Erez, thanks for the info, much appreciated. However, I do have a couple more questions. You mentioned they use modified 707s as command and control jets, are those based on the Phalcon system are they regular looking aircraft?
Secondly, the upgrade you mentioned in regards to the C-130 fleet, will it be a design locally drawn up or will it be something very similar to what the USAF is presently doing to its C-130s.
Again, thanks a lot for all the held, it is greatly appreciated! Cheers!
About the 707’s… most of the IDF/AF 707’s are used both for tankers and command and control jets… they look like normal KC-707’s but with many antennas, just like this (these photos are from this site) :
Nore that they also have the refueling “boom”.
About the C-130 upgrade, see this.
I hope that helps.
HAL Dhruv lands in Israel
May 25, 2005
India’s HAL and Israel’s IAI are to market the Dhruv helicopter worldwide
As part of the visit by the Indian Secretary for Defense Production, Mr. Shekhar Dutt SM, and the Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mr. Ashok K. Baweja, to Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)’s facilities at Ben-Gurion International Airport, the visitors were able to see for themselves the progress made in developing an international marketing plan for the Dhruv helicopter.
HAL’s chairman Mr. Ashok K. Baweja stated that the helicopter’s unique capabilities are well received by the Indian Armed Forces. HAL looks forward to promote the DHRUV (“polestar”) in new markets along with IAI.
IAI’s President & CEO, Mr. Moshe Keret, noted that “the Dhruv helicopter marks a important step forward in relations between Israel Aircraft Industries and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This project significantly expands cooperation between our two companies, over and above the industrial cooperation that has been developing to date.”
IAI’s Executive Vice President for Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Shimon Eckhaus said that “this event provides additional support for the international recognition accorded to HAL’s extraordinary technological capabilities. We are now reaping the fruits of the ongoing cooperation between IAI and HAL in both military and civilian markets.”
There has already been wide cooperation between the two industries for several years in the fields of passenger to freighter aircraft conversions, UAVs, helicopters and aircraft avionics, and engineering services. In addition, the two industries are also cooperating on the marketing of the Dhruv helicopter to the international market. Within the framework of this agreement, IAI and HAL representatives have begun to act in various countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The Indian Defense Ministry has an option for the purchase of 200 helicopters, and the helicopter is already in serial production.
As part of the examination of market potential in the US, efforts are underway to cooperate with US industries, so as to try and penetrate the important LUH Light Utility Helicopter program for the US Army.
Together with the ongoing international marketing efforts, IAI has signed an agreement with the Israel Ministry of Defense, and will begin helicopter operations to fly VIPs and Defense Ministry officials, within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to increase outsourcing.
IAI has additionally promoted cooperation between the civil aviation authorities of both India and Israel, and a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed which allows the operation of the helicopter under Israeli licensing. This approval will facilitate the marketing of the Dhruv in European Community countries.
The status of the program in IAI:
– There are currently 5 HAL representatives at IAI, preparing the helicopter in accordance with the ongoing work plan, and working together with teams from IAI?s Lahav Division of the Military Aircraft Group.
– The training of IAI pilots by their Indian counterparts was recently concluded.
– The helicopter is ready for use by VIPs and Defense Ministry officials, in accordance with the signed agreement under which IAI will supply flight services to the Defense Ministry.
– The helicopter is already used to demonstrate its performance and capabilities to foreign potential customers.
– The helicopter was designed to operate safely under difficult operating conditions, especially to altitudes of up to 7 km, while carrying up to 14 personnel or 1.5 tons of equipment.
– The helicopter has been designed and built as a multi-mission helicopter, allowing it to perform a variety of missions in accordance with the needs of different customers.
– The cooperation between HAL and IAI is an excellent synergy between the wide experience that HAL has accumulated in the development and production of varied platforms, and the advanced technological capabilities of IAI in the fields of avionics and airborne systems.
– In addition to the activities in this area, there are a number of cooperation agreements and other contracts covering joint activities between HAL and the various Groups within IAI, both in the military and civilian arenas.
Photo: (Left to right): Israel Ministry of Defense Director General – Mr. Amos Yaron, IAI’s Executive VP Marketing and Business Development – Mr. Shimon Eckhaus, Mr. Shekhar Dutt SM – Secretary of Defense Production Government of India, Mr. Ashok K. Baweja – Chairman of HAL, and Mr. Yossi Ben-Hanan – Director of SIBAT, Israel MOD.
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