Indian Air Force: News & Discussions

[patriots]

Good news....guys...................................

 

[samsaptaka]

Few aircraft inspire confidence and love in their pilots like the Mirage 2000. We spoke to Group Captain MJA Vinod (formerly of the Indian Air Force) about the Mirage 2000 and found out it is a lot more potent than many observers believe and how it may even have some advantages over the much vaunted Su-30 Flanker.





Which three words best describe it?

“Agile, Aggressive and Awesome.”

What is the best thing about it?

“Ease of handling the machine, I don’t remember if there has ever been a single landing accident in a Mirage 2000, that is because of carefree handling qualities of Mirage 2000 and of course the quality of training in the unit.”

..and the worst thing?

“I am of a firm believer that there should be two engines in a fighter aeroplane, twin engine fighters have a huge advantage. I believe Dassault Aviation came up a twin-engine version of Mirage 2000 called the Mirage 4000. It wasn’t pursued because the Rafale programme by then had gathered steam and as a policy I guess Dassault Aviation shelved the project. Yes! I do wish there was one more engine. Snecma (now Safran) engines are very reliable that way. I do not recollect any incident where the engine just quit out of the blue.

How you rate the 2000 in the following categories?

Instantaneous turn “Best in the Class, I don’t think there is any fighter comes any close, this needs to be measured with roll and rate of onset of the turn (called tau). In a common language, it means when I spot a bogey how fast can I bank to the required degree, initiate a turn and point towards him. In this regard Mirage 2000 is the best.”

Sustained turn “This is a question of aerodynamics; any delta planform generates higher drag than non- delta planform. Therefore, sustained rate is a function of drag and thrust. Practically, sustained rate is rarely needed, worst case scenario is a bogey on your six in close combat; the Mirage 2000 has enough power, rate of roll and ‘tau’ to shake him off. Mirage 2000 has another unique system that mitigates this Drag and produces adequate lift to sustain the turn and that is slats, with slats at low speeds, in a close combat engagement you can’t get away from a Mirage 2000.”

High alpha – Nothing can beat a Delta platform in this regard, be it MiG 21 or Mirage 2000.

I’m a bit confused by this, is a MiG-29 or Su-30 with a tailed delta not superior?

“High Alpha needs to be understood in its context, High angle of attack does not mean high lift, it is means requisite lift is produced at higher angle of attack, Su-30 MiG-29 are not tailed delta, MiG-21 is a tailed delta. Originally the MiG-21 was not designed as a delta planform, but designers filled the extra space and found that long root to mid chord gave advantage in producing lift and could carry additional fuel and house part of undercarriage etc. So in this case, the delta planform was born more by accident. French adopted it without tail and made Mirage series of fighters. Tailless deltas (without fly-by -wire) like the Mirage III and Mirage V that Pakistan has, suffers from extra drag in the low-speed regime, which an inherently unstable platform like the Mirage 2000 does not suffer from, it is aerodynamics. For a layman, if he watches a Mirage V at low speed and Mirage 2000 at low speed he will see the elevons (the movable part of the trailing edge of a delta wing) in a Mirage 5 is not neutral (not raised or lowered) while in a Mirage 2000 elevons are very close to neutral.”

Acceleration – “You’ve got to pay attention to control the speed in M2K, she is very quick to accelerate.”

Climb rate “At close to 300 metres per second she climbs to the altitude of business in no time.”

What was your most memorable mission?

“It is not just one that moment of ‘awe’. Flying the M2K was memorable, on every mission. If I was to place my finger on one such type, I would choose carrying out laser-guided bomb attack inside a valley where you are doing a lot of head down work with peripheral awareness of the mountains around you. It is this kind of training that brought us on top during Kargil. The ease with which Mirage 2000 took out Tiger Hill with just one LGB was awesome to say the least.

Low level night flying and night missions are particularly challenging and adrenaline pumping. One such mission over desert was one of the most demanding mission I ever flew, it was winter and when I landed, I was drenched in sweat.”





You may also be interested in this interview with an IAF MiG-29 pilot

Which aircraft have you flown DACT against and which was the most challenging?
“I have flown DACT piloting a MiG-21 and Mirage 2000 with almost all aircraft of IAF’s inventory. Close Combat is more of a skill-based deal, yes aircraft capability matters a lot, aided by systems on board, like Helmet Mounted Sights, HUD adds to the ease of getting a kill. I would still grade skill over capability of the aeroplane. In that regard DACT that I have flown against MiG-21 Type-75 have been most memorable. MiG 21 flown by experienced pilot can take you by surprise.”


And why was this?
“The MiG-21 can be flown to much higher Alpha if need be, and pull higher ‘G’ if it is like a life or death situation, neither Viper nor M2K can do that. In that regard, in the able hands of someone like Wg Cdr Abhinandan’s, the MiG-21 can do great.”

How good were the sensors? “Best as of now, I am waiting to see what its big brother Rafale is going to bring to the table. Right now, with the kind of radar and other sensors Mirage 2000 I/TI has, I would rate it the best in the sub-continent. When Mirage 2000 is in the air, the Pakistani military run… and that is a fact.”

How easy is to fly? What is the hardest thing about flying it?

“Very easy to fly, basic flying is a piece of cake. Hard part is, unlike Su-30 where you have a weapon system operator, here you are on your own doing as complex missions as a Su-30. That’s why I said, in a Mirage 2000 ally it is always heads down study, practice, prepare, simulator runs etc. Fun part is flying the mission.”

Is the cockpit tiny?

“Ha ha! That is a wrong question to a MiG 21 guy, compared to a MiG 21 which is like a one room condo, Mirage 2000 is like a palace on wheels. No! the cockpit is adequately spacious.”

You may also be interested in this interview with a PAF JF-17 pilot

How would you rate the cockpit?

“One a scale of 1-10? 10.”

Have you fired live weapons- if so, what was it like?

“Yes! Fast, you fire and in a fraction of a second it’s gone, until you see the splash on the target, until then you wonder ‘where did it go?'”

How confident would you feel going against a modern F-16 or MiG-29?



“It is Man-Machine-Weapon combo. There is no other in like the Mirage 2000 today in this regard. Be it BVR or close combat. Viper is underpowered machine when it’s loaded out for a mission. MiG-29 is brute power. Mirage 2000 enjoys good power in highest load-out and electronic and system suites to complement the mission.”

What is the greatest myth about the 2000?

“Since it visually looks like Mirage III and Mirage V it may manoeuvre like it. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The Mirage 2000 is a fly-by-wire machine, which is inherently unstable, it’s safety margin is not the aerodynamics design factor, it is the software and the fly by wire managed deal. All these leads to less drag and higher manoeuvrability.”

You may also be interested in this interview with a IAF Su-30 pilot

How combat effective is the M2000?

“Best in the class and best in the sub-continent.”

How reliable and easy to maintain is it?

“Frenchmen design the aeroplanes well, be it Mirage class, or Airbus. It is an engineer’s delight. Extremely easy to change components, parts, even an engine.”

Tell me something I don’t know about the Mirage?

“It’s not common knowledge that the small strake on the air intake energises the fin at high alpha thereby making it more directionally stable. This allowed for a smaller fin, saving weight and drag. That small little fixed surface on the air intake does all of this.”

What tips would you give new pilots coming onto the M2000?

“Keep up the tradition of Mirage 2000 ally, whichever aeroplane you come from, heads down study hard, know the system, train in the simulator, go out there in the blue yonder and enjoy seeing your hard work paying off.

What is going on with Tejas? Full story here

I’ve heard the M2000 has a bad rate of sustained turn, is this an issue in air-to-air combat?

“Like I explained earlier, no, The practicality of a sustained turn in a combat situation is minuscule, fighter aeroplanes are not designed for air shows, it is designed to perform a job and that job is warfighting. In that regard Mirage 2000 does its job better than any other aeroplane.”

What is the hardest manoeuvre to pull off in a M2000?

“Low level aerobatics, it needs a lot of practice, flying currency, concentration and flawless execution.”

As a personal opinion: What should the IAF procure and what should it get rid of?

“Like the old leaves fall off and the new leaves grow, IAF too has planned its future well. It is well on its way to modernise. I cannot think of anything that IAF is not doing right this time, especially under Modi Govt. In all spheres IAF is well ahead of the curve and expectation. I have no doubt on this matter.”

It appears that the IAF tasks the 2000 with a2g rather than a2a, why is this?

“That perception is wrong, armed with MICA,the Mirage 2000 is the most formidable fighter in the sky in air-air missions. That’s why the enemy gives Mirage a wide berth. Armed with Spice and other smart weapons, Mirage is equally formidable in air-ground work. For the general public it is the air-ground work that comes to mind, not the for the fact that many times Vipers tucked in their tails and ran away from a Mirage 2000. Therefore it may appear that way, but it is not a fact. It is a superior machine all round.”

In air combat with a MiG-29, who would have the advantage and why?

“Air combat has gone through a paradigm shift in my lifetime. I started with close combat missiles, then came A4M and later BVR. All of them call for different kind of skill, and aircraft capability. In that regard I would rate Mirage 2000 much higher than any aeroplane currently.”

By this you mean it’s the best air combat platform in the IAF?

“Air Combat has gone through a paradigm shift in my lifetime. I started with close combat missiles, then came A4M and later BVR. All of them call for different kind of skill, and aircraft capability. In that regard I would rate Mirage 2000 much higher than any aeroplane currently.”



Does this mean you consider it superior to the Su-30 for the BVR mission, if so — why?

“It would not be right to say, a particular aircraft is superior to the other in all aspects. Every aircraft, especially fighter aircraft are optimised for a certain role and manoeuvrability. Depending on how the designer envisaged it. Russians pay a lot of heed to manoeuvrability, manoeuvres that a Su 30 or a MiG-29 can do, like the Pugachevs cobra or Kulbits are signature manoeuvres that aircraft designed by the West cannot do. Why? Because they didn’t envisage that the aeroplane would need to do such a manoeuvre during air combat. As regards BVR missions, two things are very important, one is look (AKA ‘radar range’), next is the weapon that can hit far (AKA ‘weapon reach’). On paper and in real IAF scores over Pakistan in both. With inclusion of Astra, IAF has acquires indigenous capability too, which has pushed this divide between ‘haves and have nots’ even further.”

How does it compare with the Su-30?

“Su-30 has its advantage in employment in certain areas and Mirage 2000 in certain areas. Together they make a very potent force. Being part of the same side, comparison of both is meaningless. But I can say this, head to head, Su-30 or Mirage 2000 are greatly superior to the Viper, and the reason is very simple, both are later designs than the Viper. They are not underpowered like the Viper and have better weapon range and radar range.”

What were the biggest challenges in integrating the M2000 did anything need to be changed to make the most of the aircraft?

“In that regard I would once again like to give that credit to Indo-France co-operation. The way the aeroplane was inducted into the IAF is a test bookcase of a project management. If aircraft induction was ‘T’, T minus four years, brick-by-brick things were built, training was carried out and capabilities were enhanced. When Mirage 2000 flew into India, it was like it came back to its base in France. Kudos to those magnificent flying men at that time who made this happen. The story continued during its life-cycle and during upgrade. France has been a great friend for India. Our co-operation, especially for the Air Force, it dates to the days of Dassault Ouragan i.e. June 1953.”

How does its situational awareness compare with the Su-30 – any why?

“I haven’t flown the Su-30, however what I can say is Su-30 in the air is a nightmare for many because of its tremendous capability… because of its radar range, weapon range and load-out.”

How would you fight a MiG-29 in WVR DACT? In what altitude/speed set-ups does the M2000 have the advantage – how would the M2000 like to fight?

“The MiG-29, like any Russian fighter, manoeuvres extremely well. Like I said before WVR depends more on pilot’s skill, his situational awareness and his/her ‘Sang Froid’ in a fight. IAF pilots score over anybody in this regard, simply because of our training. The art of WVR is something that is very close to any IAF’s pilots heart. Yes! Again same side fight is not envisaged. Against a Viper or a JF-17? Pakistani pilots need to think twice before engaging.”

How confident would a M2000 pilot feel going 1 v 1 against the following:

PAF JF-17

“Can beat this extremely underpowered fighter in any fight. This is not a rhetoric, I have commented on it earlier. The JF-17 project should have been shelved because it does not tick any box of a modern-day fighter.”

PAF F-16

“The F-16 was designed in the 70s to counter MiGs. Two to four within visual range missiles and one external fuel tank and that’s it. Over time this single-engine fighter has been made to do more than its design. It is a compromise, in these condition it is, again unfair to expect a Viper to win against a Mirage 2000.”

PAF Mirage

The PAF Mirage is a non fly-by-wire tailless delta. Which suffers heavily in the aerodynamic sense. You ask any aerodynamicist he will tell you the same. It has neither the (first) look nor the weapon range, and they don’t train for it either. It is more of a strike aircraft, treated, trained and used as such by Pakistan.”

PAF F7



“Same answer as above. Both are in their last leg of life. F7 should have been retired long ago. Pakistan is not able to retire them, because they don’t have replacement yet. JF-17 was to replace them, it couldn’t, as it ran into rough weather itself: it was plagued by a plethora of issues, the engines being the major concern for Pakistan.”

When did Indian procure the Mirage 2000 and where were you trained?

“It was June of 1985 My Sqn i.e. 7 Sqn Battle Axes were formed with the latest Digital Deltas. I joined the Sqn in 97 and trained in India.”

Which aircraft have you flown and with which units?

“I have flown Kiran Mk I and Mk-II in the academy as a cadet and later as an instructor. MiG-21 with Oorials as a Flight Commander with Warriors, and with the Eighth Pursoots as an Instructor. Mirage 2000 with the Battle Axes and with all the other Mirage 2000 units when I was the Senior Flight Safety Officer. I have also flown in Hunter, Jaguar, Pilatus, HPT-32. As a Flying Instructor I have instructed in HPT-32, Kiran & MiG-21.”

What were your first impressions of the Mirage 2000?

“I came from the MiG-21 type-75, those days only pilots from T-75 were being inducted onto the M2000 because at the end of one’s MOFT (MiG Operational Flying Training) only the top two or three graduating after 1+ year of training went to a T-75 squadron. T-75 was at that time the top-of-the-line fighter, second to only the Mirage 2000 and the MiG-29. Before induction of the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29, T-75 ruled the roost. That and since MiG-21 T-75 pilots had more combat flying experience they were the only pilots finding their way to the ASFs. The MiG-21 was an aircraft with conventional control, however, in the Mirage the pilot is inside the control loop. A pilot’s demand is a request in a FBW (Fly-by-Wire) control loop. Within the safety limit and the aircraft’s capability at that time based on the height, speed, configuration etc the aircraft adhered to your ‘request’. This was a big change. It took some time to adjust to this. Additionally, the load-out of Mirage 2000 was a quantum jump from MiG 21, therefore the amount of manuals that you need to study and understand was also big. In the Mirage allay (the place where Mirage crews stay in a station) in the evening, Fighter Pilots are found studying more than having fun. Oh yes, these changes were huge compared to the rest of the Air Force!”

What should I have asked you?

“You have tailored it well.”

What do you think about this guys..?

Good one, Thankfully not a hit job ! Though he keeps mentioning that AESA radar development has been a struggle (UTTAM). However given latest news from Saurav Jha regarding the performance of UTTAM on Tejas LSP , I feel he is wrong on this count. What remains though is the engine. Some how this has to be indegenized. Problem is Govt is investing peanuts. Govt needs to bring 3-4 big industrial players like TATA, RIL etc.. assure them that once they develop (or reverse engineer) an engine, there will be orders from the IAF. Else no pvt player will invest in R&D.

 

[Bhurki]

Jaguar already had 2032 before ,DARIN 3 afier it will get 2052 AESA

Better in this thread.
Cross posting from BRF.

For the zillion questions asked today on the DARIN-III Jaguar upgrade+ its radar:
1. It is NOT the Elta EL/M 2052 AESA
2. It is the Mechanically Steered Antenna EL/M 2032-J from Elta. (Smaller than LCA MMR antenna)
3. No re-engining with F125IN from Honeywell

https://twitter.com/ReviewVayu/status/1 ... 04064?s=19

Retweeting.... to you after cross checking with 4 HAL officials today:

1. It is NOT the Elta EL/M 2052 AESA
2. It is the Mechanically Steered Antenna EL/M 2032-J from Elta. (Smaller than LCA MMR antenna)

Its the new version specially designed/configured for the DARIN-III

https://twitter.com/ReviewVayu/status/1 ... 51040?s=19
Its on wiki as well.

 

[WolfPack86]

SAAW SOON: HAL’s Souped-Up Hawk Trainer All Set To Fire Indian Anti-Airfield Weapon

In April over the Bay of Bengal, a stubby orange box-shaped weapon will separate from an aircraft flying at 20,000 feet, flip open a pair of angular wings from its sides, and glide over the sea towards a pre-designated spot 80 km away at sea. The weapon, called SAAW — short for Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon — is an in-the-works Indian munition designed to destroy runways at stand-off distances. The aircraft dropping the weapon will be a Hawk-i, on its first ever weapons run. The weapon will be in ‘fire and forget’ mode with inertial guidance.

With over 100 British-origin BAE Systems Hawk Mk.132 jet trainers in service with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, the Hawk-i is an internally funded program by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL, which has license built most of the Hawks in Bengaluru) to offer the military an upgrade and weaponisation solution for the Hawk, transforming it from a trainer of budding fighter pilots in peacetime into a jet that can be deployed on certain combat missions during conflict. The program is in the process of weaponising the Hawk-i with bombs, air-to-air missiles and stand-off strike weapons like the DRDO’s SAAW that will be test-fired this summer. The SAAW, incidentally, is on display for the first time at the ongoing Aero India show in Bengaluru.

The Hawk-i program began in 2014 and is centered around replacing the baseline Hawk’s British mission computer with an Indian one, allowing its developers the flexibility to sling on weapons of choice and give the aircraft the ‘brains’ it needs to generate weapon solutions and fire those weapons. In the absence of a primary radar, to give pilots of the Hawk-i a point and shoot capability, they fly with Israeli Elbit Dash V helmets. Livefist learns that weapon algorithms from the DARIN II and III upgrades effected on the IAF’s Jaguar fleet have been used in the Hawk-i’s mission computer that also uses a HAL-developed real time operating system (RTOS).

The idea is that when the IAF’s Hawks receive the Hawk-i upgrade, they’ll be able to join the battle if a war breaks out, and not have to sit on the ground. Since their straight wings don’t permit fighter-type speed to get away from a sticky situation, the Hawk-i is being kitted out for light strike missions at stand-off distances, including interdiction and close air support. But Hawks turn and climb very nimbly, therefore making their weaponised avatar suitable for operations close to the border or Line of Control for ‘hit and run’ missions. The SAAW test from the Kalaikunda air base in April will be the first of many flights to prove the Hawk for small offensive missions as a smart bomber.

Other weapons options on the Hawk-i will include high speed low drag bombs, sensor fused weapons (like the Textron CBU-105 operational now on IAF Jaguars) and laser guided bombs. Apart from the Litening laser designation pod, the platform will also be able to deploy an electro-optical tactical reconnaissance pod or an active phased array self protection jammer pod. The upgraded aircraft already gone ahead and integrated a CMDS (Counter Measure Dispensing System) and is shortly integrating a radar warning receiver (RWR).

Other add-ons in the Hawk-i program include a virtual training simulator and a 3D digital map generator to keep new generations of pilots abreast with the latest flying aids.

While the Indian Air Force is yet to contract for the Hawk-i program, HAL is pressing on with proving the Hawk-i’s qualities convinced that an upgrade down the line is inevitable — and the fact that it is a fully Indian effort will be impossible to ignore. The way the Hawk-i program works is also entirely new for HAL, a state-owned firm that has almost overwhelmingly worked in response to firm orders or irreversible interest from its military customers. The rationale is that when the IAF is finally ready to pull the trigger on the upgrade, HAL will have everything ready to go with no delays and minimum risk.

The IAF has wanted to give its Hawks teeth for a while now. Livefist reported in 2017 that the IAF showed interest in integrating the MBDA Brimstone strike weapon and ASRAAM heat-seeking missile onto its Hawks. Earlier that year, right after the Aero India 2017 show, HAL’s newly unveiled Hawk-i was integrated with ASRAAM missiles on its wingtips — a crucial piece of weaponry that will allow the Hawk to conduct strike missions while also having the ability to defend itself against other aircraft. Livefist recently reported on the IAF’s plans to standardise the ASRAAM across other combat aircraft types in its fleet.

The Hawk-i was first unveiled just around the time that HAL and BAE Systems announced the Advanced Hawk, a platform revealed first here on Livefist in 2017. While both platforms seek to take the Hawk’s capabilities to the realm of offensive missions, the latter gives the Hawk better flying qualities with jointly designed mechanical changes to its wings, more thrust from its engine and a more modern cockpit. While the Advanced Hawk is being pitched as an additional procurement to take on fighter-like training (with weapons, if necessary), the Hawk-i is an upgrade package that specifically involves a new Indian nervous system that permits electronic warfare and weapons flexibility.

In a separate development at the ongoing Aero India show, HAL also announced that it was proposing a supersonic trainer based on the LCA Tejas airframe, as a possible bridge between the Hawk and fast jets.
https://www.livefistdefence.com/201...-set-to-fire-indian-anti-airfield-weapon.html

 

[Shashwat]

HAL product video showcasing HTFE, HTSE and many other interesting tid bit.

 

[Shadow]

That expression in Air Chief Bhadauria's face seems he was born solely for PKMKB... :biggrin2:

 

[Megalomaniac]

I am excited about this.

 

[Suryavanshi]

That expression in Air Chief Bhadauria's face seems he was born solely for PKMKB... :biggrin2:

View attachment 39040 View attachment 39041
View attachment 39042

I hope this one can bantz the Paki like Dhanoha.

My respec to Dannoha he mastered the art of Psychological warfare. He was both the Bark and bite. Salute

 

[Prashant12]

IAF’s heavy-lift Mi-26 choppers set to fly back to Russia for overhaul

Ministry of Defence has cleared overhaul of its 3 Russian Halo choppers. Once the process is complete, IAF will operate both Halo & US Chinook helicopters.

New Delhi: The first of the Indian Air Force’s three iconic Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters known as Halo, is set to fly to Russia in about six months to undergo extensive overhaul and repairs that is expected to extend its life by another 10-15 years, ThePrint has learnt.

The move will enable the IAF to operate the Russian-made world’s largest heavy-lift helicopters together with the American Chinook choppers that are being currently inducted, giving it an unprecedented tactical lift capability.

Once the process is complete, India will become the first country to have a simultaneous inventory of both Mi-26s and Chinooks.

Speaking to ThePrint, senior government officials said the Ministry of Defence finally cleared the file for the overhauling of the three Mi-26 helicopters in August.

To be serviced in rotation, sources said, the choppers are now being readied so that they are in a condition to fly to Russia.

Servicing each Mi-26 helicopter is likely to take anywhere between a year and a year-and-a-half. The second chopper would fly to Russia for the overhaul once the first one is back. Subsequently, the third one would be sent, said an official who did not wish to be named.

It would take each chopper about three weeks to reach Russia.

The overhaul will extend the life of the choppers by 10-15 years. Upon return, the Mi-26 will be made operational to fly to remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, added the sources.

All three Halo choppers are currently non-operational. Two of them were grounded in September 2013 and August 2014, respectively, while the third chopper last flew in 2017.

Also read: New IAF chief RKS Bhadauria says fully prepared to deal with any ‘contingency’

The Halo history
The IAF had proposed overhauling the choppers almost three years ago and was awaiting clearance from the defence ministry. The delay had led to speculation in some quarters on whether the Mi-26 chopper fleet would be grounded altogether.

India was one of the earliest buyers of the Mi-26 helicopter when it was launched in the early 1980s by the erstwhile Soviet Union. Four Mi-26 helicopters were inducted into the IAF between 1986 and 1989, of which one crashed at the Jammu airport in 2010.

The move to overhaul the Mi-26s comes even as 15 US-made Chinook helicopters were bought by the IAF — of which four have been inducted — to replace the Russian choppers.

Powered by twin turboshaft engines, the Mi-26 helicopter weighs around 28,200 kg and its maximum take-off weight is 56,000 kg.

The Mi26 heavy-lift Halos have served a major role in lifting and transporting artillery guns, bridges, missiles and other equipment to far-flung areas of Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as during evacuations.

The repairs process
Speaking to ThePrint, a senior IAF officer explained that overhauling of the chopper will include checking the integrity of the airframe and fatigue checks, particularly the load bearing areas, and involve replacing the major components that have completed their lives.

“Moreover, the engines would be checked, and parts like the turbine blades or the seals would be replaced with fresh ones. The avionics components would also be checked to see if any part needs to be replaced,” said the officer.

Owing to its small fleet, fewer pilots and technical personnel are trained for the Mi-26 choppers. As a result, preparing each chopper for a flight will take about six months, added the officer.

The Mi-26 choppers are part of the Chandigarh-based No. 126 Helicopter Flight (Featherweights) squadron.

https://theprint.in/defence/iaf-mi-26-choppers-to-russia-overhaul/300936/

 

[Aaj ka hero]

IAF’s heavy-lift Mi-26 choppers set to fly back to Russia for overhaul

Ministry of Defence has cleared overhaul of its 3 Russian Halo choppers. Once the process is complete, IAF will operate both Halo & US Chinook helicopters.

New Delhi: The first of the Indian Air Force’s three iconic Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters known as Halo, is set to fly to Russia in about six months to undergo extensive overhaul and repairs that is expected to extend its life by another 10-15 years, ThePrint has learnt.

The move will enable the IAF to operate the Russian-made world’s largest heavy-lift helicopters together with the American Chinook choppers that are being currently inducted, giving it an unprecedented tactical lift capability.

Once the process is complete, India will become the first country to have a simultaneous inventory of both Mi-26s and Chinooks.

Speaking to ThePrint, senior government officials said the Ministry of Defence finally cleared the file for the overhauling of the three Mi-26 helicopters in August.

To be serviced in rotation, sources said, the choppers are now being readied so that they are in a condition to fly to Russia.

Servicing each Mi-26 helicopter is likely to take anywhere between a year and a year-and-a-half. The second chopper would fly to Russia for the overhaul once the first one is back. Subsequently, the third one would be sent, said an official who did not wish to be named.

It would take each chopper about three weeks to reach Russia.

The overhaul will extend the life of the choppers by 10-15 years. Upon return, the Mi-26 will be made operational to fly to remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, added the sources.

All three Halo choppers are currently non-operational. Two of them were grounded in September 2013 and August 2014, respectively, while the third chopper last flew in 2017.

Also read: New IAF chief RKS Bhadauria says fully prepared to deal with any ‘contingency’

The Halo history
The IAF had proposed overhauling the choppers almost three years ago and was awaiting clearance from the defence ministry. The delay had led to speculation in some quarters on whether the Mi-26 chopper fleet would be grounded altogether.

India was one of the earliest buyers of the Mi-26 helicopter when it was launched in the early 1980s by the erstwhile Soviet Union. Four Mi-26 helicopters were inducted into the IAF between 1986 and 1989, of which one crashed at the Jammu airport in 2010.

The move to overhaul the Mi-26s comes even as 15 US-made Chinook helicopters were bought by the IAF — of which four have been inducted — to replace the Russian choppers.

Powered by twin turboshaft engines, the Mi-26 helicopter weighs around 28,200 kg and its maximum take-off weight is 56,000 kg.

The Mi26 heavy-lift Halos have served a major role in lifting and transporting artillery guns, bridges, missiles and other equipment to far-flung areas of Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as during evacuations.

The repairs process
Speaking to ThePrint, a senior IAF officer explained that overhauling of the chopper will include checking the integrity of the airframe and fatigue checks, particularly the load bearing areas, and involve replacing the major components that have completed their lives.

“Moreover, the engines would be checked, and parts like the turbine blades or the seals would be replaced with fresh ones. The avionics components would also be checked to see if any part needs to be replaced,” said the officer.

Owing to its small fleet, fewer pilots and technical personnel are trained for the Mi-26 choppers. As a result, preparing each chopper for a flight will take about six months, added the officer.

The Mi-26 choppers are part of the Chandigarh-based No. 126 Helicopter Flight (Featherweights) squadron.

https://theprint.in/defence/iaf-mi-26-choppers-to-russia-overhaul/300936/

Me says buy NEW Ones, this helicopter is too good to be replaced, a group of 10 can lift critical systems in case of dual war scenarios fast and to the location.

 

[WolfPack86]

Will start the process for acceptance of necessity (AON) for the 114 fighters to be Made in India shortly - Air Chief

 

[Bhurki]

Will start the process for acceptance of necessity (AON) for the 114 fighters to be Made in India shortly - Air Chief

This will complete IAF quest for 42 squadrons by 2030
Existing-
13(mki)+3(m2k)+3(m29)+6(jag)+1(tejas1)=26
On order-
2(mki)+1(m29)+2(raf)+5(tejas1+1a)+6 of these = 16
Out of these, IAF has to pay for 4 squadrons (83) of mk1a, 114 of MRCA over next 10 years.
Conservative estimates-
53000 crore for 1a( rumoured last month*)
150000 crore for 114( considering $180-190 million per a/c*)
*These encompass program costs including Specific enhancements, performance based logistics, initial weapons package etc.
Total cost ~ 2,30,000 crore( over next 10 year including inflation)
Considering capex for IAF at Rs. 35k cr in 2019, growth in capex 2009-2019, its viable that IAF capex available in period 2020-2030
= 5 lac crore.
So yeah, money shouldn't be much of problem..

 

[ladder]

This will complete IAF quest for 42 squadrons by 2030
Existing-
13(mki)+3(m2k)+3(m29)+6(jag)+1(tejas1)=26
On order-
2(mki)+1(m29)+2(raf)+5(tejas1+1a)+6 of these = 16
Out of these, IAF has to pay for 4 squadrons (83) of mk1a, 114 of MRCA over next 10 years.
Conservative estimates-
53000 crore for 1a( rumoured last month*)
150000 crore for 114( considering $180-190 million per a/c*)
*These encompass program costs including Specific enhancements, performance based logistics, initial weapons package etc.
Total cost ~ 2,30,000 crore( over next 10 year including inflation)
Considering capex for IAF at Rs. 35k cr in 2019, growth in capex 2009-2019, its viable that IAF capex available in period 2020-2030
= 5 lac crore.
So yeah, money shouldn't be much of problem..

Add Su 30 upgrade cost and instalment of already inducted/ upgraded platform also.

 

[Bhurki]

Add Su 30 upgrade cost and instalment of already inducted/ upgraded platform also.

Half of 5 lakh crore or estimated $35B will still be available for other IAF projects within 2020-2030 timeframe.
For (super)sukhoi upgrade, estimated costs as per media variate constantly.
Assuming a 150 crore per plane cost..
The entire program should be about $5-6B, even though i don't think the entire 272 units will be upgraded within this time frame.
Major installments include $1B for 21 mig 29,
$3B for rafale.. Still a lot of room...

 

[WolfPack86]

#Updates

1/ Order for 83 Tejas Mk-1A to be placed soon.

2/ Process for ‘acceptance of necessity (AoN)’ for the 114 multirole combat aircraft program to be initiated soon, says IAF chief Bhadauria. The following have responded to the RFI, but there’s a near-zero chance it will be a 7-horse race.

3/ Air force back to square one on Air refulers. Have initiated the RFI again.

4/ Sukhoi upgrade to integrate Indian weapons systems. Plan put under progress.

5/ On the AMCA, air chief says that given the high resource commitment by the country, will only go for indigenous option.

6/ The next induction of basic trainer will be HTT-40

7/ The first four Rafale jets to come to Indian skies by the end of May after training of pilots in France.

8/ We will work on integrating the indigenous ASTRA beyond visual range missile across platforms. Will focus on it.

9/ We have started process for ordering 12 more Su 30MKI fighters.

10/ Have been hearing about acquisition of 36 more Rafale aircraft. But nothing has been moved as of now.

11/ Jaguar DARIN 3 upgrade is going on as planned. Re engining plan shelved.

12/ Acquisition of Rafale and the S 400 will significantly enhance operational capability.

13/ Several steps taken to augment IAF's fighter capability. Midlife upgrade of MiG 29, Jaguar and Mirage underway. Su 30 will also be upgraded shortly, process underway
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TeamAMCA/photos/?ref=page_internal

 

[samsaptaka]

Good news. If only kaveri engine had been successful...

 

[IndianHawk]

Good news. If only kaveri engine had been successful...

What we have been missing is this level of determination to support indegenios program. Now that the determination is here indegenios engine will come too.

 

[bhavesh100]

#Updates

1/ Order for 83 Tejas Mk-1A to be placed soon.

2/ Process for ‘acceptance of necessity (AoN)’ for the 114 multirole combat aircraft program to be initiated soon, says IAF chief Bhadauria. The following have responded to the RFI, but there’s a near-zero chance it will be a 7-horse race.

3/ Air force back to square one on Air refulers. Have initiated the RFI again.

4/ Sukhoi upgrade to integrate Indian weapons systems. Plan put under progress.

5/ On the AMCA, air chief says that given the high resource commitment by the country, will only go for indigenous option.

6/ The next induction of basic trainer will be HTT-40

7/ The first four Rafale jets to come to Indian skies by the end of May after training of pilots in France.

8/ We will work on integrating the indigenous ASTRA beyond visual range missile across platforms. Will focus on it.

9/ We have started process for ordering 12 more Su 30MKI fighters.

10/ Have been hearing about acquisition of 36 more Rafale aircraft. But nothing has been moved as of now.

11/ Jaguar DARIN 3 upgrade is going on as planned. Re engining plan shelved.

12/ Acquisition of Rafale and the S 400 will significantly enhance operational capability.

13/ Several steps taken to augment IAF's fighter capability. Midlife upgrade of MiG 29, Jaguar and Mirage underway. Su 30 will also be upgraded shortly, process underway
https://www.facebook.com/pg/TeamAMCA/photos/?ref=page_internal

Are you sensing that India going for F21 WITH SOME F35, IF INDIA DO MOT ORDER MORE RAFI?

 

[vampyrbladez]

Are you sensing that India going for F21 WITH SOME F35, IF INDIA DO MOT ORDER MORE RAFI?

36 Rafale more by early 2020 is a definite possibility.

 

[bhavesh100]

36 Rafale more by early 2020 is a definite possibility.

I was thinking that RAFI WAS in the plan for 114 mmca. But AIR CHIEF Said that India is not going for more RAFI as per news report. That is why I ASK THE Q. NEW PLAN COULD BE PART OF TRADE DEAL UNDER NEGOTIATION WITH USA, JUST A GUESS.