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Aero-India 2011 Becomes Largest Air-Show in India and South Asia

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India Defence Online, New Delhi — The Aero-India 2011 has broken a record of sorts with its current edition of the air show that is taking place at the Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bangalore. Deemed as the biggest air show in India and Asia, the Aero-India 2011 has broken all records in terms of the turnout of international firms, spectators and content. In fact, for some of the international vendors, Aero-India 2011 is bigger in some respect to the Paris Air Show or Central Europe Air Shows.

As per the figures given by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), the online request for registration of general visitors to the air show this year has already exceeded the 175, 000 which is more than twice than the Aero-India 2009. This year, the organisers have increased the gross area to 75,000 square metres which is a 70 percent increase from the last Aero-India in 2009. The international exhibits have also risen from 380 against 303 in the last edition, indicating a 25 per cent hike in the international section. This year has recorded a 62 percent increase in flight, static and flight-cum-static display by civil and military aircraft over the last air-show.

The Aero-India 2011 has also seen the inclusion of civil aviation in a big way and 55 percent of the exhibition area is dominated by them. More than military aviation, it seems that civil aviation is garnering more business and attention. Apparently, there are 27 aircraft belonging to the civil aviation sector in the air show, marking a 54 percent representation at the show compared to just 46 percent military component.  Over a 100 aircraft will be exhibited at the air-show. Continued…

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By admin – February 11, 2011

India Refloats Tender for Tracked and Towed Gun Systems

India Defence Online, New Delhi – The Indian government has once again floated tenders for Towed and Tracked Gun Systems and vendors from various countries like France, Britain and the U.S have been invited for the bids. The acquisition is a major part of the Indian Army’s modernisation programme but has always suffered setbacks due to repeat cancellations of the tender. While the process to acquire towed and tracked gun systems was initiated in 2006, tenders have been cancelled due to the alleged corruption and scams involving the bidding companies from abroad.

However, India has come close to negotiating the acquisition of 145 ultra light guns from BAE Systems US called the M-777 A1 since the trials for the same have been concluded in India. India plans to acquire this gun through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route and the US Congress has already given its clearance.

The M-777 A1 is an ultra light 155mm/45 calibre gun and its striking features include its mobility, transportability, survivability and lethality. Its light weight and independent suspension allow the weapon to travel over rougher terrain and be sling-loaded under various aircraft. The gun is made partly of titanium making it significantly lighter than the earlier versions in operation without compromising its full ammunition and range capability. The M-777 A-1 can be slung-carried by heavy lift aircraft or ferried by heavy trucks. It has digital controls and can move quickly after firing besides delivering munitions up to 40 kilometres. Continued…

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By admin – February 10, 2011

Aero-India 2011 Starts Today in Bangalore

India Defence Online — New Delhi – India’s biennial air show called Aero-India will kick-start today in Bangalore and will witness a surge of global firms with their products and technology vying for the Indian aviation market. The Aero India 2011 aerospace exposition is being hosted by the Department of Defence Production of the Indian government from the 9th to 13th Feb 2011.The show will attract over 50 international delegations and host the participation from over 60 countries. This year, the number of global companies participating will be over 300 and the number of exhibitors is 675, including 380 from 29 countries and 295 domestic firms. Around 100 types of civilian and military aircraft will be at display in the show.

The Aero-India 2011 is the eighth air show in the country since its inception and is slated to be the largest this year and the Air Force Station in Bangalore will become the hub of aerial spectacle as well as business negotiations. While international firms will showcase aerospace products including fighter jet transport and civilian aircraft, the local firms will be targeting tie-ups as well as investments from vendors besides showcasing indigenous wares.

Major delegations from Britain, Germany, France, Russia Israel, Belgium, Brazil, Spain, Ukraine and the Netherlands and the US are looking forward for collaborations and partnerships in India. The US is the leading international delegation with over 250 members followed by Germany and Italy at the Aero-India show. As predicted, around 100 types of civilian and military aircraft would be on display at the current air show compared with 67 in the last air show. The exhibit will include fighter jets, transport aircraft and choppers and aerospace systems from national and international aerospace majors. Continued…

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By admin – February 10, 2011

IAF Inducts US-Made C-130J Super Hercules Transport Aircraft

India Defence Online, New Delhi – The Indian Air Force (IAF) has finally inducted the C-130 J Super Hercules transport aircraft in its fleet. The Indian Defence Minister AK Anthony formally commissioned the U.S made C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft into the newly formed 77 Squadron of the IAF at Hindon air base in Uttar Pradesh.

The C-130 J Super Hercules aircraft by Lockheed Martin aims at plugging the gaps in the load-carrying capabilities of the IAF. Currently, the Russian Ilyushin-76 and Antonov-32 are being used as transport aircraft for the IAF and the Super Hercules will augment the operational and combat capacity of the IAF. The C-130 J combines the latest in aerospace technology with a proven, rugged airframe design giving greater capability with greater operational efficiency.

The deal for six C-130j aircraft was materialised through a government-to- government deal between the US Air force and India. The contract with the US includes training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets and a team of technical specialists who will be based in India during a three-year initial support period. US firm Lockheed Martin has helped the IAF to modernise the home base of the C-130Js and created infrastructure for housing 12 such aircraft there along with creating servicing and operations facilities for the aircraft. Lockheed Martin has also pumped in $260 million into the Indian defence sector under the offsets clause. Continued…

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By admin – February 10, 2011

Indigenous UAV Nishant Ready for Indian Army after Successful Trials

India Defence Online, New Delhi– India’s ‘Nishant’ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is finally ready for the Indian Army after a series of successful flight trials in Rajasthan recently. The Indian Army has taken the delivery of four Nishant UAV’s with ground systems and expects to order more in the near future.

The Nishant UAV has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) laboratory. ADE specialises in UAVs, flight control systems and simulators.

The Nishant UAV will give a decisive edge to the Indian Army in the area of day and night battle-field reconnaissance, surveillance, target tracking and correction of artillery fire. The UAV can also be used for anti-insurgency operations in critical times. The electro-optical, electronic intelligence and communication intelligence payload on-board the Nishant UAV will enable it for an array of operations such as the above-mentioned ones. The Nishant UAV does not need a runway and can be launched from a hydro pneumatic launcher. It will be controlled by the Ground Control Systems mounted on Tatra vehicles. The Nishant UAV has an endurance level of four and a half hours and it can attain maximum speed of over 180 kilometres per hour. The UAV is recovered with the help of parachutes and landing bags. Continued…

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By admin – February 8, 2011