ajaybhutani

i'll take russians as a better friend than americans any day. And thats why india is cooperation for PAK-Fa. But definitely getting technology from US shouldnt be stopped.. ( of course in case there are no strings attached. and thats why the approval of AESA is seen as a kind of guarantee by indians. )..
Lets see what they decide on 22nd oct.

Endangered

Navy pilots head for 'top-gun' training in US

NEW DELHI: If IAF fighter pilots can undergo training in UK till Hawk AJTs (advanced jet trainers) start being delivered to India, then why should Navy pilots be behind in learning "top-gun" skills?

The Navy has now sent its first batch of rookie fighter pilots to the US for training on combat manoeuvres from aircraft carriers.

The aim is to build a pool of pilots to fly MiG-29Ks from Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, now rechristened INS Vikramditya, when it's inducted by end of 2008.

Under the $26-million agreement, 32 Indian Navy pilots will undergo the 18-month training programme for carrier-borne operations with the US Navy over a four-year period.

"The first four pilots are now in the US after initial training with IAF. The next batch will go after six months," said a senior Navy officer on Sunday.

At present, Indian naval pilots fly Sea Harrier jump-jets from the country's solitary aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

"Harriers are unconventional since they land vertically, even though they usually take off from the angled ski-jump on Viraat's 745-feet runway," said an officer.

"Today, we do not have the expertise to land on ship decks, with arrestor wires, with conventional fighters like MiG-29Ks," he added.
...
The Rs 8,000-crore Hawk AJT project, signed with UK in March 2004, includes training of 75 IAF pilots in batches at RAF Valley in Wales till the 66 AJTs start being inducted from mid-2007 onwards.

But Navy pilots cannot be trained on these AJTs for carrier landings and take-offs. Consequently, they will be trained on T-45 Goshawks at US Naval air stations at Meridian and Kingsville.

On returning, they will take to the 16 MiG-29Ks, ordered along with 44,570-tonne INS Vikramditya in the $ 1.6-billion package deal signed with Russia in January 2004.

India will also acquire another 12 MiG-29Ks, which will provide fleet air defence with an anti-warship and reconnaissance role, for its indigenous 37,500-tonne Air Defence Ship (ADS), to be ready around 2012.

While the ongoing modernisation refit on INS Vikramditya includes removal of missile launchers on the bow to build a ski-jump at a 14.3-degree angle for MiG-29Ks, the ADS will have two runways with ski-jumps and a landing strip with three arrester wires.

__________________
Wild Wild Web

Sameer

ajay ji

The ADA and DRDO have been saying that the PV-2 would have taken to the skies for the last year now, every time, it gets pushed back, before they contemplate an MCA, at least let the LCA fly, then we can move up to the enxt step/

ajaybhutani

delays happen. They are a part of life. Theres an old saying... " you cannot be a leader if you havent failed in life"..
An important thing to note in these delays is that they were expected due the the integration of radar preponed to PV2. ( as the radar got ready earlier..) .. A very important point to note is that LCa is a pretty good airframe compared to stuff like M2k , f16 , mig29, all due to its low rcs and extensive use of composites making it damn light. its the most cost effective replacement for mig21's. and as i said before in one of my posts..( some other thread).. there are levels to which LCA can fail. Of course we donot have the risk of airframe failing now. most it will need is some minor modifications and tuning.. ( as its already flown 460 times.).
A lot of avionics etc have been tested with MKI and also other upgrades. the concerns are engine and radar. For engine we all know GE404 is there and if the need be do u really think that with the booming relations between india and US it will be difficult for india to get a ToT for a more advanced version (more thrust) of the engine.
Now about the radar. Even if our trial fails. the LCA's noze can take in any radar mig29 can . So done worry. if nothing else a zhuk will go in. ( and will still make lca better due to its lower RCS. )

Furthremore failure dsnt mean that we should stop trying to build a plane of our own. the very fact that we have a supersonic aircraft flying good and with such an extensive use of compposites. shows that we can make a good flighter. We just need to be patient.

ajaybhutani

i was under an impression that gorshkov deal included training in russia too.

Sameer

It sure did, IN pilots did head out to Russia last year for preliminary briefing. They go again next year.

Sameer

Something very interesting


ACCELERATORS, GENERATORS OF PLASMA AND LASERS
The complex of particle accelerators includes: generators of electrons (beam power of 35...1000 kW, energy - 30...300 keV); generators of negative ions (beam current up to 1 mA, energy - 1...20 keV); generators of neutral particles.
The electron-beam installation "Onega" with megawatt-level electron beam injection to the atmosphere in continuous regime is created.
Radically new technology of "foil-free" continuous ejection of powerful concentrated electron beams to the dense gas atmosphere, developed at KeRC opened up fresh opportunities for waste treatment, cleaning exhaust gases of industrial enterprises, sterilization of medical instruments, coatings, strengthening of surface layer of various materials, polymerization, powerful laser pumping and realization of other goals.
The installation "Minor" is intended for active effect on the Earth ionosphere. The installation power is 1.5...3.5 kW, injection current is 50...300 A.
Gasdynamic continuous-wave lasers with emitting power 10...100 kW intended for scientific research and practical use in the field of laser welding and cutting.
http://www.kerc.msk.ru/ipg/development/lasers_e.shtml



Russia has just successfully tested its first plasma stealth prototype on an airplane, the MiG 1.42, the plane used for all stealth research along with the rumoured Berkut.

It works, as per the experts on AFM (where i am also a member).

It can be fitted on every single fighter plane rendering them stealthy BUT here is the disadvantage

Unlike the F-22 for example, a plane using plasma stealth will not be able to detect other planes because the plasma shield will not only make disperse enemy radar beams but also radar beams eminating from inside the shield, ie the plane flies blindly and IR signature may increase due to the plasma shield.

So unlike a real stealth fighter, a plasma stealth equipped fighter will only be able to use the device as a counter measure of sorts when the enemy launches a long range radar homing missile or is in danger of being detected. Ie the use will only be temporary but interesting development non the less.

Endangered

F-16s arrive for joint Indo-US exercise

The stage is all set for the joint Indo-US air exercise from Monday with the arrival of F-16 aircraft at Kalaikunda airbase in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal amid demonstrations by the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists against the event.

The Indian Air Force, undeterred by the demonstrations, remained busy with its preparations for holding joint exercise with the Americans, titled COPE- 05, from November seven

"The 250-strong American Air Force contingent, led by Colonel Cobat Nelson, with an F-16 fighter aircraft squadron has reached Kalaikunda from Miswa Air Base in Japan. The custom clearance of the US contingent has been completed," an IAF spokesman said on Friday.

A US Air Force spokesman also confirmed in Kolkata that 12 F-16 aircraft had already reached the Kalaikunda airbase.

The CPI(M) has reiterated its decision to go ahead with the agitational programmes against the joint air exercise.

"What is happening is wrong and we will continue to protest," West Bengal Chief Minister and politburo member Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said.

Party's state unit secretary Anil Biswas described the joint exercise as a "threat to the country's security and sovereignty" and said that the party would go ahead with its peaceful agitational programmes in front of the airports, besides the Kalaikunda airbase and the American Centre on November seven.

In New Delhi, the Union Cabinet decided to go ahead with joint exercise despite the protest by the Left parties.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who had a telephonic discussions with Buddhadeb and other CPI(M) leaders, said the problems had been resolved.

The Left parties had the right to organise peaceful demonstration, Mukherjee observed

Biswas, however, denied that the matter had been resolved.

"How can the matter be resolved? We will continue to protest if UPA does not change its policy of appeasing the US," he said.

As per the agitational programme, Biswas will lead the demonstration in front of the American Centre in Kolkata, while Left Front Chairman Biman Bose would be present during the agitation in front of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on November seven.

Meanwhile, two US Air Force aircraft landed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport with engineers and pilots for the Kalaikunda joint exercise.

The airport was turned into a virtual fortress as two mammoth DC-10 aircraft from Misawa, Japan, with US pilots, engineers and various equipment landed.

Airport sources said, while the first plane landed at around 01:30 PM, the second one landed at 01:40 PM.

Soon after the arrival of the two aircraft, CPI(M) activists, led by party's MP from Dum Dum Amitava Nandy, staged a demonstration in front of the international terminal.

The demonstration was peaceful with the agitators carrying placards and shouting slogans against the joint exercise.

The CITU, the trade union wing of the CPI(M), had also decided to organise protest rallies in front of NSCBI and Bagdogra airports and the Kalaikunda airbase against the joint air exercise to be held between November 7 and 19.

"The joint exercise is dangerous for our country as it will hamper the country's independent defence mechanism," Centre of Indian Trade Unions general Secretary Kali Ghosh said.

Endangered

India, US, France mull Indian Ocean bloc

After more than a year of high-level discussions, India, the US and France are coming together as a bloc to police the Indian Ocean region, and in stages, Britain, Russia possibly, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia will join, while China would be kept out.

Following joint exercises with France later this month, India, the US and France will exercise together next year, setting the foundation for the special Indian Ocean bloc, which would be responsibly for securing the sea lanes of communication, interdicting terrorist and pirate ships, and generally protecting the region, on the premise that future conflicts will arise here.

"The stability of this region is very crucial for the big economies," said a Western diplomat, "and it is as much important militarily. The energy security of the world depends on this region, and high volume trade as well."

Sameer

The commies in India are such idiots, i cant believe that my people in the east of the country still vote for them and then they wonder why the rest of India is wayy ahead of them in terms of economic development.

bull

Right Sameer, IG and me are with you on this.

Speaking abt tomorrow's meal mate what abt today's meal???

__________________
What's the difference between people who pray in church and those who pray in casinos?
The ones in the casinos are serious.

Endangered

Govt considering to create Aerospace command

[ Sunday, November 06, 2005 11:12:15 amPTI ]

NEW DELHI: Government is considering an Indian Air Force proposal to create an aerospace command within the service for the use of space for military applications.

"Pursuant to the recommendations of the (Parliamentary) Standing Committee of Defence, the issues highlighted and the evolving global scenario, we propose to form an Aerospace Command in the IAF.

This is under consideration of the government," Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi said in an interview in the forthcoming issue of 'Indian Defence Review'.

Observing that the country had over the years built adequate capability in civilian space technology, he said "our military use of space has, however, been minimal."

Tyagi said there was presently no national policy on use of space for military applications and also "no dedicated central institution to address related issues" and added that the envisaged role of the Aerospace Command would be to fill this void.

Keeping this in mind, the proposal was sent to the government "for its approval in principle after which details would be worked out", the Air Chief said.

Elaborating on the proposed Aerospace Command, he said it would coordinate space related activities and requirements of the IAF and the other services.

"The developments in space should take place under a strategic vision, linking India's ambitions in space and armed forces' requirements with existing infrastructure and capabilities," the Air Chief said.

"The Aerospace Command would be responsible for optimal utilisation of space-based assets in consonance with national policies and with appropriate consideration to international treaties. It would integrate space aspects into the military establishment by providing control, protection and operation of these systems," he said.

To a question on the projections about the IAF strength in future, Tyagi said he foresaw a strength of 35-36 combat squadrons in 2020, increasing to 39 by 2025 "with accretions of Sukhoi-30, Light Combat Aircraft and Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA)."

Government has already given its nod for these acquisitions, he said, adding the IAF was also working on a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft.

On the status of the MRCA, 126 of which are proposed to be acquired, Tyagi said the prospective vendors have replied to the Request For Information (RFI) document sent to them.

He said the next step would be to issue the Request for Proposal (RFP) document to the vendors after clearance from the Defence Ministry.

"The RFP is ready and on receipt of the MoD's approval, the RFP would be issued. The acquisition of such a large magnitude takes time," the Air Chief said, adding the MRCA were expected to be inducted in three to five years.

Endangered

Chilean navy chief coming to shop for defence supplies

New Delhi: With Chile showing interest in procuring military hardware and software from India, including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and INSAS rifles, its Navy cheif will be here next week to hold discussions with top defence ministry officials.

Chilean navy commander-in-chief Admiral Rudolfo Codina is slated to meet Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash, among others, on Monday. This, incidently comes soon after defence minister Pranad Mukherjee's recent visit to Chile. Interestingly, BrahMos Aerospace chief A. Sivathanu Pillai was part of Mukherjee's delegation to Chile.

The BrahMos anti-ship missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is now being inducted on the Indian Navy's frontline ships.The air-breathing missile, which has a strike range of up to 300 kms and can fly at a velocity of 2.8 Mach, was first tested in June 2001. India and Russia intend to sell it to "friendly countries".

Admiral Codina's visit will also provide an oppurtunity to the Indian Navy to get a feedback on the French Scorpene submarines. With India signing the $3.5 billion Scorpene contract on October 6, it's now the third country after Chile and Malaysia to go in for these submarines.

"The first Scorpene class submarine has already been inducted in the Chilean Navy." said an official. India, ofcourse, will get its six Scorpenes - armed with lethal Exocet sea-skimming missiles and wire-guided torpedoes - between 2012 and 2017.

Endangered

AESA radar sale to India, US decision on Nov 21

NEW DELHI: Deepening Indo-US defence ties apart, the real acid test of the Bush administration’s commitment to easing New Delhi’s fear of economic sanctions will be known only on November 21-22 at the Pentagon.

The US will finally reveal at a meeting if it is willing to put on offer its top-secret AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar, a system that is banned by the Republican government for export to any other country.

If cleared, India will be the first country to be offered the radar.

The hangover of US sanctions following the 1998 nuclear tests continues to make New Delhi apprehensive of choosing to purchase American weapons and military hardware. The inclusion of the AESA radar as part of the US offer of fighter aircraft to the IAF will be a clear-cut indication from Washington that it recognises India’s concerns and is willing to offer it a ‘‘safety net’’ in the form of sensitive equipment.

Sources at the US Embassy here told The Indian Express that the inclusion of the APG-79 AESA radar will effectively offset New Delhi’s fear of sanctions. The radar’s uniqueness is its ability to allow a fighter pilot to float between air-to-air and air-to-ground modes in near real time.

The AESA radar is the only major sub-system yet to be cleared by the Bush administration for sale to India as part of the offer of 126 fighters. Every other part of the offer has been pushed through Congress.

The Pentagon’s proposal, made last year, is currently under consideration by the US Congress. The US government’s decision communicated by the Undersecretary of Defence (Policy) Eric Edelman to Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt. The announcement will be made at a meeting of the Defence Policy Group (DPG) in Washington.

Apache on the block too

As part of the IAF’s need for 80 new attack helicopters, US will soon put on offer its most lethal chopper, the AH-64 Apache Longbow. The helicopter was used extensively in Gulf War I and is deployed in large numbers in Iraq by US forces. The IAF is in the market for light and agile assault helicopters for possible use in counter-insurgency operations. The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), to be built by HAL, will take at least another decade to see the light of day.

ajaybhutani

i m looking forward to nov 21.