New AI Photos
https://plus.google.com/photos/106518929797996754327/albums/6119600232380289617

Some interesting things

– Data Pattern’s new seeker for Brahmos
– New UHF TR Module displayed (apart from the bunch of X, C, L, S band modules displayed!); clearly another long range DRDO program which has not been publicized
– Variety of mechanical systems and items being supplied by Indian aerospace firms to companies worldwide; eg Servocontrols complete export oriented facility (the company manufactures Su-30s actuators for HAL as well)
– Huge range of microwave modules for DRDO’s programs etc developed by its labs – again not revealed before
– Ditto for avionics modules, including some new RLG-INS, MEMS-INS-GPS systems only mentioned in news reports but displayed publicly
– New Manpack terminal & high bandwidth datalink for UAVs
– Range of TI products and FCS
– DRDO developed and BEL produced radars – WLR, Rohini etc, production variants
– Various LCA LRUs
– Phazatrons newest variant of its AESA radar

Surely they can perform some of their Tejas magic and fuse Python to the HMCS and integrate their indigenous Astra? The R-73, R-77, and R-27ET/ER may still be effective, but they should try to standardize. Otherwise they may decide to save coin and the only upgrades will be built around communications and countermeasures. The MiG-29’s in service don’t have enough hours on them to skip other modifications IMHO.

This is a non UPG MiG-29 while the rest are getting UPG to SMT + standard (some Indian specific kit etc) at IAF BRD’s.
Astra is intended to be fielded by the entire IAF fleet. Python likely only the LCA and Mirage fleets.
Mirage also gets the Mica series.
Its likely post the Astra a local WVR missile will also be developed if they can manage a compact IIR seeker for A2A.

Infoboards from Aero India.

Su-30 MKI new RWR+MAWS, MiG-29 UPG EW, Mi-17 upgrade all DRDO, HALs Bae Hawk avionics upgrade, Mirage 2000 MC upgrade, SATCOM, Embraer ESM (DRDO), Manik turbofan engine (DRDO)..

http://imgur.com/a/Ga4Fv

Some interesting info.

Apparently DRDO’s AEW&C is a significant performer and IAF is impressed enough that more orders are likely.

The Phalcon class AWACS, follow on may likely use the same system scaled up thanks to its capabilities.

Some interesting snippets on Aero India from a pretty clued in defence journalist – Saurav Jha on Twitter

Missiles

Today heavier Nirbhay variants are in various of stages of development as are higher thrust expendable turbofan engines to follow the MANIK.

Nirbhay’s low altitude test flight scheduled to happen by April is essentially a test of the naval version.

Engine

Kaveri design as it stands today can reach 76 KN thrust levels while in flight. 70-71 KN has been achieved on the test bench in Bangalore.

Russian coop

Don’t be taken in by the lack of Russian aircraft in the flight line at Yelahanka. Lot of back channel with them is on.

HAL Chmn mentions that HAL is looking to become an OEM for the Su-30 MKI. Talks with the Russians are on.

UAVs – India’s MALE UAV is Rustom 2, its Searcher class platform is Rustom-1

Rustom-2 is slated for first flight in April this year. A total of eight prototypes will be built. IOC deadline is end 2019.

All seven types of actuators used in the Rustom-2 were meant to come from MOOG USA. Unfortunately the export license was withdrawn.

On MTCR grounds. So much for strategic partnership!

HAL is the lead production agency for the Rustom-2. BEL is responsible for all ground control systems.

The Army is lukewarm to the Rustom-I. It is the Indian Navy which will be its first customer.

Work is underway to increase Rustom-I endurance.

The really good news is that Mahindra Satyam is creating an indigenous engine for the Rustom-2 along with DRDO.

MTA Program with Russia

The Medium Transport Aircraft project with Russia is however stuck on the choice of engine issue.

DRDO Radars – 6 tgt engage for the AESA

DRDO’s Uttam AESA features LPI and is capable of tracking up to six targets for weapons employment.

LRDE’s synthetic aperture radar meant for carriage by the Rustom-2 will be capable of detecting mobile vehicles out to 40 km in GMTI mode.

Engines for Helicopters
Development of a 1200 KW class engine for rotary platforms is underway at HAL.

AEW &C program
First AEW&C will be handed over to the IAF in June this year.

LCA info
Efforts are underway to at least localize the T300 composites supply chain for the LCA program.

Where to begin with this? Su-30MKI has been one of the most successful programs in IAF history. As well as being a formidable platform in its own right, it is comparable to anything fielded by either China or Pakistan, and will remain so until J-20 (which is of course to be matched by FGFA, and in any case is unlikely to mark the end of Chinese Flanker production).

As for this conspiracy theory about Russian interference in the Indo-French relationship, this is just desperate grasping at straws. What is true is that India has pointedly declined to join the western crusade against Russia, just as it has declined to join the crusade against Iran. In each case, India is driven by a keen sense of her own national interest, which only sometimes aligns with that of the western crusader states. The Indo-Russian relationship is grounded in a rich past, but maintained in the present by mutual interests. Who else was going to loan India a nuclear submarine and assist the nation in designing her own? Of course, India’s interests also drove the attempt to acquire a modern western aircraft and stream of technology transfer, both to hedge against dependence upon Russia and to force the latter to better terms at the bargaining table. If this attempt has failed, then responsibility could be assigned in many places (or to structural incompatibility) — but certainly not to Russia. India will never be America’s bitch, nor anyone else’s for that matter. To think otherwise is to grossly misread Indian history and politico-strategic culture. Western attempts to divorce India from Russia, or to force her to “choose a side” are not only doomed to fail, but are likely to backfire, just as they did in the past.

Well said.

Funny how France and Russia were getting along and the Rafale deal started. But as soon as France and Russia no longer were getting along the Rafale deal became a mess. People are very naive to think Putin has nothing to do with manipulating HAL officials when his advisors have so much access to their personnel. Don’t forget that Putin actually paid separatists in the Ukraine to become aggressive and that it was his ally that began the shooting during their revolution yet Russia went into Crimea to save innocent separatists. India is Russia’s cabana boy and it’s showing. Funny, India should be calling the shots in their relationship, but it’s not mature enough to see through its mental fog.

The MKI is not a good short or long term investment for India in 2015. Are they really going to buy more fighters from the 80’s??

Before you engage in more blather about a country which you clearly know nothing about, and start calling it cabana boy and asinine pejorative terms, do lay off whatever it is you are smoking. Will help you think more clearly. Some of you lot seem to see Putin everyplace. Under your bed, in your blankets, behind your back…lay off the paranoia. India and Russia are sovereign nations with their own decision making structure.