Homegrown BEL system to ring death knell for rogue drones

Rogue unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could find its nemesis in homegrown Drone Guard System (DGS) being developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The DGS was first unveiled during the DefExpo held in Chennai in 2018 and later during Aero India held in Bengaluru 2019. Speaking to Onmanorama on Saturday, on the sidelines of the Annual BEL press conference here, Mahesh V, Director (Research and Development) said any intruding drones could be brought down with the help of DGS. ( Full report, here: https://bit.ly/311a0Oj ) 

Smart UAVs from BEL hangars a striking possibility in future

https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, June 03: Smart Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) flying out of the hangars of Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) could be a striking possibility in future.

Speaking on the sidelines of BEL’s annual press conference held in Bengaluru on Wednesday, BEL Director (R&D) Dr Ajit T Kalghatgi said that the thought process of developing UAVs has already begun in the Company.

“We are already supporting the activities of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in their UAV missions. Many of our systems are on board the current UAVs being developed by the Aeronautics Development Establishment (ADE). We are looking for partners to take the idea forward,” Dr Kalghatgi said.

This is for the first time that a BEL official has gone on record announcing the Company’s foray into the UAV segment, hitherto an area commanded by the DRDO. The DRDO has already developed Nishant UAV, while the Rustom-1 and Rustom-II projects running concurrently in various stages of development. The flight trials of Rustom-1, II are actively been undertaken in Kolar by ADE.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) too had announced its interest in the UAV segment couple of years back. HAL had said in 2013 that a separate wing would be established for the UAV segment to cater to the needs of police and the paramilitary forces.

Dr Kalghatgi said that BEL will be entering the fray in the Medium Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV segment. “It’s in a very initial stage now,” he added.

BEL Chairman and Managing Director S K Sharma said that the company is expecting additional orders for the Akash Missile System. To a specific query on the Akash Mk-II version, Sharma gave a vague reply.

He said BEL would set aside Rs 1500 crore for R&D in the next 3 years. “We are coming with a Greenfield Weapon Systems facility in Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs 500 crore. We have already acquired the land for the same,” Sharma said.

He said a separate wing for Make in India has already started functioning in the Company.

Missile installation in Anantapur: The Company said that its new installation for missiles will be coming up in Andhra Pradesh in the next three years. 

“We have acquired around 950 acres of land in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh for the purpose of setting up a Greenfield Weapon Systems facility. The new facility will focus on the design and development and production of weapon systems of various kinds. We will take up weapon upgrade programmes as well,” CMD Sharma said. 

The new facility is being planned at the Lepakshi industrial belt in Anantapur district. “It is coming in Palasmudram village in Gorantla Mandal, near Lepakshi,” he added. 

BEL had announced about the project during Aero India 2015, but it was for the first time officially the Company gave out so many details of its new missile installation. 

Giving further details on the project, Dr Ajit T Kalghatgi said that the new facility would act as a state-of-the-art missile integration centre. 

“We have been doing the integration of Akash Missile System. The new facility would eventually deal with different kinds of missiles, their fire control and systems. We will also make missiles at the new centre,” Dr Kalghatgi said. 

From the logistics point of view, BEL officials say that the new centre will have a huge advantage considering its proximity to the Kempe Gowda International Airport, Bengaluru. Anantapur town is around 190 km from the airport.

(This is acombined report from OneIndia & Mathrubhumi)

Women’s Day Special: Akash Missile System propelled by BEL’s women power

By Dr Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, March 07: This piece of news should inspire Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is pushing for Naari Shakthi (women power) to propel India’s growth.

The Akash Missile System (AMS), under the command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) now, saw women playing significant roles during various stages of its development and trials, leading to its induction. These go-getters from Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), have proven that they are on par with men, who hitherto hogged all the limelight.

During an interaction with OneIndia, on the eve of International Women’s Day, the women who powered the AMS were univocal in their views that BEL always gave its women employees and executives challenging assignments to prove their worth.’

As a result, the mighty women brigade of BEL matched men on all the domains, be it in Design, Project Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Testing and Customer Support. 

In addition to their large representation from Bengaluru units, women from BEL’s Ghaziabad, Panchkula and Chennai wings too contributed significantly to the success of AMS. 

The women executives were led by N Manjula Devi, Deputy General Manager, Testing. 

The IAF has inducted two Squadrons of AMS and are likely to procure additional seven more squadrons, making it a clear winner in the Make in India mission. The women workforce from BEL played a key role in the following areas:

• Development of mission-critical software for combat vehicles.

• Qualification testing of radars and command centers.

• Rigorous performance validation of missile system for interface and integrated functions.

• Integration testing of AMS for various complex combat scenarios.

• Calibration and accuracy monitoring of various technical parameters with live flying.

• Firing trials to validate the performance of the ground systems and missiles.

• Installation, commissioning and training the user on operation and maintenance of AMS.

• Customer support.

Read the report in detail on OneIndia here: http://bit.ly/1BT4dKb

#MI2Watch: Akash to be BEL’s star at show; more IAF orders likely

By Dr Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake 

Bengaluru, Feb 16: Home-grown Akash Missile System (AMS) is all set to storm this year’s Aero India with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) projecting it as the lead product in India’s indigenous march, since Independence. 

BEL is showcasing AMS as the perfect case study to refer to while sharing the advantages of a Make in India concept in aerospace and defence. AMS is the first indigenously-built missile defence system in India. 

Military sources confirm to OneIndia that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to place additional procurement orders on BEL (49 firing units) in a phased manner. The IAF might immediately procure seven squadrons of AMS (consisting of 14 firing units.) The configuration of the seven new squadrons is likely to be similar to those being deployed currently. 

A repeat order from the IAF for six more squadrons of AMS (worth around Rs 3500 crore) came in December 2010 and four squadrons of the same have been already manufactured. All six squadrons will be completed ahead of schedule in 2015.

The Indian Army has already placed an order on Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, for two regiments of Akash Weapon System. 

* Already commissioned in IAF arsenal 

* Make in India concept’s best example 

* Challenges and lessons for BEL 

* Many trials on different modes 

* DRDO’s role and some names to remember 

* Role of private industry 

* Different Akash versions 

* About AMS 

Read the above report on OneIndia's dedicated Aero India 2015 section:

http://www.oneindia.com/topic/aero-india-2015

(Make in India Watch [#MI2Watch] is a series on OneIndia focusing on the aerospace and defence might of India’s private and domestic industries. It will also aim at capturing the voices of leaders spearheading various projects.)

 

OneIndia Exclusive: Parrikar to review DRDO, HAL projects in Bengaluru

By Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, Jan 16: Two days after owning up the responsibility for recommending the contract termination of India’s top missile brain and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief Dr Avinash Chander, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will touchdown in Bengaluru on January 17 morning for the review of critical projects. 

Ministry of Defence (MoD) sources told OneIndia that Parrikar’s office, currently facing the heat for targeting one of the most-revered defence scientists in India, has given instructions not to have any media interaction during his lightning one-day visit. He is expected to visit the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) during the first half of the day. 

* Empowered Committee on LCA meeting 

* Aero-cluster review also being lined up 

* A low-key Tejas handing over event likely 

* HAL’s proposal with MoD 

* Dr Avninash Chander to be absent 

Read the full report at OneIndia, here: http://bit.ly/1KQwbt1

Experts want India to step up efforts in electronic warfare

Electronic warfare experts and award winners from aerospace and defence fields, during an event organised by the Association of Old Crows in Bangalore. Photo: Nagesh Polali

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Electronic Warfare (EW) systems are poised to play a lead role in combating low-intensity conflict (LIC) in India. Dr U K Revankar, president of Association of Old Crows (AOC) India chapter, an organisation of top EW brains, told Express on Saturday that the sooner India embraces latest EW technologies, the better it will be equipped to tackle LIC in future.

"The importance of EW is ever increasing with the systems becoming more complex and sophisticated. The EMS-based (electro-magnetic spectrum) technologies are essential for the internal security of our country. The defence R&D, system integration process, production of EW systems and field operational roles with our armed forces have to be at a bigger pace," Dr Ravankar, said. 

He said the EW domain in India must expand both technologically and commercially to support the armed forces. "While indigenisation of EW systems, their production and induction should be encouraged with explicit timelines, India must also acquire the best EW practices from across the globe," Dr Ravankar said. He said with further support of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Ministry of Defence, the AOC can evolve a 'standard for EW systems development' in India.

Dr A T Kalghatgi, Director (R&D), Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), told Express that the engineering challenges in EW domain is growing rapidly. "Miniaturisation of systems with greater digital capabilities have become the norm in modern warfare. There are many areas we need to ramp-up our competences, including performance testing," Dr Kalghatgi said. He said the modern EW systems will have to be software-intense and fault-free, enabling an upper hand to the user .

He said as the lead technology integrator for a number of advanced weapon platforms of Indian armed forces, BEL has already made inroads in the field of EW systems. "We are progressing steadily with a Rs 1000-crore investment plan," he added.

S S Sundaram, Director General (Electronics & Communication Systems), DRDO said that that the EW systems act as a force-multiplier to the armed forces. "New EW techniques like chip-jamming have taken centrestage now. The United States has an integrated cyber warfare programme and we too are in the race to be among the best in the world," he said. On Saturday, Sundaram also gave away AOC awards to eight individuals for their contributions to EW systems.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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Prying plane undergoes flight trials at forward IAF bases | CABS selects BEL as ELSA | Project on track

A rare air-to-air photo of the prying plane undergoing flight trials. 

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to receive the first Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system by the end of this year. Two AEW&C systems, built on modified Embraer EMB-145I aircraft, are undergoing flight trials with one more expected to arrive from Brazil later this year. A senior scientist at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) told Express that after handing over the first aircraft, parallel flight tests and fine-tuning of the mission systems on the second aircraft will continue, based on the IAF feed back. The official confirmed that in addition to the air bases in and around Bangalore, the prying plane has already had flight test campaigns in Jamnagar and Agra. 

"Being a complex system we need to approach the integration in a systematic manner. Safety is our top priority and we are proceeding cautiously at every step. During the integration process, the performance of all mission systems matched our expectations. We are now testing each of these mission systems in an independent mode, followed by operating them together in an integrated manner," the official said. So far both aircraft have clocked more than 200 sorties, logging over 350 flying hours.

The first public display of the AEW&C system, widely known as the prying plane, was during the IAF Day celebrations in 2012 and early this year, it was taken to Bahrain for an air show. As reported by Express earlier, the Defence Research and Development Organisation is exploring the potential of exporting the system for South American countries. 

The official said that Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has been selected as the ELSA (Engineering and Life Support Agency) for the project. "Since the AEW&C is a highly complex system, its requirement too is in limited numbers. Hence establishing of a dedicated production facility is not viable. The support requirement for the aircraft will be provided by Embraer, while BEL will take care of the mission systems," the official said. He said BEL was selected as the ELSA after undergoing an elaborate process mandated for technology absorption.

With the prying plane programme, India has emerged as one of the few nations after the US, Israel and Sweden to have developed such complex systems. "In addition to owing AEW&C, India can today boast of having developed world class systems on active phased array radar. In the process CABS has also emerged as a premier agency capable of developing airborne surveillance systems," the official said. 

CABS has also established cutting edge technologies in areas such as airborne active array antenna, identification of friend or foe systems, mission computers, data handling and display systems, mechanical racks and tactical software to name a few. The IAF has a huge presence at the CABS aiding the prying plane project especially in complex areas of flight testing and evaluation of systems optimally.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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Team CABS with the two AEW&C systems in the background. The team is lead by Dr S Christopher.

BEL delivers critical systems for over 50 LCAs | From contract manufacturer to development partner

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has completed the delivery of critical systems for more than 50 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). In an interview to Express, BEL chairman and managing director Anil Kumar said that during BEL’s association with various labs of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) in the last 19 years, the company has built a strong technical base to address various technological challenges of LCA avionics.

“We are providing lifetime support (30 years) for all these systems, which will get into over 50 limited series and series production Tejas fighters. All the above systems have successfully passed the stringent qualification requirements of airborne platforms and type certificates have been issued by the Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification,” Anil Kumar said.

He said the exclusive Strategic Business Unit (SBU) for Electronic Warfare and Avionics (EW&A) set up at BEL’s Bangalore Complex in 2006, has now matured as a key arm of the company, with a AS9100 quality standard certification to its kitty. He said the equipment and systems being supplied for LCA are manufactured at this SBU, which boats of a state-of-the-art infrastructure with anti-static layout.

Among the critical systems that went onboard LCA from SBU are: Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), the most flight-critical and powerful LRU, Air Data Computer (ADC), Flight Control Panel, De-icing Current Sensing Unit, DFCC Interface Unit, Function Sensor Display Unit, Head Up Display and Integrally Lit Cockpit Panel.

“We have been providing support during the development phase and flight trials of avionics systems of LCA by addressing changes in design and other requirements well beyond the warranty period. Our idea was to ensure expeditious completion of all activities required for LCA’s Initial Operational Clearance,” the BEL CMD said. BEL has also invested considerably on proactive development of many avionics systems such as Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) Mk-II, Air Data Computer (ADC) Mk-II, Universal Pylon Interface Computer (UPIC) and Radar Warner and Jammer, which has led to the improvement of system capability, reliability and cost reduction.

Though BEL has remained as an unsung hero through out the LCA programme, Anil Kumar says that the company has had a long journey in the last two decades, from starting as a contract manufacturer of LCA line replaceable units (LRUs), to emerging as a development and manufacturing partner with DRDO labs.

BEL MENU FOR TEJAS:

Flight Control Systems: Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), the most flight-critical and powerful LRU, Air Data Computer (ADC), Levcon Air Data Computer, Flight Control Panel, De-icing Current Sensing Unit and DFCC Interface Unit.

Weapon Control Systems: Pylon Interface Box-Inboard, Pylon Interface Box-Outboard, Pylon Interface Box-Laser and Stores Interface Box.

Cockpit and Display Modules: Function Sensor Display Unit, Head Up Display, Integrally Lit Cockpit Panel, Multi-Function Keyboard, Multi-Function Rotary Switch, Engine Fuel Indicator, Get-U-Home and Bus Interface Unit.

Electronic Support Measure Systems: Radar Warning Receiver comprising of Signal Processor Unit, Control and Compatibility Unit, Switch Filter Assembly (RF Unit), Auxiliary Power Supply Unit and Antenna.

ATEs: Advanced Engineering Test Station for DFCC and other ATEs for all the above mentioned systems. 

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

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Dassault, Elbit to ring the BEL at Aero India | CMD Anil Kumar says focus on mature homegrown systems

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Guruvayoor (Kerala): Military technology major Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is likely to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dassault, which recently won the contract for the delivery of 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Rafale fighter jets for India. Sources tell Express that the proposed MoU, likely to be signed during Aero India 2013, will be different from BEL’s already-existing JV with Thales. The MoU will get propelled when India’s Ministry of Defence signs the Rafale deal officially with Dassault. The MoU will enable BEL get onboard Rafale for the integration of the synthetic aperture radars (SAR) and electronic warfare (EW) suits, among others.

During the show, BEL is also likely to sign a MoU with Elbit Systems Electro–Optics Elop Ltd, Israel, for the joint development of compact multi-purpose advance stabilization system (CoMPASS), for naval applications. Sources said that the Indian Navy has opted CoMPASS in tune with the modernization of its costal surveillance plans. BEL might get into a transfer of technology (ToT) pact with Elbit, to develop some critical airborne applications.

When contacted, BEL chairman and managing director Anil Kumar, however, didn’t want to get into the details of the MoUs. “At the show, we are focusing mainly on our strengths in Network Centric Warfare (NCW) activities. With several major defence purchases in the final phase of decision making, we expect global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their vendors to be on the look-out for Indian offset partners,” Anil Kumar said.

He said the show-stopper for BEL will be the homegrown SCA (Software Communication Architecture)-compliant Software Defined Radio (SDR), in various forms and to be used on different platforms by the Indian defence forces. “We will display cutting edge technologies developed indigenously for NCW systems like: computing elements in various form factors, right from wrist-wearable computers, hand-held computers and tablet PC to rugged laptop,” he said.

The BEL chief said that his company will be showcasing more mature homegrown defence technologies and solutions at the show. “We intend to showcase our strengths and present our preparedness to address the offset business to the prospective foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) during the show,” he said. At the show, technology pundits can get an upclose with BEL’s microwave power modules for radars, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based products for Sonars and microwave components for air-borne EW systems. BEL is also exhibiting portable low-level air defense radar and weapon locating radar.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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BEL inks MoU with IAI on LR-SAM

(Press Release | Unedited)

Bharat Electronics Limited India (BEL) signed an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for cooperation on future Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Ship-Defence Systems. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on December 5th 2012 between Bharat Electronics Limited India (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) Israel, concerning their cooperation on future LRSAM ship-defence system projects. 

The signing ceremony was conducted at IAI with participation of BEL's Director Marketing, Mr. H.N. Ramakrishna, IAI's President & CEO, Mr. Joseph Weiss, Mr. Eli Alfassi, Corporate VP India Operations, and other representatives. Mr. Boaz Levy, Director General of IAI's Air & Missile Defense Systems division and Mr. Ramakrishna signed the MoU on behalf of IAI and BEL respectively. 

For several years IAI has been engaged in joint development programs with the DRDO and Indian defense industries for the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, including joint manufacturing of sub-systems. 

The MoU lays out framework for BEL-IAI cooperation, under which BEL will function as the Lead Integrator and produce major sub-systems. IAI will continue to act as Design Authority and to produce sub-systems as a main sub-contractor of BEL. 

Mr. Ramakrishna, Director Marketing of BEL, said: "We see IAI as a strategic partner with a wide range of potential joint activities. This MoU demonstrates that BEL and IAI can work closely together on the most sophisticated and advanced programs, for the mutual benefit of both companies." Mr. Ramakrishna added: "We will continue to operate under the active support and guidance of the DRDO." 

Mr. Weiss, President and CEO of IAI, said: "This MoU is a significant step forward in our joint work with India. Partnership with BEL will further enhance IAI's ability to provide high quality solutions and service to Indian defense services, best supporting the needs of India. BEL is a strategic partner for IAI, and we hope this cooperation will expand to other areas of mutual interest."

An India Shining video on Akash missile system

A compact video on Akash missile system. C@DRDL

HAPPY HOURS: 2,500 missiles, 112 launchers, 28 MPARs & 100 3-D CARs | Massive Akash SAM system orders boost to desi pride, industries | 1st Sqn in June & 2nd in Oct 2012 | DRDO mum on Mk-II

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore\Hyderabad: Akash – the fifth and last missile project under India's ambitious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) had a happy ending with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army placing bulk orders in the last three years. The IAF has ordered for eight squadrons (2 + 6) of Akash systems and the Army for two regiments. The combined value for both orders stand at Rs 23,500 crore and Bharat Electronic Ltd (BEL) and Bhart Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will execute the orders.

Akash is a supersonic surface-to-air missile (SAM) system with a range of 25 km, similar to the SAM systems of Russia (Buk) and the US (Patriot). The all weather area/air-defense system is useful for defending vulnerable areas (VA) and vulnerable points (VP) against air targets penetrating from low, medium and high altitudes. All-the-way-powered flight till target interception, multiple target handling, digitally-coded command guidance and fully automatic operation are some of the unique features of the system.

The system was put through an electronic warfare (EW) trials conducted to assess the weapon system's survivability in dense jamming environment expected in a battlefield. Multiple aerial jammers (both noise and deception) were flown simultaneously in attack from different directions on the Akash group deployed in combat pattern. Sources claim that the radars of Akash could hold track of all aerial targets despite the jammers, conclusively establishing the operation of built-in electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM) features.

Though it took 25 years for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to finally get firm orders for Akash (2008), since the project inception (1983), it is now being branded as the single biggest order placed by the Indian armed forces on a home-grown tactical missile project.  The numbers of the current combined orders will definitely make any desi defence devotee proud: 2,500 missiles, 112 launchers, 28 multi-functional phased array radars (MPARs) and 100 3-D Central Acquisition Radars (3-D CARs).

Akash's is a happy hour story for the Indian industries (around 200) too, considering that over 70 per cent of the work is being executed by them. This is in addition to the work-share  of 13 DRDO labs, BEL, 19 public sector undertakings, three ordinance factories, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, National Aerospace Laboratories, IITs (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kharagpur) and  the Indian Institute of Science.

“For the Indian industries it has been a huge learning curve considering the complexities involved in a weapon system, its integration and aerospace standard procedures. It augurs well for India, as the industries will be fully geared up to undertake production of next-generation tactical missile projects,” says G. Chandramouli, Project Director, Akash.

The production centers are currently abuzz with activities to ensure that the first squadron of Akash is inducted into the IAF by June 2012. “The first firing unit will be ready by March, 2012 and the second squadron will be ready by October 2012,” sources at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), said.

While the DRDO officially refused to part with any information on a possible Mk-II version of Akash with a higher range (35-45 km), sources confirmed to Express that the Services have expressed interest. “We have the confidence, tech know-how, capabilities in design, development and production and capabilities  of excellent validation and tests. We will have to get a firm written commitment from the Services so that we are sure about the road ahead,” sources said.

|To be continued | Copyright@The New Indian Express |

(CRACKING INDIA'S MISSILE CODE is an exclusive series currently on in The New Indian Express. In the days ahead, you will get to read a mix of news-breaks and tech-upgrades on current and futuristic missile programs of India, in addition to some human-interest pieces. Email your thoughts on this long-range series to anantha.ak@gmail.com and point out factual errors, if any, that might have crept in despite my best efforts.)

PART-XIII

Tarmak007 updates: News you might have missed!

Owing to the ongoing Justice for Jetly campaign, Tarmak007 wasn't hosting stories from Aviation Week Microsites. Here are the links to the reports that went live recently. Click on the image to read the full report.

1. The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) plan to set up a Defense Technology Commission (DTC) is inching closer to reality. DRDO chief V.K. Saraswat said on Jan. 28 that the DTC — formed along the lines of India’s Space Commission and Atomic Energy Commission — would enable more self-reliance among DRDO labs through better funding and decentralization. “After a lot of deliberations within the ministry of defense, I can confirm that the DTC is moving in the right direction,” Saraswat says. “Now it is awaiting the Indian government’s nod.”

2. India’s Embraer-built Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) is scheduled for rollout Feb. 21 in Brazil. A senior defense official confirmed to Aviation Week Jan. 27 that the first flight of the modified EMB-145 is expected around May. “The first EMB-145 will land in India in August 2011 for system integration and subsequent induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF),” the official says. “The AEW&C with the systems integrated by CABS will fly in India in early 2012,” the official says. “CABS have already begun the integration on ground-based systems [according to the] exact specifications [of] the EMB-145, including the seating arrangements.”

3. India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing a range of protective clothing that includes jackets, vests, shoe insoles and heated gloves for pilots. “Though the majority of our soldiers and pilots are acclimatized to hostile terrains in the frontier areas and battle zones, it is pivotal to protect them from head to foot,” says a senior scientist with DRDO’s Bengaluru-based Defense Bio-Engineering and Electro-medical Laboratory (Debel). “In some cases the soldiers will be under severe physiological stress, which can limit their performance in combat missions,” the scientist says. “The normal physiological responses to cold weather are shivering and diversion of blood away from the extremities leading the surface skin to sink inward. Frostbite and hypothermia are also common while operating at high-altitude regions of Leh, Ladakh, Kargil, Dras, Mushkoh, Batalik, Chorbatla and Siachen.”

4. The Karnataka government in India has cleared a proposal submitted by Mahindra Aerospace to set up an aerospace component manufacturing unit in Kolar, near Bengaluru, with an initial investment of Rs 284 crore ($63 million). The government also cleared information technology giant Wipro’s proposal to set up an aerospace facility near Bengaluru’s new airport in Devanahalli, with an investment of Rs 52 crore ($11.6 million).

5. Dr Kota Harinarayana, former director of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program is recommending India focus its energies on cutting costs and development times in its future aircraft programs. “Today the aviation market has shifted from North America and Europe to Asia and in particular India, so what we need is [to manufacture aircraft that are] cost effective with the best operational capabilities,” said Kota during his keynote address at the India Defense and Aerospace Symposium 2011 in Bengaluru Jan. 25.

6. India’s national carrier Air India extended a series of fare concessions for para-military forces personnel, children and senior citizens on the eve of India’s Republic Day, Jan. 26. Air India says that the steps have been taken to make air travel affordable to more segments. As per the new guidelines announced on Jan. 25, the discount available to para-military personnel will now cover family members of Border Security Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Coast Guard, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Assam Rifles, Railway Protection Force, Intelligence Bureau and the Sashastra Seema Bal. “Other than on apex fares, a discount of 50 percent on the basic fare component will be available on all fare levels in economy class for domestic sectors only,” an Air India spokesperson tells Aviation Week. Those from the Indian army, navy and air force already enjoy these benefits.

7. Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) will showcase homegrown Network Centric Warfare (NCW) technologies during the upcoming Aero India 2011, to be held Feb. 9-13 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. I.V. Sarma, BEL’s research and development director, tells Aviation Week that NCW displays will include command and control systems; air space management; multi-sensor tracking; air defense simulation; battlefield management systems and coastal surveillance systems. BEL will also showcase new products and technologies including software-defined radio (SDR), the next-generation bulk encryptor and high data tactical radio. “The SDR will be on display for the first time,” Sarma says.

Indian Army receives 4 more NBC recce vehicles

  NBC recce handing over ceremony at Pune, today. Photos: DRDO

The Indian Army on December 21  received four nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) recce vehicles. These home-grown vehicles were manufactured at Ordnance Factory, Medak and NBC instruments were integrated by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Pune. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) are the design and developers of these vehicles, while Ordinance Factory and BEL executed the mass-scale productions under transfer of technology.  DRDO has already delivered more than 35 state-of-the-art products and systems for NBC defence to the armed forces.  The total production value of the entire project is around Rs 500 crore ($111 m). (Details from an official release)

BEL, Terma join hands to develop naval radar technology

| By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |

Bangalore |  India | December 14, 2010 | 

Bengaluru-headquartered Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and Danish company Terma have signed a strategic memorandum of agreement (MoA) to cooperate in various fields of defense technology. BEL Design Director I.V. Sarma confirms to Aviation Week that the MoA primarily will focus on offsets and other general business in electronics. “It is a very general MoA and we would want Terma to pass on their offset works to us,” Sarma says. “Both companies also are eager to work together in the fields of advanced electronics.” Under the MoA, BEL and Terma will cooperate on naval radar technology and aircraft self-protection. The agreement sets the framework for current and future cooperation between the two companies, leveraging and complementing the unique strengths of each.

(This is a backlog update from Aviation Week to Tarmak007)

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