AERO INDIA 2007 : Manouvres of a different Kind
... Boeing, MiG, Lockheed Martin, Dassault Aviation - do these names ring a bell?
The recently concluded Air show at the Yelahanka Air force station, Bangalore, showcased these aeronautical development giants at their best, and not to mention, our own Aerospace industry majors like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ( H.A.L ), National Aerospace Laboratories ( N.A.L ), Defence and Research Development Organisation ( D.R.D.O ) and Aeronautical Development Agency ( A.D.A ).
The sixth edition of the biennial event, was organised by the FICCI and Farnborough International. It was an unprecedental success, with many Conglomerates throwing in their weights to add wings to their claims of Aerial Supremacy in the race for the supply of 126 Multi Role Combat Aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
It was a visual delight as even the companies from the U.S, Lockheed Martin and Boeing , the first and the second largest Defence contractors in the world in that order, were no longer banking on their brand name to get the job done with so many competitors in the fray.
What's more, they roped in high flyer Ratan Tata, who pulled off a piece-de-resistance by co-piloting both the F-16 as well as the FA-18 Super Hornet on the d-day!
I was lucky enough to witness this crowning moment on both the occasions. On the 9th of February 2007, I got a business pass from the bank where my father works , State Bank of Mysore, courtesy - Kauveri Engines. ( Incidentally, it's the very same Engine manufacturer whose engines power India's first Fighter Plane - the Light Combat Aircraft, and if what the reports say are true, then it is to power India's fifth Generation of Fighters - the Medium Combat Aircraft too. This aircraft is being developed by D.R.D.O ) The next day, I got even 'luckier' to enjoy the privilleges of a VVIP pass, thanks to the largesse of a very good friend and his benevolent uncle.
Okay, back to my candy floss memories of those two days :
The Russians, not to be outdone by their Cold War bete-noire, gave more reasons for why it is that India has reposed faith in them time and again ( 70% of the Indian Air Force fleet comprises of fighter jets, Transport planes and helicopters that originate ' from Russia, with love' )
The much awaited MiG-35, or the Mikoyan Gurevich 29OVT made its 'resounding' debut on the world stage at the Aero India 2007. Previously, only the prototype of the MiG-35 was flown at Farnborough International Show, and at Moscow in 2005. The fighter has surely earned its stripes, and complimenting it very ably were the MiG-29 and the Sukhoi-30MKI, both of which serve as the Indian Airforces' frontline aerial strike force. The MiG display - it was as if the metal bird was but mere extension of the pilot, pirouetting in the air, esconsing much more than just the collective gasps of the "foot-firmly-on-the-ground" sapiensis.
Then came the amazing SAAB JAS 39 Gripen. Developed by SAAB, ( Svenska Aero Plan Aktiebolaget ) it turned many heads, and also gave wings to their imaginations with their impressive "Wings of your nation" catchline. The fighter, which is in active service with the Swedish, Czech, and Hungarian Airforce, took the competition by storm with it's performance. The weapon carrying abiltity of this aircraft is one of the best-in-the-segment, and it's superior operational abilities will definitely put the IAF into a greater dilemma. Also on offer from the makers of the Gripen, SAAB, is "Comprehensive industrial co-operation", including Technology transfer.
Also on display was the excellent committment that enabled SAAB, in collaboration with BAE Systems, Ericsson and it's engine supplier Volvo, to move a step ahead of the rest. It introduced a revolutionary technology - the "Cockpit Simulator", which too was unvieled at Aero India 2007. Former IAF Air Chief Krishnaswamy became the first VIP to test this new innovation. Air Chief S.P Tyagi was one of the many people who visited the Gripen International's stall at the Aero Show. Air Commodore Matheshwaran became the first Indian to fly a Gripen ( He flew the two seater Gripen - D with Gripen test pilot Richard Ljunberg as his co-pilot )
The French Aviation firm - Dassault Aviation, whose Rafale is also in the contention for clinching the IAF deal, did not field any of it's fighters. The Mirage was on display though, and the French Marque still maintained a very strong presence in the event with many representatives making their case clear. I'm sure the non-participation of these planes wouldn't mean that the Company is out of the deal, the two squadrons of Dassault Mirage in the IAF has left the decision makers with a sweet taste in their mouths... Let's see how it pans out... What do you think about it?
Our own Light Combat Aircraft ( L.C.A ), or Tejas, which is scheduled for an Initial Operational Clearance in 2008, showcased Home Grown technologies that will shape the future of indigenous Multi - Role / Swing - Role Combat aircrafts. The L.C.A prototype, ( 20 L.C.A's are in operational service with the IAF currently ) in development since 1983, proved conclusively that India had indeed arrived on the Global stage with it's amazing agility.
But it wasn't all about Fighter jets slugging it out for attention. There were many spectacular displays, the the Dhruv team ( Advanced Light Helicopter ) were a picture of perfection, making their every swerve and move count for their fallen colleague, who died in an a crash during an excercise in the run-up to the event on February 2, 2007 . Their performance was breathtaking, at the same time reminiding us of the perils that these pilots face each and every time they fly ( I know, there would be discordant notes, for the sheer joy of flying would be enough to make these hazards worth it )
The Suryakiran team, as always, was an edifice of sheer brilliance and heart-stopping manouvres, they signed off in style, painting the skies in hues of the Indian Tri-Color.
Many more flyers that deserved all the plaudits that came its way include Chinook, and Boeing C-17 Globemaster. Manufacturers like Learjet were going all out to capture the attention of Corporate houses Infosys, Wipro... just to name a few... India has become a vital market for these Aircraft manufacturers, and the Aero 2007 was a manifestation of this growing recognition for the untapped potential. For the record, there are hardly any private jets in India, but we will see a paradigm shift in the very near future.
But coming back to the Million, sorry, multi-billion dollar question that the Defence deal surely is, a lot, is to be said :
While the U.S offers of F-16 and FA-18 Super Hornet are surely an offer 'which we simply cannot refuse', it's to die for! [ Even if you do survive this deal, the US will make sure you choke on a plate of Kellogg's Cornflakes - Sorry, this was just to highlight the strings that often come attached with their service, not to mention the arm-twisting too!! ]
India has never bought fighter planes from the US before because of frosty relations in the past. Better relations now could help Boeing's business in the future.
I cannot but be amazed at the ability of the US to shove fighter jets that have for long been out-of-operational service from its airforce, to other countries at a price that is slightly bloated. FA-18 Super Hornet comes with a $35 Million price tag attached, and the F-16 at a more modest $20 Million per unit.
In stark contrast, the Russian offer would be more viable. The initial investment in upgradation of infrastructure too, would be minimal, as IAF has the capability to accomodate many more MiG-29's, as well as the State-of-the-art MiG-35's. India had signed a $250 Million defence deal with Russia in late 2005 to manufacture 120 Klimov RD-33 engines ( These engines power the MiG-29 fighters ) and also develop the latest "Vector Thrust" Engines that power the Mikoyan Gurevich-35. Speaking on the sidelines of the Air show, the Russians were very confident of their chances :
The MiG-35, according to estimates, costs $70 Million.
The French Rafale stakes its claim on the pie at $90 Million per unit.
The SAAB Gripen, built to serve the Swedish airforce till 2040, this intelligent Combat aircraft is built to be adaptable to the changing threats and operational requirements of any modern airforce. Many Gripen features are implemented in softwares, so that effectively means growth and modifications are much easier to design and implement. It is also the only plane in the fray that is in full operational service. And what's more, it would be a perfect force mix with the Su-30 MKi fleet of the IAF. This street-smart flyer comes at $40 Million apiece.
But for a start, our own tail-less, delta winged LCA is set for a Final Operational Clearance by 2010, and according to the reports, a unit of this exceptional fighter is pegged at $35 Million.
INDIA is where the action is...
Then came the amazing SAAB JAS 39 Gripen. Developed by SAAB, ( Svenska Aero Plan Aktiebolaget ) it turned many heads, and also gave wings to their imaginations with their impressive "Wings of your nation" catchline. The fighter, which is in active service with the Swedish, Czech, and Hungarian Airforce, took the competition by storm with it's performance. The weapon carrying abiltity of this aircraft is one of the best-in-the-segment, and it's superior operational abilities will definitely put the IAF into a greater dilemma. Also on offer from the makers of the Gripen, SAAB, is "Comprehensive industrial co-operation", including Technology transfer.
Also on display was the excellent committment that enabled SAAB, in collaboration with BAE Systems, Ericsson and it's engine supplier Volvo, to move a step ahead of the rest. It introduced a revolutionary technology - the "Cockpit Simulator", which too was unvieled at Aero India 2007. Former IAF Air Chief Krishnaswamy became the first VIP to test this new innovation. Air Chief S.P Tyagi was one of the many people who visited the Gripen International's stall at the Aero Show. Air Commodore Matheshwaran became the first Indian to fly a Gripen ( He flew the two seater Gripen - D with Gripen test pilot Richard Ljunberg as his co-pilot )
The French Aviation firm - Dassault Aviation, whose Rafale is also in the contention for clinching the IAF deal, did not field any of it's fighters. The Mirage was on display though, and the French Marque still maintained a very strong presence in the event with many representatives making their case clear. I'm sure the non-participation of these planes wouldn't mean that the Company is out of the deal, the two squadrons of Dassault Mirage in the IAF has left the decision makers with a sweet taste in their mouths... Let's see how it pans out... What do you think about it?
Our own Light Combat Aircraft ( L.C.A ), or Tejas, which is scheduled for an Initial Operational Clearance in 2008, showcased Home Grown technologies that will shape the future of indigenous Multi - Role / Swing - Role Combat aircrafts. The L.C.A prototype, ( 20 L.C.A's are in operational service with the IAF currently ) in development since 1983, proved conclusively that India had indeed arrived on the Global stage with it's amazing agility.
But it wasn't all about Fighter jets slugging it out for attention. There were many spectacular displays, the the Dhruv team ( Advanced Light Helicopter ) were a picture of perfection, making their every swerve and move count for their fallen colleague, who died in an a crash during an excercise in the run-up to the event on February 2, 2007 . Their performance was breathtaking, at the same time reminiding us of the perils that these pilots face each and every time they fly ( I know, there would be discordant notes, for the sheer joy of flying would be enough to make these hazards worth it )
The Suryakiran team, as always, was an edifice of sheer brilliance and heart-stopping manouvres, they signed off in style, painting the skies in hues of the Indian Tri-Color.
Many more flyers that deserved all the plaudits that came its way include Chinook, and Boeing C-17 Globemaster. Manufacturers like Learjet were going all out to capture the attention of Corporate houses Infosys, Wipro... just to name a few... India has become a vital market for these Aircraft manufacturers, and the Aero 2007 was a manifestation of this growing recognition for the untapped potential. For the record, there are hardly any private jets in India, but we will see a paradigm shift in the very near future.
But coming back to the Million, sorry, multi-billion dollar question that the Defence deal surely is, a lot, is to be said :
While the U.S offers of F-16 and FA-18 Super Hornet are surely an offer 'which we simply cannot refuse', it's to die for! [ Even if you do survive this deal, the US will make sure you choke on a plate of Kellogg's Cornflakes - Sorry, this was just to highlight the strings that often come attached with their service, not to mention the arm-twisting too!! ]
India has never bought fighter planes from the US before because of frosty relations in the past. Better relations now could help Boeing's business in the future.
"This contract from the Indian air force is the biggest procurement of military equipment from India in years, and for years to come,"
Chris Chadwick, Vice President of the F/A-18 programme at Boeing
I cannot but be amazed at the ability of the US to shove fighter jets that have for long been out-of-operational service from its airforce, to other countries at a price that is slightly bloated. FA-18 Super Hornet comes with a $35 Million price tag attached, and the F-16 at a more modest $20 Million per unit.
In stark contrast, the Russian offer would be more viable. The initial investment in upgradation of infrastructure too, would be minimal, as IAF has the capability to accomodate many more MiG-29's, as well as the State-of-the-art MiG-35's. India had signed a $250 Million defence deal with Russia in late 2005 to manufacture 120 Klimov RD-33 engines ( These engines power the MiG-29 fighters ) and also develop the latest "Vector Thrust" Engines that power the Mikoyan Gurevich-35. Speaking on the sidelines of the Air show, the Russians were very confident of their chances :
"We hope that our planes do well. These MIG 35s are the most advanced, we believe, in the world. The competition is tough. There are many who are hoping they will win but we believe we will do well."
The MiG-35, according to estimates, costs $70 Million.
The French Rafale stakes its claim on the pie at $90 Million per unit.
The SAAB Gripen, built to serve the Swedish airforce till 2040, this intelligent Combat aircraft is built to be adaptable to the changing threats and operational requirements of any modern airforce. Many Gripen features are implemented in softwares, so that effectively means growth and modifications are much easier to design and implement. It is also the only plane in the fray that is in full operational service. And what's more, it would be a perfect force mix with the Su-30 MKi fleet of the IAF. This street-smart flyer comes at $40 Million apiece.
But for a start, our own tail-less, delta winged LCA is set for a Final Operational Clearance by 2010, and according to the reports, a unit of this exceptional fighter is pegged at $35 Million.
INDIA is where the action is...
The photos published here are the properties of the respective companies, I also have to thank a few friends of mine who agreed to share a few of their snaps on my blog.
Liked the articles? Subscribe to my blog to be the first to know about every new article posted on my blog via RSS... Don't know what RSS is? No worries! Read more - what the heck is RSS??
0 comments:
Post a Comment