BrahMos Aerospace to develop tech for hypersonic missiles

BrahMos Aerospace, an Indo-Russian joint venture, has initiated efforts to develop technology for hypersonic version of the BrahMos missile which can travel at five to seven times the speed of sound, a top company official has said.

"The company is roping in academics to develop the requisite technology before going in for designing and developing missiles which can travel at Mach 5 to 7 (five to seven times the speed of sound). It will be BrahMos II version next to the present variants of Mach 2.8 to 3.5," A Sivathanu Pillai MD & CEO of the company told PTI.

He said the IISc, Bangalore, would collaborate with the company with a 20 member scientists' team developing technologies for high temperature material required to build the missile, cram-jet propulsions and energy modules and the requisite algorithms.

A separate centre has been created for this purpose in Indian Institute of Science while its Russian counterpart, the Moscow Institute of Aviation, would produce technologies for propulsion, kinetic energy modules for the hypersonic version.

In all probability, it would take a minimum of five years for these initiatives to crystallise. In the meantime, BrahMos would work out blueprints for setting up a production centre, choice of vendors for supply of necessary components and investment structure, he said.

Russia unhappy with India’s defence buys

As India is opting to buy weapon platforms from western countries like US in the last few years, Russia has expressed its displeasure and said it has stood by New Delhi for the last 50 years and built India’s defence industry.
Russia is the biggest defence partner of India and more than 70 per cent of inventory in the armed forces is of erstwhile USSR and Russian origin. However, the last one decade has seen India broad basing its options and has bought weapons from the US, France and Israel.
It has emerged as the second biggest supplier of weapons to India after diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1990. Israeli companies are now engaged in nearly all the projects like upgrading of planes, ships and guns besides providing electronic warfare equipment and hi-tech surveillance and avionics. Moreover, Israel is actively engaged in several strategic projects of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Given this scenario, Komardin, chief of the Russian Government-owned Rosoboron export, said transfer of military technology over the last 50 years helped India develop its operational capabilities and industry.
Airing these views during the international aerospace exhibition ‘Aero India 2013,’ which ended in Bangalore on Sunday, he said Russia virtually created the Indian defence industry and lamented the fact that this contribution was ignored.

IAF to deploy Apache helicopters strike at Indo-China border

New inductions in the IAF Apache attack helicopters Such as will be operational in Support of Plans of the Army, Which is raising a new Strike Corps along the borders with China in the northeastern sector, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne Said here today.

"Whatever inductions are taking place in the IAF, They Will fully supporting the Army's plans. All the strike helicopters like the Apache ... They will all supporting the Army's plans, "he Told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar here.

The proposal was first felt by the Army goal it was returned by the government Asked Which the three services to work together on Plans to Strengthen Their capabilities que area.

"We feel the revised Plan to the Defence Ministry in December," Browne said. The IAF is schedule to deploy majorité of icts new inductions Such as the additional C-130J Transport planes and six new midair refueling tanker aircraft at the Proposed headquarters of the new body in Panagarh in West Bengal to Strengthen country's defense capabilities que sector, IAF sources said.

Russia presents its helicopters in Aero India

Russian Helicopters has outlined some of its latest models at Aero India 2013, which runs from 6 to 10 February in Bangalore.

Multirole helicopters Ka-226T and Mi-171A2 are the main Russian models presented for the Indian market is booming. The Ka-226T with its single coaxial rotor (pictured above) is currently competing in a major tender for the purchase of helicopters for recognition by the Indian Air Force. In December 2012, Russian Helicopters has signed an agreement in New Delhi with Elcom Systems in India to establish a joint venture for the assembly Russian helicopters in India as the Ka-226T.

The other model is the civilian helicopter Mi-171A2, the latest version of the series Mi-8/17 which is one of the most popular helicopters in the world. Nearly 200 Mi-8/17 are made in India, and the demand for these aircraft remains strong. Russian Helicopters has recently signed a new contract for Mi-17V-5 in favor of the Indian Air Force. The contract should be honored in 2013.

Finally, Russian Helicopters also presents its attack helicopter Mi-28NE Night Hunter. This combat helicopter can operate day and night and in all weathers. It can fight against tanks, armored vehicles and non-armored vehicles and enemy forces on the battlefield and air targets at low speed.

Aero-India 2013: India Becoming a Strategic Growth Market for IAI

With annual sales of over US$3.4 billion, and orders backlog exceeding nine billion US$, IAI is ranked among Israel’s top five industries. As Israel’s largest aerospace and defense exporter, and an important supplier for India’s military services, IAI is involved in major programs that implements most advanced technologies.

New opportunities and growing competition are driving IAI to expand its Indian operations over a wider spectrum, entering new fields where it wasn’t present before. Carrying the company into the next decade, IAI’s President and CEO Joseph Weiss defines several pillars for IAI’s activities, including missiles, unmanned systems, special mission aircraft and network centric warfare – all are considered to be IAI’s primary growth engines.

Fuelling the anticipated growth IAI has recently raised about US$317 million in public offering of bonds issued in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The amount issued is impressive, since it is the largest offering conducted during 2012 in the Israeli capital markets. It was also IAI’s third and largest bond issuance. According to Weiss, it demonstrated the investor’s confidence in the company and its ability to maintain its competitive advantage over the long term, despite the challenges.

In recent years India has become a strategic market for IAI, one that has the volume, requirements and sustainment to maintain long-term growth. Activities currently underway and also in the making are covering the broad areas of activities at IAI. To bring the corporate to focus on this strategic market IAI’s board of director nominated Eli Elfasi as VP for India. Before joining IAI Elfasi served as the Israeli Defense Attaché in New Delhi. He is expected to focus the company’s activities currently running in parallel lines, improving the synergy between the different divisions, plants and activities. The new function is expected to leverage new opportunities and better face growing competition.

Indian Army for UAV missile simulator

The Indian Army is in the market for a mission simulator to train UAV crews in operating IAI Heron and Searcher Mk.2 surveillance UAVs. The Army has stipulated that the UAV mission simulator should be capable of conducting initial and refresher training of external pilot, internal pilot, mission commander and observer with a separate console available to the instructor.

The Army proposes to use the simulator for simulation of single, air data relay (ADR) mission scenario, maritime scenario, with or without satellite communication (SATCOM) for single or multiple payloads, simulation of all phases of UAV mission as well as its payloads and to play pre recorded missions with annotations for analysis, rraining of internal pilot, external pilot, mission commander and observer in stand alone mode and as coordinated crew of a mission,

Certification Next Week, First Rudra Copter To Army At Aero India

With certification complete, the first weaponised ALH Dhruv armed helicopter, christened Rudra, will formally receive certification next week. The Indian Army will receive its first Rudra at Aero India that kicks off on February 6 at the Yelahanka air force base in South India.

Here's some official literature on the platform:

Rudra can carry 48 70mm rockets. Different warheads such as high explosive, darts, flechettes or cargo warheads provide adequate flexibility to address any type of target. These rockets can be safely delivered at standoff ranges of more than 8 km. The turret mounted 20 mm cannons can be cued to the electro optical pod or the pilot's helmet. This provides Rudra immediate and accurate firepower against ground and aerial targets. Pilot only has to look at the target and fire. With an advanced ballistic computer, the guns are very accurate even at extreme angles. Fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles with 7-km range make Rudra an ideal platform for ground support roles. Rudra can carry four air to air missiles. These are infra red guided fire and forget missiles with off axis boresight capability. Pilot can engage the target using the helmet mounted sight or with the electro optical pod, while manoeuvering.

IAF chief visits Israel

Indian Air Force chief NAK Browne on Sunday has embarked on a four-day tour to Israel, which is India's biggest supplier of military wares.

During his four-day stay at Tel Aviv, IAF chief would not only meet the top brass in Israel military hierarchy but would also review progresses made in the medium range surface to air missile, which India and Israel are jointly developing.

A team comprising Indian Air Force and defence research and development organisation officials are working with Israeli scientists to develop the missiles for Indian Navy.

Discussions may also be held on a possible IAF follow-on order of Phalcon airborne early warning and control system (AWACS) and the new iron-dome anti-missile system on which India evinced interests.

India currently operates three Israeli Phalcon AWACS – fitted on Russian made IL-76 – and want to buy three more.

Rudra attack version for Aero India 2013

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Said it will unveil the long-awaited weaponized version of advanced light helicopter icts Rudra at Aero India 2013 next month.

The army will get first indigenously built icts Rudra choppers, powered by twin Shakti engines, before the end of the government's fiscal year March 31, HAL Chairman RK Tyagi Told The Times of India newspaper.

"The fight is enhanced capability of ALH year with electronic warfare suite and counter-measure flares and devices Such as chaff dispensers," Tyagi said.

"Sighting Systems Such as electro-optical pod and helmet-pointing systems integrated to augment Have Been target aiming capabilities."

Rudra The architecture uses an integrated multifunction display system with displays for the pilot and weapons HAS Such as a turreted 20mm gun, 70mm rockets and air-to-air missiles.

The Rudra - one of the names of Lord Shiva regarded by Hindus as destroyer of enemies - will be used for airborne assault, logistics support, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and, thanks to thermal imaging functions, antitank warfare.

The helicopter is based on the utility helicopter Dhruv, built by HAL aussi in Bangalore.

The Dhruv Entered service in 2002 and around 160 are Believed to Have Been ordered by the army and navy, a Press Trust of India report in 2011.

The Dhruv project was Announced in 1984 HAL Began When designing the aircraft with support from the German aerospace company Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm.

The Dhruv helicopter caries up to 12 passenger and two pilots sitting side by side, with a maximum takeoff weight of 12.125 pounds. Maximum speed of 180 mph is from two Shakti turboshaft engines or two Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engines. Service ceiling is around 27.500 feet.

Also to be Shown at Aero India 201, and to the public for the first time, will be the Pilatus PC-7 MkII IAF basic trainer, Pilatus Aircraft Officials Told the Daily News and Analysis website.

India is decided to buy 189 Rafale

According to information provided by sources close to the talks told AFP, India 63 hunters would command more than 126 already in negotiation.

Dassault Aviation could open the champagne! Sources close to the talks told AFP that the contract for the purchase of Rafale fighter jets by India may finally be on 189 devices.

This was discussed at the visit of the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Salman Khurshid, in Paris last week , the sources said, while the Rafale was involved in war operations in Mali.

"There is an option to purchase 63 additional aircraft for which a separate contract should be signed. Currently negotiating the contract covers 126 aircraft," said a source close to the talks. But the discussions would also "following" , ie slices additional control.

In January 2012, India chose the hunter French manufacturer Dassault, leaving the Typhoon built by the Eurofighter consortium formed by British group BAE Systems , European EADS and Italian Finmeccanica, to equip its Air Force.

For this first order of 126 Rafale, India would cost $ 12 billion, according to the Indian press. Additional control could bring the total to $ 18 billion. But the amount is dependent on the outcome of negotiations taking place in the greatest secrecy.

The first 18 Rafale will be built in France, and "the first aircraft will be delivered three years after the signing of the contract" , said Thursday one of the sources told AFP. "This is the time required for the chain of production, Indian Army needing first tandem devices, while other manufacturers such as Dassault currently produce cars " , said an industry expert told AFP.

Northrop Grumman Eyes Indian Market for Delayed LEMV

Northrop Grumman has proposed its long-endurance multi-intelligence vehicle (LEMV) hybrid airship to meet new Indian requirements for border surveillance, AIN has learned from a senior official at the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The huge, unmanned LEMV was being developed for U.S. Army missions over Afghanistan, but has fallen behind schedule. It first flew last August, one year later than promised.

In a presentation to the MHA, Northrop Grumman described the LEMV as a lighter-than-air (LTA) vehicle that offers “a revolutionary capability in persistent surveillance with reconfigurable payloads to meet emerging multi-mission needs.” Discussions began a year ago, followed by presentations to the Border Security Force (BSF), which is controlled by the MHA. The official said that Northrop Grumman had emphasized cost savings resulting from a reduced force structure, since one LTA could replace 25 medium-altitude, long-endurance (Male) UAVs, the company claimed. It suggested a cost of only $20,000 to keep the unmanned LEMV in the air for three weeks, carrying a 2,750-pound sensor and communications payload. Northrop Grumman offered to integrate indigenous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) payload options on the LTA, which has modular payload bays.
The MHA is expected to release a request for proposals in March for surveillance solutions over seven different areas. The LTA will likely be bid for maritime surveillance, as well as for over remote areas along India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The MHA is expected to purchase approximately five such systems. India is expected to spend an estimated $30 billion on homeland security by 2016, mostly for policing, but also including surveillance systems.
No further progress with LEMV flight-testing in the U.S. has been reported since the first flight. The prototype flew with pilots on board, and without any payload. Last October, an Army general suggested to the website Inside Defense that the LEMV might never be deployed to Afghanistan. By press time, neither the U.S. Army nor Northrop Grumman had responded to AIN’s request for an update.

Dassault, India tussle over supply chains

India's defense ministry reiterated that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. will remain lead integrator for producing 108 Rafale fighters under the medium multirole combat aircraft contract.

Replacing HAL as integrator would jeopardize the procurement process carried out to secure the $15 billion deal with Dassault Aviation in France that was signed in January 2012.

The MMRCA contract called for final and exclusive negotiations with Dassault before production begins.

Under the tender issued in 2007, the first 18 of 126 of the twin-engine delta-wing fighters will be supplied by Dassault from its facilities in France. The remaining 108 will be produced under license by HAL at its Indian factories.

A deviation from the tender issued for the project would need to be approved by the Defense Acquisition Council and legal issues could arise, ministry sources told the Press Trust of India.

The ministry issued its statement after coming under pressure from Dassault to clarify the role of HAL so the French manufacturer could explore options for working with other companies.

Defense officials said it would convey final details of the relationship to Dassault and HAL this month, the PTI report said.

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HAL is a Navratna company -- a government business -- and has 19 production and overhaul divisions and 10 research and development centers in India, the company's Web site said. It has 33,000 employees of which around half have "more than a decade of aircraft industry experience."

Dassault has been pressing the government for more freedom to choose its supply chain partners in light of a deal it signed -- shortly after getting the MMRCA contract -- with India's Reliance Industries Ltd. for working together in defense and homeland security agreements.

"Dassault Aviation, a major player in the global aerospace industry, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Reliance Industries, for pursuing strategic opportunities of collaboration in the area of complex manufacturing and support in India," officials of the two companies told PTI shortly after Dassault landed the MMRCA deal.

The PTI report said Dassault had told the ministry that if it had overall responsibility for the project, it should have the freedom to decide on the proportion of work done by HAL and other private companies.

In February the PTI reported that Dassault must reinvest 50 percent of the worth of the deal back into Indian defense sector.

India Cuts its Defense Budget

Big shock for a military trying to catch up with the Chinese
The Indian Finance Ministry appears to have put a stop to the headlong dash by the country's military to enlarge its defense forces to meet the China challenge, slashing the military budget by US$2 billion this year.

The cuts are necessary, officials say, because of economic distress and a ballooning fiscal deficit of 5.8 percent, up from 4.1 percent in 2011. But the fiscal adjustment, which has raised eyebrows, might not only have an impact on the country's defense preparedness but also throw off kilter vital acquisition projects of aircraft, choppers, howitzers and missiles.

The cut, for instance, appears likely to affect the already much-delayed $20-billion MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) project to acquire 126 French Rafale fighter jets, ministry sources sway.

India began a massive military buildup in 2010 after a November, 2008 attack by Pakistani militants on luxury hotels and other facilities in Mumbai that took 166 lives, and after an admission by military officials that they were unable to retaliate with a full-scale attack against Pakistan because they didn't have the military readiness to do so.

"New Delhi is in the throes of finalizing important contract negotiations to bolster segments like the artillery, aviation, air defense, night-fighting, anti-tank guided missiles and specialized tank and rifle ammunition. All these will now be pushed to the back burner," a source told Asia Sentinel.

The Army too, had sought a 30 per cent budget hike allocation for the 12th Plan (2012-17) including upgrading its rapid reaction ground force capability against China by building two specialized divisions in high-altitude areas at a cost estimated at more than US$11 billion. This plan too, will now have to wait.

India test-fires manoeuvrable version of BrahMos

 

India today successfully test-fired a highly manoeuvrable version of the 290-km range supersonic cruise missile BrahMos from a naval warship off the coast of Vishakhapatnam in Bay of Bengal.

“At 9.30 a.m., the missile blasted off in a pre-designated war scenario taking a ‘double-manoeuvre in S-form’ hitting the designated target ship just one metre above water line. The sheer velocity and power of hit made the missile rip through the ship’s hull,” BrahMos Aerospace CEO A. Sivathanu Pillai said here.

This is the 34th launch of BrahMos after the successful October launch from INS Teg in the Arabian Sea.

The BrahMos missile system was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2005 when it began arming the Rajput-class guided missile destroyers and inducted subsequently in many warships.

BrahMos is capable of acquiring data not only from the American GPS but also from Russian GLONASS satellite systems also, which ensures double redundancy.

In the last stage, the seeker takes over and the target is located with accuracy of few metres which ensures no chances of survival for the target.

India Successfully Test Fired Air to Air Interceptor Astra Missile

India on 21 December 2012 test launched its indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air interceptor missile Astra at the interim test range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.

The missile was fired from the launch pad number two of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) run missile testing centre at around 13.30 hours to confirm its reconfigured propulsion, control and guidance systems.

The launch was carried out against an electronic target and it destroyed its target - a small pilotless Lakshya aircraft - which was launched from the same base just minutes before the firing of the missile.

The missile had already been test-fired from the Chandipur facility several times in the past. The test on 21 December 2012 was just development trial of the missile.

After completing all the developmental trials, Astra would be ultimately integrated with combat fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30, MIG-29 and the Light Combat Aircraft.
                      

Induction of Brahmos Air version, C-17 aircraft next year

Asian Defence NewsInduction of Brahmos Air version and C-17 Aircraft would form part of the major expansion in the Indian Air Force during next year, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne said today

The first C-17 Globemaster Aircraft would reach India and the Air Force by June next and would be mainly utilised for strategic lifting and transport ofBSE -0.06 % goods and troops, besides humanitarian relief works, Browne told reporters at Sulur Aircraft Station.

The Government has ordered 10 such heavy lift military aircraft and would be based at Hindon, the entire lot was expected to reach by 2015, he said.

Browne, here to participate in the function where two of IAF flying squadrons were awarded the President's Standard by President Pranab Mukherjee, said the much awaited air version of Brahmos would be launched by December next year.

Since it has to go for fitness test on Sukoi-30, which was not even done by Russian Agency, it would take time for such trials and the version would be launched by one year. "This is the first of its kind in the World," Browne said.

Regarding Apache attack aircraft, Browne said he had already said the acquisition process of US-Made Apache 22 will continue to remain with IAF and Army has to go in for another proposal and wait for the Government's nod.
Since both Navy and Army have their own aviation segments in a smaller way, it was upto them to acquire, he said.

Moreover, IAF did not want duplication, since it has the full responsibility of aviation, he said adding that it was also planned to phase out Mig-21 and 27, and replace them by Sukoi-30 in a phased manner.

Stating that IAF would have 39 squadron by 14th five year plan, from the present 34, Browne said Light Combat Aircraft would also be inducted by 2015 in Sulur.

Statement On Apache For IAF In Indian Parliament, Future Attack Copters For Army

After formally announcing the CH-47F Chinook's victory in the Indian Air Force's heavy copter competition last week in Parliament, the Indian defence minister has now officially confirmed Boeing's AH-64D ApacheBlock III win as well. Here's the full statement in Parliament today:

Indian Air Force (IAF) is procuring Chinook Ch-47F heavy-lift helicopters and AH-64D Block-III Apache helicopters from Boeing Company of USA. In the two separate proposals initiated by Indian Air Force (IAF) for procurement of 15 Heavy Lift Helicopters and 22 Attack Helicopters, M/s Boeing of United States of America (USA) with Chinook CH-47F(I) and 'Apache' AH-64D respectively, has emerged as the L1 Vendor. The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) cost for 15 Heavy Lift Helicopters and 22 Attack Helicopters is Rs.2468.41 Crores and Rs.3094.98 Crores respectively. However, final cost of the Contracts would depend upon outcome of the Contract negotiation with the L1 Vendor.

Importantly, the government also reiterated its recent decision on future attack copter purchases going straight to the Army:

Government has decided to let the Army to have its own heavy duty attack helicopter. The decision to vest the future inductions of attack helicopters with the Army has been taken keeping in view the operational requirements in the field.

The Minister also made the following statement in response to a question on media reports of faulty Chinese-built spares in US aircraft for India:

Nearly 700 scientists quit DRDO in six years: Govt

Nearly 700 scientists have resigned from India's premier military research body DRDO in little less than six years from 2007, Defence Minister A K Antony said

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on resignation of scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), Antony said a total of 637 scientists resigned during 2007-2011 and 50 scientists up to October 31 this year.

Scientists who had resigned have either cited personal or domestic reasoms for leaving DRDO, Antony said.

However, it is assumed that increased opportunities or incentives available in other organisations and industries is the main reason of such resignation, he added.

On incentives taken as corrective measures to restrict resignation of scientists from DRDO, Antony said excellent infrastructure facilities have been created at work places and residential complexes and two additional increments have been given on promotion to each grade.

To another question, Antony said DRDO is a subordinate organisation under Defence Ministry and does not enjoy any special powers or autonomy because of its strategic nature of work.

Asked whether DRDO enjoys a huge amount of autonomy because of its strategic nature of work, he said, "DRDO is a subordinate organisation under the Department of Defence( R&D) in Defence Ministry and is governed by central government rules and regulations.

MI-26T2 and IL-78MK-90 will continue to fight for Indian order

Rosoboronexport expects to win the Indian Air Force tenders on the delivery of heavy-lift transport helicopters and refueller aircraft in which Russia is offering the Mi-26T2 helicopter and Il-78MK-90 aircraft respectively.

Rosoboronexport disproves media reports about Russia's losing the above mentioned tenders and informs that such publications are not true. The results have not been announced yet and any early announcements mislead general public and professional community both in Russia and India.

The Mi-26T2 heavy-lift transport helicopters and Il-78MK-90 tanker are worthy of winning both tenders not only because they are unique military air systems fully meeting specifications of the Indian side but also because they attract potential customers by cost-effectiveness.

The newest Mi-26T2 heavy-lift transport helicopter has the following obvious advantages:

Mi-26 type helicopters have been successfully operated for a long time in India which will not need to retrain pilots and technicians for them and has already the infrastructure required;

Mi-26T2s are the world’s biggest serially produced helicopters with 20-tonne lifting capacity comparable to that of the C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft: in one sortie the Mi-26T2 helicopter can transport 82 troops with their equipment, quickly transfer a wide range of heavy-weight combat vehicles suspended on the external cargo sling, and in general implement important transport missions by a small group of the helicopters;

in one flight the Mi-26 type helicopters can perform transport as well as assault, search-and-rescue and special-purpose tasks similar to successful operations it carried out in hot and high areas in Afghanistan and other regions, proving its vast combat experience gained in difficult conditions, and high flight safety standards;

Mi-26T2 is sturdy in operation thanks to the installation of protection devices which practically do not reduce service life of its engines and accessories when operating in sand formations; this Russian helicopter also has high field repairability characteristics which speak in its favour too;

India Air force Jaguar Crashes, Pilot Ejects

An IAF Jaguar strike aircraft crashed today in Sikkim in India's North-East, the third crash since April this year (the last was a MiG-21 in Western India last week). The Jaguar pilot Flt Lt Yogesh Kumar Yadav managed to eject and has only sustained minor injuries. A detachment of Jaguars is currently based at the IAF's base in Hashimara. A court of inquiry has been ordered into the crash.