HYDERABAD (PTI): India's first indigenously developed fighter aircraft engine 'Kaveri' will undergo further analysis in January in Moscow, a top government official has said.
T Mohana Rao, Director, Gas Turbine ResearchEstablishment of the Defence ministry, said the weather there is not suitable for now and more tests on the engine will be conducted by end of January or early February.
The Kaveri engine which will be used for the 'Tejas' Light Combat Aircraft was successfully tested last month in an aircraft in Moscow.
The test data analysis indicated that the engine performance was as per the design intent, he said adding unless these engines are tested for thousands of hours, the right configuration cannot be achieved.
Dec 14, 2010
Brazil successfully launches VSB-3 rocket into orbit
BRASILIA (AFP): Brazil Monday successfully launched a mid-sized unmanned rocket into space, with hundreds of kilograms in cargo and experiments in tow, space officials here said.
Scientists from the Agencia Espacial Brasilena (AEB) said the VSB-3 rocket took off from the Alcantara Launch Centre in northeast Brazil, reaching an altitude of some 242 kilometers.
Officials said the rocket, designed by Brazilian and German scientists, carried some 400 kilograms in cargo, as well as various micro-gravity experiments for several academic institutions.
The rocket soared for about 18 minutes before splashing down some 233 kilometers off Brazil's Atlantic coast, where it was retrieved by the air force and marines.
Brazil aims to join China and Russia as a top emerging economy with its own space programme.
The launch is seen as a major accomplishment for a programme that has faced setbacks and tragedy over the years including an August 2003 rocket accident at Alcantara that killed 21 Brazilian technicians and engineers.
Scientists from the Agencia Espacial Brasilena (AEB) said the VSB-3 rocket took off from the Alcantara Launch Centre in northeast Brazil, reaching an altitude of some 242 kilometers.
Officials said the rocket, designed by Brazilian and German scientists, carried some 400 kilograms in cargo, as well as various micro-gravity experiments for several academic institutions.
The rocket soared for about 18 minutes before splashing down some 233 kilometers off Brazil's Atlantic coast, where it was retrieved by the air force and marines.
Brazil aims to join China and Russia as a top emerging economy with its own space programme.
The launch is seen as a major accomplishment for a programme that has faced setbacks and tragedy over the years including an August 2003 rocket accident at Alcantara that killed 21 Brazilian technicians and engineers.
Iran completes large-scale military drills near Iraq border
TEHRAN (AP): Iran's official news agency says the country's army has finished a large military exercise near Iraqi border.
It was the first public word on the maneuvers. Iran announced two months ago that it would hold war games in December but there had been no announcement that they had started.
Usually, Iran's state media give extensive coverage of military exercises to show off weapons systems, and it was not clear why it did not do so for the latest maneuvers.
Word of the latest exercises came indirectly, when the state news agency IRNA on Monday reported that two military officers were killed in a car accident as they came home after the end of "large" exercises by ground forces. The report gave no details on the maneuvers
It was the first public word on the maneuvers. Iran announced two months ago that it would hold war games in December but there had been no announcement that they had started.
Usually, Iran's state media give extensive coverage of military exercises to show off weapons systems, and it was not clear why it did not do so for the latest maneuvers.
Word of the latest exercises came indirectly, when the state news agency IRNA on Monday reported that two military officers were killed in a car accident as they came home after the end of "large" exercises by ground forces. The report gave no details on the maneuvers
Pak receives five new F-16 combat aircraft from US
ISLAMABAD (PTI): Pakistan Monday received a batch of five 18 F-16 combat aircraft ordered from the United States and their induction into the Air Force is expected to boost the country's air defence capabilities.
Pakistan had signed a contract with the US administration in 2005-06 for 18 F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft.
The five new aircraft were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force during a ceremony held at Shahbaz airbase in Jacobabad city in southern Sindh province.
The F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft are equipped with a sophisticated avionics suite and latest weapons with night precision attack capability, the PAF said.
The aircraft were acquired as part of PAF's bid to modernise and enhance its air defence capabilities, officials said.
"The induction into the PAF of five more advanced F-16 Block 52 aircraft represents the near completion of your Block-52 squadron... It also manifests the abiding commitment of the US to Pakistan's national defence," said US Ambassador Cameron Munter.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, who was also present at the ceremony, said: "Pakistan and the US are friends and partners. Both countries have benefited from each other".
The first batch of new F-16s arrived in Pakistan in June, the second batch in October and third batch last month.
The F-16 Block 52 aircraft have additional fuel and payload capacity, improved avionics and sensors, and colour cockpit displays with enhanced pilot-vehicle interfaces, said a statement from the US embassy.
The US is working with the PAF to update 45 F-16s in its existing fighter fleet through the US Foreign Military Financing security assistance programme.
When the updates are completed, these aircraft will have capabilities similar to those of the new F-16s, including advanced communications and a precision targeting system.
The first batch of upgraded F-16s is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in early 2012.
Pakistan had signed a contract with the US administration in 2005-06 for 18 F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft.
The five new aircraft were inducted into the Pakistan Air Force during a ceremony held at Shahbaz airbase in Jacobabad city in southern Sindh province.
The F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft are equipped with a sophisticated avionics suite and latest weapons with night precision attack capability, the PAF said.
The aircraft were acquired as part of PAF's bid to modernise and enhance its air defence capabilities, officials said.
"The induction into the PAF of five more advanced F-16 Block 52 aircraft represents the near completion of your Block-52 squadron... It also manifests the abiding commitment of the US to Pakistan's national defence," said US Ambassador Cameron Munter.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, who was also present at the ceremony, said: "Pakistan and the US are friends and partners. Both countries have benefited from each other".
The first batch of new F-16s arrived in Pakistan in June, the second batch in October and third batch last month.
The F-16 Block 52 aircraft have additional fuel and payload capacity, improved avionics and sensors, and colour cockpit displays with enhanced pilot-vehicle interfaces, said a statement from the US embassy.
The US is working with the PAF to update 45 F-16s in its existing fighter fleet through the US Foreign Military Financing security assistance programme.
When the updates are completed, these aircraft will have capabilities similar to those of the new F-16s, including advanced communications and a precision targeting system.
The first batch of upgraded F-16s is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan in early 2012.
Nov 23, 2010
Future space mission to focus on resource exploitation: Sharma
BANGALORE (PTI): First Indian in space, Wing Commander (Retd) Rakesh Sharma, has expressed apprehensions that space missions in future will focus more on exploitation of resources than onresearch.
"Hitherto, space activity was all about research and exploitation. Henceforth, space programmes will be focused on exploitation of resources that may be available on the moon and beyond," Sharma said delivering the "Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Oration" titled "Space Travel- Where do we go from here?"
In the event of long duration hauls becoming a regular, in future, there would be new challenges that would crop up and would be required to be addressed, said, India's space man who invoked unforgettable memories of the country's first manned space venture of April 1984.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Conference of Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) on Friday, Sharma raised questions over the earth's ability to sustain human life in future going by its shrinking resources.
"We need to have a redundancy plan, have a backup for human race," he said.
He opined that there could be a need to parallely commence programmes aimed at colonisation of moon and deep space exploration with long duration flights to Mars and beyond.
"For this we should set up a lunar outpost," he added.
"Hitherto, space activity was all about research and exploitation. Henceforth, space programmes will be focused on exploitation of resources that may be available on the moon and beyond," Sharma said delivering the "Subroto Mukherjee Memorial Oration" titled "Space Travel- Where do we go from here?"
In the event of long duration hauls becoming a regular, in future, there would be new challenges that would crop up and would be required to be addressed, said, India's space man who invoked unforgettable memories of the country's first manned space venture of April 1984.
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Conference of Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) on Friday, Sharma raised questions over the earth's ability to sustain human life in future going by its shrinking resources.
"We need to have a redundancy plan, have a backup for human race," he said.
He opined that there could be a need to parallely commence programmes aimed at colonisation of moon and deep space exploration with long duration flights to Mars and beyond.
"For this we should set up a lunar outpost," he added.
6,749 Indian women officers in armed forces
NEW DELHI (PTI): A total of 6,749 women officers were working in the armed forces, with over one-third of them inducted during the last three years, Lok Sabha was informed Monday.
"2,591 women officers have been inducted into the armed forces in the last three years and a total of 6,749 of them are working in the Services," Defence Minister A K Antony said in written reply to a Lok Sabha query.
He said the highest numbers of officers were with the Army followed by the Army Medical Corps and the Indian Air Force.
The Minister said a "zero tolerance" policy was adopted by the government on harassment of women.
Antony added that though some cases of sexual harassment have taken place, but no incident has been reported where a woman candidate has been declined a job due to discrimination or harassment.
He added that the government was considering a proposal to grant Permanent Commission to women officers in branches such as Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps (AEC) and their corresponding branches in the other two services.
To a question whether the government has taken cognisance of the infrastructure development by China in Tibet and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Antony said the government keeps track of infrastructure development and military activities in both the regions.
"2,591 women officers have been inducted into the armed forces in the last three years and a total of 6,749 of them are working in the Services," Defence Minister A K Antony said in written reply to a Lok Sabha query.
He said the highest numbers of officers were with the Army followed by the Army Medical Corps and the Indian Air Force.
The Minister said a "zero tolerance" policy was adopted by the government on harassment of women.
Antony added that though some cases of sexual harassment have taken place, but no incident has been reported where a woman candidate has been declined a job due to discrimination or harassment.
He added that the government was considering a proposal to grant Permanent Commission to women officers in branches such as Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Army Education Corps (AEC) and their corresponding branches in the other two services.
To a question whether the government has taken cognisance of the infrastructure development by China in Tibet and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Antony said the government keeps track of infrastructure development and military activities in both the regions.
Will Chinese AWACS revolutionise air defence?
ISLAMABAD (PTI): The induction of Chinese-made airborne warning and control system aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force beginning next year will bring about a "revolution" in air defence operations, the airforce chief said Sunday.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, currently on a visit to China, told state-run APP news agency that his force has plans to induct four Shaanxi ZDK-03 AWACS aircraft in its inventory.
Suleman recently attended the roll out ceremony in Hanzhong for the first ZDK-03 aircraft designed specifically for PAF.
He said countries without AWACS aircraft mostly rely on ground-based radar systems that have "very serious limitations in terms of their surveillance and detection".
Highlighting the importance of the AWACS, Suleman said they can detect "any object flying from the enemy side and you can take action to counter the threat".
There will be a revolution in PAF's air defence operations after the induction of surveillance aircraft, he said.
"There are very few countries in the world having AWACS technology in their air forces," he said.
Suleman further said that the delivery of AWACS aircraft from Sweden to Pakistan has also begun and the Chinese-made surveillance planes will begin joining the PAF from the first quarter of next year, he said.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, currently on a visit to China, told state-run APP news agency that his force has plans to induct four Shaanxi ZDK-03 AWACS aircraft in its inventory.
Suleman recently attended the roll out ceremony in Hanzhong for the first ZDK-03 aircraft designed specifically for PAF.
He said countries without AWACS aircraft mostly rely on ground-based radar systems that have "very serious limitations in terms of their surveillance and detection".
Highlighting the importance of the AWACS, Suleman said they can detect "any object flying from the enemy side and you can take action to counter the threat".
There will be a revolution in PAF's air defence operations after the induction of surveillance aircraft, he said.
"There are very few countries in the world having AWACS technology in their air forces," he said.
Suleman further said that the delivery of AWACS aircraft from Sweden to Pakistan has also begun and the Chinese-made surveillance planes will begin joining the PAF from the first quarter of next year, he said.
Apr 1, 2010
BRAHMOS missile proves its mettle once again
NEW DELHI (BNS): India on Sunday successfully test fired BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile from a vertical launcher fitted in a moving warship INS Ranvir from off Orissa coast.
BRAHMOS was launched from INS Ranvir at 1130 hours IST, official sources said here.
The missile performed supersonic maneuvering following the exact flight path and homed on to the decommissioned target ship INS Meen.
"The launch met all mission requirements and was 100 per cent successful,'' Dr. A S Pillai, CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, confirmed.
This would mean that the missile, which has a range of 290-km and flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach, can take on a target lying anywhere in the 360-degree range of the ship.
Click to read more
BRAHMOS was launched from INS Ranvir at 1130 hours IST, official sources said here.
The missile performed supersonic maneuvering following the exact flight path and homed on to the decommissioned target ship INS Meen.
"The launch met all mission requirements and was 100 per cent successful,'' Dr. A S Pillai, CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, confirmed.
This would mean that the missile, which has a range of 290-km and flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach, can take on a target lying anywhere in the 360-degree range of the ship.
Click to read more
BrahMos shines at DRDO Technology Day Awards 2010
NEW DELHI (BNS): Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai, the father of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile programme, on Tuesday received a special award for the successful Indo-Russian Joint Venture during the DRDO Technology Day Awards function here.
BrahMos Aerospace CEO and MD, Dr. AS Pillai, was given the special award for the Joint Venture in keeping with the spirit of the ' Year of Collaborations' the organisation has been celebrating.
BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile is a precision strike weapon already inducted by the Indian Army and Navy.
The missile is not just a transfer of technology but mutual production and upgradation of technology so as to ensure that the country become self-sufficient in supersonic strategic missile capacity.
India’s premier Defence Research and Development Organisation gives away award every year to acknowledge the scientific and technological excellence of its men.
BrahMos Aerospace CEO and MD, Dr. AS Pillai, was given the special award for the Joint Venture in keeping with the spirit of the ' Year of Collaborations' the organisation has been celebrating.
BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile is a precision strike weapon already inducted by the Indian Army and Navy.
The missile is not just a transfer of technology but mutual production and upgradation of technology so as to ensure that the country become self-sufficient in supersonic strategic missile capacity.
India’s premier Defence Research and Development Organisation gives away award every year to acknowledge the scientific and technological excellence of its men.
Mar 30, 2010
BrahMos attracts delegators at DIMDEX ’10
NEW DELHI (BNS): BrahMos Aerospace has grabbed the most media attention at the opening day of 2nd Doha International Maritime and Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX) on Monday, compared to any other South Asian defence establishment.
"The 100% success achieved in recent times in the firing of missiles from different platforms was a matter of immense pride to its developers,” Gulf Times quoted CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, Dr A S Pillai as saying.
"The 100% success achieved in recent times in the firing of missiles from different platforms was a matter of immense pride to its developers,” Gulf Times quoted CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, Dr A S Pillai as saying.
'Indian F-16s more advanced than Pakistan's'
DALLAS (PTI): American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has assured India that the F-16s being offered to it would be "much more advanced" than the fighters provided to Pakistan.
"I can assure you, the Super Viper is much more advanced in all aspects than the F-16s being given to Pakistan," Lockheed Martin's Vice President-Business Development (India) Orville Prins told a group of visiting Indian journalists here on Monday.
The assurance comes in the wake of reports that India was concerned over US supplying a new set of F-16s to Pakistan, a decision which could be a crucial geopolitical factor when the Indian Air Force (IAF) decides on the USD 10 billion Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, described as 'mother of all deals'.
"I can assure you, the Super Viper is much more advanced in all aspects than the F-16s being given to Pakistan," Lockheed Martin's Vice President-Business Development (India) Orville Prins told a group of visiting Indian journalists here on Monday.
The assurance comes in the wake of reports that India was concerned over US supplying a new set of F-16s to Pakistan, a decision which could be a crucial geopolitical factor when the Indian Air Force (IAF) decides on the USD 10 billion Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, described as 'mother of all deals'.
Mar 9, 2010
'Jugnu' nano-satellite
'Jugnu' is a nano-satellite built by the students and faculty of IIT Kanpur under the guidance of Indian Space Research Organisation.
'Jugnu', developed by using indigenous technology, weighs 3kg and is 34cm long and 10 cm wide. An estimated amount of Rs 2.5 crore was spent to develop the satellite.
The development of the concept 'Jugnu' geared up in the year 2008. In 2008, IIT Kanpur and ISRO had signed a MoU under which the engineering institution was to build a nano-satellite.
The three-foot-long time capsule is made of a special kind of copper and it will preserve the data stored inside for thousands of years.
The payload of the satellite includes an indigenously designed camera for near remote sensing and a GPS receiver. 'Jugnu' will transmit blinking signal, round the clock, all over the earth. The designed life span of the satellite is proposed to be one year.
Jugnu's mission will serve the following applications;
1. Micro Imaging System.
2. GPS receiver for locating the position of satellite in the orbit.
3. MEMS based IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).
The satellite will revolve around the Earth 15 times in a day in polar orbit and will be visible over Kanpur for three to four times for a total of 20 minutes.
It will help in gathering prior information regarding flood, drought and disaster management. It will study vegetation patterns, water bodies and soil using a Near-IR camera.
With the help of micro imaging and micro electronic system, it will transfer the images to the IIT Kanpur campus.
'Jugnu' will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (also known as SHAR, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh) by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
After its launch, the satellite will be continuously monitored and controlled by ground station located on the campus.
'Jugnu' has set the path for such inspiring innovations in the future and has also strengthened activities in MEMS sensor based technology applications.
Low weights, cost effective nano-satellite like 'Jugnu' have significant role to play in the cost reduction, experimentation, reduction in the development and testing time for the new technologies and will significantly change the satellite development activity in the future.
'Jugnu', developed by using indigenous technology, weighs 3kg and is 34cm long and 10 cm wide. An estimated amount of Rs 2.5 crore was spent to develop the satellite.
The development of the concept 'Jugnu' geared up in the year 2008. In 2008, IIT Kanpur and ISRO had signed a MoU under which the engineering institution was to build a nano-satellite.
The three-foot-long time capsule is made of a special kind of copper and it will preserve the data stored inside for thousands of years.
The payload of the satellite includes an indigenously designed camera for near remote sensing and a GPS receiver. 'Jugnu' will transmit blinking signal, round the clock, all over the earth. The designed life span of the satellite is proposed to be one year.
Jugnu's mission will serve the following applications;
1. Micro Imaging System.
2. GPS receiver for locating the position of satellite in the orbit.
3. MEMS based IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit).
The satellite will revolve around the Earth 15 times in a day in polar orbit and will be visible over Kanpur for three to four times for a total of 20 minutes.
It will help in gathering prior information regarding flood, drought and disaster management. It will study vegetation patterns, water bodies and soil using a Near-IR camera.
With the help of micro imaging and micro electronic system, it will transfer the images to the IIT Kanpur campus.
'Jugnu' will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (also known as SHAR, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh) by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
After its launch, the satellite will be continuously monitored and controlled by ground station located on the campus.
'Jugnu' has set the path for such inspiring innovations in the future and has also strengthened activities in MEMS sensor based technology applications.
Low weights, cost effective nano-satellite like 'Jugnu' have significant role to play in the cost reduction, experimentation, reduction in the development and testing time for the new technologies and will significantly change the satellite development activity in the future.
Indian Army to test fire Nag missile in May
NEW DELHI (BNS): The Indian Army is gearing up to test fire the indigenously-built Nag anti-tank missile from Rajasthan in May.
The short-range missile, developed by Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, will be inducted in the Army after completing the final round of test trials, sources said.
The Army has earmarked Rs 335 crore to buy 443 Nag missiles.
Nag is a third generation missile which operates on the “fire-and-forget” principle.
While the land version of the missile has a range of 4 to 6 km, its air version has a range of 7 to 8 km.
The 42-kg missile can fly at a speed of 230 meters per second.
The short-range missile, developed by Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, will be inducted in the Army after completing the final round of test trials, sources said.
The Army has earmarked Rs 335 crore to buy 443 Nag missiles.
Nag is a third generation missile which operates on the “fire-and-forget” principle.
While the land version of the missile has a range of 4 to 6 km, its air version has a range of 7 to 8 km.
The 42-kg missile can fly at a speed of 230 meters per second.
Mar 4, 2010
ISRO achievements are on stringent budget: K Radhakrishnan
TUMKUR (PTI): Indian Space Research Organisation'sbudget is just three per cent of that of its US counterpart NASA, its Chairman K Radhakrishnan said.
Delivering a convocation address at Tumkur University on Wednesday, he said despite the low funding, the Indian space programme is ready to take a giant leap towards inter-planetary missions and human space flight programme.
"The success of Chandrayaan-1 prepares the basis for many futuristic missions. Mission planning is being carried out for Chandrayaan-2, Mars orbiter and Aditya, the maiden solar mission to study solar corona," Radhakrishnan said.
But the most ambitious of all is the Human Space Flight Programme in which two astronauts would be sent to low earth orbit and would be safely "landed back".
According to him, with 15 consecutive successful launches, India's workhorse rocket PSLV is considered the most reliable launchers in its class in the industry.
With the development of GSLV-Mk III rocket, the launch capacity to geo-transfer orbit would be raised to four tonnes which means "an adult elephant being carried to 25,000 kms above the earth".
"The astonishing fact is -- all these were achieved on a stringent shoe-string budget. Our budget for the financial year 2009-10 which also happens to be our highest ever, is just three per cent of NASA's budget for the year 2010," Radhakrishnan said.
NASA to launch GOES-P weather satellite
WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States is poised to launch the latest in its family of high-tech meteorological satellites that watch storm development and weather conditions on Earth from high in space.
The launch window for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-P (GOES-P) will open at 0617 pm (2317 GMT) on Thursday and close an hour later, US space agency NASA said in a statement on Wednesday.
A Delta IV rocket will carry the satellite to its orbit around 22,000 miles (35,406 kilometres) above the Earth's surface.
From orbit, GOES-P will collect and send back to Earth data that will be used by scientists to monitor weather, make forecasts and issue warnings about meteorological incidents.
The satellite will also detect ocean and land temperatures, monitor space weather, relay communications and provide search-and-rescue support.
The first GOES satellite was launched in 1975. GOES-P is the latest in the most recent generation of US geostationary weather satellites.
GOES-P will be launched for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the US National Weather Service, by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
The launch window for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-P (GOES-P) will open at 0617 pm (2317 GMT) on Thursday and close an hour later, US space agency NASA said in a statement on Wednesday.
A Delta IV rocket will carry the satellite to its orbit around 22,000 miles (35,406 kilometres) above the Earth's surface.
From orbit, GOES-P will collect and send back to Earth data that will be used by scientists to monitor weather, make forecasts and issue warnings about meteorological incidents.
The satellite will also detect ocean and land temperatures, monitor space weather, relay communications and provide search-and-rescue support.
The first GOES satellite was launched in 1975. GOES-P is the latest in the most recent generation of US geostationary weather satellites.
GOES-P will be launched for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the US National Weather Service, by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
Feb 22, 2010
India admits setback with Russia over defence delivery delays
DABOLIM (PTI): Admitting "setbacks" in its relations with Russia over delays in defence supplies, India said the two sides have signed an agreement which will help in improving the product support from that country.
"There may be delays and setbacks sometimes but we have a long relationship with Russia... There have been delays in delivery and product support in the past. But after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Russia, issues have been sorted out, things are moving faster now," Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters after the induction of Russian-made MiG-29K maritime fighters into the Navy at a ceremony here on Friday.
He was asked if India needed to review its defence relations with Russia in view of the delays in delivery of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov and various other defence supplies.
India had placed orders for Admiral Gorshkov in 2004 as part of a USD 1.5 billion deal and it was supposed to arrive in India in 2008 after refurbishment in Russian shipyards but the delivery has been delayed after constant review of its price by Russia.
Russia is now asking India to give USD 2.9 billion more for the trials and refurbishment of the 44,500 tonne warship, which India is not willing to pay.
The Defence Minister said the negotiations on the price issue are in "final stages".
Antony said in the next couple of years, India is planning to induct a couple of aircraft carriers, including the Admiral Gorshkov and the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier.
He said India was expanding its relations with other countries, including the US, but "that doesn't affect our relations with Russia and it will be strengthened further."
In reply to a query on India's plans to procure more MiG-29Ks, the Minister said, "We have already placed orders for 16 of these aircraft. In the second batch, we will place orders for 29 more as the Navy has shown interest in it.
"There may be delays and setbacks sometimes but we have a long relationship with Russia... There have been delays in delivery and product support in the past. But after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Russia, issues have been sorted out, things are moving faster now," Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters after the induction of Russian-made MiG-29K maritime fighters into the Navy at a ceremony here on Friday.
He was asked if India needed to review its defence relations with Russia in view of the delays in delivery of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov and various other defence supplies.
India had placed orders for Admiral Gorshkov in 2004 as part of a USD 1.5 billion deal and it was supposed to arrive in India in 2008 after refurbishment in Russian shipyards but the delivery has been delayed after constant review of its price by Russia.
Russia is now asking India to give USD 2.9 billion more for the trials and refurbishment of the 44,500 tonne warship, which India is not willing to pay.
The Defence Minister said the negotiations on the price issue are in "final stages".
Antony said in the next couple of years, India is planning to induct a couple of aircraft carriers, including the Admiral Gorshkov and the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier.
He said India was expanding its relations with other countries, including the US, but "that doesn't affect our relations with Russia and it will be strengthened further."
In reply to a query on India's plans to procure more MiG-29Ks, the Minister said, "We have already placed orders for 16 of these aircraft. In the second batch, we will place orders for 29 more as the Navy has shown interest in it.
Iran launches indigenous missile destroyer "Jamaran"
TEHRAN (AFP): The Iran Navy has launched in the Gulf its first domestically made destroyer in a ceremony attend by the supreme leader and the commander-in-chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the media reported.
"Iran's navy today took the delivery of the first indigenously designed and developed guided missile destroyer "Jamaran" in the Persian Gulf," Iran'sEnglish-language Press TV reported.
The vessel has a displacement of around 14,000 tonnes and is equipped with modern radars and electronic warfare capabilities, the report said.
"Jamaran, a multi-mission destroyer, can carry 120-140 personnel on board and is armed with a variety of anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles with a top speed of up to 30 knots and has a helipad," the report added. "The vessel has also been equipped with torpedoes and modern naval cannons."
State television also showed footage of the vessel and the ceremony at which it was launched by Khamenei flanked by the top Iranian military commanders.
Much of Iran's naval equipment dates from before the 1979 Islamic revolution and is US made. Since the revolution, Tehran has purchased a number of Russian-made submarines.
In the past year Iranian navy has carried out a number of missions in the Gulf of Aden and offshore Somalia where it was commissioned to escort Iranian merchant ships and oil tankers.
"Iran's navy today took the delivery of the first indigenously designed and developed guided missile destroyer "Jamaran" in the Persian Gulf," Iran'sEnglish-language Press TV reported.
The vessel has a displacement of around 14,000 tonnes and is equipped with modern radars and electronic warfare capabilities, the report said.
"Jamaran, a multi-mission destroyer, can carry 120-140 personnel on board and is armed with a variety of anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles with a top speed of up to 30 knots and has a helipad," the report added. "The vessel has also been equipped with torpedoes and modern naval cannons."
State television also showed footage of the vessel and the ceremony at which it was launched by Khamenei flanked by the top Iranian military commanders.
Much of Iran's naval equipment dates from before the 1979 Islamic revolution and is US made. Since the revolution, Tehran has purchased a number of Russian-made submarines.
In the past year Iranian navy has carried out a number of missions in the Gulf of Aden and offshore Somalia where it was commissioned to escort Iranian merchant ships and oil tankers.
Israel unveils new Heron TP drone fleet
TEL NOF, ISRAEL (AP): Israel's air force has introduced a fleet of large unmanned planes that can fly as far as Iran.
Air force officials say the Heron TP drones have a wingspan of 86 feet (26 meters), making them the size of passenger jets. They say the planes are primarily used for surveillance.
The drones, built by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, were first used during Israel's Gaza war last year. The company has said the aircraft can reach the Persian Gulf.
At an inauguration ceremony today, Israeli officials refused to say how large the fleet is or whether the planes were designed for use against Iran.
Israel believes Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and has repeatedly hinted it could strike Iran if diplomacy fails to curb Iran's nuclear programme.
Air force officials say the Heron TP drones have a wingspan of 86 feet (26 meters), making them the size of passenger jets. They say the planes are primarily used for surveillance.
The drones, built by state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, were first used during Israel's Gaza war last year. The company has said the aircraft can reach the Persian Gulf.
At an inauguration ceremony today, Israeli officials refused to say how large the fleet is or whether the planes were designed for use against Iran.
Israel believes Tehran is trying to develop nuclear weapons and has repeatedly hinted it could strike Iran if diplomacy fails to curb Iran's nuclear programme.
US Army awards Rolls-Royce multi-million dollar contract
HOUSTON (BNS): US Army has awarded the Rolls-Royce a multi-million dollar contract to design and develop a dual channel FADEC (full authority digital engine control) for the M250 powered OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter.
According to a news release by the Rolls-Royce, the dual channel FADEC will draw from the latest commercially-derived Rolls-Royce technology. The results will include increased functionality, decreased pilot workload and lower cost of operation.
"This FADEC is part of an overall modernisation programme that will significantly extend the life of the Kiowa Warrior platform and keep it at the forefront of military reconnaissance missions," said Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business.
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter is used for observation, utility, and direct fire support.
According to a news release by the Rolls-Royce, the dual channel FADEC will draw from the latest commercially-derived Rolls-Royce technology. The results will include increased functionality, decreased pilot workload and lower cost of operation.
"This FADEC is part of an overall modernisation programme that will significantly extend the life of the Kiowa Warrior platform and keep it at the forefront of military reconnaissance missions," said Ken Roberts, President of the Rolls-Royce Helicopter Engine business.
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter is used for observation, utility, and direct fire support.
Feb 4, 2010
Russia's future fighter makes its maiden flight
MOSCOW (PTI): Russia's fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), which is a joint project with India, Friday made a "succesful" maiden flight in the country's far east, boosting hopes that the stealth fighter may be ready for induction in the next five years.
"The 5th generation fighter made its maiden flight at Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The flight lasted about 45 minutes and was a success," Sukhoi Corporation's spokesperson Olga Kayukova told state-run 'Rossiya 24' TV.
Describing the flight as a textbook, she said, “All the expectations of the scientists were met.”
With the aircraft getting airborne, Russia is the second country in the world to produce a 5th generation fighter, which is 90 per cent made up of composite fibre.
Sukhoi's KNAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is reported to have built three prototypes of FGFA with the technical name T-50 under its PAK FA project to rival US Lockheed F-22 Raptor and its newer version F-35.
Under an agreement signed in October 2007, India has also joined the FGFA project by taking a 50 per centinvestment stake in the project. For the Indian Air Force, a lighter, two-seater version is to be developed to meet its specific requirements.
The Russian Air Force intends to begin the induction of FGFA from 2015. India is also expected to induct at least 250 combat jets, which would be manufactured by HAL - the nodal partner of Sukhoi in the project.
The Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has a 25 per cent share of design and development work in FGFA, with India contributing largely to composites, cockpit and avionics.
The Indian systems onboard would be mission computers, navigation systems, most of the cockpit displays, the counter measure dispensing. The Russian expertise in Titanium structures would be complimented by India's experience in composites for the new fighter.
The Indian version of the futuristic fighter will also have weapon of Indian origin including Astra, the beyond visual range missile being developed by the DRDO.
At the initial stages, 500 FGFA are to be developed with options kept open for both Russian and Indian Air Force.
While the Russian military has ordered 200 single seaters and 50 twin seaters, the IAF has projected 200 twin seaters and 50 single seaters.
"The 5th generation fighter made its maiden flight at Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The flight lasted about 45 minutes and was a success," Sukhoi Corporation's spokesperson Olga Kayukova told state-run 'Rossiya 24' TV.
Describing the flight as a textbook, she said, “All the expectations of the scientists were met.”
With the aircraft getting airborne, Russia is the second country in the world to produce a 5th generation fighter, which is 90 per cent made up of composite fibre.
Sukhoi's KNAAPO aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is reported to have built three prototypes of FGFA with the technical name T-50 under its PAK FA project to rival US Lockheed F-22 Raptor and its newer version F-35.
Under an agreement signed in October 2007, India has also joined the FGFA project by taking a 50 per centinvestment stake in the project. For the Indian Air Force, a lighter, two-seater version is to be developed to meet its specific requirements.
The Russian Air Force intends to begin the induction of FGFA from 2015. India is also expected to induct at least 250 combat jets, which would be manufactured by HAL - the nodal partner of Sukhoi in the project.
The Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has a 25 per cent share of design and development work in FGFA, with India contributing largely to composites, cockpit and avionics.
The Indian systems onboard would be mission computers, navigation systems, most of the cockpit displays, the counter measure dispensing. The Russian expertise in Titanium structures would be complimented by India's experience in composites for the new fighter.
The Indian version of the futuristic fighter will also have weapon of Indian origin including Astra, the beyond visual range missile being developed by the DRDO.
At the initial stages, 500 FGFA are to be developed with options kept open for both Russian and Indian Air Force.
While the Russian military has ordered 200 single seaters and 50 twin seaters, the IAF has projected 200 twin seaters and 50 single seaters.
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