Defence Aviation News

The MiG-35 (single seat) and MiG-35D (double seat) are the “4.5+” generation multi-role fighters, exhibiting the further development of the MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 fighters in the field of the combat efficiency enhancement, universality and operational characteristics improvement. The MiG-35/MiG-35D main features are the following: – the fifth generation information-sighting systems integration into aircraft airborne avionics; – possibility of advanced Russian and foreign origin weapons application; – increased combat survivability due to integration of airborne integrated defense system. State-of-the art avionics in combination with advanced weapons allow the MiG-35/MiG-35D fighters fulfill a great number of missions: – air superiority gaining against four amp; fifth generation fighters; – interception of existing and being developed air attack means; – ground/surface targets destruction with high precision weapons without entering the air defense zone day and night in ...

The air force commanders of both Russia and India have this month discussed the progress and future schedule of the fifth-generation Sukhoi fighter project. They are keen to have their own pilots evaluate the design so that they can take a decision on further funding for the project. Russian air force commander Gen. Victor Bondarev said that he expects all four flyable prototypes of the so-called PAK FA  (Future Aviation Complex of Frontal Aviation) to gather at the defense ministry’s test base and firing range near Akhtubinsk in Southern Russia, for customer assessment and weapons release trials. By the year-end their number shall increase to eight. If tests are a success, the  PAKFA  will go into series production in late 2015 or early 2016. In his turn, Indian air force chief of staff told journalists at the recent Aero India show that he expects arrival of three  PAKFA  development prototypes in India, the first in 2015, the second in 201...

The Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA fifth-generation stealth fighter will start operational testing in 2014 "In 2013 we are expected to wrap up its preliminary tests and start operational testing. In 2014, we are planning to start official state tests," says United Aircraft Corporation president Mikhail Pogosyan. The first stage of those state trials should be completed by 2015. The PAK-FA developmental flight test phase includes six airframes, but one is a ground test vehicle. "Flight testing this year will go ahead with five aircraft," Pogosyan says.

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. The B-2 is a low-observable, strategic, long-range, heavy bomber capable of penetrating sophisticated and dense air-defence shields. It is capable of all-altitude attack missions up to 50,000ft, with a range of more than 6,000nm unrefuelled and over 10,000nm with one refuelling, giving it the ability to fly to any point in the world within hours. Its distinctive profile comes from the unique 'flying wing' construction. The leading edges of the wings are angled at 33° and the trailing edge has a double-W shape. It is manufactured at the Northrop Grumman facilities in Pico Rivera and Palmdale in California. The B-2, after ten years of service, finally achieved full operational capability in December 2003. In the first three years of service, the operational B-2s achieved a sortie reliability rate of 90%. An assessment published by the USAF showed that two B-2s armed with precision ...

Introduction The Lakshya 2 is a high speed Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) being developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO for use by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army and Indian Navy for air-to-air and surface-to-air targeting by aircraft, ships and missiles. Lakshya 2 is an improved version of the Lakshya with digital flight controls and state-of-the-art navigation systems that is currently under testing.  Lakshya 2 is capable of programmed low altitude flight with Autonomous Way Point Navigation using Global Position Satellite updates.  It is launched from land or sea from a zero length launcher using a JATO rocket motor and recovered  by a dual stage parachute system. The aircraft can carry two targets on a 1.5 km-cable.  In case of emergency it can recover automatically.  The 705 kg drone has an endurance of 50 mins and a maximum life of 10 recoveries. It is powered by a single...

The Russian Air Force PAK DA is a fifth-generation strategic bomber intended as the replacement of aging Tu-95MS, T-22M3 and Tu-160. The PAK DA is being developed by Kazan Aircraft Production Association of Russia. The PAK DA stands for Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Dalney Aviatsyi which means “long-range future aviation complex” for Strategic Air Forces. The PAK DA is going to be heavily based on Russia’s current supersonic bomber Tupolev Tu-160 and is expected to have it’s maiden flight by 2015. However it was also speculated that the PAK DA would be similar to the stealthy design of the America B-2 Spirit bomber. Currently, the Russian airforce has Tu-95 and Tu-160 strategic bombers, as well as long range Tu-22 bombers. They can carry bombs and cruise missiles. The aircrafts of these type are currently undergoing modernization. There have also been reports stating that this new bomber will have stealth characteristics. The Russian Air Force has made tactical...

Introduction India and France in July 2011 entered into a contract to upgrade IAF's Mirage 2000 fleet. The contract had been under negotiation since 2007. India signed separate contracts with M/s Thales and M/s Dassault Aviation France, and M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the upgrade.  Cost of Contract The cost of the contract for upgrade of the Mirage 2000 with M/s Thales and M/s Dassault Aviation is Euro 1470 Million, while the cost of the contract with M/s HAL is Rs.2020 crore. The cost of the contract for procurement of the missiles from M/s MBDA, France, is Euro 958,980,822.44.  The entire upgradation of the Mirage aircraft is scheduled to be completed by 2021. Delivery of MICA missiles is scheduled between 2015 and 2019.  Scope of the Upgrade The contract envisages upgrade of the IAF aircraft to Mirage 2000-5 standards and an extension of their life by another 20 years.  The entire airframe will be str...

Introduction MOD has signed a Rs.3113.02 crore contract with HAL for upgrade of IAF Jaguars by December 2017. Need for Upgrade The IAF currently operates 120 Jaguar strike fighters powered by Rolls-Royce Adour-811 turbofan engines. The aircraft, which first entered squadron service in the early 80s, is considered under-powered at medium to high altitudes making it suitable for hostile airspace penetration only at low levels.  Based on a fatigue analysis, the IAF estimates that Jaguars could remain operational till 2030. The service has drawn up an upgrade program under which the aircraft will be re-engined and re-equipped with fourth-generation cockpit and mission avionics, and self protection suite. Upgraded Jaguars will feature all weather precision attack capability with enhanced weapon load. Upgrade Features The planned upgrade includes More powerful engines. Higher capacity alternators. Multi-mode radar. Glass cockpit with DARIN-3 nav...

Introduction India is purchasing 10 C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift tactical aircraft from the US Government through FMS under an agreement signed in June 2011. The purchase is of 10 C-17 Globemaster III Block 18 aircraft is valued at $4.1 billion, including logistics support. The agreement includes delivery of 45 F117-PW-100 engines (40 installed and 5 spare engines), missile warning systems, spares and repair parts, repair and return, flares, other explosives, aircraft ferry and refueling support, crew armour, mission planning system software, training and training equipment, publications and technical data. The deal is the largest single military purchase from the US by India, surpassing the $2.1 billion purchase of eight Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft (MRA) in January 2009 and the $962 million acquisition of six Lockheed Martin-built C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft in March 2008. Boeing will support India's ...

Introduction Boeing (AH64 D Apache Longbow) and Mil (Mi 28 Havoc) competed to supply 22 attack helicopters of 2.5t class to the IAF. The Mi 28 did not meet IAF requirements during flight trials. Boeing is currently the only contender in the field. The contract is estimated to be worth $550 million. Procurement History A $550 million-tender procure 22 attack helicopters to replace IAFs ageing Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopter fleet was issued in 2008. India scrapped the tender  on March 25, 2009 because none of the three companies still in the fray met the qualitative requirements. A fresh tender was floated in mid 2009 and seven companies were invited to bid. The contract, estimated to be worth $600 million, stipulates aircraft in the 2.5t-class and envisages an optional delivery of additional 22 helicopters.  Qualitative Requirements The qualitative requirements are as follows     * Twin engine     * High maneuverab...