourth quarter 2014. Design Review subishi Regional Jet (MRJ) aircraft, as the next-generation The Northrop Grumman and US Navy regional jet for the JAL Group. JAL plans to deploy the MRJ Northrop Grumman’s CIRCM System team have successfully conducted the on domestic routes from 2021, operated by J-AIR, the completes tests preliminary design review (PDR) for its group’s 100 per cent owned regional airline subsidiary. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Com- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aerial Refuel- mon Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) ling system. Completion of this critical Lockheed Martin system has recently completed another milestone allows the programme to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has been awarded round of US Army testing by demonstrat- proceed to its critical design review, mov- a $1,99,94,879 modification to the previously awarded ing its capabilities on a UH-60M Black ing closer to manufacturing the system F-35 Lightning II Low Rate Initial Production Lot VI contract. Hawk helicopter. CIRCM system was sub- and installing it on new production E-2Ds Work is expected to be completed in December 2015. jected to rigorous conditions over a six- as well as retrofitting it onto E-2Ds that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has been week period, after which the company are currently operating in the Navy fleet. awarded a $12,22,17,252 modification to a previously said it successfully completed the entire Under a $226.7 million engineering, awarded F-35 Lightning II Low Rate Initial Production Lot government-designed test plan. The manufacturing and development contract VI cost-plus incentive fee contract for the procurement system demonstrated its effectiveness awarded in 2013, Northrop Grumman is of support equipment for the F-35 aircraft such as under intense aircraft environments that designing several system upgrades neces- sensor covers, tool sets, vacuum clamp sets and heat included turns, banks, gunfire, flares, sary to accommodate an aerial refuelling gun assemblies. Work is expected to be completed in clutter, multiple shots, rotor blades and capability. The Navy’s E-2D programme November 2016. engine exhaust. It also demonstrated its of record is for 75 aircraft. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Texas, has performance capabilities against captive been awarded a $1,27,89,893 modification to the previ- missile seekers. The Northrop Grumman Europe ously awarded F-35 Lightning II Low Rate Initial Production CIRCM system is a lightweight and highly (LRIP) Lot VI contract. This modification provides for the reliable laser-based countermeasure Another first for Airbus Zephyr-7 procurement of F-35 Deployable Spares Package spares system which can be integrated with Airbus Defence and Space has an- for the US Air Force. Work is expected to be completed rotary wing, tilt-rotor and small fixed- nounced that the Zephyr-7 High Altitude in May 2017. wing aircraft. Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) has just complet-

38 ISSUE 9 • 2014 www.sps-aviation.com News Digest

appointments

MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION Chew Eng Loke as Chief Financial V. Somasundaran has been appointed Officer. as Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, from September 3, 2014. LOCKHEED MARTIN Sudhir Raheja has been appointed Lockheed Martin has appointed Brian QuickRoundUp as the Chairman (Additional Charge) Colan as Vice President, Controller of the Airports Authority of India from and Chief Accounting Officer, effective August 25, 2014. August 18, 2014.

BRAHMOS AEROSPACE NORTHROP GRUMMAN Northrop Grumman Sudhir Kumar Mishra, OS, CC R&D, Northrop Grumman Corporation has Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton, the naval version built joined BrahMos Aerospace as Chief appointed Nick Hopkinson as Director on the elements of Global Hawk, completed a test flight on Executive Officer & Managing Direc- of Cyber Strategy in the UK. August 19 with updated software that enables additional tor on August 1, 2014. beyond-line-of-sight communication capabilities. This test BOMBARDIER marked the first time Pax River’s Navy System Integration ELBIT SYSTEMS, AUSTRALIA Bombardier Inc announced the ap- Lab took control of the flight and landed the aircraft. It was Elbit Systems of Australia (ELSA), a pointment of Jean Séguin as Presi- also the first time the aircraft used a wide band satellite wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Sys- dent, Bombardier Aerostructures & communications command and control link, which allows tems Ltd, has appointed Dan Webster Engineering Services. for rapid transmission of data. as Managing Director with effect from August 1, 2014. BOEING Raytheon Boeing has announced the appoint- Raytheon Company and the US Air Force have success- AIRASIA X BERHAD ment of Sir Michael Arthur as Presi- fully flight tested an upgraded High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). The HARM Control Section Modification AirAsia X Berhad, the leading long- dent of Boeing UK and Ireland with is more precise and accurate, which reduces potential haul low-cost carrier, has appointed effect from October 2014. collateral damage. Rockwell Collins ed its most demanding mission to date demand for air transport doubling ev- Rockwell Collins has completed on-time delivery of its Pro and thus set a new benchmark in persis- ery 15 years, the global airline industry Line Fusion flight test software to Embraer for its KC-390 tent, year-round operations for this class will require nearly 30,000 new aircraft aircraft. The red label software is now under configuration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The (over 100 seats) by 2032. Simultaneous- control and enables Embraer to complete the aircraft test consisted of over 11 days of non-stop ly, the dual factors of high jet fuel costs systems integration. flight in winter weather conditions with and industry commitments to halve a new primary payload, including flight 2005 CO2 emissions levels by 2050 are Russian Helicopters controlled through satellite communica- driving the search for alternative solu- Russian Helicopters has delivered the first consignment of tions – three more benchmarks reached tions to fossil-fuel based propulsion and four upgraded Mi-8AMTSh transport helicopters to Russia’s by Zephyr-7. Apart from flying a new pri- energy sources. Defence Ministry. The helicopters were built at Ulan-Ude mary payload, satellite communications Aviation Plant, a Russian Helicopters company, as part of had been used to control and monitor the Space the state defence order. aircraft for the first time. The feedback from this mission will now be used to Americas SAAB refine the final design of Zephyr-8, the Fifteen representatives of the Swedish company Saab next-generation HAPS vehicle currently RFI for Robotic Satellite-Servicing visited the headquarters of the Air Force Command in being developed by Airbus. Capabilities Brasilia (DF) during end of August to discuss the details of An ability to safely and cooperatively the proposed acquisition of 36 Gripen NGs. Civil Aviation interact with satellites in GEO would im- Sweden, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have mediately revolutionise military and com- signed a letter of intent regarding cooperation on Gripen Europe mercial space operations alike, lowering which will lay the foundation for bilateral cooperation satellite construction and deployment around a common surveillance of the airspace of Slovakia Joint Research of Fuel Cells for costs and improving satellite lifespan, and the Czech Republic and also the first step can now be Commercial Airliners resilience and reliability. To expedite taken in the negotiations between Sweden and Slovakia Airbus and South Africa’s National these potential benefits, DARPA is consid- regarding the introduction of the Gripen in Slovakia. Aerospace Centre have agreed to jointly ering a flight demonstration to intro- fund research by Hydrogen South Africa duce DARPA-developed space robotics TAI (HySA) into the application of fuel cells capabilities in GEO within the next five Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc (TAI) has delivered the on airliners. The initial three-year proj- years. Accordingly, DARPA has issued a last four F-16 aircraft to Pakistan Air Force under Pakistan ect will be undertaken by HySA Systems request for information seeking technical, F-16 Modernisation Programme, at a ceremony held at Competence Centre at its University of security and business insights to support TAI’s facilities in Ankara, Turkey, on September 2, 2014. The the Western Cape research facility. With the agency’s pursuit of these goals. • contract was for 41 F-16s signed in 2009.

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 9 • 2014 39 Last word Dealing with Misdemeanour

The policy on dealing with offences committed in defence for the Indian armed forces as the Italian firm has been asso- procurement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) remains unclear. ciated with military hardware currently on the inventory of This is hardly comforting for the stakeholders in view of the the Indian armed forces who would continue to depend on the fact that India is expected to spend around $100 billion over company for contracts related to product support in the future the next five years on the procurement of military hardware. or for fresh inductions. On August 26, 2014, the media carried a report that the MoD In the wake of investigations ordered by the Italian Gov- had banned the Italian defence and aerospace major Finmec- ernment into allegations of wrongdoing in the `3,600-crore canica and its subsidiaries from participating in future military contract for 12 AW101 AgustaWestland helicopters meant for acquisition contracts by the Indian Government for its armed VVIP travel, the MoD initially placed the contract on hold. The forces. De facto this amounts to “blacklisting” of the company three-engine AW101 helicopter has been designed, developed even though this expression has been discreetly avoided. In and manufactured by AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian sub- any case, there does not appear to be adequate clarity, con- sidiary of Finmeccanica. The UPA Government in a somewhat viction, coherence, consistency or credibility in the announce- hasty move thereafter without even waiting on the final word ment attributed to the government as this ban has not been on the results of the investigations whether in Italy or in India, made applicable to the ongoing contracts for the supply of proceeded to cancel the contract that was halfway though. military hardware as also of spares or upgrade of equipment Three helicopters had already been delivered to the Indian Air held on the inventory of the armed forces. Besides, this is not Force (IAF) and substantial payment had already been made as in conformity with the advice given to the government by the advance. However, at that time, the UPA Government stopped Attorney General of India in the recent past that blacklisting short of blacklisting the company, a response that would nor- of defence firms would ultimately have a deleterious impact mally have been expected from the then Minister of Defence on the operational preparedness of the armed forces. Besides, A.K. Antony who had a strong inclination for such action, hav- a blanket ban on Finmeccanica from participating in defence ing already blacklisted a large number of firms in the preceding procurement contracts in the future is also not in line with the years of his tenure much to the detriment to national security. professed stand of the government on the issue of dealing with So long as the Indian aerospace industry both in the pub- misdemeanour in defence procurement. lic and private sectors as well as the Defence Research and On August 23, 2014, Arun Jaitley, holding charge as the Development Organisation are unable to meet with bulk of the Minister of Defence, stated that his government would see how requirements of the Indian armed forces, the nation will have wrongdoers could be punished no option but to continue to lean without blocking acquisitions and heavily on the global defence and the flow of spares. He went on to aerospace industry for the mod- say: “It is a serious challenge. We ernisation of the armed forces and have to find a balance between capability building to address the two conflicting public interests. challenges to national security. It One is that contracts are meant is about time that the new gov- to be abided with and not vio- ernment takes a holistic view of lated, even by our suppliers. The this highly complex issue that is other is the larger public interest so critical to the well-being of the in respect of our national secu- nation. Corruption is not confined rity and defence preparedness. to defence procurement alone; it We are trying to find an answer”. appears to have pervaded all seg- In the context of this statement ments of the society prompting a from the Minister, the decision cynic to opine that “honesty has attributed to the government to been reduced to merely lack of ban Finmeccanica from future opportunity”. contracts therefore, clearly mili- Unless the government enun- tates against what the Minister ciates a clear and effective policy has proclaimed. When queried by on dealing with misdemeanour the media, the spokesperson for in defence procurement, mean- the Ministry of Defence Sitanshu ingful modernisation of armed Kar said: “Finmeccanica had not Blacklisting of defence firms would forces will continue to remain a been blacklisted.” In any case, ultimately have a deleterious impact distant dream! SP excluding Finmeccanica from future contracts for any reason on the operational preparedness of the —By Air Marshal

i on: A noop Kamath Illustrat could have serious implications armed forces. B.K. Pandey (Retd)

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