Indian Military Aviation News and Discussion

[sai_k]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iGO4cv1GqO0/S9...G_1074.JPG

zoom in, and it does says it's AESA for LCA.



I am guessing about 800 odd fixed T/R s.



Definitely, appearance looks like Elta-ish.. (many a 2052 components and parts might be in).



Pray for its success and subsequent 100% indigenous improvisation for future versions.



A must for MCA/NGFA

[malushahi]

[quote name='sai_k' date='26 April 2010 - 05:22 AM' timestamp='1272273266' post='106080']

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iGO4cv1GqO0/S9...G_1074.JPG

zoom in, and it does says it's AESA for LCA.



I am guessing about 800 odd fixed T/R s.



Definitely, appearance looks like Elta-ish.. (many a 2052 components and parts might be in).



Pray for its success and subsequent 100% indigenous improvisation for future versions.



A must for MCA/NGFA

[/quote]



Not sure, but looks like a [url="http://www.ausairpower.net/Zhuk-ME-MSA-MAKS2007-1S.jpg"]slotted antenna[/url] to me (and yes the insert does say AESA). I thought one could make out T/R modules on an AESA like [url="http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/systems/images/an-apg-77-image1.jpg"]here[/url] and [url="http://www.ausairpower.net/Zhuk-AE-Display-2S.jpg"]here[/url].



No doubt a quantum leap if these indeed are X-T/R modules.

[Arun_S]

The finished surface could (or would be) like in the LCA [url="http://4.bp.blogspot...00/IMG_1074.JPG"]picture[/url] by sai_k.

[malushahi]

^^^ True, but oblong modules? Correct me, but I do not see a reason why one would go for any shape than circular (max area within a closed perimeter of the same length).

[malushahi]

On second thoughts, I see what both of you are saying. So is the antenna an LRDE fab? Does not quite look like the [url="http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/elm2052aesa.jpg"]2052[/url]?

[Arun_S]

I had a discussion with ELTA booth person during Aero-India 2005, to understand what Yahudi bhai has to offer w.r.t Tx-Rx module front-end and backend.



As regarding finished surface, it does not matter that much what type of antenna aperture is used, the Tx-Rx frontend and teh signal processing remains almost independent of that. re-formulating teh individual element layout is easy and does not alter foundation of the AESA. It does not have to look like published 2052 exterior.

[Arun_S]

[url="http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india%20%20.%20"]Sitara Completes Hot Weather Trials[/url]

By Anantha Krishnan M.

Bengaluru



India’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 [color="#0000ff"]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,[/color]” 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.



[color="#0000ff"]During the Jaisalmer trials, the aircraft were flown at an ambient surface temperature of 44 C. A total of 13 flights were flown [/color]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.

[sai_k]

We used to have many internet names (BRite) for military fighter planes [eg: rambha for mki].



Since "kuruvi" is on extinction stage { http://www.hindu.com/2010/05/09/stories/...990300.htm }, it may be an apt name for LCA, that does look like a sparrow [sp.arrow : special arrow].

[Guest]

[url="http://www.telegraphindia.com//1100510/jsp/nation/story_12431451.jsp"]UAVs made in Punjab[/url]

Chandigarh, May 9: Punjab — famous for its agriculture, textiles and bicycles — is now aiming for the sky.



A private firm will supply unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the eyes in the sky to be used to track Maoists in inhospitable terrain, besides the familiar job of watching enemy movements across the border. Ludhiana’s Bhogal Hobby Tech — a group better known for its cycles — will supply UAVs to the Indian Air Force (IAF).



Bhogal claims its UAV is similar to the Israeli version that Indian security forces use for training purposes. Each Israeli machine costs around Rs 16 lakh, while the Indian version will come for half the price.



“The IAF has ordered five UAVs and we expect the navy and the army to do the same,” company managing partner Manjeev Bhogal said. The air force placed the orders after conducting comprehensive all-weather trials.



An IAF officer at the Chandigarh air base said the locally-built UAVs would initially be used for training. “They can also be used for reconnaissance. They are as good, if not better, than the Israeli version. We will also be looking for India-made larger versions,” he said.



Powered by an 86cc petrol engine, Bhogal’s UAV has a wing-span of 14 feet. A handler has to fly the model for 25 hours before qualifying as a “pilot” — operating the device from the ground rather than in the air.



Manjeev promised better versions. “We can produce more powerful versions for the security forces.” The company, he said, can also design and manufacture UAVs that can carry loads — unlike the conventional ones that are not designed to fly with anything.



Defence officials believe UAVs can be used to protect sensitive installations, such as nuclear units.

[Guest]

Is Halwara is a secret Air force airstrip in Punjab?

South of Ludhiana. This is different then Ludhiana airport, which is East of Ludhiana city.

location - 30 44 51 29 N - 75 37 54 50 E -in Goggle Earth

[Arun_S]

Halwara is a known major Air Force station, with a big family residential complex inside the base. (just like other major IAF stations)

[Arun_S]

From [url="http://livefist.blogspot.com/2010/05/finally-govt-orders-full-revamp-of-drdo.html"]Shiv Aroor's blog[/url]



This is after Shiv @ Indian Express who ran a vicious campaign against DRDO and its failed products like Arjun and AKash. I thought Shiv was now a changed man



Posted by Shiv Aroor at [url="http://livefist.blogspot.com/2010/05/197-light-chopper-competition-hots-up.html"]9:14 PM[/url] [url="https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6050542&postID=378218531794244460&isPopup=true"]1 comments[/url][url="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6050542&postID=378218531794244460"] [/url] [url="http://livefist.blogspot.com/search/label/EQUIPMENT%20TRIALS"]

[/url]

Finally, Govt Orders Full Revamp Of DRDO, Formally Sanctions Mark-II Versions Of MBT Arjun & Akash SAM

More than three years after the Indian Express special series on the woeful state of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) by me and Express senior editor Amitav Ranjan, the government has finally managed to order a comprehensive restructuring plan for the beleaguered organization with immediate effect. It was our 8-part special front-page series, titled Delayed Research Derailed Organisation in late 2006 which set the ball rolling. For starters, it compelled the government to set up a committee in February 2007, chaired by Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Dr. P Rama Rao to review and suggest measures to improve the functioning of DRDO. After years of stiff resistance from some quarters in DRDO, the revamp plan has finally been pushed through.



A statement from the MoD today said, "To give a major boost to Defence Research in the country and to ensure effective participation of the private sector in Defence technology, the [color="#0000ff"]Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today approved a series of measures that will transform and revitalise the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) – in form and substance[/color]."



According to the statement, the key measures include the establishment of a Defence Technology Commission with the Defence Minister as its Chairman, de-centralisation of DRDO management, making DRDO a leaner organisation by merging some DRDO laboratories with other public funded institutions with similar disciplines, interest and administrative system, engagement of an eminent Human Resource (HR) expert as consultant to revamp the entire HR structure of DRDO and establishment of a commercial arm of DRDO.



[color="#0000ff"]Significantly, the decisions also include continuation of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for design and development of combat aircraft, continuation of the Kaveri aero-engine programme, development of MBT Arjun Mk-II and Akash Mk-II by DRDO[/color] and selection of industry partners by DRDO through a transparent process by evolving a suitable mechanism.



The recommendations of the Rama Rao Committee together with DRDO's views and the report were extensively deliberated upon by the three Services and the Defence Ministry. The Defence Minister Shri Antony had subsequently constituted a committee on June 25, 2009 under the Chairmanship of the Defence Secretary, to consider the responses and the suggestions made by various stakeholders on the recommendations of the Rama Rao Committee and to arrive at a set of acceptable recommendations. The committee chaired by the Defence Secretary met on five occasions and gave its recommendations to the Defence Minister.



Decentralisation of DRDO Management



The decentralisation of DRDO management will be achieved through formation of technology domain based centres or clusters of laboratories headed by Directors General. Seven centres will be created based on functionalities and technology domains. It will be the responsibility of the Directors General to ensure timely execution of major programmes and encouragement of research in laboratories. DRDO will also ensure full autonomy to all laboratories as far as S&T initiatives are concerned. While empowering the Directors of the laboratories, DRDO will put in a mechanism in place to ensure the accountability of the laboratory Directors.



Leaner DRDO



One of the major recommendations of the Rama Rao Committee was to make DRDO leaner by merging some of its laboratories with other public funded institutions have similar discipline, interests and administrative systems. Some of these ecommendations of the Committee have been accepted by the Defence Minister.



Restructuring of DRDO



The present Director General of DRDO will be redesignated as Chairman, DRDO. Directors General at centres and CCsR&D at Headquarters will report to Chairman, DRDO, who would be the head of the organisation. The Chairman will head the DRDO Management Council having seven Directors General and four CCsR&D at Headquarters and Additional Financial Advisor (R&D) as members. Financial Advisors at the appropriate levels would report to Directors General / Lab Directors to ensure accountability.



Revamping of DRDO's HR Structure



DRDO will now hire an eminent HR expert as Consultant to revamp the whole HR structure. The Consultant will be entrusted with the task to examine issues such as selection and tenure of Directors and avenues for the induction of talented persons, independently spotted by the Lab Directors and the heads of centres, including filling up of wastage vacancies.



Commercial Arm of DRDO



[color="#0000ff"]A new Commercial Arm of DRDO would be created by DRDO as a Private Limited Company with a seed capital of about Rs. 2 crores.[/color] The commercial arm would deal only with the spin-off products and technologies meant for civilian use. It will not take up any manufacturing activity. For any production activity the services of public or private sector industry will be utilised.

[Arun_S]

[url="http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2010/06/02/awx_06_02_2010_p0-231230.xml&headline=Tejas%20LSP-4%20Goes%20Supersonic%20In%20First%20Flight"]Tejas LSP-4 Goes Supersonic In First Flight[/url]

Jun 2, 2010



By Anantha Krishnan M.

Bengaluru





The fourth limited series production (LSP-4) platform of India’s light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas had its successful first flight at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s military airport in Bangalore on June 2.



The flight, piloted by Group Capt. Suneet Krishna of the National Flight Test Center (NFTC), lasted 40 minutes. The pilot went supersonic and later recovered the full flight envelope, exhibiting confidence in the system.



Similar to the April 23 first flight of LSP-3, the LSP-4 also carried the Elta multi-mode radar (MMR) onboard. The LSP-4 aircraft is the 10th test vehicle to join the flight line. Tejas is slated to receive initial operational clearance (IOC) by December, paving way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).



Vice Chief of IAF Air Marshal P.K. Barbora told AVIATION WEEK that the first flight of LSP-4 is “one step forward” in the project.



“As you move along in a program, you will overcome problems quickly. Now the LSP-5, 6 and 7 will come,” he said. “It’s a proud moment and we are also keenly awaiting the arrival of LCA Mk-II in the years to come, which will be an advanced platform.”



Program Director (Combat Aircraft) and Director, Aeronautics Development Agency (ADA) P.S. Subramanyam told AVIATION WEEK that the project is moving toward IOC.



“The LSP-4 is equipped fully to the standards of IOC. We are left with a few more flight tests and then Tejas would reach the much-awaited target. The Tejas team will now head for hot weather trials (HWT),” Subramanyam said. The HWT is likely to be held at Nagpur.



On Wednesday, the pilot flew the aircraft to an altitude of 11 km. and went supersonic, reaching 1.1 Mach with Test Director Group Capt. D. Chakravorty guiding him from the NFTC telemetry facility. For the first time, Tejas flew in the configuration that will be ultimately delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Group Capt. Suneet flew the LCA prototype vehicle (PV-1) in 2003.



HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak told AVIATION WEEK that the successful flights of LSP-3 and LSP-4 in quick succession are an indication of the accelerated pace at which the program is now being run.



“More aircraft will join the fleet now and the next aircraft (LSP-5) will have all systems of LSP 3 and 4, making it much more advanced. We are on track,” Nayak said.



In addition to the MMR, the LSP-4 had [an] onboard radar warning receiver, [an] electronic countermeasure system (ECM), [and] new avionics software.



“[color="#0000ff"]Tejas-LSP-4 is the final configuration of [the] IAF version. Now all the hardware items have come onboard and there won’t be anymore additional systems, barring some software changes,[/color]” an ADA source said. “All objectives have been met and all systems worked as per the design. IAF pilots from [the] operational front would soon fly LCA.”



IAF sources said the LCA program’s recent progress has been a huge boost to the force’s confidence in the wake of delays and cost overruns.



“We are all keen to see the Tejas induction. After having waited for so many years, investing so many man hours, review meetings and money, it’s but natural to become anxious. It’s heartening to see the platform is taking definite shape and heading in the right direction,” a senior-ranked IAF official with Air Headquarters said.



LCA LSP-4 photo: ADA

[Arun_S]

[url="%3Cb%3E%3Ca%20rel="]LCA Tejas finally gets Radar![/url]">http://www.defenceaviation.com/2010/04/lca-tejas-finally-gets-radar.html

Created by [url="http://www.defenceaviation.com/author/pratik/"]Pratik Sawerdekar[/url] on April 30th, 2010



India’s most ambitious military program to build an indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) reached a major milestone on 23rd April; Friday when it first test flew a radar onboard. The LSP-3 model of the aircraft carried a radar inside its nose for the first time. This comes more than 9 years after it first took to skies. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) described the radar as Multi-mode radar.

Defence Aviation has learnt that the radar was a Hybrid version of Israel’s Elta EL/M-2032 which is currently in service with Indian Navy on its Sea Harrier fleet. [color="#0000ff"]The radar is mechanically steered and most components are of Indian origin. The processor of the radar is of Israeli origin similar to that found on the EL/M-2032. There was some confusion regarding the type of radar but it has now been confirmed that it is Doppler pulse radar.[/color]

The achievement is significant as this bring the LCA-Tejas closer to receiving the Initial Operation Clearance (IOC). All the necessary tests to receive the IOC are done and now only tests related to the radar remain. It’s expected that these will be completed in 6 months and after that the LCA will enter service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) which has ordered 40 units of LCA’s in IOC configuration. The first aircraft is expected to enter service during the second quarter of 2011.



Meanwhile the LSP-4 is undergoing ground trails and will start flying in a month followed by LSP-5 which should start flying a week later. The recent test flight also had a new air data processor, Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and a communication and navigation system. The flight lasted for some 52 minutes of which the LSP-3 cruised at Mach 0.8 for some 40 minutes.

[color="#800080"]

The Hybrid MMR won’t be seen on the future versions of the aircraft apart from the first 40 as the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) is working on a much advance Active Electronically Scanner Array radar (AESA) which be much superior to the Hybrid MMR. The new AESA radar is necessary for the Tejas to receive the Final operations clearance (FOC).[/color]

[sai_k]

AESA in LSPs would be a shot in the arm for LCA. I had earlier doubted it being included in the former LSPs. I however, am hopeful that we are working on one, and the later models will carry it., and more importantly all created and done in India without any firangi help.



I guess, it is more important to pool money and resource for homegrown AESA and advance radar systems. The new avionics software is heart warming news.



I hope to see more weapons testing to happen now.

[sai_k]

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/a...453058.ece



Some how I fail to reason the delays with respect to Kaveri interim engines.. How long are we going hear these type of news? When are we going to decide 414 or 200. In terms of naval variant, I don't see EF2K having a naval variant.. and I hope they have worked saline environment issues for naval requirements.



Nevertheless, it is high time we decide which one it would be.

[Arun_S]

IMHO EF200 is the way to go forward for power plants for LCA-MkII and NGFA







Eurojet offers dual-use engine for LCA

June 12, 2010 01:34 IST | Updated: June 12, 2010 01:34 IST BERLIN, June 12, 2010 “The engine will be competitive in many aspects”



Eager to join hands with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its associates in the development of India's Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas-Mark II,' the Eurojet consortium is offering its engine that could be tweaked to work on its naval version.



“We are offering two variants of the EJ200, bidding for the India's LCA Mark-II which can be altered through a software change to suit the requirements for the naval version of the LCA,” Eurojet Vice-President Sales Paul Hermann told a group of journalists here.



The Aeronautical Defence Agency (ADA), the nodal agency for the design and development of the LCA under the overall supervision of the DRDO, had sought a proposal from the EJ200 and the American GE414 engine. The order will be initially for 99 engines with 10 of these in ready-to-use condition. There is an option for additional 49 engines order.



Eurojet Chief Engineer Wolfgang Sterr said there were over 1,500 EJ200 engines for the 700-plus Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft under contract to six nations. He said the engine was suitable for the LCA and could be used for the naval variant that the ADA was working on.



The Eurofighter is in the race for the 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft that the IAF is acquiring.



The naval version requirement of greater thrust for take-off from an aircraft carrier can be met without altering the hardware of the engine. With a switch of software the EJ200 can be used for the naval variant and vice-versa.



While the company preferred not to make any direct comment on the price tag, EJ Sales Director Adrian Johnson, said it would be competitive in many aspects through low life cycle costs, transfer of technology and offering partnership to India for future development and enhancement of the engine and its systems.



The officials said, “If the Eurojet makes the grade, the organisation could also share its expertise in India's quest to develop indigenous Kaveri engine. We have experienced the challenge India is facing, At Rolls-Royce, it took us 100 years to get where we are…,”Mr. Johnson said.



The Eurojet consortium includes Rolls-Royce (England), MTU (German), ITP (Spain) and Avio (Italy).

[ravicv]

[quote name='Lalitaditya' date='22 February 2010 - 08:13 AM' timestamp='1266854734' post='104463']

Earlier American miscalculation that dogfights are passe' was horribly shattered to pieces in Vietnam. Not to forget, the whole Russian air fighting doctrine is based on dogfights and maneuverability even to this day. In the theatre of Subcontinental warfare dog fights will stil be a reality for many years to come.

[/quote]



Very true! The USAF's "missile only" doctrine was shaken by the maneouverability of the then aged MiG 19 (and its derivative - the Shenyang F-6) and it's NR 30 cannon which has twice the KE of equivalent 30 mm cannon like the ADEN or DEFA.

[Guest]

[url="http://the-diplomat.com/2010/07/06/india-readies-for-china-fight/"]India Readies for China Fight[/url]

For too long Delhi’s policymakers have watched idly as China’s military prowess has grown, says Nitin Gokhale. Not anymore.

[Raj Malhotra]

[quote name='Arun_S' date='13 June 2010 - 11:21 PM' timestamp='1276451014' post='106883']

IMHO EF200 is the way to go forward for power plants for LCA-MkII and NGFA







Eurojet offers dual-use engine for LCA

[/quote]





I think EJ is a way to go ahead but not just for EJ2000. I think that we should enter into a JV with the EJ combine for a series of engines being:-





future Adour replacement for Jags being Adour 821 (?)



EJ200 for LCA



Kaveri 2 for AMCA



Take help in developing the variants of Kaveri and Kaveri -2 for marine, industrial, passenger jet, MRTA, turboprop for RTA and turboshaft for MLH, engines