Air Chief Browne swears by 'People-first Mission'

Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, took over as the 23^rd Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), from Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, who retires after 42 years of illustrious service, at Air Headquarters, Vayu Bhawan, today.

In his address to the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Browne said, “The IAF is well poised on the path of transforming itself into a potent strategic force”. Outlining his vision statement for the IAF of – ‘People first Mission Always’, he said, “While induction of the state of the art equipment and systems would lead to a major upgradation of our combat potential, our biggest strength, ‘Our People’ must receive our highest attention.” “In whatever capacity you serve in the Indian Air Force, you remain our most valuable asset”, he added.

“I firmly believe that each one of us has a duty to care and look after the people placed under our charge. It is a sacred calling, for all leaders, men and women, irrespective of the rank and position. Our endeavour should be, to empower our subordinates, by giving them required operating skills, through dedicated training and mentoring”.

“While change is the hallmark of growth and progress, the biggest challenge facing us in the coming years, is to manage this fast paced change effectively, without compromising on high operational standards. Operating across a broad spectrum of equipment vintage, would test our innovativeness and capabilities. The nation has reposed a high degree of trust and confidence in our capabilities. It is indeed an onerous asking, and I am confident that as capable men and women we will work shoulder to shoulder in discharging our responsibilities befittingly”.

Born in Allahabad on 15 December 1951, Air Chief Marshal Browne was commissioned into the Fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 24 June 1972. He has had a varied operational experience of flying Hunters, all variants of MiG-21s, Jaguars and SU-30s.

He was a member of the initial core team which trained on the Jaguar aircraft in the United Kingdom and went on to command a premier Jaguar strike squadron subsequently. He is a Fighter Combat Leader and a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Alabama, USA. He has had instructional tenures at the premiere flying establishment – Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) – and the tri-services Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington. In a career spanning 39 years, he has held various operational and staff appointments that include – Joint Director at Air War Strategy Cell at Air Headquarters, Chief Operations Officer and Air Officer Commanding of a SU-30 base, Air-I at New Delhi based Western Air Command (WAC) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air Headquarters. He was also responsible for establishing the Indian Defence Wing in Tel Aviv, Israel in Apr 1997, where he served as the Defence Attache till Jul 2000. From March 2007 to 31 May 2009 he functioned as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) at Air Headquarters and was responsible for IAF’s major Modernization Programmes.

Before taking over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) at Air Headquarters on 01 January 2011, he was the AOC-in-C of Western Air Command, under whose command and personal supervision, the first ever landing of an AN-32 (fixed wing aircraft) took place at Nyoma, advance Landing Ground (ALG), located at an altitude of 13,300 feet on 18 September 2009.

Air Chief Marshal Browne is recipient of Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM) and is appointed as one of the Honorary Aides De Camp to the President of India.

Married to Mrs Kiran Browne, they have a son, Omar, a Su-30 MKI pilot and a daughter Alisha, who is working with a multinational company. (Press Release)

Farewell to Air chief

Kargil Diwas observed

Army wants LSVs for Special Forces

The Indian Army is likely to procure light strike vehicles (LSVs) specifically for its  Parachute Battalions (Special Forces). An recent RFI issued in this regard says that the LSVs will be used as a fast attack vehicle for the Special Forces. It will also enhance the mobility and reach of the Special Forces in different types of hostile terrains.

The Army is keen to have these LSVs fitted with integral fire power systems. The Army has sought for a stable vehicle which can carry four persons (including the driver) in a full-combat mode, including personal weapon. The LSV must be configured to have stowage space for carrying communication sets, spare ammunition, water and fuel. The specs: 4.7m (length) x 2.1m (width) x 1.65 (height).

The RFI further states that the LSV must have hard points for a suitable weapon mount capable of firing a 7.62mm GPMG from co-driver’s seat (frontal arc). “The rear hard point must enable to mount either a MILAN anti tank guided missile launcher or a .50/12.7 HMG or an Automatic Grenade Launcher. The Army has also sought information on whether the LSV can be air portable\para droppable (AN-32, IL-76, MI17).

Video of Prahaar launch

Video of Prahaar launch: Courtesy: LC-III, ITR, Balasore & MC

More photos from Prahaar launch site

Prahaar is a gift from DRDO’s 3rd generation scientists: Saraswat

DRDO chief Saraswat had a crucial review meeting (in South India) over a sensitive project on Monday. His team members were ready with a PPT containing the project update. To their surprise, he cancelled the meeting at the last moment and headed straight away to Balasore. The reason: “It was important for me to be with my team,” he said.

Shortly after Thursday’s maiden launch of Prahaar, an elated Saraswat spoke to Tarmak007. “Prahaar is state-of-the-art in terms of missile technology. It has a great potential to be used by the Indian Army as a battlefield support tactical missile. It can engage different targets at a time,” Sarsawat said.

When asked about DRDO’s decision to go-ahead with the Prahaar project without government sanction, Saraswat said: “It is our own technology development project and we did it in record time. The Army is extremely happy with today’s result. We are confident that the sanctions will follow soon. This is the DRDO I have been wanting for a long time. Your performance must speak always,” Saraswat said.

“It was such a delight watching this launch. It was really great and I am not exaggerating. We will have some more tests coming up, considering this was a maiden demonstration for the user,” the DRDO chief said.

The DRDO chief, who always prefers to reach the launch site in Balasore on a speed-boat, leaving the comforts of a VIP vessel, said that the whole missile was developed by scientists, below 35 years of age. “Be it the controls, navigation, propulsion, guidance, system engineering or structures – it is DRDO’s 3^rd generation scientists who developed Prahaar. I am delighted to say that it is their gift to India,” Saraswat said. 

Here comes Prahaar! It took less than 2 years to develop missile: DRDO

Photos of Prahaar launch from LC-III, ITR. 
(Official Press Release)

DRDO successfully flight tested its latest surface to surface missile Prahaar at 08.20 A.M on 21^st July 2011 from Launch Complex III, off Chandipur Coast, ITR, Balasore, Orissa.  The missile with a range of 150 km, comparable to ATACMS Missile of United States of America, fills the vital gap between Multi Barrel Rockets and Medium range Ballistic Missiles. The missile capable of carrying different types of warheads, operates as battle field support system to the Indian Army.

The missile with a length of 7.3 meters and diameter of 420 mm weighing 1280 kgs, and a single stage solid propulsion system goes to a height of 35 kms before reaching the targets of the range of 150 kms in about 250 seconds. The missile equipped with state-of-the-art high accuracy navigation, guidance and electro mechanical actuation systems with latest onboard computer achieved terminal accuracy of less than 10 meters. 

The missile with a pay load of 200 kg has a fast reaction time, which is essential for the battle field tactical missile. The missile is launched from a Road Mobile System, which can carry six missiles at a time and can be fired in salvo mode in all directions covering the entire azimuth plane.    

The missile system is developed to provide Indian Army a cost effective, quick reaction, all weather, all terrain, high accurate battle field support tactical system.  The development of missile is carried out by the DRDO scientists in a short span of less than two years.

The flight path of the Missile was tracked and monitored by the various radar systems and electro optical systems located along the coast of Orissa.  An Indian naval ship located near target point in Bay of Bengal witnessed the final event.  The missile was developed by the DRDO Scientists with support from Indian Industry and Quality assurance agency MSQAA. 

The launch operations were witnessed by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and Secretary Defence R & D,   Lt Gen Vinod Nayanar, AVSM, Director General of Artillery, IHQ of MoD (Army). The operations were over seen by Avinash Chander, Chief Controller R&D, V.L.N. Rao, Programme Director AD, S.K. Ray, Director RCI, and S.P. Dash, Director ITR. 

Defence Minister A.K. Antony congratulated the Scientists of DRDO for the successful maiden launch of the new missile.

Breaking on Tarmak007: Prahaar packs a punch, hits the target in 195 seconds

The maiden launch of DRDO's quick reaction, tactical missile Prahaaar has been a smashing hit. DRDO sources confirmed to Tarmak007 at 8.25 am that the missile, test-fired from the  Launch Complex (LC-III) of the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Balasore (Orissa), met all the parameters. "All systems performed very well and we couldn't have asked for more," sources said. The missile is said to have hit its target (150 km range) within 195 seconds (flight time) after the launch. The launch was around 8.15 am. More updates later.

Muthanna is National Flight Test Centre chief

The National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) set-up exclusively for India's light combat aircraft (LCA) programme Tejas has got a new chief. According to sources Air Cmde Muthnanna (initials not known) is the new NFTC chief and his designation will be project director (flight test) -- PD (FT). He was part of IAF's  Project Management Team (PMT), operating out of the ADA campus in Bangalore. Sources say that he was PD (Ops) before assuming the office of PD(FT) on July 1. Muthanna takes over the mantle of NFTC at a time when the Tejas programme is terribly running behind the schedule. There were no major developments post-Aero India 2011 (February) with most platforms  down for servicing. Top it all, the weather is acting against carrying out further flight trials. LSP-7, LSP-8 and NP-1 are next in line for their maiden flights, though many deadlines were set, have come, gone and forgotten. Now, the months of September, October, November and December promises some action.

Muthanna's predecessor Air Cmde Rohit Verma -- quit the top NFTC post on July 8 (his last working day) after IAF refused to give him his AVM promotion twice. Though insiders say that the programme would go on (and it should), there are some sections upset with all these sudden developments. 

More on Muthanna, his men, machines and missions soon on Tarmak007.

Spirits of the Wind: Grab the gripping Marut story!

The cover of the book Spirits of the Wind . (Below) a write-up about the book and the author Pushpindar Singh. To order this book call: +91 11 24617234

DRDO hopes to impress Army with Prahaar punch; demo launch of tactical missile on July 21

Prahaar tactical missile will look the same as above, barring the writing on it and for some component(s). It is a spin-off of endo-atmospheric interceptor used for AD programme (above). Prahaar's minimum range is 50 km and maximum is 150 km. Photos: Tarmak007 Archives

The Launch Complex (LC-III) of the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Balasore (Orissa) is all set  for the maiden launch of India’s new tactical missile Prahaar. Sources confirm to Tarmak007 that this short-range missile is capable of hitting targets at a minimum distance of 50 km and maximum of 150 km.“Today we don’t have a good tactical missile for any conventional role. The Russian-made Smerch has a range of 90 km. Prahaar will be in the 90-plus-km-class, capable of carrying a payload of 200-250 kg,” sources tell Tarmak007. Prahaar is an offshoot of India’s AD programme. “It is a spin-off programme – a conversion of endo-atmospheric interceptor used for the AD,” sources said.

DRDO hopes to get a formal sanction for the programme subject to the successive launch of the first missile on July 21. “The programme is not yet sanctioned. What we are attempting is a demonstration launch for the user and only one missile will be tested. We will take the inputs from the user (Army) and make the necessary modifications needed. Then we will go for the final sanction,” sources said.

So what makes Prahaar different? Well, if one were go by what insiders tell Tarmak007 then Prahaar is an extremely cost-effective missile. It will be much cheaper than the BrahMos cruise missile. Since it uses solid propulsion systems, it will be on a ready-for-launch-mode any time. There won’t be any storage issues and the missile will be completely maintenance-free, taking it out of the periodic-checking issues. Load it on to a Canister system and fire it!

Being a road-mobile system, Prahaar can hit multiple targets at a time with the canister system (launcher) able to hold a maximum of 6 missiles. “All components and critical systems for this missile are available in India and it can be produced in large numbers at very short notice making it extremely cost-effective,” sources said.

“We have set a target in sea. Weather is not a concern and we have taken all necessary precautions. Just that clear weather would give us good data. For example, optical tracking will not be possible if it is cloudy. But, we have other options like telemetry and radar tracking,” sources added.

Close to 50 scientists and engineers, including many youngsters, have worked for the Prahaar project. 

Rustom-1 to don the role of short-range UAV; Rustom-H project is officially R-II now

Rustom-1 which has completed all test flights is likely to be used as a short-range UAV by the users. Sources tell Tarmak007 that Rustom-1 (2006-2011) was a technology interface (TI) project for Rustom-H and it has completed all test flights. Among the proven capabilities include: (i) taxi take-off with automatic nose-wheel steering; (ii) extended pilot control for taking the platform to the centre of the runway; (iii) autopilot mode for the flights, including way-point navigation (WPN) and get-you-home features; (iv) redundant Flight Control System, hardware and software and (v) integrated C-Band data-link.

“These proven features have made Rustom-1 a UAV of its own, which the users (Army) are interested to use as a short-range platform,” sources said.

With the Rs 1,500 crore already sanctioned in February 2011 for the Rustom-H project, the DRDO now hopes to have the platform flying latest by 2014 March. “We are confident that the user will fly it as a high-altitude long endurance (HALE) platform,” sources said.

Interestingly, the Rustom-H project will be henceforth called as Rustom-II. This forced name-change was the result of a ‘possible typing error’ by some MoD staff during the fund  sanction phase, early this year. “The sanction came as Rustom-II and we realised what could have gone wrong. Anyways, the first one was called Rustom-I and it suits well to call the next one Rustom-II -- instead of Rustom-H. Just a small name-change and the features will remain the same as envisaged for Rustom-H,” sources said.
What's in a name, after all?

Simply Sarang: Daring Dhruvs on a Duet!

Robert Maria Clement

Some rare and hi-res photographs of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv of India Air Force's Sarang Helicopter Display Team. These stunning, low-flying photographs were taken by Bangalore-based photo-journalist Robert Maria Clement. Robert, an extremely-gifted shutterbug, worked with the blogger in The Times of India and later in HAL. He now works with Deccan Chronicle. There's no specific reason for uploading these images now, just that I chanced upon them while hunting for some archive images. If anyone want to have these hi-res photos without the watermarks, please email me.

Just Loving It! Here Comes LCH TD-2!

Snapshots from LCH TD-2 maiden flight in Bangalore on 28 June 2011. Photos: Planefinder

HAL's chopper programmes on right track: P.S. Rajan

P. Soundara Rajan

A day after Tarmak007 posted  LCH's TD-2 Silent Maiden Flight (see the post below), HAL's chopper complex head P.S. Rajan said that 'picking up momentum' is the key to projects like LCH and ALH. 

Rajan told Tarmak007 on July 10 that HAL's chopper projects are all moving in the right direction now. "I am not doing anything great, but sticking to the basics and facilitating the needs of various teams with me (at Helicopter Complex)," Rajan said.

A blue-eyed-boy of former HAL chief A.K. Baweja and the right hand man of the current head A. Nayak, the chopper complex chief said he would take one step at a time. "I don't want to give any unrealistic figures and time-lines. I strongly believe that the IOC for LCH would only happen around February 2013. The TD-3 will also take time as it would  be a production variant and we are keen to hand over the best machine to IAF," Rajan said in his inimitable style, to queries.

So far, so good! Only time will tell whether Rajan's hands-on approach in tackling issues would fetch rich dividends to HAL's ill-fated Helicopter Complex. If insiders were to be believed, he has already made a slight difference to the work culture and 'things are moving.'

If it's true, then it's a good sign for ALH future variants, LCH, LUH and other rotary platforms set to fly out of HAL hangars.

LCH TD-2 makes a silent maiden flight; platform incorporates lots of new features

The second technology demonstrator (TD-2) of India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) took to the skies for the first time on June 28 in Bangalore. 

"On June 28, the pilots did some very limited manoeuvres, though not much was experimented. The maiden flight was limited to low-speed testing. They (pilots) will now take the platform and fly over the runway to check the endurance and eventually will expand the full envelope. The designers, engineers and pilots are all delighted by this significant development,” the official said.

“The pilots (Unni Pillai & Hari Nair) have given some observations and we are working on the same. These are development flights and we will address all the teething problems that arise,” the official added

Meanwhile, an insider said that LCH TD-2 boasts of lots of new features as compared to TD-1. “Lots of new systems are onboard. The platform is lighter and we have modified the gearbox. Even the tail-rotor control system is different. The doors for the pilots have been modified for better structural clearance. The cockpit remains the same and we are constantly modifying the chopper based on the inputs from the pilots,” she said.

She also added that the TD-1 has completed 70 hours of flying so far and the TD-3 will be very closer to the production version, incorporating some more changes. “Any new project is a huge challenge for us. With so much stigma attached to the Helicopter Division in the past, we are happy that LCH is gifting us some inspiring moments now. This is years of hard work and we are all happy that finally things are moving,” she said.

When asked why HAL chose to be silent on the first flight of LCH TD-2, an insider said: "We are used to it now." HAL's chopper complex in-charge P.S. Rajan was not available for any comment.

The LCH TD-2 was the main draw at Aero India 2011 wrapped in digital camouflage paint -- a technology mastered by India recently. Incidentally, LCH will be the first Indian Air Force asset to don this new paint scheme. 

Three cheers to all engineers, designers, test pilots and youngsters associated with LCH programme! Good job by teams lead by Srinath, Sampath and Unni!

A new series soon on Tarmak007

Normal blogging resumes; Battle for Bangalore set to unfold!

Hello Folks!

Greetings to all. Tarmak007 is all set to go active again. This break was unavoidable and I thank all the readers for their emails and e-greetings in between. I also thank the support given by Tarmak007's first intern Abraham from Madras University for his occasional updates on the blog. He has completed his 2-month internship on July 1. 

I am making a re-entry at a time when all the focus is set to fall on HAL with the current man Nayak finally getting out on October 31 this year. A new man should be in place by November 1.

With media reports pointing that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is keen to have its own man at the helm of affairs in HAL, the coming months will see some intense lobbying from the contenders. You can bank on Tarmak007 for  all authentic inside stories set to unfold during this virtual Battle for Bangalore! "The stakes are high," says a Dilli source.

Watch this space...!

Regards

Tarmak007

Don't Say Goodbye! IAF PRO's son composes a soulful song as a tribute to Tsunami victims in Japan

Sankalp Singha

Video Courtesy: www.agraththeband.com
The above video 'Don't Say Goodbye' is a tribute to the victims of Tsunami, that hit Japan this year. The song is composed by Sankalp Singha, a budding music composer and son of Gp Capt T.K. Singha, IAF PRO, New Delhi. You can also listen to Sankalp's other compositions at www.agraththeband.com. 

(Posted by GSK on behalf of Tarmak007. Limited updates on the blog.)

IAF Dhruv pilots begin training at HATSOFF; Ecuador pilots with presidential fleet complete session

 By Abraham V. Kuruvilla

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has entered into a formal agreement with Bangalore-headquartered HATSOFF for training their pilots operating the Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv. The first batch of pilots have already finished their mandatory five hours of training on the Dhruv simulator at the facility.

Every pilot is scheduled to receive five hours of training spread across two-two-and-a-half-months. The IAF on its part has also deputed an officer to monitor the training. “This is going to be a huge morale-booster for the ALH pilots considering the issues we had with this chopper. We hope to bring down the accident rate and couldn’t have asked for a better facility than HATSOFF,” a senior IAF official said, not wanting to give out the number of pilots set to undergo the training.

The training exposes pilots to undertake dangerous missions, thereby giving them the confidence to practice and execute ‘bail-out-plans’ in the company of an instructor.  “The options are aplenty. Now we know what needs to be done during bad weather, ways to avoid the clouds and so on. Time saved, money saved and above all the confidence of having upgraded our training levels,” says an IAF pilot, who was part of the Sarang team earlier.

HATSOFF’s first overseas client is Telstra Child Flight from Australia. Telstra operates emergency helicopter retrieval service for children and babies in Australia.  Two pilots have already undergone training at HATSOFF. In addition, two Ecuadorian presidential pilots also have finished their training on the Dhruv simulator. The air force pilots from Ecuador are now likely to follow suit.

HATSOFF now hopes to have the third simulator (Dauphin 365-N3) installed by November this year, taking the total to three. The facility has also got on to Facebook (Hatsoff Bengaluru) for the benefit of helicopter community world-over.   

(Posted by Abraham V. Kuruvilla, Tarmak007 intern from Madras University.)

(Below update on July 11, 2011)

Training comes handy: The practice of various emergencies and malfunction procedures at HATSOFF simulator has come in as a saving grace for Capt Paddy, COO of Swajas Air Charters Ltd. On July 7 2011, while take-off from oil rig Tahara, just after rotation, Paddy is said to have experienced a total power loss of engine No 2.

"The chopper was recovered without much problem, as we had practiced these emergency malfunctions at HATSOFF  last month. Hence, safe single engine flight was established and after identifying the fault, No. 2 engine was taken into manual control and was flown to Chennai, making a safe landing. The cause of this failure was due to a broken P3 air pipe which was rectified later. It was a simulator session, which made things very easy and helped us to handle the emergencies," the pilot was quoted as saying on the HATSOFF FB site.