Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma back in space; flies in Super Hornet
Bangalore: Twenty-five years after his tryst with fame, India's only cosmonaut to fly in space, Rakesh Sharma, was in the limelight once again when he flew in Boeing-made FA-18 Super Homet at Asia's premier airshow, the Aero India 2009, here today.Sharma, who was 35 when he embarked on the space journey in 1984, said, "It was exciting to get back to what I like most -- escaping gravity." Sharma, who retired as wing commander from the Indian Air Force, had a nearly one hour sortie as a part of the programme by Boeing, which had bid for the IAF medium multirole combat aircraft deal.
Dressed in the pilot overhauls, the squadron leader looked completely at ease as he took off in the aircraft with US co-pilot Hanmann.
Sharma, who did some manoeuvres including, some rolls and tumbles and loops, said it still felt good when coming back to earth. Sharma's flight on the Super Hornet comes close on the heels of Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra who flew Lockheed Martin's F-16 yesterday, another contender for the tender.
13/02/09 Press Trust of India
Suman first woman to fly MiG-35
Bangalore : Like it or not, Suman Sharma, who was the first civilian woman to fly the F-16IN Super-Viper also became the first woman in the world to fly the MiG-35, just minutes after Rakesh Sharma flew the F-18 Super Hornet on Friday at the Yelahanka air base as part of Aero India 2009.
MiG Aircrafts head Mikhail Globenko told TOI: "She is the first woman to fly on the MiG-35. Two reasons convinced us to fly her -- this aircraft is extremely safe and MiG pilots are remarkable. We knew she would be in a safe aircraft and in safe hands. We showed that in 2007 display too. And then we found she was brave, physically fit and ready to take the flight. We have in fact invited her for the Moscow air show in August."
Suman's flight comes in the context of Russian air force not having women fighter pilots at the moment and Russian women not having flown the aircraft. Interestingly, the flight happened on Friday the 13th. "It is a coincidence that we flew her on a military aircraft when we don't have women fighter pilots."
In the rush of personalities that this aero show has seen, Suman who first flew the F-16IN was followed by Abhinav Bindra on the F-16IN and Rakesh Sharma on the F-18. Now Suman herself was back again but this time on the MiG-35.
Suman said MiG authorities were convinced that she could fly as co-pilot and take the gravitational pull as she had already experienced the flight on the F-16 IN. "It was a 42-minute ride and was exciting. We did 20,000 feet at 0.9 mach. The pilot was conversing with me in English and asked me how I felt throughout."
Suman and her pilot did the side rolls and the 360 degree turns and high angle of attack for the manouvres and pulled 7G which has been the highest in this personality-driven flights. "I think the MiG 35 is about power -- tremendous power. You can feel it in flight. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that it is twin engine. The stability and agility seemed remarkable with all the weight."
14/02/09 Prashanth G N/Times of India
MiG Aircrafts head Mikhail Globenko told TOI: "She is the first woman to fly on the MiG-35. Two reasons convinced us to fly her -- this aircraft is extremely safe and MiG pilots are remarkable. We knew she would be in a safe aircraft and in safe hands. We showed that in 2007 display too. And then we found she was brave, physically fit and ready to take the flight. We have in fact invited her for the Moscow air show in August."
Suman's flight comes in the context of Russian air force not having women fighter pilots at the moment and Russian women not having flown the aircraft. Interestingly, the flight happened on Friday the 13th. "It is a coincidence that we flew her on a military aircraft when we don't have women fighter pilots."
In the rush of personalities that this aero show has seen, Suman who first flew the F-16IN was followed by Abhinav Bindra on the F-16IN and Rakesh Sharma on the F-18. Now Suman herself was back again but this time on the MiG-35.
Suman said MiG authorities were convinced that she could fly as co-pilot and take the gravitational pull as she had already experienced the flight on the F-16 IN. "It was a 42-minute ride and was exciting. We did 20,000 feet at 0.9 mach. The pilot was conversing with me in English and asked me how I felt throughout."
Suman and her pilot did the side rolls and the 360 degree turns and high angle of attack for the manouvres and pulled 7G which has been the highest in this personality-driven flights. "I think the MiG 35 is about power -- tremendous power. You can feel it in flight. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that it is twin engine. The stability and agility seemed remarkable with all the weight."
14/02/09 Prashanth G N/Times of India
Lockheed Martin grabs focus at air show
American defence major Lockheed Martin (LM) has been putting up its best show at the ongoing air show at the Yelahanka air base, hoping the Indian defence sector will lap up its products.
Among other attention-grabbing engagements were Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who flew the F-16N Super Viper advanced fourth generation combat aircraft, one of the star attractions at the air show that concludes this Sunday. Other products from the LM labs include the C-130J Hercules airlifter (where media has been taken for a short plane ride on Thursday and Friday) and air and missile defence systems.
Orville Prins, vice president of business development (India), said the F-16 that sparkled over the Bangalore blue skies is tailored to meet or exceed India's Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirements. "The Super Viper is ready for integration into India's infrastructure and operations now," he added, hoping to grab a share of India's mighty $12 billion budget for buying nearly 100-odd fighter aircraft. The LM official said that 24 nations have chosen the F-16 as their front-line multi-role fighter with 52 follow-on buys making it one the most successful multi-role fighter aircraft programmes.
The Americans are happy that the Indian Air Force has selected the C-130J airlifter, with six aircraft to be delivered beginning in 2011. The IAF's new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage or "stretched" variant of the C-130J just like the ones given to US Air Force. This airlifter can carry in technical terms eight 463L pallets, 97 medical litters, 24 CDS bundles, 128 combat troops and 92 paratroops.
13/02/09 Stephen David/India Today
Among other attention-grabbing engagements were Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who flew the F-16N Super Viper advanced fourth generation combat aircraft, one of the star attractions at the air show that concludes this Sunday. Other products from the LM labs include the C-130J Hercules airlifter (where media has been taken for a short plane ride on Thursday and Friday) and air and missile defence systems.
Orville Prins, vice president of business development (India), said the F-16 that sparkled over the Bangalore blue skies is tailored to meet or exceed India's Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirements. "The Super Viper is ready for integration into India's infrastructure and operations now," he added, hoping to grab a share of India's mighty $12 billion budget for buying nearly 100-odd fighter aircraft. The LM official said that 24 nations have chosen the F-16 as their front-line multi-role fighter with 52 follow-on buys making it one the most successful multi-role fighter aircraft programmes.
The Americans are happy that the Indian Air Force has selected the C-130J airlifter, with six aircraft to be delivered beginning in 2011. The IAF's new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage or "stretched" variant of the C-130J just like the ones given to US Air Force. This airlifter can carry in technical terms eight 463L pallets, 97 medical litters, 24 CDS bundles, 128 combat troops and 92 paratroops.
13/02/09 Stephen David/India Today
Controlling the flights: the Air Force way
The Aero India 09 continues to draw large crowds as it enters into its third day. Even more footfalls are expected in the remaining two days that coincide with the weekend. Aerial displays in the morning and afternoon sessions are as spectacular and breathtaking as in any major air show held worldwide. Even while much of the focus remains on the magnificent flying machines and the daredevil pilots, the singular edifice that facilitates and coordinates all the flying activity – the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower can be aptly described the heart of the air show.
At the ATC of the Yelahanka airbase of the Indian Air Force (IAF) frenetic activities begin much before dawn-break, continuing well beyond dusk. Handling over 60,000 movements annually and with two major airfields - Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in the near vicinity, the airfield is among the busiest military airfields in the country. The task for the Chief Operations Officer (COO), Wing Commander NVM Unnithan and other officers manning the ATC remains a huge responsibility. With the world focus on the airbase at the biennial air show the professional air warriors have left nothing to chance.
Bristling with activities, a 24x7 manned 'Base Operations Room' controlling all aspects of the flying and coordinating with various agencies including 'flying display director', routine movements, VIP protocol, ground handling agencies, BIAL, HAL remains fully operational at the ATC tower.
While an anxious F-16 pilot, Lieutenant Mike Benson of the USAF, coordinating the flight schedule of the C-130 Hercules was happy after the arrangements were explained by the COO, Captain Uphoff and Liutenant Michael Schumacher of the German Air Force's Fighter Wing-73, technical team members of the Eurofighter Typhoon dropped by to thank the officials at the ATC, a gesture symbolic of the universal espirit-de-corps of airmen exemplified at the air show.
Preparations began six months in advance according to Wing Commander Unnithan and coordination meetings were crucial as Aero India 09 was the first air show since the opening of BIAL last year. With the lateral separation between Yelahanka and BIAL airfields being just 4.3 nautical miles it was imperative to halt all civilian flights during the air displays. There was full cooperation extended by BIAL informed Wing Commander Unnithan and the flight displays are going perfect as expected, he added.
Among the significant aspects in the preparations included the improvement in airfield infrastructure and other work services. The resurfacing of the complete taxi-track, airfield links, refitting of the runway lighting, drainage of the 8,500 feet long runway was completed in just four months ahead of the show informed Senior ATC Officer, Wing Commander Sunil Ninan.
Seated on the console panels in a glass-encased environment, the cool demeanour of the five ATC officers manning the consoles betray little of the highly stressful role the controllers undergo. Not without reason does a banner display - 'You are about to witness the most stressful profession in the world' as one takes the flight of stairs leading to the ATC tower. Significantly while there are so many pilots from different countries, speaking in different accents, the articulate ATC controllers are equally adept at picking up the nuances, ensuring two-way communication between the pilots and ATC remains unambiguous and crystal clear.
Flight safety aspects remain paramount, as the spectre of bird-hits cannot be ruled out leading to catastrophic consequences. In an effort to restrict the bird activity especially during the flying displays that are flown at low-levels, adequate aerial surveys were done in the period leading to the air show. Ten 'bird scare' teams on specially procured silent 'e-bikes' continue to prowl with double-barrel guns in the airfield area. In addition, introduction of 'whistlers' a pyro-technique device emitting high frequency, high-pitch sound that irritate the birds are being effectively used. Closure of the fish and poultry markets in the near vicinity on specified days and covering the water bodies with nets are some of the other initiatives undertaken by the IAF officials of the airbase.
The meteorological forecasts during the air show got a boost with the installation of a 'Numerical Weather Prediction Module' enabling 24-hours observation watch, and 18-hours forecast watch, informed Wing Commander VK Choudhary, senior Met Officer at the base. With weather being the best at this time of the year, Aero India shows are most appropriate in February, he added.
13/02/09 Press Information Bureau
At the ATC of the Yelahanka airbase of the Indian Air Force (IAF) frenetic activities begin much before dawn-break, continuing well beyond dusk. Handling over 60,000 movements annually and with two major airfields - Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in the near vicinity, the airfield is among the busiest military airfields in the country. The task for the Chief Operations Officer (COO), Wing Commander NVM Unnithan and other officers manning the ATC remains a huge responsibility. With the world focus on the airbase at the biennial air show the professional air warriors have left nothing to chance.
Bristling with activities, a 24x7 manned 'Base Operations Room' controlling all aspects of the flying and coordinating with various agencies including 'flying display director', routine movements, VIP protocol, ground handling agencies, BIAL, HAL remains fully operational at the ATC tower.
While an anxious F-16 pilot, Lieutenant Mike Benson of the USAF, coordinating the flight schedule of the C-130 Hercules was happy after the arrangements were explained by the COO, Captain Uphoff and Liutenant Michael Schumacher of the German Air Force's Fighter Wing-73, technical team members of the Eurofighter Typhoon dropped by to thank the officials at the ATC, a gesture symbolic of the universal espirit-de-corps of airmen exemplified at the air show.
Preparations began six months in advance according to Wing Commander Unnithan and coordination meetings were crucial as Aero India 09 was the first air show since the opening of BIAL last year. With the lateral separation between Yelahanka and BIAL airfields being just 4.3 nautical miles it was imperative to halt all civilian flights during the air displays. There was full cooperation extended by BIAL informed Wing Commander Unnithan and the flight displays are going perfect as expected, he added.
Among the significant aspects in the preparations included the improvement in airfield infrastructure and other work services. The resurfacing of the complete taxi-track, airfield links, refitting of the runway lighting, drainage of the 8,500 feet long runway was completed in just four months ahead of the show informed Senior ATC Officer, Wing Commander Sunil Ninan.
Seated on the console panels in a glass-encased environment, the cool demeanour of the five ATC officers manning the consoles betray little of the highly stressful role the controllers undergo. Not without reason does a banner display - 'You are about to witness the most stressful profession in the world' as one takes the flight of stairs leading to the ATC tower. Significantly while there are so many pilots from different countries, speaking in different accents, the articulate ATC controllers are equally adept at picking up the nuances, ensuring two-way communication between the pilots and ATC remains unambiguous and crystal clear.
Flight safety aspects remain paramount, as the spectre of bird-hits cannot be ruled out leading to catastrophic consequences. In an effort to restrict the bird activity especially during the flying displays that are flown at low-levels, adequate aerial surveys were done in the period leading to the air show. Ten 'bird scare' teams on specially procured silent 'e-bikes' continue to prowl with double-barrel guns in the airfield area. In addition, introduction of 'whistlers' a pyro-technique device emitting high frequency, high-pitch sound that irritate the birds are being effectively used. Closure of the fish and poultry markets in the near vicinity on specified days and covering the water bodies with nets are some of the other initiatives undertaken by the IAF officials of the airbase.
The meteorological forecasts during the air show got a boost with the installation of a 'Numerical Weather Prediction Module' enabling 24-hours observation watch, and 18-hours forecast watch, informed Wing Commander VK Choudhary, senior Met Officer at the base. With weather being the best at this time of the year, Aero India shows are most appropriate in February, he added.
13/02/09 Press Information Bureau
Agustawestland, Tata Sons sign MoU to form JV for AW-119 helicopter
Bangalore: Agustawestland, a Finmeccanica company and Tata Sons announced signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for forming an Indian Joint Venture company which will establish a final assembly line for the AW-119 helicopter in India.
The agreement was signed at the Aero India 2009 air show here by Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland and Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons.
The JV company will be responsible for the AW-119 final assembly, completion and delivery to customers worldwide, while AugustaWestland would retain responsibility for worldwide marketing and sales.
The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered from the new facility in 2011, with production forecast to rise to 30 aircraft per year to meet worldwide demand, an AgustaWestland statement said.
13/02/09 PTI/Deccan Herald
The agreement was signed at the Aero India 2009 air show here by Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, AgustaWestland and Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons.
The JV company will be responsible for the AW-119 final assembly, completion and delivery to customers worldwide, while AugustaWestland would retain responsibility for worldwide marketing and sales.
The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered from the new facility in 2011, with production forecast to rise to 30 aircraft per year to meet worldwide demand, an AgustaWestland statement said.
13/02/09 PTI/Deccan Herald
India to test new Agni missile by Dec 2010
Bangalore: The chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) M. Natarajan today announced that India would test a new version of the Agni series of missiles.
This would be an intermediate range missile that could traverse about 5,500 km. This would be called the Agni-V and would be tested by end of 2010, Natarajan told reporters at the Aero India show here this morning.
Detailing the DRDO plans he said it could develop a medium range combat fighter to follow the light combat aircraft fighter.
On missiles India lags behind China that has in its possession a large number of Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) capable of reaching targets beyond 10,000 km. In sharp contrast, the most powerful ballistic missile in India’s possession is the Agni-III, designed to reach a target at a distance of 3,000 km, this was successfully fired last May and is ready for induction.
The government has not considered an 8,000-km range ICBM. Agni-V is likely to have solid propellants.
13/02/09 Ajay Banerjee/The Tribune
This would be an intermediate range missile that could traverse about 5,500 km. This would be called the Agni-V and would be tested by end of 2010, Natarajan told reporters at the Aero India show here this morning.
Detailing the DRDO plans he said it could develop a medium range combat fighter to follow the light combat aircraft fighter.
On missiles India lags behind China that has in its possession a large number of Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) capable of reaching targets beyond 10,000 km. In sharp contrast, the most powerful ballistic missile in India’s possession is the Agni-III, designed to reach a target at a distance of 3,000 km, this was successfully fired last May and is ready for induction.
The government has not considered an 8,000-km range ICBM. Agni-V is likely to have solid propellants.
13/02/09 Ajay Banerjee/The Tribune
IAF to have its own eye in space
Bangalore: With a view to increasing its surveillance capabilities, Indian Air Force is going to have its own satellite in space by the end of 2010.
"We will launch our satellite by the end of 2010," IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said here yesterday.
The satellite to be launched by ISRO next year will be a dual-use satellite and will be used for civilian purposes also. It will help the IAF to position its aerial and ground assets and targets. It would be used to gather navigational information.
In the recent past, IAF has been working closely to develop its space-based capabilities. It even has plans of setting up an Aerospace command under it but it has faced opposition from the other two services over the issue.
Its southern command based in Thiruvananthapuram works closely with ISRO in space related areas. At the air headquarters also, one Air Vice Marshal rank officer looks after space operations.
13/02/09 Press Trust of India/NDTV.com
"We will launch our satellite by the end of 2010," IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said here yesterday.
The satellite to be launched by ISRO next year will be a dual-use satellite and will be used for civilian purposes also. It will help the IAF to position its aerial and ground assets and targets. It would be used to gather navigational information.
In the recent past, IAF has been working closely to develop its space-based capabilities. It even has plans of setting up an Aerospace command under it but it has faced opposition from the other two services over the issue.
Its southern command based in Thiruvananthapuram works closely with ISRO in space related areas. At the air headquarters also, one Air Vice Marshal rank officer looks after space operations.
13/02/09 Press Trust of India/NDTV.com
Maiden flight of India's supersonic trainer in two months
Bangalore: India would fly its indigenously built supersonic light combat aircraft trainer --Tejas -- in two months for the first time, a senior defence official said here today.
It would be a general purpose dedicated trainer aircraft, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Research and Development Organisation, M Natarajan, told reporters.
This trainer is going to be "far, far superior to Hawk in five-six years," he claimed.
Hawk is the country's present advanced jet trainer aircraft.
Asked about the long-range Agni missile, he said "efforts are on".DRDO is working towards capitalising on the work done in the first and second stages and trying to intelligently repackage both stages by reducing the inter-stage distance and gain that much space for pushing a third motor. These are not simple tasks, he said.
13/02/09 Samay Live
It would be a general purpose dedicated trainer aircraft, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Chief of Defence Research and Development Organisation, M Natarajan, told reporters.
This trainer is going to be "far, far superior to Hawk in five-six years," he claimed.
Hawk is the country's present advanced jet trainer aircraft.
Asked about the long-range Agni missile, he said "efforts are on".DRDO is working towards capitalising on the work done in the first and second stages and trying to intelligently repackage both stages by reducing the inter-stage distance and gain that much space for pushing a third motor. These are not simple tasks, he said.
13/02/09 Samay Live
IAF to achieve 34 fighter squadron strength by 2017
Dismissing the need to put any plans on fast track after 26/11, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Fali H Major said that IAF did not have to do so as the force structuring and weapons catered to all spectrum of needs. The IAF needs the best and is on a large-scale modernization drive. This is being backed with very good government support told the Air Chief speaking to media on the sidelines of the ongoing Aero India 09, at Yehalanka, Bengaluru, today. A lot of hard work within the IAF and with aviation-related agencies from within the country and vendors from other countries is on towards the modernization process, he added.
"Economically the defence-related industries, specially the aerospace industries, both civil and military will continue to bloom', he told commenting on the successful start of the Aero India 09 that got underway on Wednesday. Replying to a query whether with the phasing-out of the Mig-25 the IAF reconnaissance needs were affected, the Air Chief clarified that the role of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) was a part and parcel of any Air Force and that the IAF has it. He also stated that there are better and efficient ways of getting ISR.
He also informed that the uses of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) are going to increase and IAF is in the process of expanding its UAV fleet. Regarding the declining fighter squadron strength the Air Chief stated that gestation period to acquire aircraft and missile systems is much more than any other weapon platform. However without losing the combat edge against likely adversaries the squadron strength envisaged by 2017 is 34 squadrons and the remaining strength to be achieved by 2020.
13/02/09 Press Information Bureau/Equitybulls
"Economically the defence-related industries, specially the aerospace industries, both civil and military will continue to bloom', he told commenting on the successful start of the Aero India 09 that got underway on Wednesday. Replying to a query whether with the phasing-out of the Mig-25 the IAF reconnaissance needs were affected, the Air Chief clarified that the role of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) was a part and parcel of any Air Force and that the IAF has it. He also stated that there are better and efficient ways of getting ISR.
He also informed that the uses of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) are going to increase and IAF is in the process of expanding its UAV fleet. Regarding the declining fighter squadron strength the Air Chief stated that gestation period to acquire aircraft and missile systems is much more than any other weapon platform. However without losing the combat edge against likely adversaries the squadron strength envisaged by 2017 is 34 squadrons and the remaining strength to be achieved by 2020.
13/02/09 Press Information Bureau/Equitybulls
Embraer promotes defense solutions at the event
Embraer and the Indian Government signed a comprehensive deal for three EMB-145 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) jets, in July 2008, that includes training, technical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment. These aircraft will receive the advanced electronic systems currently under development by India’s Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). The first delivery is scheduled for 2011, joining four Legacy 600 jets in operation by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which are used to transport Indian VIPs and foreign dignitaries. A fifth Legacy 600 belongs to the Border Security Force (BSF), under India’s Home Ministry. The EMB-145 AEW&C is part of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) family, which also includes the EMB-145 RS/AGS (Remote Sensing/Air-to-Ground Surveillance) and the EMB-145 MP (Maritime Patrol).
As it completes the 40th year from its founding, Embraer has a strong presence in the Indian market, dealing with both the national government and private companies. Besides the Indian government, the Company has other important customers in the country. Among them are Aviators India Pvt. Ltd., which is the first Phenom executive jet customer in the region and bought two Phenom 100 jets, and Invision Projects Pvt. Ltd., which holds the largest order for Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets in India. To support the operations of the growing number of Phenom and Legacy 600 customers in the country, the Company recently chose Indamer Company Pvt. Ltd. to be an authorized service center. In the commercial aviation segment, Embraer provides airplanes to Paramount Airways, the launch customer of the E-Jets in the country, and to Star Aviation, which soon will receive its first E-Jet out of a firm order of seven EMBRAER 170s".
13/02/09 AvioNews
As it completes the 40th year from its founding, Embraer has a strong presence in the Indian market, dealing with both the national government and private companies. Besides the Indian government, the Company has other important customers in the country. Among them are Aviators India Pvt. Ltd., which is the first Phenom executive jet customer in the region and bought two Phenom 100 jets, and Invision Projects Pvt. Ltd., which holds the largest order for Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets in India. To support the operations of the growing number of Phenom and Legacy 600 customers in the country, the Company recently chose Indamer Company Pvt. Ltd. to be an authorized service center. In the commercial aviation segment, Embraer provides airplanes to Paramount Airways, the launch customer of the E-Jets in the country, and to Star Aviation, which soon will receive its first E-Jet out of a firm order of seven EMBRAER 170s".
13/02/09 AvioNews
Irkut awarded for SU-30MKI Program
At the Aero India 2009 international air show and exhibition FORCE magazine presented the award to Irkut Corporation, prime contractor and coordinator of the Su-30 program, acknowledged as the best program of India’s military-technical cooperation with foreign countries in combat aviation.
JSC Sukhoi Company CEO Mikhail Pogosyan received the award on behalf of Sukhoi Design Bureau for the Su-30MKI design and development.
FORCE also recognized the personal contribution of Alexey Fedorov, President of JSC United Aircraft Corporation to Indo-Russian military-technical cooperation within the scope of the Su-30MKI project.
At the ceremony the awards were presented by Prawin Sawhney, editor-in-chief of the FORCE magazine that specializes in covering national security and defense issues.
According to a massive study conducted by experts from this respected Indian publication the Su-30MKI program is the most successful in the history of India’s military-technical cooperation with foreign countries, with the aircraft considered one of the top multi-role fighters in the world. The research authors highlight that the Su-30MKI became the first serially produced combat aircraft in the world to feature super-maneuverability conferred by the ultimate aerodynamic layout and TVC engines. A particular appreciation was expressed towards the onboard avionics suite with ESA radar to be the first fitted onto the exported fighter aircraft.
The specialists emphasize the fact that the Su-30MKI is the first combat machine developed outside India in accordance with the strict IAF requirements and produced in cooperation with Indian industry.
Irkut Corporation delivered to India over 100 aircraft and technological kits for their license production by Hindustan Aeronautics ltd.
13/02/09 defpro, Germany
JSC Sukhoi Company CEO Mikhail Pogosyan received the award on behalf of Sukhoi Design Bureau for the Su-30MKI design and development.
FORCE also recognized the personal contribution of Alexey Fedorov, President of JSC United Aircraft Corporation to Indo-Russian military-technical cooperation within the scope of the Su-30MKI project.
At the ceremony the awards were presented by Prawin Sawhney, editor-in-chief of the FORCE magazine that specializes in covering national security and defense issues.
According to a massive study conducted by experts from this respected Indian publication the Su-30MKI program is the most successful in the history of India’s military-technical cooperation with foreign countries, with the aircraft considered one of the top multi-role fighters in the world. The research authors highlight that the Su-30MKI became the first serially produced combat aircraft in the world to feature super-maneuverability conferred by the ultimate aerodynamic layout and TVC engines. A particular appreciation was expressed towards the onboard avionics suite with ESA radar to be the first fitted onto the exported fighter aircraft.
The specialists emphasize the fact that the Su-30MKI is the first combat machine developed outside India in accordance with the strict IAF requirements and produced in cooperation with Indian industry.
Irkut Corporation delivered to India over 100 aircraft and technological kits for their license production by Hindustan Aeronautics ltd.
13/02/09 defpro, Germany
First defence fund launched at Aero India
Bangalore: Top defence decision-makers at the Aero India 2009 show in Bangalore have declared repeatedly that the economic slowdown would not impact defence spending, which would continue to rise in absolute terms. Today, India’s first 100 per cent defence-oriented investment fund — named the India Rizing Fund — announced its official launch at this biennial air expo.
The India Rizing Fund is a Rs 750 crore venture capital fund, approved by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for investing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in producing defence equipment. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has approved raising Rs 550 crore from international investors; the fund expects to raise Rs 200 crore from the domestic market.
Rajesh Narayan, the Managing Trustee of the India Rizing Fund explains why, despite depressed economic conditions, he expects the fund to post strong gains. “There is, first of all, strong government encouragement for privatising defence production to the greatest extent possible. This means growing business for private companies, as defence PSUs and Ordnance Factories outsource production to them.”
“In addition, India’s new offset rules demand that foreign defence majors supplying arms to India will have to source defence goods from India, to the tune of 30-50 per cent of the overall contract value. Already, a string of global majors are in talks with Indian defence SMEs for fulfiling those offset obligations.”
Global majors’ offset obligations are expected to amount to about $20 billion over the coming ten years. Just one contract — the procurement of 126 medium multirole combat aircraft (MMRCA)— will generate offset obligations worth an estimated $6 billion.
The India Rizing Fund is in talks with several global majors, who have a strategic and commercial interest in strengthening the network of SMEs, so that their offset obligations can be fulfiled without difficulty.
14/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
The India Rizing Fund is a Rs 750 crore venture capital fund, approved by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for investing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in producing defence equipment. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has approved raising Rs 550 crore from international investors; the fund expects to raise Rs 200 crore from the domestic market.
Rajesh Narayan, the Managing Trustee of the India Rizing Fund explains why, despite depressed economic conditions, he expects the fund to post strong gains. “There is, first of all, strong government encouragement for privatising defence production to the greatest extent possible. This means growing business for private companies, as defence PSUs and Ordnance Factories outsource production to them.”
“In addition, India’s new offset rules demand that foreign defence majors supplying arms to India will have to source defence goods from India, to the tune of 30-50 per cent of the overall contract value. Already, a string of global majors are in talks with Indian defence SMEs for fulfiling those offset obligations.”
Global majors’ offset obligations are expected to amount to about $20 billion over the coming ten years. Just one contract — the procurement of 126 medium multirole combat aircraft (MMRCA)— will generate offset obligations worth an estimated $6 billion.
The India Rizing Fund is in talks with several global majors, who have a strategic and commercial interest in strengthening the network of SMEs, so that their offset obligations can be fulfiled without difficulty.
14/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard
HAL to deliver 260-270 ALHs for Rs 16,000 cr
He told reporters at the Aero India 2009 that the Bangalore-headquartered defence PSU has an overall order book position in excess of Rs 50,000 crore.
The Union Cabinet has just approved HAL's Light Utility Helicopter project. This helicopter would be of three tonne class,he said.
HAL has bagged an order to deliver three Chetak helicopters to Surinam.
HAL would take up development of Light Combat Aircraft Mark II - which would be a new aircraft - once it delivers 40 units of LCA Mark I - eight limited series production, 20 fighters and 12 trainers.
12/02/09 PTI/Economic Times
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