KramerVishnu Som, Associate Editor of NDTV also confirmed this. Cross-posting his post on BRF. Adampur AFS is a new thing though..Jaisalmer AFS was where the earlier desert trials were conducted.
Gripen Demo REPORTEDLY clears Leh trials beautifully … doing ALL routines required.
Gripen Demo REPORTEDLY clears heat trials in Adampur (I would stand corrected on location) beautifully.Will bring in more details on this later.
Vishnu Som
Associate Editor
NDTV
KramerFrom an interview with MBDA Group’s Country Head (India Operations) Loic Piedevache.
SP’s: What about the missiles systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and missile upgradation for Jaguar and Mirage 2000? Is MBDA contemplating on participating in the mid-life upgradation programmes of these combat aircraft of the IAF?
Loïc: Regarding the Mirage upgradation, MBDA has been requested to make an offer for the air-to-air weapon. We have proposed the MICA, the multi-mission air-to-air missile system which has outstanding maneuverability, high resistance to countermeasures, two interoperable advanced technology seekers and can be used in multi-target from long BVR interception to close-in dog fight.
Regarding the Jaguar, MBDA is currently responding to a request for proposal (RFP) for a close combat missile. We are offering ASRAAM Combat Missile for Jaguars, which has already successfully been fitted on Jaguars in other air forces and successfully tested in “over-wing” configuration.
SP’s: Is MBDA a part of the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the IAF?
Loïc: MBDA is providing missiles in weapon packages of the 3 European OEMs including Dassault Aviation (Rafale), EADS (Eurofighter) and Saab (Gripen).
KramerIndia turns to Europe for N-LCA consultancy after Lockheed Martin failed to secure necessary licences. This is a sign of how things may be if India chooses a US MRCA. The companies may be willing to cooperate but US ITAR laws are going to be a huge road-block. I can only hope they learn from this issue..
India is turning to Europe for support of the naval version of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), after its initial choice of the U.S. was stymied by an inability to gain the requisite approvals from Washington.
India selected Lockheed Martin as the winner of a bid for consultancy work on its naval LCA, but failure to secure U.S. State Department licensing approvals — at least in a timely fashion — now has resulted in EADS being in negotiation for the work.
This is not the first time regulatory issues have tripped up U.S. ambitions in India.
In April 2009 EADS picked up flight test work on the air force LCA as result of Boeing being forced to withdraw. The U.S. manufacturer had been tapped for the project in 2008, but an inability to gain the required approvals from the U.S. administration forced it to pull its bid.
The naval LCA is being designed for short take-off, but arrested recovery (Stobar), with a first flight of the naval variant by December.
Neither EADS nor Lockheed are willing to offer comment beyond general statements. The U.S. company says it “continues to work with the U.S. government to support the LCA program. EADS, beyond confirming it has a consultancy contact (for the air force aircraft), says “both sides have agreed they will not disclose any details.”
In March, the Indian government told Parliament that “deficiencies have been detected in the airframe and other associated equipment of the naval LCA [Navy]. The Defense Research and Development Organization [DRDO] is working out [approaches] with various organizations for rectifying these deficiencies by suitable modifications to the engine/airframe design.” The consultancy is intended to support this effort.
The consultancy on the naval LCA involves auditing the aircraft’s current configuration and optimizing the aircraft’s landing gear and arrestor hook design. The intent is also to reduce the aircraft’s all-up weight by around 1,000 lb.
Sources involved with the program indicated that Lockheed’s inability to begin the consultancy on time had impacted the development effort, but the program itself was on schedule and progressing well. When ready, the naval LCA will primarily operate off Indian-built aircraft carriers, the first of which is under construction in Kochi.
The sources also said that with almost all of the LCA’s equipping and cabling complete, the first prototype is scheduled to roll out of its hangar by mid-July. Three months of integration tests will follow, including ground vibration tests, structural coupling tests and other test routines before a first ground run and taxi test scheduled for October. If all goes well, the first prototype will fly in December.
The front fuselage of the first naval prototype is identical to the fighter trainer (PV-5) that began tests in November 2009. The only part of the front fuselage in the naval prototype that will require a full routine of tests is a small additional control surface near the wing roots that is absent on the air force version. The naval variant will also have auxiliary air intakes.
Program officials admit that there have been multiple challenges in the design and configuration of the landing gear and arrestor hook assembly, especially in optimizing the aircraft’s sink rate, but were confident that it would prove itself during flight tests.
Apart from conventional takeoff and landing tests, the aircraft will undergo short takeoff and arrested landing tests at the Shore-Based Test Facility under construction at the Indian naval air station in Goa.
KramerAlso, is it a requirement that the MMRCA winner will be capable of carrying nukes? Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that integration of nuclear weapons is quite different from integration of conventional weapons?
I don’t think that they’ll explicitly mention that carrying nukes is a requirement..otherwise the US would have a tough time clearing that requirement in the competition. However, the IAF uses free-fall nuclear bombs, so integrating them to any of the MRCA candidates shouldn’t be something that requires OEM support. IAF and DRDO did it on their own for the Mirage-2000 after the Jaguar was found to be having clearance issues when landing with the bomb under its belly.
Kramerthe test flight video is quite clearly a CGI. How else can one explain the sudden disappearance of the model in flight when the clouds around it are still there ? See the attached screenshot.
KramerAir-launched Nirbhay cruise missile may be in the works
By Douglas Barrie, Neelam Mathews
London, New DelhiIndia intends to integrate a variant of its Nirbhay long-range cruise missile on the Suhkoi Su-30MKI Flanker strike aircraft, following the weapon’s initial development in the ground-launch configuration.
The addition of the Nirbhay to the Flanker’s weapons inventory would give the platform a long-range—and potentially strategic—strike capability. While details on the Nirbhay program remain scant, Indian officials have suggested the weapon will have a range of 800-1,000 km. (500-620 mi.).
An air-launched derivative of the Nirbhay would be a candidate platform for the air force element of India’s strategic nuclear triad ambitions. Packaging of a warhead in the constrained space of a cruise-missile body is a key technical challenge. The current Indian air force nuclear weapon capability consists almost certainly only of free-fall weapons.
The Nirbhay project is being led by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory.
The overall design and aerodynamic study work has been completed, as has the design of the propulsion system. There are suggestions that a mock-up of the design could be displayed at the AeroIndia show in 2011. A transporter erector launch vehicle is already being developed for the ground-launched version of the cruise missile by the DRDO’s Pune-based Research and Development Establishment (Engineering).
The acquisition of a 1,000-km.-class cruise missile is part of New Delhi’s strategy to match and surpass systems being developed by Islamabad. Pakistan is working on a ground-launched cruise missile called the Babur, likely with substantial Chinese help, and is probably receiving support from South Africa in developing the Ra’ad air-launched weapon. The Babur was unveiled in 2005 and the shorter-range Ra’ad was announced in 2007. The service status of both weapons remains uncertain.
Development of the Nirbhay apparently began at least five years ago. It would be the third indigenous weapon to equip the Su-30MKI, joining the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile—a variant of the NPO Mashinostroenia 3M55 (SS-N-26)—and the Astra medium-range air-to-air missile. The Nirbhay would have three times the range of the Brahmos. The army is also acquiring a ground-launched land-attack version of the Brahmos alongside the system in development for the air force.
An air-launched variant of the subsonic Nirbhay “is in the initial stages,” says an Indian industry official. There are “plans for it, but not immediately,” he adds.
The Nirbhay likely adopts a conventional cruise missile configuration with some form of flip-out mid-body wing and cruciform tail surfaces. The turbofan engine most likely will be recessed in the airframe body, given the requirement that the weapon be canister-launch-capable.
It is not yet clear which turbojet India plans to use for the Nirbhay. It did strike a deal with Russia over the supply and in-country manufacture of the Saturn 36MT engine in 2006, though the extent to which this deal has been implemented is uncertain.
There are also suggestions that India’s development program has had some technical support from Israel.
Given the size of the Nirbhay—reports suggest it is 6 meters (19.6 ft.)—the Su-30MKI would likely carry one or two of the missiles. To maximize platform range, the aircraft could carry one weapon on a pylon in the tunnel between the two engine bays. This is the approach being taken with the Brahmos missile, which is now scheduled to begin initial launch trials from a test aircraft in 2011. If the aircraft were to carry two Nirbhays, one could fit under each inboard wing-station.
New Delhi has also yet to disclose what kinds of mid-course and terminal guidance the Nirbhay will use. India and Russia did, however, strike a deal this year allowing Indian access to the high-precision signal of Moscow’s Glonass satellite navigation system.
In terms of medium-range standoff weapons, the Indian air force’s Su-30MKI can carry the Russian Missile Corp. Kh-59M (AS-18 Kazoo). A conventional variant of the Nirbhay, with the requisite level of accuracy, would provide a long-range precision-strike complement to the Kh-59M.
KramerHas anyone got any lists of major successes by DRDO that have met either the budget or time lines or even both?
take a look at the Prithvi, Agni and other ballistic missile programs as well as the ABM program..there’s more as well and Chandragupta has listed them out well.
Kramerlovely pics Quantum !
one question- those MiG-27s, are they overhauled in SL or do they send them to Ukraine or India ?
Kramerthe first concept looks somewhat similar to the earliest Indian Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) concepts that were floating around..no vertical stabilizer and thrust vectoring to provide longitudinal control..
KramerDamn, seems like this little bird is going through more rigorous testing than the MRCA candidates! 44 deg C, that is hot.
USS.
its actually not quite so “little”..the picture with Sqn Ldr (retd) Baldev Singh showed that its actually almost as big if not bigger in height, than the BAe Hawk..certainly taller than the Dassault Breguet Alphajet..
and 44 deg C ambient temp is quite regular in that region..my own hometown has a daily temperature of around 43 deg C and it even went up to 46 deg C sometime back.
KramerHAL’s IJT, the HJT-36 Sitara has successfully completed its hot-weather trials in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Also the article speaks about 73 series-production IJT’s being cleared by the CCS in addition to the 12 LSP Sitaras and the IAF showing interest in another 70 more. That’s a total of 155 Sitaras that the IAF may eventually order.
By Anantha Krishnan M.
BengaluruIndia’s new Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) has successfully completed its hot weather trials at Jaisalmer.
Called Sitara, the aircraft was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
Two aircraft are back in Bangalore after the grueling 10-day trials, sources say. “It was for the first time that the IJT undertook the hot weather trials with the AL-55I Russian engine,” a source says. The first hot weather trials were held in Nagpur in 2006 with the Snecma LARZAC engine.The IJT had flown with the Russian-made AL-55I engine in May 2009, and all certification flight tests were completed by February 2010. “Thirty-one flights with the new engine were conducted prior to the Jaisalmer trials,” a top HAL official says.
IJT is said to have met all the technical and system performance specifications during the hot weather trials. “The environmental system air-conditioning inside the cockpit, environmental control systems, and factors for pilot comforts were checked. Representatives from the Indian Air Force’s Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) also participated in the trials,” a source says.During the Jaisalmer trials, the aircraft were flown at an ambient surface temperature of 44 C. A total of 13 flights were flown and various functional parameters of the aircraft were tested and monitored, including cockpit ambient conditions, avionics, oil and hydraulic systems, aircraft performance, instrumentation and engine bay temperatures.
“These parameters were compared against the trials conducted at Bangalore as well as the technical specifications and air staff requirements laid down by the IAF,” a source added.
Now IJT is set to begin its spin program, after which the aircraft will be ready for its initial operating capability phase late this year.
Leading the team at Jaisalmer was Squadron Leader (ret.) Baldev Singh, HAL’s executive director (flight operations) and chief test pilot (fixed wing).
All future trials will take place using the AL-55I engine, which replaces the Snecma Larzac, sources say. The Russian engine has 20%-25% more thrust than the Larzac. HAL signed a $350 million agreement in 2005 with Rosoboronexport to build 250 AL-55I engines at HAL’s Koraput engine factory, with future options to produce more.
IJT will cost an estimated $10 million each, making it the best-priced aircraft in its segment, sources say.The IAF needs the IJTs for its Stage II training to replace its current jet trainer, the Kiran. HAL has received a limited series production order for 12 IJTs, and India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has recently cleared an additional batch of 73 IJTs for the series production run. The Indian Air Force has also shown keen interest in buying another 70-plus IJTs in the future.
KramerIAF’s first C-130J to fly for the first time soon.
IAF’s C-130J aircraft trials soon
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News ServiceChandigarh, May 5
The first of the six C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force is expected to begin flight trials in a few weeks. All six airframes are on the manufacturing rigs at their American manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s facilities.
A spokesperson for Lockheed, in response to a query, stated that the first aircraft is expected to be ready for its maiden test flight by mid-summer. All six aircrafts, he added, would be fully assembled by Spring 2011, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered to the IAF in December this year, he added.
The aircraft and others following it, according to sources, would undergo further test flights and familiarisation operations in the Indian environment, before being formally commissioned into service early next year. It would be after about five decades that the IAF would be inducting a US military aircraft. The IAF has been operating American Boeing 737s for some time, but these have no military role and are dedicated solely for VVIP transport. The IAF has operated US B-24 bombers and Dakota and Packet transport aircraft for a few years after independence and at present the mainstay of its transport fleet has been of the Soviet origin.
The vastly improved “J” version of the C-130 features a stretched fuselage to accommodate more troops and cargo than the earlier versions of the four-engined turboprop that date back to 1957. The IAF versions have a maximum payload of about 24 tonne, almost four times that of the AN-32 tactical transporter and could accommodate 128 combat troops, 92 paratroopers or 97 medical litters.
Configured for special mission roles, C-130J has been equipped with an infrared detection set that would enable precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions. The armed forces had first displayed their low-level airdrop capability during Exercise Brazen Chariots in Pokhran two years ago. The C-130s would primarily support airlift and para-drop of the Army’s special forces.
A new digital avionics architecture and propulsion system and dual mission computers that automate many functions, thereby reducing aircrew compliment, self-protection systems to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defence environments and air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations are prominent features of the “J”.
The C-130s has been expected to be based at the Hindon Air Force Station adjacent to Delhi, where a new squadron for this type would be raised. Initially, the Lockheed would train the IAF aircrew and ground technicians posted to the new outfit.
KramerI’ve never really understood what exact benefits did they see in a side-by-side seating arrangement for the Su-34 fighter-bomber ? Why couldn’t they have kept the Su-30’s tandem seat arrangement ?
KramerAs it seems you have plenty of reliable sources to show us about these ****-and-bull stories :D, feel free to open a new “MMRCA told to children” topic . here we’re talking about F-X2 😉
yeah respond with childish remarks..thats what people do when they have nothing else to say. :rolleyes:
A little googling may help you in the future. :rolleyes:
According to insiders, the early elimination of the Rafale is not only credited by failing to respond to technical queries but also by to high costs. Beyond that it is said that the IAF is strongly fascinated from the U.S. fighters and are looking to get these.
and from India’s most reputable newspaper, The Hindu
Rafale allowed to take part in aircraft bid
K.V. Prasad
NEW DELHI: French fighter aircraft Rafale has been allowed to take part in the Indian Air Force’s bid to acquire 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Procurement Board here on Monday, sources in the Defence Ministry said. Rafale, made by Dassault, was earlier declared out of the race after technical evaluations. Sources in the Ministry said the Technical Evaluation Committee had made the recommendation, as Dassault did not provide information on some equipment and add-ons that the IAF wanted to be in the aircraft. However, the Defence Procurement Board, which met under the chairmanship of Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, decided not to accept the recommendation. The Board felt the French firm should also get a look-in when the Indian Air Force conducted field trials over the next few months, the sources said.After the news emerged in April, the French launched a fresh bid. Many of the issues that remained unresolved were since then addressed, the sources said. Now that the parameters set out in the technical evaluations had been complied with, it was felt that Rafale should be allowed to take part in the bid, along with Boeing’s F/A18, Lockheed Martin’s F-16, Saab’s Gripen, MIG-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon.
F/A18, F-16, MiG-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon took part in the Bangalore Aero India Show this February, but Rafale and Gripen did not participate in the live display.
Saab announced the opening of its office in India and put up a cockpit simulator, while the French delegation was led by its Defence Minister.
KramerWooow the MOD was pissed because some bad guys from Dassault didn’t want to give some technicals answers ….so they decided to disqualify Dassault 😮 Oh my Goood !!! 😮
That’s a comic strips 😀
From an adult point of view , i believe such competitions are conducted in a far more serious way ..on both sides 😉
buddy, this was the report that was given in some serious mags. and if Dassault did not give specific answers to certain technical queries, the MoD was well within its rights to disqualify them. Legally they cannot be challenged for doing so. Calling it a comedy or showing teeth won’t make any difference.
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