Press Trust of India (PTI)

15 February 2005

Russian Sukhoi company set to develop cooperation with India

The Sukhoi aircraft holding company is set to develop joint aircraft-building projects with India. The director-general of the Sukhoi company, Mikhail Pogosyan, was speaking to journalists at the Aero India-2005 international exhibition, which ended its work on Sunday [13 February] in the Indian city of Bangalore.

"We are jointly designing promising military aviation systems and developing cooperation in the sphere of civil aviation," Pogosyan said.

To the question concerning the state of cooperation with the Indian HAL corporation under the programme of the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ), he replied that several rounds of consultations had been held and an agreement had been signed "which registers both sides' interest in working on this programme".

According to Pogosyan, the HAL corporation is expected to be involved in the production of some components for the RRJ glider. The Sukhoi company director-general believes that bilateral cooperation will also involve the production of some components for the RRJ's avionics and its engine.

Pogosyan also said that agreements in the sphere of engine production had been signed at the Aero India-2005 exhibition between HAL and Snecma Moteurs which, together with the Saturn scientific-and-production association, is working on the SaM 146 engine for the RRJ aircraft. "I believe that within the next few weeks we will conclude specific accords," Pogosyan said. "I am very optimistic about the prospects for such cooperation."

As regards the possibility of the Indian Brahmos missile being mounted on the Su-30MKI aircraft, Pogosyan said: "The Su-30MKI is such a powerful platform that it is quite capable of carrying the Brahmos missile on board."

The issue of integrating the Brahmos missile with the Su-30MKI aircraft will be resolved and an increase in the efficiency of the aviation complex during the use of these weapons will be assessed when the production of Su-30MKI aircraft begins under licence in India as part of the programme of increasing the potential of these aircraft and modernizing them, Pogosyan said. According to Pogosyan, a number of other aspects of the Su-30MKI modernization in the process of its licensed production are currently under discussion, "which will make it a modern aircraft at all stages of the implementation of this programme".

Press Trust of India (PTI)

9 February 2005

SUKHOI WILL OFFER FIGHTER AT EXPOSITION

NEW DELHI, - Sukhoi aircraft maker is featuring its Su-30MKI fighter and new SaM146 engine for regional RRJ airliners at Aero India 2005 in Bangalore, where the corporation is part of Russia's exposition.

Sukhoi's press service said the corporation intends to demonstrate all aspects of its activity at the air show, i.e. defense, civil and dual-purpose aircraft and equipment, as well as combat aircraft modernization and service maintenance options.

Sukhoi's stand focuses on a Su-30MKI and an experimental Su-47 aircraft.

India's armed forces have 18 Su-30Ks and 32 Su-30MKIs in their cache already, the press service noted. The contract for the supply of these Russian multi-purpose fighter jets was signed in 1996. The first batch of 10 combat aircraft was delivered to India in late June 2002. Another 12 fighters were delivered in 2003, while the last batch of 10 multi-purpose jets was supplied in December 2004.

On December 28, 2000, the two countries signed a general contract on the sale/purchase of the license for the production of Su-30MKIs, AL-31FP variable thrust vector engines, and onboard equipment. This was the largest Russian-Indian contract in the defense sphere, which was worth over $3 billion.

India launched the licensed production of Su-30MKIs in 2004. The first fighter jet made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was fielded in November 2004. Two jets were assembled by late December 2004. They were assembled in Russia and completed at HAL plants. India intends to build a total of 140 fighters. Indian aircraft makers are expected to build the first Su-30MKI independently by late 2007.

Sukhoi is also featuring its RRJs (Russian Regional Jets) as civil product examples.

The new family of regional jets is a project that has been implemented by Sukhoi's affiliate Grazhdanskiye Samolyoty Sukhogo (Sukhoi's Civil Aircraft, GSS), in cooperation with France's SNECMA and Russia's NPO Saturn that have worked over SaM146 engines. The volume of RRJ sales is expected to exceed $18 billion. The expected demand for RRJs in the international and domestic markets until 2020 will be about 800 airliners.

The Russian government has included SaM146 engine and RRJ aircraft development projects in the federal program entitled the Development of Civil Aircraft between 2002 and 2010 and until 2015.

The production of a pilot batch of RRJs has been scheduled for the first quarter of 2005. Test flights will begin in the fourth quarter of 2006. The first production 95-passenger aircraft will be delivered to a customer in the fourth quarter of 2007.

PowerJet...a new player in the small jet market 2/11/2005 3:48:23 PM IST

PowerJet, a new company dedicated to the SaM146 engine, participates in its first international aerospace air show at Aero India 2005. It is a joint venture of Snecma Moteurs (France) and NPO Saturn (Russia) dedicated to the SaM146 propulsion system for small jets.

PowerJet consolidates the partnership between Snecma Moteurs and NPO Saturn. The company is in charge of the entire SaM146 program management, including design, production, marketing and customer support and services. It has two operating entities, one in France (PowerJet SA) and one in Russia (PowerJet ZAO).

In April 2003, the SaM146 was selected by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company to power the new Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) family. Developing 14,000 to 17,500 pounds of thrust, the SaM146 engine is a perfect fit for the three versions of the RRJ-60, 75 and 95 seats, basic and long-range-providing commonality that will give operators substantial savings. Major airlines worldwide have already expressed interest in this new regional aircraft. For instance, in July 2004, Sibir Airlines signed a preliminary agreement concerning a firm order for fifty 95-passenger RRJs, along with 10 options.

To complement their industrial collaboration, NPO Saturn and Snecma Moteurs are creating a joint production company, which will make components for the SaM146, as well as well for other engines made by the two partners. Construction of an open-air test bench for the SaM146 development program is also under process. It will handle both performance and certification tests.

Press Trust of India (PTI)

Dynamatic Aerospace on expansion mode

Thursday, 17 February , 2005, 09:19

Bangalore: Dynamatic Aerospace, which hopes to emerge as a major vendor to the aviation industry, has embarked on an expansion programme. This is in view of the growing importance of India as a major centre for outsourcing in defence and civil aviation sectors. The company recently opened a facility at Peenya near the city to manufacture airframe structures and precision aerospace components for the prestigious Sukhoi-30MKI.

The Su-30MKI is the latest acquisition in the multi-role fighter class of jets for induction into the Indian Air Force. Dynamatic Aerospace, a group company of the Rs 250-crore Dynamatic Technologies, will be a key vendor for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which will manufacture the Su-30MKI. The company would be eying future projects coming into India for extending expertise in aviation engineering products, said Udayant Malhoutra, President and Managing Director.

Dynamatic Aerospace plans to double its production facility to 54,000 sq. ft., as part of its expansion programme in the next one year. The company has spent Rs 12 crore in the last one year for the Su-30MKI and other future projects. India recently acquired the British Hawk and the Advanced Jet Trainer and plans to modernise its combat and support aircraft fleet.

On a different plane: India an outsourcing hub for aero cos

New Delhi, Feb 16

India is poised to become a key outsourcing hub for global aerospace and missile companies as it has cheap and skilled engineers on offer. Talking to FE, director (exports), of France-based MBDA missiles systems, Jean Luc Lamothe said, “India with its skill base and projected economic growth is the preferred partner nation for MBDA due to its unique potential of becoming a defence industrial hub in the region. As such, there are extensive opportunities for collaboration with Indian industry, combining the company’s technology and skills base in weapons design, testing and integration developed over the last 50 years.

The company has recently submitted proposals for potential areas of joint technology research during discussions with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said Mati Hindrekus, official spokesman of MBDA.

He added, “on one hand we will benefit from Indian software skills and the country’s lower cost base. On the other India will gain access to the world’s most advanced guided missile technology, which will give the nation a much greater degree of autonomy in developing its current and long term defence capabilities.”

Vincent Gorry, senior national executive of Paris-based enginemaker Snecma said the rare combination of a large pool of software engineers and quality suppliers is attracting foreign firms to Bangalore.

“In the aerospace industry, more and more software is increasingly being used. In India you can get both aerospace engineers and the IT guys and there is cost advantage,” he said. He said the decision of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to get into the civilian aircraft market by making doors for Airbus and Boeings will trigger a chain of suppliers. According to Edward Gordon, manager of offset programmes of Northrop Grumman, a US-based defence companym, “India’s aerospace industry is at the take-off stage.”

“Companies like HAL have come a long way. As a result the first-tier suppliers look very promising,” said Mr Gordon, whose company is pitching the sale of its E-2C Hawkeye 2000, an airborne early warning, command and control aircraft, to India.

The combination of IT and aerospace has given India the edge. More than 1,400 companies have set up base in Bangalore, India’s technology capital, and international software companies are using the base for their outsourcing operations.

An indication of the growing importance of Bangalore’s aerospace potential can be gauged from the fact that during a recently concluded Aero India 2005 air show — billed as the largest in South Asia — deals worth more than $1.2 billion were signed between Indian and foreign aerospace firms.

The deals ranged from aircraft purchases by Indian budget carriers from Airbus and Boeing, to joint manufacture of missiles and engine parts. Company officials from Lockheed Martin said the cordial relations between India and the US would lead to increased defence collaboration. “Lockheed Martin will look for allies and partners in India. These will include IT companies and Indian aviation companies in the public and private sector,” said Dennys Plessas, the company’s regional vice-president.

“Indian aerospace firms are internationally competitive and more customer-friendly. They have that can-do attitude. For our cost-effectiveness is not about lowest price but the best value. There are areas of mutual interest and opportunities to be explored,” added Mr Gordon. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and National Aeronautics Ltd (NAL) recently signed an MoU to offer solutions and services in the aerospace sector for the global market.

Both will offer complete end-to end solutions and services in the aerospace domain including design, testing, manufacturing and use of advanced computer-aided techniques.

US firms keen on JV

Yelahanka Airbase, Feb 13

In a dramatic somersault, US companies at Aero India have shown a strong inclination to work with Indian companies through joint ventures, partnerships and a willingness to transfer technologies. A major order being looked at is for six E-2C Hawkeye 2000 airborne early warning aircraft to the Indian Navy. Also, RQ-8A Fire Scout unmanned helicopters for reconnaissance are being offered by the US defence company Northrop Grumann for the Indian army and the Coast Guard, senior company officials told FE.

The E-2C Hawkeye 2000 is the only dedicated Naval carrier-borne fixed wing AWACS aircraft in the export market today. Northrop Grumann company officials will be making advance level presentations and discussions starting Monday onwards in New Delhi to Indian Navy procurement board and defence ministry officials.

The company officials have been invited by the the chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash to clear concerns that the system may not be suitable for the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier that India is in the process of acquiring from Russia, officials said. Senior officers from the Army and the Coast Guard have expressed interest in the Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter and presentations will be made for them too in New Delhi, company officials said.

“We are convinced that we will have to do joint programmes with the Indian industry once the order comes through for any of our systems,’’ they added. And we are also open to outsourcing, they said. Adding, Indian Navy officials have made it clear that if Hawkeye deal is finalised that the sub-systems will have to sourced from India and the integration will be done jointly.

The Indian Navy had first sent a request for information to Northrop Grumman in early 2004, and the response came with details of the Hawkeye 2000 in October. However, while the Hawkeye needs a catapult jump on an aircraft carrier, the Admiral Gorshkov has a ski jump, and so does the INS Viraat and the Air Defence Ship currently being built indigenously. The RQ-8A Fire Scout system can provide reconnaissance, situational awareness and precision targeting support.

Press Trust of India (PTI)

International air show ends in India

13.02.2005, 16.29

BANGALORE (India), February 13 (PTI) - Military-technical cooperation between Russia and India was a key target of Russia’s participation in the Aero India 2005 fifth international exhibition that ended in Bangalore on Sunday.

“The exhibition was of special significance for Russia,” Russian delegation head and first deputy head of the State Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Alexander Denisov told PTI. India is a strategic partner of Russia in the military-technical cooperation, he said.

India provided for nearly one-third of $5.7 billion Russia gained from military-technical cooperation programs last year, he said. Russia’s supply of SUKHOI’s Su-30MKI advanced fighter jets to India was successful, he noted.

French firm offers supply of trainer jets

Bangalore, Feb 9 Snecma, the leading French aerospace firm, has offered to supply engines for the proposed advanced jet trainer (AJT) project of the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). In consultation with the Indian Air Force (IAF), HAL has prepared a project report for designing and developing an indigenous AJT, which will be positioned between the British Hawk and the light combat aircraft (LCA), being built by HAL with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Snecma chairman and CEO Jean-Paul Bechat told the media: “We are in talks with the HAL to offer an advanced version of our Lazarac engine to power its upcoming AJT project, also known as combat air trainer (CAT). In view of our long-standing association and partnership with HAL, we hope it would consider our offer.”

On the rejection of its Lazarac engine by HAL for its intermediate jet trainer (IJT) in favour of the Russian-based NPO Saturn engine, Mr Bechat said Snecma would renew its offer to secure an order. “We still hope to get an order from HAL for the Lazarac engine, as its requirements are likely to be substantial in the wake of the IAF ordering for 225 IJTs in the coming years,” he said.

Snecma has also expressed interest in supplying components to the Bangalore-based Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), which is manufacturing the Kaveri engine for the multi-role LCA.

5th AERO INDIA SHOW 2005

Russia taps HAL for outsourcing

Yelahanka Airbase, Feb 11 Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, which leads the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) project, and the French-Russian joint venture Powerjet are in outsourcing talks with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, company officials announced on Friday.

Chairman and CEO Michel Dechelotte said that “Russian-led multinational consortium is developing a short-range passenger jet plans to outsource manufacturing of some parts and engine components to India.”

“We have started discussions with HAL to produce engine components here in India,” said Jean Pierre Cojan, executive vice president of Snecma Moteurs, an aircraft engine maker headquartered in Paris.

He said financial and technical details were yet to be finalised. Alexey Zhavoronkov, general director of PowerJet ZAO, expressed hope to sell 800 RRJs in 15 years to corner 16% global market share for such planes.

The outsourcing deal will also involve equity investment by HAL, Ashok K. Baweja, chairman of the Bangalore-based company, said. “We are currently evaluating a risk-sharing arrangement to participate in the RRJ project,” he said.

HAL plans to invest US$100 million and take 10% equity partnership in a Sukhoi group company building the aircraft.

The project, for which US aircraft maker Boeing is a consultant, aims at developing jets with less than 100-seat capacity that will fly at distances less than 5,000 kilometers (3000 miles). Such planes will be faster than turbo-prop planes used mostly on short routes, but cheaper than large jets.

The engine for the jets will be tested in late 2005, the first flight test will be in 2006. The Jets are expected to be inducted in airlines by 2007.

Mr Cojan said Snecma and HAL plan to form a joint venture for engine parts manufacture. Parts made by the company could be supplied for Powerjet’s RRJ engine beside engines made by Snecma.

HAL, Sukhoi may build short- haul jet

February 11, 2005

YELAHANKA AIRBASE, FEB 10: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has said that it may invest in a consortium led by Russia’s Sukhoi and including French and US companies, to build a short-haul passenger jet.

“We are still in discussions with the Russian officials of the Sukhoi Design Bureau,” Hindustan Aeronautics chairman, Ashok Baweja, told the media at the Aero India 2005 on Thursday.

Mr Baweja said the company was considering a 10% stake in the venture, worth some $100 million (euro 78 million), joining US-based Boeing, Russia’s Sukhoi and French company Snecma to make a 60-90 seat aircraft for sale worldwide.

HAL to take off on Russian wings

Bureau in New Delhi | February 11, 2005 09:53 IST

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is confident of its prospects as a candidate for bigger contracts from global defence and civilian aerospace companies.

Ashok Baweja, chairman and managing director, HAL, said, "HAL is ready to take on greater opportunities and my objective has been to tell these global companies to consider that."

The company was targeting exports of Rs 250 crore (Rs 2.5 billion) for 2004-05, which included exports to global defence contractors such as the French aerospace propulsion equipment maker, Snecma Group, aircraft engine maker Rolls Royce, helicopter firm Schweizer Aircraft Corporation and the Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi.

Roles are forthcoming on a risk sharing basis too. A Russian regional jet programme of a consortium led by Sukhoi has invited HAL to make parts for the jet.The programme will make 60, 80 and 100 seater civilian jets for which there is a market in the former Soviet republics to replace fleets of ageing Tupolevs.

"HAL could make the empennage (tail assembly) and canopies for the jets, but we are studying the programme still," Baweja said. SBI Capital will help put up HAL's share of the investment in the programme if the aircraft maker decides to sign up. "A 10 per cent stake is being thought of," Baweja said.

The regional jet could also have a market in India, said KP Puri, HAL's managing director for MiG operations. Also, a project that had been placed on the back burner, the multi-role military transport aircraft, following the exit of two Russian partners, was now going forward, Puri added.

"In December, we had discussions with the Russians. There are now three primary partners who will work on the multirole aircraft: Irkutsk, Ilyushin and HAL. This aircraft can also be converted into a 100-seater civilian passenger aircraft," he said.

The military aircraft will be for ferrying freight. "In six months I will be in a position to give you details on our investments in this project and on timeframes," Puri said.

Earlier, underscoring the Indian aeronautics industry's capabilities, Baweja said, "Making aircraft and aircraft engines is a difficult task, but after the long learning period of the Light Combat Aircraft, the intermediate jet trainer took just 42 months from drawing board to first flight."

This aircraft, currently powered by a French engine, in its final form will fly on a more powerful Russian engine, the Al 55I, supplied by the firms, NPO Saturn and UMPO. That India did not have a major aircraft engine it could truly call its own should not be a reason to believe the country's aeronautics industry did not have anything to offer, he said.

According to Baweja, HAL was good at making doors for aircraft such as those from Airbus. "We have an order worth $80 million for the doors, to be delivered over the next few years," he said.

HAL to foray into civilian sector in big way

Indo-Asian News Service

Bangalore, February 10|18:33 IST

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the defence public sector behemoth, plans to enter the growing civil aviation sector in a big way.

HAL chairperson Ashok K Baweja told reporters at the Aero India air show that the company would be partnering with a Russian consortium to manufacture the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ). It would manufacture a portion of the aircraft.

"We are in dialogue with the Sukhoi Design Bureau, the main promoter of the RRJ. The other main partners in the consortium are Snecma, Thales and Boeing."

"We will be doing a detailed cost analysis of the project along with SBI Capital next week to evaluate the risk-sharing aspects. We intend to take up about 10 per cent of the aircraft manufacturing, which contains empennage, canopy frame and some critical components," Baweja said.

A study conducted by the consortium has shown the regional jet in a combination of 65-75-95 seater capacity has a huge potential in the global civilian sector, including India, China and Russia. It is expected to have a 16 per cent (about 800 aircraft) of the total market share in the coming decade.

With the civil aviation sector in the subcontinent booming, HAL also plans to enter the maintenance and servicing of passenger aircraft such as ATR-42 and ATR-72 turboprops, besides jets of Airbus and Boeing, being operated by private airlines.

"A large fleet of ATRs are already in service. We are in discussions with ATR, Airbus and Boeing to maintain and service their aircraft being operated by the private airlines."

"Though we have been primarily catering to the military sector over the years, we are pitching for a share of the civilian sector in view of the competencies we have developed to offer cost-effective solutions so that the aircraft in service need not go back to the original manufacturer for either overhauling, maintenance or even servicing," Baweja said.

HAL is also in talks with Airbus and Boeing, which are in the race for bagging large aircraft deals from Indian Airlines and Air-India.

"We are looking at offsets of these deals to expand our existing partnerships with both Airbus and Boeing for making a portion of their aircraft. Recently, we have signed $80 million deal with Airbus to make additional doors for its A320 family of aircraft," Baweja added.

Focus on civil aviation: French expert

February 12, 2005

BANGALORE, FEB 11: The Indian aviation industry should strengthen its civil aviation focus, said Guy Rupied, managing director of GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association.

“Indian aviation industry is dedicated to defence and the ratio between defence and civil aviation share would probably be 90:10 today, when globally it is around 60:40 or even 50:50’’ he said.

Speaking to FE on the sidelines of Aero India 2005, Mr Rupied said that there should be an equilibrium in terms of civil and defence aviation focus in the country.

“We are participating in the Aero show for the past 10 years. It is more or less a defence show always. There is no civil aircraft to be seen here. This should change and there should be more civil participation and private players in the segment.”

Technology used in aerospace is more or less the same in defence and civil segments, he added.

He cited the example of Airbus which was built into a larger than life brand in civil aviation in less than 25 years and said India has the strength to come up majorly in this space.

“Twenty five years ago French aerospace was completely dedicated to defence, but see where we are today,” he said.

India’s size in the global French aerospace market is around 3% to 5% and there is a potential for exponential growth, Mr Rupied said.

The relationship between both countries in aerospace extend to over 50 years and French companies are working in joint partnership with companies like Bharat Electronics, HAL etc. Now the focus would be to foster relationship between the SME segment in both countries, he said. “India has a large SME segment focusing on aerospace applications, both hardware and software.” We are looking at co-operation with these emerging industries in India and Asia, he added.

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

European giant to showcase engine at air show
BANGALORE, DHNS:

Snecma, the European giant in aerospace, will exhibit for the first time in India a mock-up of the SaM146 engine, which will power the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ).

According to liaison officer of Snecma in Bangalore, the Snecma Group companies will exhibit their range of military and civil engines for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters during the Aero India 2005 scheduled to be held between February 9 to 13.

In addition to their own stand, Snecma will be also present through their international joint ventures, CFM International and PowerJet, he said. Snecma will display the SaM146 as it has a very big potential market in India, he added. Sukhoi selected the SaM146 Propulsion System, developed by Snecma Moteurs and NPO Saturn, to power the new RRJ aircraft family in April 2003. The RRJ is being developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft with support from Boeing. Sukhoi plans to deliver 800 to 1,000 RRJs until 2022.

Mr Jean-Paul Bechat, Chairman and CEO, Snecma along with a delegation of senior officials from Snecma Group, will be present at the air show. Mr Bechat had participated at the Aero India show in 2003 and had signed three major contracts with HAL for the delivery and development of the engine for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

On the eve of his forthcoming visit to India, Mr Bechat said, “With aviation industry in India witnessing tremendous growth potential and huge market opportunity we look up to the Aero India 2005 as an ideal platform to showcase our products, services and capabilities.

Participating in the Aero India 2005 is definitely an opportunity, as the caliber is on par with other international Air shows.”

Vincent Gorry, National Executive – South Asia, Snecma added “Aero India 2005 will give Snecma Group companies an opportunity to explore the potential of co-operation with various Indian Aerospace establishments. We believe in growing with the country’s economy.”

Most of the non-Russian aircraft of the three Defence services, helicopter engines for the Cheetah, Chetak and Dhruv, equipment such as landing gears and brakes and engines for fighter and trainer aircraft (Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Hawk) are provided by Snecma. The CFM56 engine, a joint product of Snecma and GE, equips the Boeing 737 of Jet Airways and Air Sahara. Indian Airlines in its future acquisition has selected CFM56 engines to power its future fleet of Airbus medium range aircraft.

Sukhoi and Suryakiran provide a visual treat

BANGALORE, FEB 9 (PTI)

A dazzling display of India's fighter prowess gave a flying start to Aero India 2005, the biennial air show, where dozens of global military and civil aircraft makers are showcasing their products to hardsell them here.

A formation of three Indian Air Force MI 8 helicopters in the national tricolour and ensigns of the IAF and the aero show marked the start of the five-day event at the Yelahanka air base, 25 kms from Bangalore.

A low-speed composite formation of three aircraft -- the home grown Advanced Light Aircraft, the Kiran trainer and the awesome Sukhoi-30 Mki - flying at a low altitude, gave the audience a taste of things to come. This was followed by the Intermediate Jet Trainer, the indigenous aircraft being built to train IAF pilots for stage II training.

IAs the 'Sentinel of the ocean', Tu-142 flew past the dignitaries, reminding everyone that it was the 'albatross of the Indian Navy', which could fly non stop for over 18 hours, guarding the seas. India's latest acquisition, the Russian made IL-78 air-to-air refueller, called the fuel tank in the sky, tugged two Mirage-2000 fighters filling fuel over the Bangalore skies.

An arrowhead formation of three deep-penetration strike Jaguar aircraft was tailed by three prototypes of Tejas, the home grown Light Combat Aircraft in the Indian tricolour. The tailess, delta-winged, fly-by-wire, single-engine supersonic fighter, being developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency, made its maiden fight on January 4,2001 and is expected to replace IAF's MIG fleet from the next decade.

The IAF's twin-engine supersonic fighter Sukhoi-30 Mki displayed its awesome prowess by making loops in the air and flying at 'low speed' with the announcer saying 'even the wind stops to stare'.

Stage set for Aero India 2005

BANGALORE, FEB 8 (UNI)

The growing stature of the country's defence aviation industry will be in full bloom at the Aero India 2005, kickstarting here on Wednesday.

The five-day event would see major defence suppliers from across the world exhibiting their aviation arsenal and products, besides the prowess of their flying machines -- both civilian and military.

Held at the Air Force station at Yelahanka by the Defence Exhibition Organisation of the Department of Defence Production and Supplies, the air show has become a popular destination and is growing with every edition.

The fifth edition of the air show has attracted 210 foreign participants, besides 140 Indian exhibitors. The domestic exhibitors had doubled in size, indicating the growing aviation business sector within the country.

The show has assumed greater importance with the Indian Air Force (IAF) floating request for information to buy 126 multi-role fighter aircraft to enhance its depleting and aging airpower. The US (F-16), France (Mirage 2000 V), Russia (MIG 29) and Sweden (Grippen) have been sought to come out with information as the process for acquiring the aircraft had begun.

According to Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi, the IAF was in immediate requirement of these aircraft, before Tejas, the light combat aircraft, could be inducted into the IAF.

Though the development of Tejas advanced significantly with over 347 flights capped by the three prototypes, it suffered a blow due to the IAF's main demand that it should be fitted with the indigenous Kaveri engine and the delay in the development of the engine. The prototypes were flying with engines supplied by General Motors.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee had brushed aside the delay as a natural phenomenon while any new product was being developed. The project was being reviewed constantly and any deficiency would be plugged, he had said.

As usual the Russians are the largest participants with 40 companies, followed by France with 25 companies, Israel 14, the UK 20, Italy eleven, besides those from the United States. In all, 30 countries will be present at the show.

The Yelahanka show has resulted in Bangalore emerging a major internatioinal hub of aviation and aerospace industries. The first air show was held in 1996 and the 2003 edition saw more than 250 companies, including 176 from outside India, participating. Visit by delegates from 24 countries further added to the business opportunities of the exhibitors.

There will be a major presence by the United States both in the civil and defence sector. The star attraction of the show will be the F-15E Strike Eagles from the US, the MIG 29-K from Russia and the latest Mirage-2000s from France. Sukhoi 30 MKI will spearhead the Indian attraction, with as many as ten aircraft to display their prowess. All the three prototypes of Tejas,

Intermediate Jet Trainer, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv and the upgraded Chetak helicopter Chetan will be flying from the Indian side.

Apart from the F-15, the US aircraft on display includes P-3C orion, KC 135 sttratotanker and C-130j Hercules.

To make the show more business-oriented, the exhibition will be open only for business visitors, though the flying display twice a day will be open for the public.

China to send delegation to Aero India

BANGALORE, FEB 8 (UNI)

In an attempt to further enhance the cooperation with China, India has invited a delegation from the neighbouring country for the Aero India 2005 beginning here on Wednesday.

China would be among the 35 foreign delegates participating in the Aero India which was growing by stature with every edition.

Secretary for Defence Production S. M. Shekar Dutt briefing newsmen at the Airforce Station Yelahanka, 20 km from the city, said 232 companies from as many as 31 countries are participating in the show. The United States had come in a big way after low key presence in the previous editions, he added.

As many as 20 foreign aircraft and 60 Indian aircraft would be at the show for both static and flying display. Prominent among those included MIG 29 K of Russia, F-15 e Strike Eagle of the US, Sukhoi 30 MKI of India, Surya Kiran and Sarang teams of the IAF.

Aero India unveils promise

February 15, 2005 15:32 IST
Indo-Asian News

Aero India 2005, the latest edition of India's once-in-two-years aviation trade show, had both a promise and a warning.

The promise is global commercial interest and India's self-interest can combine to boost the country's public sector dominated aeronautics industry from its position of a bit player to one of some international significance.

The warning is that, while experts say the time for Indian aeronautics has come, aggressive government support for indigenous research and export will be decisive in ensuring that Indians will set the agenda for India's aeronautics, rather than Western defence conglomerates.

Leading up to Aero India, both Boeing, the American aircraft maker and its European and only global rival, Airbus, revised upward their 20-year estimates of Indian commercial airliners' ability to absorb new aircraft to some $35 billion.

They were buoyed by India's recent moves to make the skies more private sector investment-friendly, senior executives of Boeing and Airbus said.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, India's primary aircraft manufacturer, said its own chances of making more parts, such as aircraft doors and tail assemblies, are brighter.

HAL's chairman and managing director Ashok K Baweja has said he will aim for larger contracts for parts from global firms, while continuing to encourage HAL's engineers and scientists to build key products in-house.

On the defence side, conglomerates such as the Snecma Group of France, maker of propulsion systems and equipment, said they wanted to boost its ties with India both through risk sharing joint ventures and for selling more of its ware in the region.

The United States, after distancing itself by treating India with suspicion and sanctions, made earnest efforts to strengthen ties with the Indian aeronautics industry.

A realistic approach would be, as the Defence Research Development Organisation is following, to continue to try to engage the US on India's long term interests of high technology development, while carefully assessing the costs/benefits of buying US hardware to plug immediate gaps in the armed forces' arsenal.

Yet, DRDO officials point out, India's programmes will be modest in comparison with the hundreds of billions of dollars the US or Europe will spend on defence, including expenditure on research and development of advanced technologies.

For this reason, setting priorities will be vital. DRDO's chief executive M Natarajan has said, the indigenous Kaveri engine for the LCA and an airborne early warning and control system will be at the top of his agenda.

An HAL-designed advanced light helicopter is the other star in India's for-exports portfolio of products. For now, only Nepal has bought two, while the Chilean armed forces was 'evaluating the aircraft,' HAL's officials say.

The ALH is also an example of what may not be in India's long-term interests. The engine is simply supplied by Tourbomeca, a Snecma Group company, and will not be manufactured in India at all.

Some three quarters of the 'Indian market requirement' of a more powerful engine, the Ardiden, will be manufactured by HAL. It emerged in Aero India that Indian contribution to the development of the engine is a mere 11 per cent, the rest coming from Tourbomeca.

One can expect then that HAL's share of profits from potential international sales of the Ardiden will reflect this. Snecma estimates that it will make at least 1,500 such engines over the next 20 years, though it is not clear if this is only the Indian requirement.

Similarly, while much publicity was given to a 'tie up' between HAL and Lockheed Martin on P-3 Orion, a marine surveillance aircraft, the agreement does no more than allow India to specify what upgrades it wants before Lockheed sells some eight second-hand P-3s to the Indian Navy.

True, HAL has fared better with its traditional partners, the Russians. It has just delivered to the Indian Air Force a fully assembled-in-India Sukhoi 30 MkI multi-role fighter aircraft.

It is confident of taking a 10 per cent stake in a civilian jet project led by the Russians. It could also make some composites parts for that aircraft's engine, which the French are supplying.

But, a thump-your-chest made-in-India engine is not in sight. Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a DRDO lab entrusted with building the Kaveri, is having problems with it.

The engine is not expected to be ready for the LCA at least for another five years. Yet another case of an "Indian" aircraft whose heart and lungs come from the US or Europe or both.

The global firms would love to keep it that way, getting HAL to contribute parts on subcontracts, and perhaps the National Aerospace Laboratories, with its supercomputer, to help with wind tunnel tests (though even that is a complex computational job).

To change the scenario, say experts, the government must find the will and the resources to back quickly the manufacture of say some 200 LCAs and 300 ALHs.

Universities such as the Indian Institute of Science, where research on using smart materials is on to reduce vibrations in the ALH, will have to get larger, time-bound projects. Involving the private sector to scale up the activities will be vital.

For this, the government will have to put up the initial guarantees so that companies can have something more than mere commercial interest -- a sense of national pride.

This alone can ensure that the next time an Indian fighter aircraft is on the cover page of a reputed international news magazine, it will be the futuristic derivative of the Light Combat Aircraft.

Lockheed Martin looking for commercial ties with India

NEW DELHI, FEB. 14

. While maintaining that it would not be able to guarantee steady supply of spares in case the U.S. Government decided to impose sanctions, the U.S. aviation giant, Lockheed Martin, today said it was playing an active role to promote stability in Indo-U.S. ties. It was also looking at establishing commercial relations such as tying up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for service support so that India could also realise its national objective of self-reliance in defence equipment.

Lockheed Martin is in the contest for Indian Air Force's (IAF) requirement for multi-role capable fighter aircraft and is pitted against Swedish, Russian and French companies. It is also proposing the sale of eight maritime surveillance aircraft to the Indian Navy and the Defence Ministry is weighing the option of buying American aircraft with providing life extension to the existing Russian-origin fleet. Both orders would amount to the biggest-ever Indo-U.S. armament deal.

India placed the last substantial order worth nearly Rs. 800 crores for Raytheon company's weapon-locating radars soon after sanctions were lifted in late 2001.

Indigenous F-16s

Speaking to newsmen here after displaying their wares at the Bangalore air show and some IAF bases, senior company officials said they were planning to meet India's need for technology transfer by retooling one of the IAF base repair depots as a long-term service support centre and were ready for indigenous manufacture of F-16s.

The company was also actively promoting bilateral ties through the Indo-U.S. Joint Business Council and the High Technology Cooperation Group that was working out ways to facilitate trade in cutting edge technology in various areas including defence. "Through these actions we hope both countries achieve stable ties in the long term," said the South Asia Managing Director, Pracheesh Mathur.

Pointing out that both countries were interacting extensively at the armed forces level, another senior officer said: "There are all indications that the U.S. has become a reliable trade partner of India."

Seeing no contradiction in seeking to supply fighters and maritime surveillance planes to both India and Pakistan, he said, "this is a fairly common issue in our business and we would maintain technology balance and secrecy.

Other companies are also doing the same (Sukhoi has supplied fighters to India and China and France are in the race for order for submarines to India after capping a deal with Pakistan). How they do it without attracting scepticism like in case of American companies is a mystery."