Rustom to lock horns with Mantis, Herti
Among the indigenous products which are being unveiled for the first time at the Aero India 2009 is the Defence Research Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Rustom.A markup of Rustom is being showcased at the Aero India 2009 along with other DRDO products.
Rustom which has a wingspan of 20 metres and weighs 1,800 kg, unlike other DRDO developed Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) like Lakshya and Nishant will be launched by the conventional method and not the launcher as in the case of the Lakshya and Nishant.
DRDO is awaiting clearance from the government and is expected to shortly take up the project.
The Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is being developed by DRDO for the three services, Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.
Rustom will replace/ supplement the Heron UAVs in service that are with the Indian armed forces.
The Rustom will be competing against the BAE Systems’ Mantis which is unveiled for the first time during the show.
Mantis, a new autonomous UAV, being developed by BAE Systems, will be making its international debut at the show. A full-size Mantis and Herti will grace the area outside the BAE Systems pavilion.
12/02/09 ExpressBuzz
Air Force Modernisation Triggers Growth of Aero Space Industry: Fali H Major
Particularly after 2007, the activities related technology upgradations, modernizations and new inductions are taking place more rapidly than ever before In Indian Air Force. This is being achieved with the co-ordinated efforts of Indian and Foreign Aviation Industry with Defence Forces. Mr Fali H Major, Air Chief Marshal of Indiagave a detailed account of modernization process speaking to media on the second day of "Aero India 2009" which is being organized by Defence Exhibition Organisation (Ministry of Defence) in association with Confederation of Indian Industriy (CII).
"The environment around Indiacreated the need for making Indian Air Force more credible by resorting to rapid modernization. The 'Aero India 2009' mirrored the environment in the air as there are many technology platforms on display compared to the Aero India 2007," Air Chief explained. "This environment will drive Indian Aero Space Industry to prosper in the coming years," he added.
Air Chief outlined Air Power is not just the ability to fight or bomb some places, but it lies in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacities, which are being improved on a continuous basis. In this regard, Indiais already using unmanned ultra light flying machines and efforts are going on to make their payloads as effective as possible.
" Though the declining number of fighting squadrons is an issue, there is no need to get alarmed, as the reason behind it is inducting newer technologies and fighting capabilities, which makes the ability more important than sheer numbers," Mr Fali H Major further stated. But coming to number, Indiawill achieve the Government authorized figure of 39 and half squadrons from the current level of 34 which may even decline a bit due to phasing out and modernizing operations. The reason for this is long gestation period required to acquire new radars, aircraft, or platforms, "Air Chief said.
Replying to questions on strategies post 26/11, Air Chief stated, there is no change in our strategies as we are prepared for all kinds of eventualities including the ones posed by such incidents at micro level. He said though there are gaps in covering entire country with radars, even now we can focus on even smaller places whenever we want.
"Currently, managing huge inventories is an issue due to the fact that we are using varied platforms, fighter planes and support system. When we bring this, hopefully in the next few years, we will use less than 4 or 5 main fighter planes and transport carriers, we can bring down the inventory levels and effectively manage it. "said Mr Fali H Major.
"Air Chief admitted that several unused air strips pose threat to country's security, but securing them is the responsibility of the respective state governments," he added.
12/02/09 PRESS RELEASE/Aero India
"The environment around Indiacreated the need for making Indian Air Force more credible by resorting to rapid modernization. The 'Aero India 2009' mirrored the environment in the air as there are many technology platforms on display compared to the Aero India 2007," Air Chief explained. "This environment will drive Indian Aero Space Industry to prosper in the coming years," he added.
Air Chief outlined Air Power is not just the ability to fight or bomb some places, but it lies in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacities, which are being improved on a continuous basis. In this regard, Indiais already using unmanned ultra light flying machines and efforts are going on to make their payloads as effective as possible.
" Though the declining number of fighting squadrons is an issue, there is no need to get alarmed, as the reason behind it is inducting newer technologies and fighting capabilities, which makes the ability more important than sheer numbers," Mr Fali H Major further stated. But coming to number, Indiawill achieve the Government authorized figure of 39 and half squadrons from the current level of 34 which may even decline a bit due to phasing out and modernizing operations. The reason for this is long gestation period required to acquire new radars, aircraft, or platforms, "Air Chief said.
Replying to questions on strategies post 26/11, Air Chief stated, there is no change in our strategies as we are prepared for all kinds of eventualities including the ones posed by such incidents at micro level. He said though there are gaps in covering entire country with radars, even now we can focus on even smaller places whenever we want.
"Currently, managing huge inventories is an issue due to the fact that we are using varied platforms, fighter planes and support system. When we bring this, hopefully in the next few years, we will use less than 4 or 5 main fighter planes and transport carriers, we can bring down the inventory levels and effectively manage it. "said Mr Fali H Major.
"Air Chief admitted that several unused air strips pose threat to country's security, but securing them is the responsibility of the respective state governments," he added.
12/02/09 PRESS RELEASE/Aero India
EADS flying the LCA into Indian market
Bangalore: Although more cautious than the all-out performances of the established fighters, Tejas, the Indian-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), went far beyond anything it had ever displayed before, surprising the spectators with steep climbs, an inverted pass, high-gravity turns and loops.
But even amidst success, the Tejas is struggling to overcome major development hurdles. Its maker, Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken the crucial decision to bring in a design consultant, a global aerospace major that would assist Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to overcome persistent design glitches that dog the LCA, including fuel distribution, uneven braking, flight controls, environment controls and testing.
And while US-based Boeing has declined to supply such know-how, German-Spanish consortium, EADS, one of the makers of the Eurofighter, has aggressively pursued the consultancy as a way of flying into the Indian market.
In multiple interviews with senior Indian and EADS officials, who requested anonymity, Business Standard has pieced together the EADS strategy. The company has decided to supply India with high technology for Indian products that are not directly competing with an EADS product. The Tejas is not in the same category as the heavier Eurofighter.
Having established its presence in the Tejas programme, EADS is confident that it would be well positioned to get its Eurojet EJ200 engine accepted for the Tejas. India is currently deciding between the EJ200 and the GE-414 engine for powering future squadrons of the Tejas. And EADS believes that winning the contract for the EJ200 engine, and producing it in India, would position it perfectly for the lucrative medium fighter contract; twin EJ200 engines power the Eurofighter.
While willing to part with the technology assistance needed to get the LCA over its hump, EADS worries about the possibility of eventually being held responsible for a possible failure in the Tejas development.
“Let’s be clear that we are not underwriting the LCA programme," says a senior European official related with the contract. The contract with EADS is expected to be signed shortly.
The German and Spanish governments have already permitted EADS to part with the technology needed for the Tejas programme; the US government, in contrast, imposed stringent restrictions on Boeing.
12/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
But even amidst success, the Tejas is struggling to overcome major development hurdles. Its maker, Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken the crucial decision to bring in a design consultant, a global aerospace major that would assist Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to overcome persistent design glitches that dog the LCA, including fuel distribution, uneven braking, flight controls, environment controls and testing.
And while US-based Boeing has declined to supply such know-how, German-Spanish consortium, EADS, one of the makers of the Eurofighter, has aggressively pursued the consultancy as a way of flying into the Indian market.
In multiple interviews with senior Indian and EADS officials, who requested anonymity, Business Standard has pieced together the EADS strategy. The company has decided to supply India with high technology for Indian products that are not directly competing with an EADS product. The Tejas is not in the same category as the heavier Eurofighter.
Having established its presence in the Tejas programme, EADS is confident that it would be well positioned to get its Eurojet EJ200 engine accepted for the Tejas. India is currently deciding between the EJ200 and the GE-414 engine for powering future squadrons of the Tejas. And EADS believes that winning the contract for the EJ200 engine, and producing it in India, would position it perfectly for the lucrative medium fighter contract; twin EJ200 engines power the Eurofighter.
While willing to part with the technology assistance needed to get the LCA over its hump, EADS worries about the possibility of eventually being held responsible for a possible failure in the Tejas development.
“Let’s be clear that we are not underwriting the LCA programme," says a senior European official related with the contract. The contract with EADS is expected to be signed shortly.
The German and Spanish governments have already permitted EADS to part with the technology needed for the Tejas programme; the US government, in contrast, imposed stringent restrictions on Boeing.
12/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
‘Tejas’ removes all doubts
Bangalore: A quarter of a century after the project was conceived and being dubbed “as more trouble than its worth”, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ on Wednesday proved the theory that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, right.
The LCA, on the inaugural day of Aero India 2009, put up a flawless flight display and performed “neverseen- before” manoeuvres, which drew applause.
The take-off LCA from the Air Force Station Yelahanka tarmac was like any of 1,000-odd its has done since its maiden flight on January 4, 2001, but what was in store for the next 10 minutes showed the progress of not just the LCA project, but the indegenisation of India’s defence programme.The LCA showed the capability of the aircraft and put any doubts to rest.
After viewing its performance, an excited Defence Minister A K Antony praised the show put up by the all those involved in the project.
12/02/09 Hemanth CS/ExpressBuzz
The LCA, on the inaugural day of Aero India 2009, put up a flawless flight display and performed “neverseen- before” manoeuvres, which drew applause.
The take-off LCA from the Air Force Station Yelahanka tarmac was like any of 1,000-odd its has done since its maiden flight on January 4, 2001, but what was in store for the next 10 minutes showed the progress of not just the LCA project, but the indegenisation of India’s defence programme.The LCA showed the capability of the aircraft and put any doubts to rest.
After viewing its performance, an excited Defence Minister A K Antony praised the show put up by the all those involved in the project.
12/02/09 Hemanth CS/ExpressBuzz
Abhinav Bindra set to fly high in Bangalore air show
Olympic gold winner Abhinav Bindra is all set to fly high. Bindra will be flying in an F-16 at the Bangalore air show on Thursday and is quite excited at the prospect.
CNN-IBN: What are your preparations?
Abhinav Binmdra: I had an extensive medical examination on Tuesday, but after that nothing else.
CNN-IBN: Are you nervous? Will you be able to sleep tonight?
Abhinav Binmdra: I'm not nervous. And I generally sleep alright so I hope to have a peaceful night.
CNN-IBN: Have you done anything extreme like taking a ride in F-16?
Abhinav Binmdra: No not really. I did a few things prior to the Olympics. But this is absolutely different and I've never attempted to doa thing like this. It's something new for me, it's a new experience. I'm looking forward to it.
12/02/09 Abhir VP/CNN-IBN
CNN-IBN: What are your preparations?
Abhinav Binmdra: I had an extensive medical examination on Tuesday, but after that nothing else.
CNN-IBN: Are you nervous? Will you be able to sleep tonight?
Abhinav Binmdra: I'm not nervous. And I generally sleep alright so I hope to have a peaceful night.
CNN-IBN: Have you done anything extreme like taking a ride in F-16?
Abhinav Binmdra: No not really. I did a few things prior to the Olympics. But this is absolutely different and I've never attempted to doa thing like this. It's something new for me, it's a new experience. I'm looking forward to it.
12/02/09 Abhir VP/CNN-IBN
Combat aircraft steal show
Waging a dramatic ‘Battle of Manoeuvrability’ in the air, four foreign aircraft competing for the multi-billion dollar Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft lent a decisive business edge to the opening Aero India 2009 flight displays at the Yelahanka air base here on Wednesday.
The seventh edition of the biennial aerospace exposition had just begun.
Designed to impress Defence Minister A K Antony and other key defence officials watching the show, the twists, rolls and breathtaking loops by the F-18 Super Hornet, the F-16, the Russian MiG-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon almost overshadowed the spectacular aerobatics by the Suryakiran and Sarang teams. Clinical business sense laced with entertainment couldn’t have been more potent.
Taking off with a deafening roar, the Eurofighter did an upside-down flypast, returned for a low-speed pass before treating the gathering to a neat vertical climb.
But before the motley crowd of VVIPs and defence officials, media and invitees, could take another breath, the F-18 Super Hornet invaded the sky. In the next few fleeting minutes, the American fighter flew past for an abrupt push upwards at a 1.8 Mk speed.
And then came the MiG-35. With its astounding split-air manoeuvre and 360 degree Hi-G turns, the two-seater was definitely built for some smart moves. The barrel roll and inverted flight with a half roll that followed, and the characteristic Cobra manoeuvre only boosted the MiG-35’s image. Lockheed Martin’s F-16 had something else up its sleeve, performing a nine-G turn at high speed.
Earlier, the IL-78 re-fuelling aircraft made a mark with fuel dispensers attached to two Mirage 2000s in tandem. This flypast was followed by a five-Hawk formation, a five-Jaguar arrow-head formation, and four light combat aircraft in close formation.
12/02/09 Rasheed Kappan/Deccan Herald
The seventh edition of the biennial aerospace exposition had just begun.
Designed to impress Defence Minister A K Antony and other key defence officials watching the show, the twists, rolls and breathtaking loops by the F-18 Super Hornet, the F-16, the Russian MiG-35 and Eurofighter Typhoon almost overshadowed the spectacular aerobatics by the Suryakiran and Sarang teams. Clinical business sense laced with entertainment couldn’t have been more potent.
Taking off with a deafening roar, the Eurofighter did an upside-down flypast, returned for a low-speed pass before treating the gathering to a neat vertical climb.
But before the motley crowd of VVIPs and defence officials, media and invitees, could take another breath, the F-18 Super Hornet invaded the sky. In the next few fleeting minutes, the American fighter flew past for an abrupt push upwards at a 1.8 Mk speed.
And then came the MiG-35. With its astounding split-air manoeuvre and 360 degree Hi-G turns, the two-seater was definitely built for some smart moves. The barrel roll and inverted flight with a half roll that followed, and the characteristic Cobra manoeuvre only boosted the MiG-35’s image. Lockheed Martin’s F-16 had something else up its sleeve, performing a nine-G turn at high speed.
Earlier, the IL-78 re-fuelling aircraft made a mark with fuel dispensers attached to two Mirage 2000s in tandem. This flypast was followed by a five-Hawk formation, a five-Jaguar arrow-head formation, and four light combat aircraft in close formation.
12/02/09 Rasheed Kappan/Deccan Herald
The salesmen wear a different kind of suit in this sales pitch
Bangalore: As executives in grey suits of global aerospace firms hard-sell their fighters on the ground for the world’s largest fighter tender by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Aero India show here, it is their compatriots in G-suits—the pilots flying the machines—who could eventually swing a deal. G-suit is short for gravity suit that protects pilots from the effects of extreme acceleration while flying.
Like Ricardo Traven, the chief test pilot for the F/A-18.
He shoots the twin-engine fighter of Boeing Co. up into the sky, swivelling and making loops and manoeuvres, in an effort that could make or break a multi-billion dollar deal.
“It is kinda like...what I say, the air show will not sell the airplane, but not going to the air show will probably not result in a sale,” says Traven, a former US Navy test pilot with a record of at least 3,500 hours of flying, looking flushed in his G-suit.
“It is nice for pilots who will fly the planes, but for those standing (on the ground)...perhaps, senior military officials, (it is an opportunity for us) to explain what they get in the plane,” he says.
In the tender for the so-called medium multi-role combat aircraft or MMRCA, which is a deal worth at least Rs42,000 crore, six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), Saab International, Dassault Aviation and Russia’s MiG Corp.—are aggressively pitching their fighters.
For the pilots, flying a fighter above Bangalore—a city at a mean sea level of nearly 900m—in the pre-summer heat can be tough.
With the higher temperature, a situation that fighter pilots call pressure altitude or an altitude the aircraft reacts and behaves as if it is at 5,000-6,000ft, not 3,000ft, making handling it a stretch for them.
So, the pilots who fly at the show prepare months in advance. First is to identify the type of aircraft that should be flown here, then comes the equipment and the logistics to fly the planes to the city.
At the show in Bangalore, the potential customer IAF’s pilots are given a test ride on the plane. The ride is just an initial exposure but a professional test pilot, especially a fighter pilot, can gather enough information from just one flight to judge the technical capabilities, says Traven.
An IAF test pilot, who has flown in American fighter planes, says that such rides help them to gain insights on systems such as electronic warfare equipment and radars, which normally is not in the brochure.
At the air show, the fighter planes on show are Russia’s MiG-35, Boeing’s F-18, EADS’ Eurofighter and Lockheed’s F-16.
Saab, the Swedish firm that makes the Gripen, and Dassault that manufactures the Rafael fighter, did not bring the planes, saying, they would be brought to India when test trials begin later this summer.
12/02/09 K. Raghu/Livemint
Like Ricardo Traven, the chief test pilot for the F/A-18.
He shoots the twin-engine fighter of Boeing Co. up into the sky, swivelling and making loops and manoeuvres, in an effort that could make or break a multi-billion dollar deal.
“It is kinda like...what I say, the air show will not sell the airplane, but not going to the air show will probably not result in a sale,” says Traven, a former US Navy test pilot with a record of at least 3,500 hours of flying, looking flushed in his G-suit.
“It is nice for pilots who will fly the planes, but for those standing (on the ground)...perhaps, senior military officials, (it is an opportunity for us) to explain what they get in the plane,” he says.
In the tender for the so-called medium multi-role combat aircraft or MMRCA, which is a deal worth at least Rs42,000 crore, six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), Saab International, Dassault Aviation and Russia’s MiG Corp.—are aggressively pitching their fighters.
For the pilots, flying a fighter above Bangalore—a city at a mean sea level of nearly 900m—in the pre-summer heat can be tough.
With the higher temperature, a situation that fighter pilots call pressure altitude or an altitude the aircraft reacts and behaves as if it is at 5,000-6,000ft, not 3,000ft, making handling it a stretch for them.
So, the pilots who fly at the show prepare months in advance. First is to identify the type of aircraft that should be flown here, then comes the equipment and the logistics to fly the planes to the city.
At the show in Bangalore, the potential customer IAF’s pilots are given a test ride on the plane. The ride is just an initial exposure but a professional test pilot, especially a fighter pilot, can gather enough information from just one flight to judge the technical capabilities, says Traven.
An IAF test pilot, who has flown in American fighter planes, says that such rides help them to gain insights on systems such as electronic warfare equipment and radars, which normally is not in the brochure.
At the air show, the fighter planes on show are Russia’s MiG-35, Boeing’s F-18, EADS’ Eurofighter and Lockheed’s F-16.
Saab, the Swedish firm that makes the Gripen, and Dassault that manufactures the Rafael fighter, did not bring the planes, saying, they would be brought to India when test trials begin later this summer.
12/02/09 K. Raghu/Livemint
'No favouritism in fighter aircraft contract'
Bangalore: With the government stressing on transparency in defence deals, Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday said there would be "no favouritism" while awarding the USD 10 billion 126 fighter aircraft contract."I can assure you that we will not show favouritism to anybody. We will not neglect anybody. The procedure will be transparent and decision will ultimately be based on merits and quality and other conditions," Antony told reporters on the sidelines of the Aero India show here.
"No negative approach and no favouritism. All competitors will get a level playing field," he said.
Six global aerospace companies -- American Boeing's F/A-18 and Lockheed Martin's F-16, French D'assault's Rafale, Swede Saab's Gripen, European consortium EADS' Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russian MiG-35 -- are competing for the IAF's contracts for which the tenders were floated in 2007.
The Defence Ministry plans to conduct the flight trials of the competing aircraft in about a year's time.
On the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Antony said the most "exciting" moment for him at the show was the LCA performing different aerobatics.
12/02/09 PTI/Sify
Three women navigators inspire from within IAF
Bangalore: It's a sign of heights women can achieve and careers they can pursue. While one woman in the IAF is making rapid progress for a date with the Sukhoi aircraft and soon be the first woman co-pilot on the SU-30, two others are following suit.
Savita Barala from Jaipur, now serving in Agra, just graduated as the first woman navigator in the IAF and is ready to take on navigation training on the SU-30 MKI. Inspired by her, two young women joined IAF as navigators and are undergoing training.
Defence officials at Aero India told TOI: "Savita has just graduated as navigator on the Avro and AN-32. She may soon take up navigation on the SU-30 too. She has the ability to train on fighter aircraft. She may even fly the SU-30 in the near future."
At a time when other air forces in the world have inducted women, India is not to be left behind. Defence officials said women officers will not only navigate, but be trained in carpet bombing and parachute dropping as a prelude to training on more complex weapon systems. "The two other women navigators too may also train on the SU-30," officials said.
Three women navigators is a great beginning for IAF's plans to open up combat roles for women. As one SU-30 pilot put it: "The pilot will be busy flying the aircraft according to parameters set by the navigator, which is crucial for identification of targets. The navigator will also have a role to play in air-to-ground missile attacks although missile training has not been taken up yet. Navigation is a serious role. You're pitched headlong into combat on a fighter aircraft. What better high can one have?"
12/02/09 Times of India
Savita Barala from Jaipur, now serving in Agra, just graduated as the first woman navigator in the IAF and is ready to take on navigation training on the SU-30 MKI. Inspired by her, two young women joined IAF as navigators and are undergoing training.
Defence officials at Aero India told TOI: "Savita has just graduated as navigator on the Avro and AN-32. She may soon take up navigation on the SU-30 too. She has the ability to train on fighter aircraft. She may even fly the SU-30 in the near future."
At a time when other air forces in the world have inducted women, India is not to be left behind. Defence officials said women officers will not only navigate, but be trained in carpet bombing and parachute dropping as a prelude to training on more complex weapon systems. "The two other women navigators too may also train on the SU-30," officials said.
Three women navigators is a great beginning for IAF's plans to open up combat roles for women. As one SU-30 pilot put it: "The pilot will be busy flying the aircraft according to parameters set by the navigator, which is crucial for identification of targets. The navigator will also have a role to play in air-to-ground missile attacks although missile training has not been taken up yet. Navigation is a serious role. You're pitched headlong into combat on a fighter aircraft. What better high can one have?"
12/02/09 Times of India
Brazilian aircraft firm lands in India
Bangalore: After delivering 200-plus commercial, executive and defence jets to various parts of the world last year, Brasilian manufacturer Embraer, with a firm backlog of nearly $20 billion as of now, is looking at a big market in India. Paramount Airways in India has leased two of the Embraer 170 series aircraft.
Embraer is showcasing its executive jets at the seventh international air show from February 11 to February 15: a super mid-size Legacy 600 and full-scale mock-ups of the Phenom 300 light jet and the Lineage 1000 ultra-large jet cross-section in a closed tent.
"There is a big new market with India one of the most promising markets for us," Embraer vice president, marketing and sales, Asia-Pacific (executive jets) Jose Eduardo Costas told India Today inside the Lineage 1000 plush cabin. "Lots of high net worth individuals and corporates may want to avoid commercial air travel and would prefer the private jet route and they will find these planes very useful."
The company's executive jets portfolio comprises six aircraft: entry level to ultra-large ones.
Phenom 100 can carry up to eight and has a range of 2,182 km, the Legacy 450 carries nine with a 4,260 km range while its largest executive jet carries 19 in five cabin zones and has a 8,334 km range.
The four-decade old aviation company, sited in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, has eight of its executive jets in the country - five with the government and three with private corporations. It is hoping to land its ultra-large Lineage 1000.
11/02/09 Stephen David/India Today
Embraer is showcasing its executive jets at the seventh international air show from February 11 to February 15: a super mid-size Legacy 600 and full-scale mock-ups of the Phenom 300 light jet and the Lineage 1000 ultra-large jet cross-section in a closed tent.
"There is a big new market with India one of the most promising markets for us," Embraer vice president, marketing and sales, Asia-Pacific (executive jets) Jose Eduardo Costas told India Today inside the Lineage 1000 plush cabin. "Lots of high net worth individuals and corporates may want to avoid commercial air travel and would prefer the private jet route and they will find these planes very useful."
The company's executive jets portfolio comprises six aircraft: entry level to ultra-large ones.
Phenom 100 can carry up to eight and has a range of 2,182 km, the Legacy 450 carries nine with a 4,260 km range while its largest executive jet carries 19 in five cabin zones and has a 8,334 km range.
The four-decade old aviation company, sited in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, has eight of its executive jets in the country - five with the government and three with private corporations. It is hoping to land its ultra-large Lineage 1000.
11/02/09 Stephen David/India Today
Minister stopped at air show venue
Bangalore: The security in view of the Aero India 2009, at Air Force station was so foolproof on Wednesday that the Minister for Medical Education Ramachandra Gowda had to face problems getting in. On Wednesday, during the inauguration ceremony of the air show, as the Minister tried to gain entrance into the venue without a pass, he was stopped by the commandos. Sources said that after a heated conversation, the police came to his rescue. Later, the police who tried to rescue the minister had a light altercation with the commandos.
However, the brawl ended after the minister was allowed inside after thorough checking.
12/02/09 ExpressBuzz
However, the brawl ended after the minister was allowed inside after thorough checking.
12/02/09 ExpressBuzz
France offers technology to India to build 'desi' missile
Bangalore: France is ready to transfer technology of its surface-to-air missile to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India so that this country can build its own version, French Minister of State for Defence Jean-Marie Bockel said today.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of air show, Aero India 2009, he said the offer is currently under discussions with Indian authorities.
On the absence of Rafale, made by France's Dassault Aviation, one of the contenders for India's 126 fighter jets contract, from the show, he said Rafale is on display back in France and is available for those who want to test it.
"All the Rafale that could have been sent to India for this air show...Are presently in (combat) operation in Afghanistan", he said.
"Rafale will be present at all stages of evaluation (in India in its bid for the contract) and we believe it's the best plane available", Bockel said.
12/01/09 Press Trust of India
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of air show, Aero India 2009, he said the offer is currently under discussions with Indian authorities.
On the absence of Rafale, made by France's Dassault Aviation, one of the contenders for India's 126 fighter jets contract, from the show, he said Rafale is on display back in France and is available for those who want to test it.
"All the Rafale that could have been sent to India for this air show...Are presently in (combat) operation in Afghanistan", he said.
"Rafale will be present at all stages of evaluation (in India in its bid for the contract) and we believe it's the best plane available", Bockel said.
12/01/09 Press Trust of India
Home-grown firms scouting for international partners and deals
Bangalore: South Asia’s biggest airshow opened here on Wednesday with aerospace firms from 25 countries showcasing their latest hardware, including six aircraft makers pitching for the biggest fighter-jet contract up for grabs in the world.
Despite the global economic slowdown, 592 armament and aerospace companies—half of them Indian, up from 41% in 2007—are taking part in this year’s Aero India event in Bangalore. This year’s edition of the biennial event also features home-grown aerospace component and software firms scouting for international partners and deals.
The level of interest illustrates the significance of India as a market for makers of military hardware. India’s military is forecast to spend at least $30 billion (Rs1.46 trillion) by 2012, a significant portion of it on the purchase of 126 fighter jets for which it has floated the world’s largest military tender in recent years.
The contract is estimated to be worth at least Rs42,000 crore. The Indian Air Force is expected to invite six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Saab AB, Dassault Aviation SA and Russia’s MiG Corp.—to test their aircraft from April to evaluate their capabilities.
US defence firm Raytheon Co., which last year signed deals with eight local firms to develop military electronics, has offered its Airborne Standoff Radar systems to help India reinforce its coastline defences. India began beefing up offshore security after the November terrorist siege of Mumbai in which the attackers travelled unnoticed by sea.
Besides the 126 fighter jets, transport aircraft and airborne warning and control system, India plans to buy 700 helicopters worth $3.5 billion along with artillery, warships and other hardware.
India also wants the winner to reinvest some of the funds from the deal in developing the country’s aerospace and defence sector by sourcing components and services locally in a requirement known as an offset.
The offset policy has opened up a potential opportunity for firms such as Sigma Electro Systems Ltd, a maker of test equipment for aircraft and aircraft systems based in Nashik, Maharashtra.
V.B. Athmaram, managing director of Varisis Advanced Engineering and Software Technologies India Pvt. Ltd, a Bangalore firm that makes radars and electronic warfare systems, said he is signing joint ventures with firms such as Selex Galileo, a unit of Finmeccanica, for offsets deals.
Most of these small Indian companies are located in clusters in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, to make components and systems for public sector defence units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd, DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
11/02/09 K. Raghu/Naseeb Chand (AFP)/Bloomberg/Livemint
Despite the global economic slowdown, 592 armament and aerospace companies—half of them Indian, up from 41% in 2007—are taking part in this year’s Aero India event in Bangalore. This year’s edition of the biennial event also features home-grown aerospace component and software firms scouting for international partners and deals.
The level of interest illustrates the significance of India as a market for makers of military hardware. India’s military is forecast to spend at least $30 billion (Rs1.46 trillion) by 2012, a significant portion of it on the purchase of 126 fighter jets for which it has floated the world’s largest military tender in recent years.
The contract is estimated to be worth at least Rs42,000 crore. The Indian Air Force is expected to invite six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Saab AB, Dassault Aviation SA and Russia’s MiG Corp.—to test their aircraft from April to evaluate their capabilities.
US defence firm Raytheon Co., which last year signed deals with eight local firms to develop military electronics, has offered its Airborne Standoff Radar systems to help India reinforce its coastline defences. India began beefing up offshore security after the November terrorist siege of Mumbai in which the attackers travelled unnoticed by sea.
Besides the 126 fighter jets, transport aircraft and airborne warning and control system, India plans to buy 700 helicopters worth $3.5 billion along with artillery, warships and other hardware.
India also wants the winner to reinvest some of the funds from the deal in developing the country’s aerospace and defence sector by sourcing components and services locally in a requirement known as an offset.
The offset policy has opened up a potential opportunity for firms such as Sigma Electro Systems Ltd, a maker of test equipment for aircraft and aircraft systems based in Nashik, Maharashtra.
V.B. Athmaram, managing director of Varisis Advanced Engineering and Software Technologies India Pvt. Ltd, a Bangalore firm that makes radars and electronic warfare systems, said he is signing joint ventures with firms such as Selex Galileo, a unit of Finmeccanica, for offsets deals.
Most of these small Indian companies are located in clusters in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, to make components and systems for public sector defence units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd, DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
11/02/09 K. Raghu/Naseeb Chand (AFP)/Bloomberg/Livemint
EADS flying the LCA into Indian market
Bangalore: Although more cautious than the all-out performances of the established fighters, Tejas, the Indian-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), went far beyond anything it had ever displayed before, surprising the spectators with steep climbs, an inverted pass, high-gravity turns and loops.
But even amidst success, the Tejas is struggling to overcome major development hurdles. Its maker, Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken the crucial decision to bring in a design consultant, a global aerospace major that would assist Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to overcome persistent design glitches that dog the LCA, including fuel distribution, uneven braking, flight controls, environment controls and testing.
And while US-based Boeing has declined to supply such know-how, German-Spanish consortium, EADS, one of the makers of the Eurofighter, has aggressively pursued the consultancy as a way of flying into the Indian market.
In multiple interviews with senior Indian and EADS officials, who requested anonymity, Business Standard has pieced together the EADS strategy. The company has decided to supply India with high technology for Indian products that are not directly competing with an EADS product. The Tejas is not in the same category as the heavier Eurofighter.
Having established its presence in the Tejas programme, EADS is confident that it would be well positioned to get its Eurojet EJ200 engine accepted for the Tejas. India is currently deciding between the EJ200 and the GE-414 engine for powering future squadrons of the Tejas. And EADS believes that winning the contract for the EJ200 engine, and producing it in India, would position it perfectly for the lucrative medium fighter contract; twin EJ200 engines power the Eurofighter.
While willing to part with the technology assistance needed to get the LCA over its hump, EADS worries about the possibility of eventually being held responsible for a possible failure in the Tejas development.
“Let’s be clear that we are not underwriting the LCA programme," says a senior European official related with the contract. The contract with EADS is expected to be signed shortly.
The German and Spanish governments have already permitted EADS to part with the technology needed for the Tejas programme; the US government, in contrast, imposed stringent restrictions on Boeing.
12/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
But even amidst success, the Tejas is struggling to overcome major development hurdles. Its maker, Bangalore-based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken the crucial decision to bring in a design consultant, a global aerospace major that would assist Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to overcome persistent design glitches that dog the LCA, including fuel distribution, uneven braking, flight controls, environment controls and testing.
And while US-based Boeing has declined to supply such know-how, German-Spanish consortium, EADS, one of the makers of the Eurofighter, has aggressively pursued the consultancy as a way of flying into the Indian market.
In multiple interviews with senior Indian and EADS officials, who requested anonymity, Business Standard has pieced together the EADS strategy. The company has decided to supply India with high technology for Indian products that are not directly competing with an EADS product. The Tejas is not in the same category as the heavier Eurofighter.
Having established its presence in the Tejas programme, EADS is confident that it would be well positioned to get its Eurojet EJ200 engine accepted for the Tejas. India is currently deciding between the EJ200 and the GE-414 engine for powering future squadrons of the Tejas. And EADS believes that winning the contract for the EJ200 engine, and producing it in India, would position it perfectly for the lucrative medium fighter contract; twin EJ200 engines power the Eurofighter.
While willing to part with the technology assistance needed to get the LCA over its hump, EADS worries about the possibility of eventually being held responsible for a possible failure in the Tejas development.
“Let’s be clear that we are not underwriting the LCA programme," says a senior European official related with the contract. The contract with EADS is expected to be signed shortly.
The German and Spanish governments have already permitted EADS to part with the technology needed for the Tejas programme; the US government, in contrast, imposed stringent restrictions on Boeing.
12/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
Israel displays third gen AWACS at Aero India
Bangalore: Even as the Indian Air Force (IAF) awaits the delivery of its first airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS), Israel is displaying a compact version of the system mounted on a business jet at the Aero India international air show that opened here on today.
India has purchased three Phalcon AWACS systems from Israel that will be mounted on the Russian-built IL-78 transport aircraft. What Israel is now offering is the third generation Conformal Airborne Early Warning and Control System (CAEWCS) fitted into a modified Gulfstream 550G business jet.
The Israeli offering has an endurance of nine hours, against the IL-78's six hours. This enabled the Gulfstream to fly non-stop from Israel to the Aero India venue at the Yelahanka Air Force Base here.
Based on dual-band technology, the radar was upgraded in 2008 and is being displayed for the first time in India.
11/02/09 IANS/Sify
India has purchased three Phalcon AWACS systems from Israel that will be mounted on the Russian-built IL-78 transport aircraft. What Israel is now offering is the third generation Conformal Airborne Early Warning and Control System (CAEWCS) fitted into a modified Gulfstream 550G business jet.
The Israeli offering has an endurance of nine hours, against the IL-78's six hours. This enabled the Gulfstream to fly non-stop from Israel to the Aero India venue at the Yelahanka Air Force Base here.
Based on dual-band technology, the radar was upgraded in 2008 and is being displayed for the first time in India.
11/02/09 IANS/Sify
Suriname buys defence helicopters from India
Paramaribo, Suriname: The Suriname government is buying three helicopters from India for its National Army, the Ministry of Defence here announced on Wednesday. Military sources indicate that the aircraft are mainly for transportation of army personnel, but if necessary they could also be used for combat activities.
During budget debates in parliament in January, Defence Minister, Ivan Fernald, had announced the decision of the government to purchase the military equipment but was relecutant to disclose details since negotiations with India were not yet completed. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver the indigenously designed and developed advanced light helicopters (ALH) Dhruv.
The aircrafts will cost some 750 million rupees (US$15.3 million) and are being financed with a credit line from the Indian government.
Currently, Defence Minister Fernald accompanied by his permanent secretary Dennis Kamperveen and lieutenant-colonel Jerry Slijngaard, head of the National Coordination Center for Disaster Management (NCCR) is in India to sign the contracts. The officials will also attend the seventh edition of the international air show, Aero India 2009, which opened Thursday, February 11, in Bangalore and hold talks to advance the defence relations between Suriname and India. Minister Fernald and his Indian counterpart Arackaparambil Kurian Antony will also engage in bilateral talks.
12/02/09 Ivan Cairo/Caribbean Net News
During budget debates in parliament in January, Defence Minister, Ivan Fernald, had announced the decision of the government to purchase the military equipment but was relecutant to disclose details since negotiations with India were not yet completed. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver the indigenously designed and developed advanced light helicopters (ALH) Dhruv.
The aircrafts will cost some 750 million rupees (US$15.3 million) and are being financed with a credit line from the Indian government.
Currently, Defence Minister Fernald accompanied by his permanent secretary Dennis Kamperveen and lieutenant-colonel Jerry Slijngaard, head of the National Coordination Center for Disaster Management (NCCR) is in India to sign the contracts. The officials will also attend the seventh edition of the international air show, Aero India 2009, which opened Thursday, February 11, in Bangalore and hold talks to advance the defence relations between Suriname and India. Minister Fernald and his Indian counterpart Arackaparambil Kurian Antony will also engage in bilateral talks.
12/02/09 Ivan Cairo/Caribbean Net News
Russia to deliver first Mi-171 helicopter to India in 2010
Bangalore: Russia will deliver the first of 80 Mi-171 transport helicopters to India under a recent contract in 2010, an official from Russia's state arms exporter said on Wednesday.
The Mi-171 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. Currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, it features more powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 37 passengers.
Some sources estimate the new deal is worth around $662 million. India already has 150 Russian-made Mi-8 and Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters deployed in at least 12 squadrons.
The Indian Air Force used Mi-17 helicopters in a commando assault on the Nariman House Jewish center in November last year, which killed some of the 10 terrorists involved in a three-day bloody rampage in Mumbai. Russia started this year deliveries of Mi-171 helicopters to another customer, Iran, under a $45 million contract. They will be used by Iran's Red Crescent for rescue missions and the evacuation of people injured in natural disasters. Russia also hopes to win a tender to provide India with six Il-78MD-90 fuel tankers, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation said at an air show in the southern city of Bangalore. Aero India-2009 is one the largest aerospace shows in the Asia-Pacific region, hosting leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers from 35 countries. The existing Russian-Indian military cooperation program through 2010 features up to 200 projects worth about $18 billion.
11/02/09 Russian News & Information Agency
The Mi-171 is an export version of the Mi-8 Hip helicopter. Currently in production at two factories in the Russian Volga area city of Kazan and the East Siberian city of Ulan-Ude, it features more powerful turboshaft engines and can transport up to 37 passengers.
Some sources estimate the new deal is worth around $662 million. India already has 150 Russian-made Mi-8 and Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters deployed in at least 12 squadrons.
The Indian Air Force used Mi-17 helicopters in a commando assault on the Nariman House Jewish center in November last year, which killed some of the 10 terrorists involved in a three-day bloody rampage in Mumbai. Russia started this year deliveries of Mi-171 helicopters to another customer, Iran, under a $45 million contract. They will be used by Iran's Red Crescent for rescue missions and the evacuation of people injured in natural disasters. Russia also hopes to win a tender to provide India with six Il-78MD-90 fuel tankers, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation said at an air show in the southern city of Bangalore. Aero India-2009 is one the largest aerospace shows in the Asia-Pacific region, hosting leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers from 35 countries. The existing Russian-Indian military cooperation program through 2010 features up to 200 projects worth about $18 billion.
11/02/09 Russian News & Information Agency
Dassault Falcon displays jet at Aero India 2009
Bangalore: World's major jet manufacturer, Dassault Falcon, will exhibit at the Aero India 2009 exhibition, displaying a Falcon 7X, the best selling business jet which has won orders worldwide including six aircraft for delivery within the next three months in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.
Dassault has the highest market share in the premium business, large cabin jet segment in India, driven by new models with exceptional performance, comfort and fuel economy. To support this growing fleet, Falcon Customer Service recently relocated Falcon's Customer Service Manager for India, Aadil Goulamaly, to Mumbai, following the opening of a new spares distribution center in Mumbai in mid 2008.
Last year, 2008, was a strong year for Falcon sales despite the global economic downturn, which began to impact in the fourth quarter. The order book at the end of the year totaled 500 aircraft, almost half of which are for the Falcon 7X.
In June 2008, Dassault Falcon announced the opening of a spares distribution center in Mumbai, India. The Mumbai distribution center is managed by DHL. Through their bonded warehouse, DHL, in partnership with Team Aviation, is responsible for the import/export, shipping, receiving and transportation of Genuine Dassault Falcon Replacement Parts to operators from this warehouse.
To enhance support for customers in India, Dassault Falcon already has Authorized Service Centers located in Singapore and Dubai, while Indian service centers are currently being evaluated. Dassault’s presence in India also includes a liaison office in New Delhi. That office serves both the Indian Falcon operators and the Indian military fleet which includes 50 Mirage fighter jets.
11/02/09 Merinews.com
Dassault has the highest market share in the premium business, large cabin jet segment in India, driven by new models with exceptional performance, comfort and fuel economy. To support this growing fleet, Falcon Customer Service recently relocated Falcon's Customer Service Manager for India, Aadil Goulamaly, to Mumbai, following the opening of a new spares distribution center in Mumbai in mid 2008.
Last year, 2008, was a strong year for Falcon sales despite the global economic downturn, which began to impact in the fourth quarter. The order book at the end of the year totaled 500 aircraft, almost half of which are for the Falcon 7X.
In June 2008, Dassault Falcon announced the opening of a spares distribution center in Mumbai, India. The Mumbai distribution center is managed by DHL. Through their bonded warehouse, DHL, in partnership with Team Aviation, is responsible for the import/export, shipping, receiving and transportation of Genuine Dassault Falcon Replacement Parts to operators from this warehouse.
To enhance support for customers in India, Dassault Falcon already has Authorized Service Centers located in Singapore and Dubai, while Indian service centers are currently being evaluated. Dassault’s presence in India also includes a liaison office in New Delhi. That office serves both the Indian Falcon operators and the Indian military fleet which includes 50 Mirage fighter jets.
11/02/09 Merinews.com
Rolls-Royce Executive:Plan To Bid For India Jaguar Engine Program
Bangalore: Rolls-Royce Group PLC said Wednesday it plans to bid for an Indian government program to replace the engines of its 125-strong fleet of Jaguar combat jets.
"On the Jaguar engine upgrade program, we have offered (the Indian government) a lot of technical details," Martin Fausset, the managing director for defense aerospace at Rolls-Royce, told a news conference at the Aero India show. "We expect the request for proposals soon."
Fausset didn't disclose the estimated value of the potential order or a timeframe.
A senior executive of Honeywell International Inc. (HON), which also plans to bid for the same contract, said Tuesday that India's deal will likely be for 280 engines including spare engines for the twin-engine fighter jet.
Under a prior agreement with Rolls-Royce, India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has been manufacturing the engines for Jaguar since 1981.
11/02/09 Rumman Ahmed/Dow Jones/easy Bourse
"On the Jaguar engine upgrade program, we have offered (the Indian government) a lot of technical details," Martin Fausset, the managing director for defense aerospace at Rolls-Royce, told a news conference at the Aero India show. "We expect the request for proposals soon."
Fausset didn't disclose the estimated value of the potential order or a timeframe.
A senior executive of Honeywell International Inc. (HON), which also plans to bid for the same contract, said Tuesday that India's deal will likely be for 280 engines including spare engines for the twin-engine fighter jet.
Under a prior agreement with Rolls-Royce, India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has been manufacturing the engines for Jaguar since 1981.
11/02/09 Rumman Ahmed/Dow Jones/easy Bourse
Labels: Engines, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, USA
To read the news in full | PermaLinkLockheed Martin plans Raytheon protection suite for F-16
The two companies announced the tie-up on the sidelines of the seventh edition of the Aero India international air show that opened here on Wednesday.
The advanced counter measures electronic system (ACES) comprises a radar-scanning receiver, a jammer and a chaff and flare dispenser, as well as a decoy that is towed behind the aircraft.
According to Orville Prins, Lockheed Martin's vice president for business development in India, Raytheon's electronic warfare systems “represent the latest technology and the best value solution for India”.
The F-16 is one of the six aircraft in the fray for the IAF order. The others are the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, the French Rafale, the Swedish Gripen, the Russian MiG-35 and the Eurofighter Typhoon built by a four-nation European conglomerate. The tender was floated in 2007 and the bids were opened last April.
11/02/09 IANS/Sify
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