Aero India 2009 News

Curtains down on Aero-India Show

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Bangalore: The signature manoeuvres of the Surya Kiran and the Sarang teams enthralled thousands of spectators below and marked the last day of Aero India 2009. After five days of business meetings and several rounds of aerobatics by combat aircraft, the largest event in the Indian defence sector drew its curtains down until the next Aero India two years later.
The five-day show saw the largest number of business and other visitors ever in any Aero India event -- a 30,000 increase in both categories. There were over 500 domestic and aviation companies plus all the big names from the aviation sector. The first three days saw hectic business meetings, deals that will culminate in the weeks and months to come.
Combat aircraft from major contenders for the Indian Air Force's requirement of 126 fighter jets stole the show, with every company vying for India's attention. The Eurofighter Typhoon, participating for the first time, wowed the crowd, so did the F-16 and F-18, LCA Tejas, Sukhoi 30 MKI and others.
To give the show its glamour quotient was present Ratan Tata on the first day, although he did not fly this time. This year, Olympics star Abhinav Bindra, India's first astronaut Rakesh Sharma, and MP Naveen Jindal flew the F-16. Journalist Suman Sharma became the first Indian woman to fly both the F-16 and the MiG-35.
Towards evening, after Aero India 2009 ended, many eyes were still glued to the sky and people clicked more pictures. The roar of the Sukhoi-30 and MiG-35 and dozens of other aircraft from across the globe, was hard to shake off.
16/02/09 Times of India

Aero India ends with a blast

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:42:00 +0000

A tyre burst on the concluding day of Aero India 2009 dented the image of an otherwise precision air show which spectacular air display for five days. Both the rear tyres of the Lockheed Martin F-16 IN Super Viper burst on Sunday afternoon while landing after a regular sortie.
The ill-fated two-seater aircraft was the same which India’s sole Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra co-piloted on the second day of the air show. This incident came as a major embarrassment for Lockheed Martin which is pitting the F-16 against six other international companies to bag the IAF’s 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft contract.
However, the Lockheed Martin put up a brave face by stating, “The tyres were changed within 30 minutes which is a perfect example of this aircraft’s maintainability.
The IAF show safety coordinators were very impressed with the rapidity with which the tyres were changed,” officials claimed.
Five days of breathtaking air display by the world’s most lethal war birds came to an end as dusk settled over the Yelahanka Air Force base on Sunday bringing down curtains on the Aero India 2009.
Over two lakh visitors attended the show which includes fifty thousand business visitors alone, exceeding the projection at the start of the show. Terming the five-day show as a grand success, organisers said the defence industries were set to get a boost. Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) Deputy Director General Gurpal Singh said that 588 business-to-business (b2b) meetings took place under the umbrella of CII. These include 350 between Indian and foreign companies and the remaining between Indian business houses. The newly- introduced software, enabling online registration and enhancing business propositions among companies worldwide, proved a huge success during the show as about 600 meeting were held.
He added that the highlight of the event was the raising of Rs 7.15 crore as venture capital through business and promoting components. In total 303 companies from overseas and 289 from India participated in the air show.
16/02/09 ExpressBuzz

Sales pitch by global biggies, 'desi' companies mark Aero India

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Bangalore: The five-day Aero India 2009, during which Global aviation majors and national firms displayed flying prowess of their machines, concluded at the Yelahanka Airbase here on Sunday.
Tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts turned up to watch "magnificent flying metal birds", especially on the last two days when the show was open for public, as a slew of MoUs and agreements were signed during the event organised by the Ministry of Defence and managed by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
Agustawestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Tata Sons inked an MoU for formation of an Indian joint-venture company which would establish a final assembly line for manufacture of AW-119 helicopters in India.
Also, Tata Advanced Materials Ltd (TAML), a Tata Group Company, and global firm Saab signed a business agreement for manufacture of structural composite components. In sharp focus were six companies -- Lockheed Martin and Boeing from the United States, Russia's MiG, which is part of the 'UAC,' France's Dassault, Sweden's Saab and the EADS consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian companies -- who are in race for a Rs 40,000-Rs 45,000 crore contract to supply 126 fighter jets to India.
15/02/09 PTI/The Hindu

Reaching for the skies

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Bangalore: Focus India—that is the mantra for the global aerospace and defence industry as the country goes on a buying binge to modernize its military.
The world’s third largest arms importer is expected to spend nearly $ 100 billion, or Rs4.87 trillion, by 2017 to buy fighter planes, utility and attack helicopters, spy planes and own satellites in space. Despite a home-grown aerospace and defence industry, India still imports nearly 70% of its needs, defence minister A.K. Antony said on Monday.
The shopping list includes 126 fighter planes, estimated to cost at least Rs42,000 crore—the world’s biggest tender—nearly 197 helicopters for its army, an additional 57 Hawk trainers to train its pilots, tanker aeroplanes that will refuel fighters in mid-air and allow pilots to fly on long-distance sorties.
Nearly 592 exhibitors, including 303 from 25 countries, will take part in the five-day event which, besides frontline aircraft, will also see vendors selling components and systems to India’s home-grown aerospace industry.
11/02/09 K Raghu/Livemint

Flight of fantasy takes wheels at Aero India

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:36:00 +0000

Bangalore: A speeding Formula SAE car in an air show amidst the best fighter aircraft is indeed an unfamiliar sight.
But, that was what the large crowd that had come to the Aero India 2009 venue got to see, a maroon Formula car speeding between two barricades at the display area on Sunday.
The Formula car PM408 built by Team HAYA, a group of automobile enthusiasts from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of People’s Education Society Institute of Technology (PESIT), is the first-ever race car to be displayed in the air show.
The PM408 which was on static display for the first four days of the air show in one of the exhibition halls had a slew of visitors which included Tata Chairman Ratan Tata, who apart from interacting with the students also gave them a few tips on how they can improve their performance in the upcoming FSAE ITALY 2009, in which they will taking part.
Team HAYA which was to take part in the elite Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE)-Australasia competition, held in November last year, could not do so due to technical snags.
“That failure was one of the main reasons why we brought the car to Aero India, where most of the visitors have an expertise in technology and we wanted to get their views,” he said.
“The car’s highlight is the custommade automatic button shift for fast and efficient transmission, all of which make PM409, the first-of-itskind in this part of the world. The car is to touch around 200 kmph with an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in less than 3.5 seconds,” Bafna added.
16/02/09 ExpressBuzz

RADA's Navigation Systems Debut at Aero-India

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Israel's avionics specialist, RADA Electronic Industries Ltd., is unveiling its latest line of Inertial Navigation Systems at Aero-India: high precision, yet affordable systems designed for airborne, unmanned and expendable applications.
RADA's range of INS on display at Aero-India 2009 includes:
• R-100F: Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG)-Based system
• R-200M: Compact, MEMS-Based, multiple-sensor aided INS
• MAVINS: Modular, All-in-One Avionics and MEMS-Based INS
RADA's navigation-grade, Embedded GPS-INS (EGI) R-100F solutions are applicable to new systems, retrofit and upgrade of aging platforms, replacing mechanical-gyro based units with modern, highly efficient and reliable FOG based solutions. The R-200M and MAVINS compact systems are uniquely built for integration into Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and disposable applications.
RADA's navigation solutions introduce sophisticated and unique sensor fusion algorithms, embedding modular design principles for seamless integration into larger mission systems.
RADA’s avionics solutions and expertise are offered to and adapted by leading air forces and aerospace prime integrators worldwide, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Electric, HAL, Embraer, IAI, Rafael and many others.
15/02/09 defpro.com

F-16 tyre burst on landing during air show in Bangalore, none injured

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Bangalore: A tyre of an F-16N Super Viper fighter aircraft of the global defence and aerospace major Lockheed Martin burst on landing during the final day of the Aero India 2009 air show at Yelahanka Airbase today."No one was injured," Lockheed Martin said in a statement.
"The tyre was changed within 30 minutes, which is a perfect example of this aircraft's maintainability," the company said.
The statement said the Air Force show safety coordinators were "very impressed with the rapidity with which the tyre was changed".
15/02/09 Press Trust of India

Could the Aero India F-16s bomb India in a war?

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:50:00 +0000

Bangalore: As the F-16 fighter roars into the skies of Bengaluru at the Aero India 09 show, all attention is on the wonderful aerobatics display it puts up, not on the tiny flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on its tail. But the fact is, two of the four F-16s brought here by Lockheed Martin belong to the UAE Air Force.
Two intriguing questions immediately arise: Firstly, were these aircraft flown, perhaps just days ago, by combat pilots from the Pakistani Air Force (PAF), which has long sent its officers on deputation to fly UAE fighters? Would these very aircraft, now here on a sales pitch by Lockheed Martin, have been bombing India in the event of a war with Pakistan?
Senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officers have confirmed to Business Standard that, in any war with India, Pakistan could field up to two squadrons of F-16 aircraft borrowed from Arab nations, where its pilots are posted on deputation.
Air Commodore Jasjit Singh, who won a Vir Chakra in combat in 1971 and went on to head the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, points out, “This has happened regularly. In 1965, the Jordanian Air Force supplied F-104 Starfighters to Pakistan, one of which was even shot down by the IAF. In 1971, Turkey and Iran had supplied F-86 Sabres to the PAF. I wouldn’t rule out a repeat of this kind of help.”
Air Marshal Vinod Patney, the top air force field commander during the Kargil conflict, also believes the UAE Air Force F-16s could be used against India.
He reasons, “There are Pakistani pilots there in the UAE: fact. They are flying their F-16s: fact. There is a close military relationship between those countries: fact. I would not rule out Islamic solidarity coming into play in the event of a war with India.”
Clearly visible on the UAE Air Force F-16s on display in Bangalore is an extra fuel tank, just above the wing, specially built for the batch of F-16s ordered by the UAE. The IAF believes UAE asked Lockheed Martin for the extra range to allow the Pakistani pilots in the UAE to reach Indian targets, deliver their weapons, and then fly to a Pakistani base from where they could operate for the rest of the war.
Lockheed Martin told Business Standard that they had no idea whether Pakistani pilots had recently flown the F-16s, now in Bangalore. Douglas Hartwick, CEO of Lockheed Martin India Pvt Ltd explained, “We just leased these planes from the UAE Air Force.”
India’s strategic community is concerned about F-16 aircraft being evaluated by India despite their being in service in Pakistan.
15/02/09 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard

I got no remuneration, says Sharma

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:48:00 +0000

Bangalore: The intense competition for IAF’s $ 10 billion Multi Medium Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal is getting intense with celebrities donning the air warrior robes. There are speculations on the guest pilots receiving remuneration from the bidders of the MMRCA.
A guest pilot, however, denied vehemently when confronted with this question on Friday.
India’s first cosmonaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma who flew the F/A 18 Super Hornet denied that guest pilots were bought by the bidding companies to fly the aircraft so that it would increase their brand value.
“Neither I nor my foundation have received any money to fly the aircraft,” said Sharma after his hour-long sortie. Sharma denied that there was any such deal and said he took the flight for his love of flying.
The contenders who are bidding for the MMRCA deal are leaving no stone unturned to grab the maximum attention by roping in celebrities from different walks of life.
The Russian MiG-35 roped in Air Marshal (Retd) Harish Masand and the Lockheed Martin F-16 IN Super Viper Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to fly their respective aircraft in this edition of Aero India.
After strapping on, the 60-year-old former IAF officer saluted to the shutter bugs when asked to wave for the cameras. Sharma who did up to 6-Gs with US Air Force Pilot Daniel ‘Blue’ Hannum on the third day of Aero India 2009 said, “Usually you experience zero gravity, but in this flight it was 6-Gs, and it was more challenging because of my age,” he said.
14/02/09 ExpressBuzz

Navin Jindal rides F-18 during Bangalore air show

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:46:00 +0000

Bangalore: Congress MP and industrialist Navin Jindal today rode the US fighter plane F-18 during the ongoing air show, the sources said.
Jindal's wife Shaalu Jindal was also present during the air-sortie, She was immaculately dressed in a red dress on the occasion of Valentine's day.
The young industrialist dedicated the air sortie to his wife Shaalu Jindal. Two days back, Jindal had received the required training for the flying.
Earlier, ace shooter and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra had also taken a flight on F-16 fighter plane during the five-day air show where 25 countries are participating.
14/02/09 Samay Live

MBDA to tie-up with DRDO for short-range missile

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:45:00 +0000

Bangalore: After its recent success in selling its Milan-2T anti-tank guided missiles to the Indian Army, France-based MBDA is hoping to co-develop a short range surface-to-air missile (SR-SAM) with India.
"We are discussing the development of missiles with Indian agencies in this regard and are hoping for a positive outcome," MBDA spokesperson Mati Hindrekus told PTI at Aero India here.
DRDO had issued a global Request for Proposal (RFP) last year for developing a SR-SAM with range of over 15 kilometres.
If successful, MBDA would co-develop the new missile and launcher, "marrying" technology and capabilities of the European company and the DRDO, he said.Hindrekus said BDL would be the prime contractor and produce and integrate the weapon system. The choice of radar would be an Indian one, he said, adding that the missile would have range of over 15 kilometres.
MBDA is involved in the modernisation of the Indian Mirage 2000 fleet, which will upgrade the fighter's capabilities to fire the infrared and electromagnetic versions of the Mica air-to-air missile.
15/02/09 PTI/The Hindu

Love struck couples throng Aero India show

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:44:00 +0000

Bangalore : Thousands of love struck couples chose the high-security Aero India show for the Valentine Day celebrations as the venue was shorn of either"moral police"or saffron brigade to disturb them.
The Aero India 2009, into its fourth-day, drew more than 75,000 visitors, which included thousands of couples, who preferred this safe destination at Yelahanka Airforce base for walking hand-in-hand.
As the aircraft flew overhead, the lovers clung to each other, enjoying the display of aerobatic manoeuvres in a sanitised atmosphere with no threat of being caught by the"moral police".
14/02/09 Indopia

Spectacle in the air, chaos on the roads

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:43:00 +0000

Bangalore: Traffic snarls and irate tempers were on display on all roads leading to the Air Force Station at Yelahanka, that is playing host to Aero India 2009.
With the second Saturday turning out to be the first holiday for many since the commencement of the much publicised event, many Bangaloreans opted to make a “Family Day Out” event.
Not just visitors, even delegates had a tough time making their way into the fortified building. Air force authorities were engaged in the time-consuming but necessary task of subjecting all vehicles to stringent security checks at the entrance.
The cops in charge of regulating traffic appeared totally out of control. Many visitors were engaged in angry verbal exchanges with cops. Many with valid entry passes or tickets to the show were not permitted entry by the cops on the grounds that parking space inside the station was full. Some visitors who entered the ground and later ventured out for a break, were taken aback when they tried to get inside again. The fact that the ticket issued was valid for a single entry only, was something many did not know about.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) Praveen Sood said: “Traffic movement to the airshow was smooth and without any hitch. We had issued advisories to the public visiting the show through the media on parking instructions well in advance.”
Cars have been given park space at “Venkatala” near the venue, from where the BMTC’s Volvo buses ferry visitors to the entrance, he added. “Problems and confusion arise as people have not read or were unaware of the instructions we have issued.
15/0209 Deccan Herald

Rosoboronexport offering Indian Partner full military hardware

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:40:00 +0000

Summing up and announcing the winner of a tender to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be one of the high points in military-technical cooperation between India and foreign countries in the coming one or two years.
The tender involves six contenders: Russian MiG-35 fighter (RSK MiG), American F-16 and F/A-18 (from Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively), French Rafale (Dassault Aviation), Swedish JAS-39 Gripen (SAAB), and European Eurofighter Typhoon (EADS). The technical evaluation of the bids has been completed, and field trials are to start in India in April-May.
The Russian fighter offers distinct advantages over the competing planes. Unlike all the other aircraft, which are production models, the MiG-35 is the latest-generation fighter developed with due regard to the peculiarities of operation in India. It not only meets all the requirements of the tender put forward by the IAF, but also has drawn from the best operating experience with previous MiG aircraft in the country.
The Russian aircraft has perfect aerodynamic lines and what is more it has acquired incredible super maneuverability, owing to an exclusive thrust vector control technology. None of MiG-35’s rivals can boast such capability, which gives it an undeniable edge in real air combat. Furthermore, heavy use of composites in the frame has made the aircraft less observable to enemy radars. The fighter’s double weapons load and 1.5-fold higher fuel capacity compared to its predecessor are also its irresistible benefits.
The Zhuk-AE active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is a unique component of the MiG-35, which was proposed for the tender by Rosoboronexport and MiG Russian Aircraft Corporation. The radar can track up to 30 targets and attack simultaneously six most dangerous of them. Its target detection range of 140-160 km also wins admiration and can be further extended to 250-280 km when more receive/transmit modules are used. Along with its powerful precision-guided weapons, high-performance active self-defense system and superb performance characteristics, the lightweight MiG-35 has grown into a medium-sized aircraft – a superfighter of the 21st century.
Another benefit of the Russian fighter is its best value for money. Being highly competitive with its Western counterparts, the MiG-35 is superior to its rivals in many characteristics and at same time is less expensive. For India, this factor may be decisive in selecting the winner, all other things being equal. On the world arms markets, where Rosoboronexport has operated in recent years, the cost-performance ratio favorably distinguishes Russian military equipment from rivals.
More than 40 years of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India and the current level of the mutually beneficial bilateral relations are indicative of this.
The recent major projects being implemented between Moscow and Delhi include delivery of Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters to India, license production of Su-30MKI aircraft and T-90S tanks.
A qualitatively new phase of fruitful bilateral cooperation is marked by the key joint aircraft projects. These are primarily the multi-purpose transport plane and a fifth-generation fighter development programs
“This year’s 7th AERO INDIA 2009 exhibition is a grandiose aerospace event in the Asia & Pacific region. It involves 20 Russian exhibitors presenting several hundreds of weaponry, military and aerospace equipment items,” said Viktor Komardin, head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation and Deputy Director General of the Corporation. “The content and dimensions of Rosoboronexport’s display, planned meetings and negotiations will be focused on further strengthening Russia’s military-technical cooperation with its long and reliable partners as well as on looking for new would-be purchasers of aircraft and armaments made by Russia independently or jointly with foreign partners in production.
14/02/09 defpro.com, Germany

Bird Group expands presence MRO services

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:38:00 +0000

Bangalore: Bird Air Services Pvt. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bird Group, recently signed a comprehensive marketing agreement with Pacific Propeller Intl. (PPI), a global repair and overhaul services provider to several regional airline and military aircraft. The agreement was signed by Ankur Bhatia, Executive Director, Bird Group; Jeff Heikke, President, PPI and Jim Roosevelt, Regional Director Asia Pacific of M/s Pacific Propeller at Aero India 2009, Bangalore.
Under the agreement, PPI will provide its services and products through Bird Air Services Pvt. Ltd. within the Indian Subcontinent. It will also help facilitate Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for propeller based engines for aircraft in India at PPI prop shops. It is estimated that of the total airline expenditure, aircraft operators spend almost 13 per cent on aircraft maintenance and servicing. According to a recent report by Ernst and Young on the Indian aviation sector, MRO spending in India is estimated to rise from USD 440 million in 2007 to USD 1.2 billion in 2017, exhibiting an annual growth of 11.8 per cent.
15/02/09 TravelBizMonitor

Malaysian firm thrives on Valentine's Day at air show

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:37:00 +0000

Bangalore: A Malaysian garment firm made hay Saturday at Aero India international air-show by selling designer T-shirts, caps, fighter aircraft models and a variety of novelties to celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way.
'We are giving one product free for every purchase made to celebrate Valentine's Day in our own way.
The response has been overwhelming, with lots of couples and teenagers snapping up our attractive offering,' V-GRO Marketing official M.O. Yap told IANS at the Yelahanka air force base, about 20 km from this tech hub.
The Kuala Lumpur-based V-GRO has set up shop outside an international pavilion to sell its products during the five-day biennial event. It has decided to offer free any one item purchased to mark the lovers' day.
'We participate in air shows that are held in Singapore, Dubai, Paris, London and Bangalore to showcase and market our readymade garments, caps, tiny aircraft models, key chains and pins in the shape of fighter jets and choppers,' Yap said.
Posters with Valentine's Day Offer written in pink around the stall attracted a steady stream of visitors to the stall during the show, leading to brisk sales by the afternoon.
The assorted products, including T-shirts, caps, aircraft models, key chains and shirt badges (in the shape of fighter jets on display at the air show) were priced between Rs.350 and Rs.1,800.
'As the day progressed, sales picked up, with many couples or singles buying a T-shirt, a cap or a badge. Our 'buy-one-take-one-free' offer was appreciated and evoked warm response from the younger visitors,' Yap affirmed.
14/02/09 IANS/SmasHits.com

Israeli holography show a big hit with visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:32:00 +0000

Bangalore: The visitors at Aero India 2009 were enthralled after witnessing a virtual battlefield that looked straight out of a Hollywood sci-fi flick.
The show that was directed and produced by Nissan Belkin, general manager of Telemedia Co- Israel, showcases military equipment and their uses, including battle field management, integrated infantry combat system, robotic systems, laser systems, thermal imaging, head- up displays, stabilised payloads and communication systems.
Nissan said that the show was conceived to display the capabilities of Elbit systems. “It is a unique way of grabbing attention and nothing can explain avionics better,” he said.
A visitor said that, “At least thirty people gather around every time the show starts and when it is done, they are still there.” Defence equipment, gear, addons were all there but what really hooked the visitors was the holographic projection of combat environment as seen from a cockpit displaying some of the most advanced war equipment in a virtual environment.
Many science fiction movies have had holograms as plot devices, especially futuristic uses of them. Case in point is Arnold Schwarzenegger starrer ‘Total Recall’, in which the hologram is put to use by the protagonist by creating a second image of himself. Holography also finds application in the fields of data storage, security, art, dynamic holography and cubic dimensions.
14/02/09 Jayadevan P K/ExpressBuzz

Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma back in space; flies in Super Hornet

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:35:00 +0000

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

Lockheed Martin grabs focus at air show

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:34:00 +0000

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

Controlling the flights: the Air Force way

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:32:00 +0000

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

Agustawestland, Tata Sons sign MoU to form JV for AW-119 helicopter

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:30:00 +0000

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

India to test new Agni missile by Dec 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:27:00 +0000

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

IAF to have its own eye in space

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:23:00 +0000

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

Maiden flight of India's supersonic trainer in two months

noreply@blogger.com (Av India) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:22:00 +0000

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