quadbikeIAF evacuates Kashmir bus accident victims
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday evacuated victims of a bus accident from the Reasi Area of Jammu and Kashmir.
At least 16 people were killed and 40 others injured when a bus fell off the road in the Reasi sector.
The bus was on its way from Reasi to Mahore when it fell into a gorge at Bidda, about 130 kilometers north of Jammu.
“The IAF was quick to respond to the requisitioned air support and promptly launched two of its Chetak and one Mi-17 copters for the timely casualty evacuation operation,” said Flight Lieutenant Priya Joshi, PRO, Western Command.
The copters airlifted injured and as well as dead civilians to Jammu.
Eight of the injured succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
More than a dozen have been shifted to a Jammu hospital.
Rescue operation is on by a joint team of police and the Army, when the last report came in. (ANI)
quadbikeProbing crash cause not difficult: Former air chief
A former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, says investigating the causes that led to the crash of an Air India aircraft at Mangalore on Saturday should not be difficult because the accident took place on a runway unlike other air tragedies that happen midair or at far off places.
“As far as the tragedy is concerned, it is bad. I am quite sure that since the crash has taken place on a runway, the facts will come out faster than compared to other crashes that take place away from airfields and at unknown places,” Major, who is a board member of Air India, told a TV news channel.
He said it was too early to speculate about the possible causes. “In time, the investigating agencies would come with the facts because the plane crashed on the airfield. We need to wait for that.”
“It is little too early to comment on the cause or the circumstances that led to the accident,” he added.
At least 158 people were killed Saturday when an Air India Express Boeing 737 with 166 passengers and crew flying from Dubai overshot the runway landing at the table top Mangalore airport.
quadbikeIndia Embraces Defense Technology Road Map
India is embracing medium- and long-range precision-strike weapons, short-range directed-energy air defenses and unmanned combat air vehicles as key aspirations for its future arsenal, according to a technology plan expected to be released imminently.
The need for these capabilities is spelled out in the defense ministry’s ambitious Technology Perspective and Capability Road Map 2010, its first effort to provide industry with an overview of what the armed services hope to field by the middle of the next decade. The document’s stated intent is to drive the “technology and development process” of prospective developers, contractors and bidders in India and abroad, and to “provide industry an overview” of ministry aims. The extent to which such desires can be adequately funded, and met by industry, national or otherwise, remains a big question.
The position paper identifies as a goal the ability to field long-range subsonic cruise missiles for precision strikes against high-value targets. The 625-mi.-range Nirbhay cruise missile is now being developed for both land and air launch.
At the other end of the precision-strike range, the road map spotlights interest in loitering munitions. New Delhi has already tapped Israeli and European guided-weapons manufacturers in this area, and in March, the Indian army formally expressed interest in a medium-range loitering missile system.
In terms of directed-energy systems, the paper calls for the ability to be able to engage “enemy unmanned aerial vehicles in the 8-10-km. [5-7.2-mi.] range, capable of being designated and controlled by appropriate detection and tracking systems.” Such systems would likely be laser-based. The directed-energy requirements also include “dazzlers,” low-power lasers, for special forces to disrupt optical sensors.
India’s list of air power, surveillance and missile needs are also detailed in the road map, reflecting the capital commitments the Indian air force is already making in these areas. The document glosses over New Delhi’s well-known requirement for fixed-wing aircraft (fighters and tactical and heavy-lift), while emphasizing the critical technologies the air force wants as part of its rotary-wing procurements.
The air force could sign deals for the acquisition of 150 helicopters in the next four years. Arguing that Indian airpower will progressively focus on air dominance and effects-based operations—until recently a vocabulary associated with the U.S. Air Force and Europe’s main air forces—the document underscores the need for day/night standoff strike, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) and an increased number of force-multiplier platforms such as airborne early warning (AEW) and tanker aircraft. The air force is also in the process of developing the capabilities provided by the A-50 Phalcon AEW aircraft, along with its Ilyushin Il-78 tankers.
While India continues to look to Israel as a provider of tactical UAVs—the addition of further Searchers or Herons is likely—the state-owned Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is conducting a feasibility study of an indigenous UCAV design concept.
“UAVs with advanced sensors and weapons are going to dominate all facets of the future battlefield and hence the need to acquire the necessary UAV expertise indigenously,” the road map document states. “These should be capable of carrying payloads such as weapons, [synthetic aperture radar] payloads, electro-optical devices, [and] electronic and communications intelligence.”
As a complement to increasing its inventory of precision-guided weapons, the document also spells out the air force’s far-reaching surveillance and target-acquisition capabilities, including long-range battlefield surveillance, remote sensor systems and the ability to track cruise missiles from airborne platforms.
Improved air defenses are identified as a near-to-medium-term requirement, including an overhaul of India’s air defense ground environment. The military is looking to replace its obsolescent Soviet-era surface-to-air missile systems through programs with Israeli and European industry. The air force will look to acquire air defense weapons “from ground-based mobile platforms capable of engaging all kinds of projectiles-—rockets, mortar/ artillery, UAVs, missiles, fighter aircraft, helicopters, precision guided munitions and other stand off armament.”
The emphasis on air defense reflects the findings of numerous parliamentary committees and government-led security audits that have identified shortcomings in India’s air defenses.
quadbikeGoa to rope in ex-Navy officers to assist marine police
PANAJI: The Goa government has decided to rope in former defence
officers to guide its marine police force, armed with sophisticated boats to man the coast.“We do not have trained manpower to handle such boats. We will have to be dependent on ex-officers of Indian Navy or Indian coast guard for the guidance,” chief secretary Sanjay Srivastava said.
“Officers can be employed with the special police unit for two to three years. The marine police will work in tandem with the Navy and coast guard to safeguard the state coastline, where vigil has been stepped up after 26/11 and recent terror alerts,” he said.
Srivastava was talking to the media after taking possession of a high-speed interceptor boat, constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL).
The boat which is the fifth to be acquired by Goa has been provided under an initiative of the Union Home Ministry to strengthen coastal security.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Ravindra Yadav said the need for these boats was felt after the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai when coastal security was breached.
“The basic responsibility of marine police is to use these boats to ensure there was no sea-bound terror attack and also detect and stop smuggling and other illegal activities,” he said.
quadbikeNaval forces get ready to operate N-submarine
The navy is firing on all cylinders to get a headstart on operating nuclear submarines, the most complex machines to be ever built. Indian submariners will get a chance to get into the belly of HMS Talent when the British nuclear submarine pulls into Indian waters off the western coast in June.
A senior navy officer said, “The British hunter-killer submarine is armed with the world’s most advanced sonar gear and weaponry. Our crews are looking forward to getting hands-on experience in operating nuclear submarines”
The 280-foot long Talent carries a crew of 122.The navy hopes to induct its first indigenously-built nuclear submarine, INS Arihant, by the end of 2011. Arihant will complete the sea-leg of India’s nuclear triad and give it enduring nuclear strike and counter-strike capabilities. India can carry out nuclear strikes with fighter planes and land-launched missiles.
The navy is also on the verge of commissioning the K152 Nerpa Akula-II nuclear submarine being leased from Russia for 10 years. The US, Russia, the UK, France and China are the only countries that can deliver nuclear warheads from a submarine.
The officer said, “We’d like to gain as much experience as we can in operating these complex machines. Working alongside other navies helps.”
quadbikeNew Delhi Rotary Ambitions Continue To Climb
India’s efforts to revamp its military rotorcraft inventory continue with further requests for information now hitting the streets, while the rerun of its light reconnaissance helicopter program may be entering the final stage.
The navy is in the market for 50 light utility helicopters, and the coast guard is looking for 30 platforms—a mix of medium and light models. Requests for information on the programs were issued this month—although in the coast guard’s case, this is its second effort to jump-start the procurement.
The big prize in the near term is the $600-million light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) competition, with the contenders now in flight evaluation. AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Kamov are battling for the 197-helicopter project. Eurocopter was previously selected for the program, only to see the government pull the plug on the contest in November 2007.
The Indian military has a slew of rotary buys underway, with rival manufacturers fighting to secure a slice of the potentially lucrative business. The total airframe number across several programs is around 350.
Last time around in the air force and army recce competition, during the final run-off against Bell, Eurocopter fielded the civil AS350 B3 Ecureuil for the trials. This partly contributed to the requirement being re-competed despite Eurocopter protests. The company now aims to leverage this experience in trying to win the present contest.
This time, Eurocopter is fielding the military version of the Ecureuil, the AS550C3 Fennec, for the trials—a point the company is stressing in its briefing material to the Indian air force and army aviation corps. The Fennec is being evaluated along with the AgustaWestland AW119 and the Kamov Ka-226T.
Eurocopter briefings assert that the Fennec is the “only military certified and proven helicopter in its class.” The briefing document contends that the Ka-226T remains a “prototype aircraft without military certification,” while the AW119 is a civil design with no “military customer references.”
Eurocopter also states that neither of its two competitors is in a position to meet the required delivery schedule: The request specifies that deliveries must begin 12 months from contract signature. With the bulk of the selected type to be built in-country, Eurocopter is also flagging its previous ties with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. on the Alouette II and III production.
Responding to the Eurocopter claims, an AgustaWestland official says: “That’s their opinion. At the end of the day, we have to demonstrate our products through a certain course, and we intend to either meet or exceed all expectations.”
Defense ministry sources say the current re-tender has had certain hiccups during technical and flight evaluations—flaws that could delay the process or, in a worst-case scenario, translate into yet another re-tender.
India’s efforts to revamp its military rotorcraft inventory continue with further requests for information now hitting the streets, while the rerun of its light reconnaissance helicopter program may be entering the final stage.
The navy is in the market for 50 light utility helicopters, and the coast guard is looking for 30 platforms—a mix of medium and light models. Requests for information on the programs were issued this month—although in the coast guard’s case, this is its second effort to jump-start the procurement.
The big prize in the near term is the $600-million light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) competition, with the contenders now in flight evaluation. AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Kamov are battling for the 197-helicopter project. Eurocopter was previously selected for the program, only to see the government pull the plug on the contest in November 2007.
The Indian military has a slew of rotary buys underway, with rival manufacturers fighting to secure a slice of the potentially lucrative business. The total airframe number across several programs is around 350.
Last time around in the air force and army recce competition, during the final run-off against Bell, Eurocopter fielded the civil AS350 B3 Ecureuil for the trials. This partly contributed to the requirement being re-competed despite Eurocopter protests. The company now aims to leverage this experience in trying to win the present contest.
This time, Eurocopter is fielding the military version of the Ecureuil, the AS550C3 Fennec, for the trials—a point the company is stressing in its briefing material to the Indian air force and army aviation corps. The Fennec is being evaluated along with the AgustaWestland AW119 and the Kamov Ka-226T.
Eurocopter briefings assert that the Fennec is the “only military certified and proven helicopter in its class.” The briefing document contends that the Ka-226T remains a “prototype aircraft without military certification,” while the AW119 is a civil design with no “military customer references.”
Eurocopter also states that neither of its two competitors is in a position to meet the required delivery schedule: The request specifies that deliveries must begin 12 months from contract signature. With the bulk of the selected type to be built in-country, Eurocopter is also flagging its previous ties with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. on the Alouette II and III production.
Responding to the Eurocopter claims, an AgustaWestland official says: “That’s their opinion. At the end of the day, we have to demonstrate our products through a certain course, and we intend to either meet or exceed all expectations.”
Defense ministry sources say the current re-tender has had certain hiccups during technical and flight evaluations—flaws that could delay the process or, in a worst-case scenario, translate into yet another re-tender.
quadbike
quadbikePosted in IN thread rel. here as well
‘Lockheed-Martin’s Failure To Respond Has Affected Our Programme Schedule’: LCA (Navy) Programme
Top officials associated with the Light Combat Aircraft naval variant (LCA-Navy) have confirmed to LiveFist that Lockheed-Martin’s inability to obtain US State Department clearances to consult with the programme have introduced a “significant delay component” into the schedule of the first aircraft roll-out. In the next few days, ADE is likely to officially hire the services of EADS, which lost the original bid in 2009. When contacted about the development, Lockheed-Martin’s India spokesperson John W Giese said, “Lockeed-Martin continues to work with the US government to support the Light Combat Aircraft program.” Am still awaiting an EADS comment.
The LCA-Navy desperately needs the services of a technological consultant to tweak the platform’s landing gear and arrestor hook design configuration and conduct an urgent audit of the work done so far — in addition to helping solve some critical airframe weight issues.
“There are some issues which need to be dealt with before we can progress. We are at an advanced stage of discussions with EADS and are hoping to stick to our timeline as much as possible,” an official said. As reported earlier on LiveFist, the LCA-Navy’s first prototype looks forward to a roll out in two months time, followed by three months of rigorous ground tests for confidence. Time is now absolutely critical, and the ADE has set the latter half of December as a window for a possible first flight.
Why did they not go to Dassault or EADS directly ? :rolleyes:
quadbike‘Lockheed-Martin’s Failure To Respond Has Affected Our Programme Schedule’: LCA (Navy) Programme
Top officials associated with the Light Combat Aircraft naval variant (LCA-Navy) have confirmed to LiveFist that Lockheed-Martin’s inability to obtain US State Department clearances to consult with the programme have introduced a “significant delay component” into the schedule of the first aircraft roll-out. In the next few days, ADE is likely to officially hire the services of EADS, which lost the original bid in 2009. When contacted about the development, Lockheed-Martin’s India spokesperson John W Giese said, “Lockeed-Martin continues to work with the US government to support the Light Combat Aircraft program.” Am still awaiting an EADS comment.
The LCA-Navy desperately needs the services of a technological consultant to tweak the platform’s landing gear and arrestor hook design configuration and conduct an urgent audit of the work done so far — in addition to helping solve some critical airframe weight issues.
“There are some issues which need to be dealt with before we can progress. We are at an advanced stage of discussions with EADS and are hoping to stick to our timeline as much as possible,” an official said. As reported earlier on LiveFist, the LCA-Navy’s first prototype looks forward to a roll out in two months time, followed by three months of rigorous ground tests for confidence. Time is now absolutely critical, and the ADE has set the latter half of December as a window for a possible first flight.
quadbikeThe Indian Navy is certainly interested in the F 35B and LM has given them a presentation with regards to the same. But like Boom says any sale will have to be approved by the U.S government and I hardly see that coming under the current Obama Administration.
Then again its being RFIed for the IAC 2 which is some way off, things could change by the time the ship is ready.
Unlike some I will not be surprised if India will one day operate the F 35 alognside the T 50. This will be more plausible if the F 16 wins the MRCA.
quadbikeI hope South Korea retaliates big time rather than some tough talks.
quadbikeThe author of that article seems to be Pro F 16 if anything.
quadbikeThe Great Indian Helicopter Circus 🙂
Light Helicopter Project Faces Uncertain Future
The Indian Defence Ministry is expected to yet again cancel the tender for acquiring 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters for the Indian Army, due to certain inconsistencies in the recent trials.
Although the cancellation of the tender for 197 helicopters is not confirmed, it seems the Indian Defence Ministry has noted certain shortcomings in the trials of the choppers. The Indian Defence Ministry had earlier cancelled the same tender in December 2007 and re-issued a fresh one in July 2008. The Indian Defence Ministry had earlier cited that the reason for the cancellation of the tender in 2007 was due to the lack of adherence of the bidders to the formulated guidelines.
In the earlier cancellation of the tender, the Indian Defence Ministry had cited the deviations that occurred from its requirements and guidelines. The tenders were sent to Russian Rosoboronexport (ROE) for Kamovs, Bell and Sikorsky from US, European consortium’s EADS’ Eurocopter and Anglo-Italian Agusta Westland, but only Eurocopter, ROE and Augusta Westland qualified for trials.
The helicopter model offered by Eurocopter was unable to perform high altitude hover-out-of-ground-effect (HOGE). The problem with ROE’s Kamov was that the engine to be fitted on Kamov 226T will be Arrius 2G1 which is not yet certified. While Agusta Westland was facing serious problems due to some misunderstanding over some classification issue with the Defence Ministry.
The $750 million deal for the 197 helicopters for the defence forces aims to replace the aging 1970s vintage Chetak and Cheetah helicopters and will be for high altitude, surveillance and logistics. The successful bidder will provide 60 helicopters in a flyaway condition, while the remaining 137 aircraft will be licence-produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Under the offsets clause, the winning bidder must also invest at least 30% of the contracted cost in India.
quadbikeIAF to get first batch of Mi-17 helicopters by year-end
New Delhi, May 20: India will receive the first of 80 Mi-17 transport helicopters from Russia by the end of this year, augmenting Air Force’s capability to carry out missions in high-altitude areas and relief operations. “The first batch of choppers will arrive here from Russia by the end of this year and the remaining are likely to be inducted in phased manner in next four years,” IAF officials told PTI here. In 2008, India had signed a deal with Russia to supply 80 Mi-17s to replace and augment its existing fleet of around 150 Mi-8 and Mi-17 medium-lift choppers, which have over five tonne load carrying capability and are also used to ferry troops and VIPs. The Air Force had felt the need of inducting more medium-lift choppers after a spate of natural disasters following the tsunami in December, 2004 and the heavy snowfall in Kashmir in 2005. Along with the induction of the new choppers, the IAF is also planning to upgrade over 50 choppers from its existing fleet of Mi-8s and Mi-17s. “This will enhance the life of these Russian-origin choppers by at least another ten years,” they said. In the mountainous areas, Mi-17s have been used to ferry troops and carry loads up to heights of 18,000 feet along the Line of Control. The Mi-17s are deployed for tasks like ferrying troops, airdropping supplies, evacuating casualties, search and rescue, and ferrying VIPs. It can carry 15 fully equipped troops and some of these choppers have been equipped with 57 mm rocket pods and machine guns.
quadbikeCoast Guard to get ‘trustworthy warrior’
CHENNAI: The indigenouslybuilt new class offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Coast Guard, ICGS Vishwast (Trustworthy), will be inducted with the Coast Guard Region (East) at a welcome ceremony on Wednesday at Chennai Port Trust.
The ship is expected to arrive at the Chennai harbour in the morning and the state Chief Secretary, K S Sripathi, will preside over the welcome ceremony.
‘Vishwast’ has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited. The ship is equipped with the most advanced navigational and communication sensors. The ship is 90 metre long, displaces 2,400 tonnes and is propelled by 9,100 KW twin diesel engines to a maximum speed of 26 Knots. At economical speed, she has an endurance of 4,500 nautical miles and can stay at sea for 17 days without replenishment.Eight officers and 82 men under the command of Deputy Inspector General S Paramesh man ICGS Vishwast.
The special features include an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Machinery Control System, High Power External Fire Fighting System and an indigenously built Gun Mount. The ‘Infra Red Surveillance System’ to be installed onboard will provide additional capability to detect target at night, that otherwise can evade radar detection due to their small size or rough weather.
The ship is designed to carry one helicopter and five highspeed boats for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance, highspeed interdiction and marine pollution response missions. The sustenance and reach coupled with the most modern weapons provides it the capabilities of performing the role of command platform.
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