DTN News - Aero India 2011: Airshow Attracts 50,000 On Day Four

DTN News - Aero India 2011: Airshow Attracts 50,000 On Day Four

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DNA India

(NSI News Source Info) BANGALORE, India - February 12, 2011: Roaring metal birds and theirntricate manoeuvres were the cynosure of all eyes at the Aero India show here which was opened for public viewing today.

The crowd was eager to have a first hand experience of flying displays from top-notch aerobatic teams like 'Surya Kiran', 'Sarang' and 'Red Bull'.

The breathtaking flying sorties drew thunderous applause from the gathering.

According to preliminary estimates from authorities, the fourth-day of the Aero Show today attracted at least 50,000 people and the numbers could swell on the last day tomorrow.

The visitors were vying for a vantage spot to witness the take-offs and pilots manoeuvring the jets.

The crowd was treated to a dazzling display from medium multi-role combat aircraft team of Lockheed Martin's F-16, Boeings Super Hornet F/A-18, Gripen of Saab and Rafale of French Dassault and Thphoon of Eurofighter.

It was an additional attraction for some visitors when Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni was sighted at the venue.

Dhoni, whose aspirations to fly F-16 fighter aircraft could not be realised as he had not undergone requisite training to fly, however, watched the air display.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

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DTN News: Indian Police Defuse Two Bombs At Cricket Ground

DTN News: Indian Police Defuse Two Bombs At Cricket Ground Source: DTN News / AFP (NSI News Source Info) BANGALORE, India - April 19, 2010: Police in the southern Indian city of Bangalore on Sunday defused two crude bombs next to a cricket stadium, a senior officer said, a day after explosions outside the ground injured eight people. Both devices were found next to the 40,000-seater Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the blasts on Saturday sparked panic among spectators queuing up to watch an Indian Premier League Twenty20 match. One of the defused bombs was near a gate for dignitaries, while the second was beside a billboard, Bangalore police chief Shankar Bidari told reporters. "We are investigating the twin blasts that occurred Saturday and the detection of two crude bombs Sunday. No arrests have been made so far," he said. The explosives were discovered by police scouring the area after the first blasts, which they described as "low intensity". Two matches scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday have been moved to Mumbai from Bangalore, a city which has an international reputation as an information technology hub. India has been on high alert after a bombing at a restaurant in the western city of Pune in February killed 16 people. Responsibility for that blast was claimed by a splinter of a larger Pakistan-based Islamist group. New Delhi hosts the Commonwealth Games in October, and the cricket World Cup takes place in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February to April next year. The Bangalore blasts came after the United States warned Friday in a travel alert that it continued "to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India". Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said on Sunday the security situation in India would be closely monitored. "We're keen to talk to IPL organisers, and that will possibly happen some time in the next 12 hours or so, just to get an understanding of what's going on," he told reporters in Sydney. "We are relieved however that there have been no injuries to any of the Australian personnel who are in India to play." Australian Commonwealth Games chief Perry Crosswhite said the bomb attack was not a direct threat to October's Games. Two policemen and a private security guard were in intensive care for head injuries overnight after the blasts but were not in any danger, hospital staff said. A third policeman and a fan were also treated in hospital.

DTN News: Hong Kong TODAY September 2, 2009 ~ Pilot Suspended As Severe Turbulence Hits Plane On Flight To India

DTN News: Hong Kong TODAY September 2, 2009 ~ Pilot Suspended As Severe Turbulence Hits Plane On Flight To India

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) HONG KONG - September 2, 2009: A Hong Kong pilot has been removed from flying duties after the plane he was piloting hit severe turbulence on a flight to Bangalore, India, his airline said Wednesday.

Dragonair is the second largest airline of Hong Kong. It specialises in air services between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific now. Core of the fleet is a number of Airbus A330-300 aircraft. On the picture one of these is taking off from Beijing Capital Airport.

The Dragonair Airbus A330 carrying 231 passengers and 13 crew members was rocked violently for several seconds after hitting clear-air turbulence Aug 2 over the Indian Ocean on its way from Hong Kong.

No one was injured and the 'Fasten seat belt' sign was switched on as soon as the turbulence began. However, a spokeswoman for Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd said a number of passengers suffered air sickness.

The incident took place weeks after an Air France Airbus A330 crashed, killing 228 people, after running into a storm off the coast of Brazil, but the Dragonair spokeswoman insisted there were no similarities between the two incidents.

A report on the incident has been sent to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, and the spokeswoman said in a statement: 'As is standard procedure in any such incident, the captain has stood down from duty while the investigation is conducted.

''The aircraft did not suffer a significant loss of altitude,' she said.

Passengers and cabin crew were briefed on the likelihood of turbulence before the plane took off for the over five-hour night-flight, the spokeswoman said.

Severe turbulence has been cited as a possible cause of the Air France crash June 2 after the Airbus A330 ran into an equatorial storm on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris although the reason for the tragedy remained unknown.

Clear-air turbulence is caused when bodies of air moving at greatly different speeds meet at high altitude. It is impossible to detect with the naked eye or with conventional aircraft equipment and has led to injuries and deaths in rare instances.

HAL Hands Over First G-150 Rear Fuselage To IAI / HAL Hands Over First Rear Fuselage For Gulfstream (G-150) Aircraft To IAI

HAL Hands Over First G-150 Rear Fuselage To IAI / HAL Hands Over First Rear Fuselage For Gulfstream (G-150) Aircraft To IAI (NSI News Source Info) April 9, 2009: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday strengthened its position as a leading aerospace export house when it handed over the first rear fuselage for the Gulfstream (G-150) aircraft to Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, based in Savannah, Georgia, announced the wide-cabin, high-speed G150 business jet in September 2002. The G150 is a wide-cabin version of the successful G100 business jet. The aircraft was developed by Gulfstream and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI). The first fight was successfully completed in May 2005. *G150 flight deck The aircraft is equipped with a Rockwell Collins Pro Line21 integrated avionics suite. The flight deck accommodates two crew and is fitted with a Rockwell Collins EFD-4077 electronic flight information system which provides data to the four 18.4cm display screens. The dual UNS-1C flight management systems have an integrated global positioning system and Rockwell Collins FCC-4005 autopilot. The navigation systems include dual AHC-85E attitude and heading reference systems, ADC-850C air data systems, VIR-432 navigation markers, DME-442 distance measuring equipment, single automatic direction finder ADF-462, an ALT-55B radio altimeter, a terrain collision avoidance system TCAS-94, a Honeywell EGPWS electronic ground proximity warning system and TWR-850 colour weather radar. The communications suite comprises VHF-422C cockpit radios, RTU-4220 tuners and TDR-94D transponders, Baker B12135 audio sets, Magnastar flight telephones, Rockwell Collins HF 9000 radio, Motorola NA-1335 Selcal selective calling unit, Artex ELT emergency locator transponder and a Universal CVR-30B cockpit voice recorder. *Gulfstream G150 performance The G150 has a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.75 (895km/h), flying four passengers non-stop up to 5,467km (3,397 miles), equivalent to non-stop New York to Los Angeles, London to Moscow, or Rio de Janeiro to Santiago. The aircraft can reach speeds up to 1,015km/h (Mach 0.85) and altitudes up to 13,716m (45,000ft). The wings are fitted with pneumatic de-icing systems. HAL Chairman Mr Ashok Nayak handed over the documents of the HAL-built Aft (rear) fuselage for G-150 to Mr Shlomi Karako, General Manager, Business Jets Division, IAI, at a simple function at HAL’s Aircraft Division in Bangalore. Gulfstream (G-150) is a business executive aircraft built in Israel and transported to the United States for further furnishing. The G-150 is marketed the world over by the US-based Gulfstream Corporation. Ready for more challenges, says Nayak: The Aircraft Division has made a mark on the international export map over the years by supplying several types of door assemblies to Boeing, Airbus and other global firms. “With the G-150 fuselage delivery HAL has now entered a fairly advanced manufacturing level of building major structural assemblies for global players in the civil sector. The G-150 project augurs well not only for HAL, but also for the national objective of producing a civil aircraft of international standards,” Mr Ashok Nayak said. He also attributed the success of the project to the involvement of the private sector and expressed hope that the Company would bag more orders in the future. “The G-150 programme has given us huge confidence in taking up bigger challenges. We are now looking forward to the G-250 programme and we have made our strong presence felt in the bidding process. HAL-IAI has a time-tested partnership and we are here to capitalize on the vast potential in the business jet market,” Mr Nayak added. Quality at its best, says Israel: HAL’s ability to deliver the G-150 fuselage on time came in for praise from the strong contingent of IAI officials. “To us, this is a champion product. We have seen closely HAL’s capabilities in handling new technologies and new IT processes. For us the Gulfstream fuselage is a perfect example of synergy and quality,” Mr Shlomi Karako of IAI said. About the project: The IAI approached HAL with a request for quotation (RFQ) for building the fuselage in December 2006, since they required a partner to build the fuselage from digital data for the first time. (This process was against the legacy of paper drawings from which hundreds of aircraft were built in Israel.) The contract for producing 200 ship-sets of G-150 fuselages was signed in 2007, and a dedicated state-of-the-art hangar came up in Bangalore within nine months. The programme also saw significant and close collaborative efforts between HAL and IAI in realizing the hardware through web-based design data transfer. It also brought together the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI). HAL has a seven-year schedule to deliver 200 fuselage ship-sets to Israel.

Ukraine, India Headed For Defense Cooperation Agreement

Ukraine, India Headed For Defense Cooperation Agreement

(NSI News Source Info) February 21, 2009: India and the Ukraine have agreed to frame an inter-governmental commission on military technical cooperation, after talks at AeroIndia 2009 in Bangalore.

The result would be a broad set of umbrella agreements that would define key requirements like security, technology transfer, and support, opening the way to defense projects with Ukrainian firms.

India already has a framework of this type in place with Russia, is reportedly negotiating one with France, and arguably needs one with the United States. The BTR-3 is an 8×8-wheeled armoured personnel carrier manufactured by KMDB in Ukraine. The most significant of exports was to the Myanmar Army which acquired 1000 BTR-3Us, to be assembled in Myanmar. The BTR-3U is an all-new production vehicle, rather than an upgrade of the existing in-service vehicle, such as the BTR-80. The Ukraine has a substantial defense industry left as a legacy from the Soviet Union, and some products like the BTR-3E1/3U have become export successes. India is certainly aware of the T-80UD “Al-Khalid” tank developed for Pakistan, whose rapid and successful fielding resulted in a rush effort to add T-90S tanks to the Indian Army’s fleet.

The Ukraine needs more of those orders in order to modernize and maintain its defense industrial base, which is vital to the country’s continued security. India has a different problem, which it shares with the Ukraine: sets of Soviet/Russian-made equipment that must be maintained and upgraded, despite poor cooperation from Russian firms. Reports indicate that Ukrainian expertise will be sought for programs aimed at modernizing Indian armor, MiG, Antonov, Tupolev and Ilyushin aircraft; and Mil and Kamov helicopters. Missiles, radars, and weapons cooperation are also reportedly under discussion. It’s worthy of note that all of these potential areas are also areas of Israeli expertise, and Israeli cooperation with India has grown apace on that basis. What Israel lacks, and the Ukraine offers, is original manufacturing capabilities for Russian equipment designs, and for many of the associated parts that would be used as spares.

India: IAF Reluctant To Follow On Order For Hawk Trainer

India: IAF Reluctant To Follow On Order For Hawk Trainer

(NSI News Source Info) BANGALORE - February 16, 2009: Worried over shortcomings in product support from BAE systems, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), issues over maintenance and a price considered too steep, the Indian Air Force (IAF) appears reluctant to go ahead with the follow-on order for the Hawk trainer. Three Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft fly past during the induction ceremony at Bidar Air Force Station some 150 Kms from Hyderabad. Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony inducted the British-built Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) Hawk as a training aircraft for Indian Air-Force fighter pilots. The IAF, through a $1.75-billion contract signed in March 2004, is receiving 66 Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainers. Of these, BAE Systems has supplied 24 in direct supply mode, while the remaining 42 are being assembled from semi knocked down and completely knocked down kits — progressively using indigenous components — at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bangalore. HAL is contracted to assemble all the 42 Hawks by 2011. The aircraft entered service at Air Force Station Bidar, Karnataka, in February 2008.Apprehensions In January 2008, the IAF prevailed upon the government to allow it go in for a further batch of 57 Hawks, with 17 of them being for the Navy. But the IAF now appears to have apprehensions over the follow-on order. The aircraft in the follow-on order were to have been indigenously assembled by HAL, with product and technical support from the OEM. Highly placed sources told The Hindu that the slow pace of deliveries from HAL, tardy product support from BAE Systems and poor serviceability had led to the IAF’s rethink. The IAF which had to pull out all stops before BAE Systems rectified a number of technical and spares-related issues especially on the initial batch of Hawks, is also worried over the price being quoted by HAL for the follow-on order. HAL officials said the company had indicated the prices taking into effect inputs on spares, technical help and product support from OEMs BAE Systems and Rolls Royce (for the engine). Refusing to comment on the price issue, a spokesperson for BAE Systems said that all the pricing details had been provided to HAL. Commenting on problems over spares for the direct supply of Hawks, he said BAE Systems had “delivered all the spares that had been contracted for.” The IAF would like HAL to indigenously develop an AJT, a natural follow on to the Intermediate Jet Trainer that is being built. At Aero India 2009 here, M. Natarajan, Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, also announced the development of a lead-in-fighter-trainer quite similar to South Korea’s T-50 Golden Eagle. He told The Hindu that the trainer which will be a derivative of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas would be far superior to the Hawk and could be flying in five to six years. The Hawks allow trainee pilots to make the transition from flying sub sonic to super sonic aircraft and are being used by the IAF for its fighter training programme.

India, Russia To Float $600 Million JV To Develop New Aircraft

India, Russia To Float $600 Million JV To Develop New Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) Bangalore - February 13, 2009: With defence sector being open to foreign direct investment, the ongoing modernisation plan of Armed Forces and enormous new opportunities in the civil aviation sector have opened innumerable new avenues for investment. India companies, making the most of the opportunity of sharing the expertise in the fields of R&D production and product support with other global players at the Aero India 2009, inked a few pacts on Thursday to give a boost to the aviation sector. The country's Bird Group announced an agreement with the Switzerland-based business jet company-VistaJet Holding SA-to market the Vistajet in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Russian MIG-35 fighter, bidding to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to IAF, has a good chance to win the deal as it was a strong product to meet India's defence needs, Mikhail Pogosyan, CEO RSK MIG and Sukhoi, said here on Thursday. In yet another deal, India and Russia will establish a 50:50 joint venture in the next few months to develop a multi-role transport aircraft at a cost of $600 million, a top Russian official said. While Bangalore-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would be the Indian partner, the Russian side would identify its partners, likely to be United Aircraft Corporation's (UAC's) transport and cargo divisions, in the next few weeks, president and chairman of UAC, Alexey I Fedorov said. The jointly developed transport aircraft would be inducted into the Russian and Indian Air Force, he said on the sidelines of the ongoing South Asia's biggest airshow 'Aero India-2009'. Meanwhile, global leader in aerospace and defence related services European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company ( EADS) said it has signed 25 agreements in India since August last year to enhance cooperation with the country's aerospace and defence industry, company officials said. “A competitive Eurofighter Typhoon bid proposal and a comprehensive offset offer were submitted to the Indian authorities in (August) 2008 (in response to bids for medium multi role combat aircraft (MMRCA) programme”, Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of military air systems, an integrated business unit of EADS defence and security said. Since then, 25 MoUs have already signed to enhance industrial cooperation with India's aerospace and defence industry, he said. The Eurofighter Typhoon partner companies are confident of fulfilling the 50% offset obligation (under which 30% of the contract amount has to be invested in India) of the Request for Proposals (RFP) (in connection with MMRCA) and would offer India access to an international.

Bird Air Services Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bird Group, signed a comprehensive marketing agreement with Pacific Propeller Intl (PPI), a global repair and overhaul services provider to several regional airlines and military aircrafts. Under the agreement, PPI would provide its services and products through Bird Air within the Indian subcontinent, executive director of Bird Group Ankur Bhatia said. It would also help facilitate MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services for propeller based engines for aircrafts in India at PPI prop shops.

Russia Delivers 4 MiG-29 Fighters To India

Russia Delivers 4 MiG-29 Fighters To India

(NSI News Source Info) BANGALORE, India - February 13, 2009: Russia has delivered the first four MiG-29 Fulcrum-D naval fighters to India and will supply the remaining 12 aircraft by the end of 2009, the head of Russia's MiG aircraft maker said on Thursday. Russia and India signed a contract on January 20, 2004, stipulating the supply of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four two-seat MiG-29KUB to New Delhi as part of a $750 million deal to deliver the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier currently being retrofitted in Russia for the Indian Navy. "The first four aircraft have been inspected by Indian technical experts and the [Indian] pilots are taking a five-month flight training course," Mikhail Pogosyan said at a news conference on the sidelines of the Aero India 2009 show in the southern city of Bangalore. Pogosyan also said the remaining fighters would be delivered to India by the yearend, as stipulated by the contract. The aircraft will be later deployed on board the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, which is due to enter service in the Indian navy in 2012 as the INS Vikramaditya.

Rosoboronexport – A New Format Of Strategic Cooperation With India

Rosoboronexport – A New Format Of Strategic Cooperation With India

(NSI News Source Info) February 12, 2009: The 7th Biennial International Aerospace Exhibition, Aero India 2009, will be held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bangalore, India, from 11 to 15 February 2009. Its organizer is India’s Ministry of Defense (Department of Defense Production). The present exhibition will be a significant event not only for the Asia Pacific region, but also for the world’s major manufacturers of combat and civilian aerospace equipment and air defense facilities. The air show is expected to be dominated by India’s tender to supply the national Air Force with 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). In January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract for the delivery of 12 MiG-29K and 4 MiG-29KUB which will be operated from INS Vikramaditya. The first MiG-29KUB manufactured for the Navy took to the skies in May 2008. Delivery of the aircraft to India started in September 2008. In September 2008, the Indian Navy confirmed the purchase of an additional 30 MiG-29Ks and -KUBs for the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. Nearly 600 foreign and domestic companies will be showcasing their products at Aero India 2009. This stems from a desire amongst major aircraft manufacturers to enter competition for large arms procurement orders under the Indian Air Force Modernization Program. In turn, many countries in the region show interest in modern combat planes and helicopters, weapons and avionics as well as in upgrading their national military arsenals. Certainly, the global financial crisis has somewhat affected the arms market. However, its impact on military-technical cooperation turned out not to be as severe as on the other sectors of the world economy. This primarily pertains to the countries not dependent on petrodollars. The specialists and guests will be able to see tens of various combat and civilian planes. Helicopters will be widely exhibited which is caused by the Indian Army’s plans to procure 500 light helicopters in the coming ten years to meet the needs of its airmobile units. The exhibitors will showcase a diverse lineup of training facilities, engines, avionics, missile and bombing armament. According to RF Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation’s decision, the Rostekhnologii State Corporation is the organizer of the Russian exposition. The federal state unitary enterprise Rosoboronexport, the sole state intermediary agency in the field of military-technical cooperation with foreign countries, will participate in Aero India 2009 under the aegis of the State Corporation. The unified Russian delegation is headed by Alexander Fomin, first deputy chairman of the RF Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. Viktor Komardin, deputy director general of Rosoboronexport, will head the enterprise’s delegation. A 1000 sq. m exhibition area will accommodate stands of 20 Russian exhibitors displaying armaments, military equipment, and aerospace products as full-scale hardware, models, advertising leaflets and posters. The content and dimensions of the Russian stands, planned meetings and negotiations will be focused on further strengthening Russia’s military-technical cooperation with its long and reliable partners in MTC 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.India, hosting this traditional air show, has been our most important strategic partner for over several decades. Moscow and Delhi currently implement the 2001-2010 Military-Technical Cooperation Program valued at US$ 18 billion. Most defense deliveries under the Program have been completed or are in the final phase. In December 2008, the Intergovernmental Commission for MTC defined a strategy for the bilateral relations in the period through 2020. Among the ongoing major projects are the delivery of Mi-17V-5 transport helicopters to the Indian AF, license production of Su-30MKI aircraft and T-90S tanks, and Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft modernization. In addition, the Russian defense industry fulfills Indian delivery orders for MiG-29K, MiG-29KUB fighters and Ka-31 helicopters. The trend seen in recent years is a growing Indian industry’s involvement in the development and production of Russian aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The bilateral cooperation is advancing to a qualitatively new level: from arms deliveries to in-depth joint R&D efforts, purchase of Russian technologies and licensed production of armaments and military equipment in India. Our MTC features a high level of cooperation and trust in carrying out joint R&Ds and production of armaments and military equipment. This meets Moscow and Delhi’s strategic and mutually beneficial interests. Much attention is paid now to the joint Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. The MTA is initially planned as a double-use transport. It has to meet the demanding requirements of the military and yet be commercially attractive. The technical and financial risks involved are shared between Russia and India. Once launched into production, the new aircraft will replace military transports operational with the two countries. Another contract signed by Rosoboronexport late last year calls for active joint development efforts on a fifth-generation fighter. It is planned that the future aircraft will use a new platform with up-to-date technical components, including stealth technologies. The fighter will combine super maneuverability and supersonic speed, long range and high counter-air defense capability. It will be fitted with a new-architecture multifunction avionics suite. In the engine area, Russia has transferred to India production documentation for such a high-tech product as the RD-33 Series 3 aircraft engine. Our country is developing the AL-55I turbojet intended to power the Indian HJT-36 trainer. Over the past 40-plus years the volume of Russian and Indian military-technical cooperation has exceeded US$ 35 billion. India accounts for around one third of Russia’s total arms exports. Moreover, aircraft products make up the bulk of the deliveries. Such a large-scale and growing pattern of the partnership relations helps further strengthen the traditional friendly ties between our nations and armed forces. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to India held early last December confirmed this once again. India has always strived to buy the newest weapons from Russia. That is why it now possesses the most up-to-date weapons and military equipment. The Russian defense industry and Rosoboronexport’s exhibit at Aero India 2009 will contribute to the expansion and strengthening of the cooperation. Russia’s MiG-35 fighter will surely draw strong interest among the guests and exhibitors. It was on display at the previous exhibition in Bangalore, but now the visitors and specialists will be able to see and assess the flight performance of the machine that has embodied the Indian AF’s best operating experience with previous MiG aircraft. It is this aircraft that will compete in the tender to supply 126 MMRCA fighters to the Indian AF. The Russian aircraft has perfect aerodynamic lines and 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 Russian Aircraft Corporation (RSK) MiG. The radar can track up to 30 targets and attack simultaneously up to 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 turned into a medium-sized aircraft – a superfighter of the 21st century. The participants and guests of the show will be able to be convinced once again of the advantages of the Su-30MK2 multi-role super maneuverable fighter intended to win air superiority and engage surface and ground targets with precision weapons. The fighter can effectively perform missions both independently and as part of a group in any weather. Visitors will also be able to get acquainted with the performance characteristics and capabilities of the Yakovlev Yak-130 combat trainer. Its aerodynamic layout and powerplant and system parameters allow flying in almost all flight conditions typical of current and future combat aircraft. The Russian delegation will also demonstrate the Mi-35M transport/attack helicopter. Its combat capabilities and flight performance have been markedly improved through installation of a day/night surveillance and targeting system, new engines and a new rotor system. It can operate 24 hours a day in hot climate and mountain conditions. The Mi-35M is the sole attack helicopter in the world capable of handling assault, airlift and medevac missions. The lineup of Russian helicopters includes also the Mi-26 heavy-lift military transport helicopter, the world’s biggest freighter. It can carry equipment and large-sized cargos weighing up to 20 tons inside the cabin and externally. In terms of load-carrying capacity, the Mi-26 is comparable to the US C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft. Rosoboronexport’s stand displays air defense weapons as well. The Tor-M1 and Buk-M2E SAM systems, able to effectively destroy enemy tactical and strategic planes, helicopters, cruise missiles and other targets, offer a great export potential. “India and Russia are the countries possessing high-tech capabilities and having a long history of mutually beneficial military-technical cooperation,” said Viktor Komardin, head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation. “We’ve taken part in all the seven air shows in Bangalore. We hope that during meetings and talks with our partners in MTC at the exhibition we’ll implement the accords reached during the recent visit by President Dmitry Medvedev to India as well as prepare new mutually beneficial agreements and establish promising contacts.

Rosoboronexport State Corporation

Tel.: (+7 495) 637-99-15

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E-mail: media @ post.rusarm.ru

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Russia To Show MiG-35 Jet Fighter At Aero India 2009

Russia To Show MiG-35 Jet Fighter At Aero India 2009

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW - February 3, 2009: Russia will use an upcoming air show in India to showcase its MiG-35 advanced jet fighter, a contender to win an Indian fighter tender, an official from Russia's state arms exporter said on Monday. Aero India-2009, which will be held in the southern city of Bangalore on February 11-15, is one the largest aerospace shows in the Asia-Pacific region, hosting leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers from 35 countries. "The MiG will certainly make several demonstration flights after its presentation on the first day of the air show. We would like it to show its best features," said deputy director of Rosoboronexport Viktor Komardin. Six major aircraft makers - Lockheed 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 - are in contention to win the $10 billion tender for 126 light fighters to be supplied to the Indian Air Force. Komardin reiterated that the MiG-35 has excellent chances to win the tender because the Russian aircraft has superb performance characteristics and Russia and India share a long-standing partnership in strategic and military-technical cooperation. "The MiG family is well-known in India. Our Indian partners have production and maintenance facilities ready to produce part for our aircraft," the official said. The existing Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation program until 2010, lists up to 200 projects worth about $18 billion. India is a key buyer of Russian weaponry, with contracts including the delivery of the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier with at least 16 MiG-29K Fulcrum-D carrier fighters, the Smerch MLRS, and licensed production of T-90 tanks in India. Russia signed in March a contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to upgrade around 70 MiG-29 fighters, in service since the 1980s, and agreed to develop a fifth-generation fighter together with India. Russia's MiG-35 Fulcrum-F, an export version of the MiG-29M OVT (Fulcrum F) is a highly maneuverable air superiority fighter, which won high acclaim during the Le Bourget air show in France last year. The fighter is powered by RD-33 OVT thrust vectoring engines. The RD-33 OVT engines provide superior maneuverability and enhance the fighter's performance in close air engagements. Moscow said if MiG-35 wins the tender, Russia is ready to transfer all key technology to India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and provide assistance for the production of the aircraft in the country.

India’s HAL to Deliver First Export Dhruv Helicopter / From HAL To Ecuador: 7 Choppers

India’s HAL to Deliver First Export Dhruv Helicopter / From HAL To Ecuador: 7 Choppers

(NSI News Source Info) BANGALORE - January 30, 2009: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which will be showcasing wide array of its Research and Development (R&D) capabilities along with current and new products during Aero India 2009 will hand over a Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to the Ecuadorian Air Force.

HAL which has bagged a contract to supply seven ALHs to the South American country will hand over its first chopper during the biennial airshow which is to be held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, from February 11 to 15.

Sources said that the Bangalore- based defence public sector undertaking, which clinched the $51 million deal with Ecuador to supply seven of its 5.5 tonne class helicopter will supply the first Dhruv during the airshow.

The HAL Dhruv is a multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is being supplied to the Indian Armed Forces, and a civilian variant is also available. The type was first exported to Nepal and Israel, and is on order by several other countries for both military and commercial uses. Specialized military variants include anti-submarine warfare and helicopter gunship versions.

Foreign sales: In June 2008, the government of *Peru ordered two air ambulance Dhruvs for use by the Peruvian health services. Peru has also shown interest in the military version Dhruv. HAL also secured an order from the *Ecuadorian Air Force for seven Dhruvs. HAL has gained this order amidst strong competition from Elbit, Eurocopter and Kazan. HAL’s offer of $ 50.7 million for seven helicopters was about 32% lower than the second lowest bid from Elbit. The first helicopter will be delivered within six months. Dhruv also participated in a Chilean tender for 8-10 5.5 tonne, twin engined new generation helicopter, but lost to the Bell Helicopters Bell 412 amid allegations of arm-twisting by the US Government. The evaluation included flights at high altitudes, hot and desert conditions, ship deck landing, search and rescue at 12,500 ft MSL at a temperature of 2°C as well as long distance ferry flights, clocking 107 flying hours. *On August 10, 2008 HAL chairman confirmed it had finalized a deal with Turkey to supply 3 Dhruvs for $20 million. Turkey is planning to buy as many as 17 helicopters in medical assistance role. *India is also reportedly planning to transfer several Dhruvs to Myanmar. This led to protests from Amnesty International, who pointed to the use of components sourced from European suppliers as a possible violation of the EU Arms Embargo of Myanmar. In a letter to the President of the EU Council of Ministers, Amnesty stated that it had evidence that India planned to transfer two Dhruvs (with European components) to Burma. These reports have been denied by the Indian Government. *HAL is negotiating with Bolivia for delivery of five Dhruvs and with *Venezuela for seven of the choppers in transport roles, and in Europe. The Dhruv is also being offered to *Malaysia. *Indonesia is also evaluating Dhruv helicopters for the Indonesian Army. *Flight certification for Europe and North America is also being planned, in order to tap the large civilian market there.

“HAL will hand over one ALH and will line up five brand new ALH choppers during Aero India as per the contract signed with the Ecuador Aviation Authority,” said sources. The deal envisages the supply of seven helicopters in semi knock-down conditions to Ecuador in a time-frame of 15 months to two years. HAL bagged the order from the South American country last year after fierce bidding, which also involved Israel firm Elbit, Eurocopter, subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company’s, Kazan, Russia.

“A team from HAL has already visited Ecuador and a team from there has visited our facilities to gain first hand expertise. The HAL will also set up a base at Ecuador for maintenance of the ALHs,” said sources.

During Aero India, the aircraft and helicopters of HAL that would be on display are : one Hawk in flying display, Intermediate Jet Trainer, ALHs (one in flying display, one with glass cockpit in static display and one civil ALH) and one DO-228 in Maritime Reconnaissance and Intelligence Warfare (MRIW) role.