Showing posts with label Su-30MKI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Su-30MKI. Show all posts
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Monday, November 13, 2017
India all set to test-fire BrahMos missile from Su-30MKI
By Anantha Krishnan M
Bengaluru, Nov 13: India is all set to create history with the maiden test-firing of BrahMos cruise missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter any time soon. This will be the first ever test-firing of a supersonic cruise missile in the world from a frontline fighter against a target.
Military sources confirmed to Mathrubhumi that preparations have been on in full swing at one of the air bases in the eastern sector. Two Sukhois with modified bellies have been readied for the job, while one will be on a stand-by.
The launch crew consisting of scientists, engineers, technicians, designers and pilots from the Indian Air Force (IAF), BrahMos Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have been active at the air base for the last one week.
It can be confirmed that all pre-flight tests have been concluded and weather-permitting the first BrahMos missile will be fired against a temporary target being set at the Bay of Bengal.
Software fine-tuned to perfection: BrahMos officials were unavailable for any comments. A team from BrahMos is said to be attending the Dubai Air Show.
Speaking to the media at Dubai on Sunday, Alexander Maksichev, BrahMos Joint Managing Director too confirmed that the first test-firing of the missile could take place towards the end of November.
However, Mathrubhumi can confirm that the maiden live firing of the 2.4-ton air-to-ground missile might take place within the next one week.
Last year in June, a Su-30MKI undertook the first flight with BrahMos onboard at HAL’s Nasik Division with a modified belly and desi launcher.
The first demonstration flight had lasted for 58-minute demonstration flight carrying the supersonic cruise missile. The maiden profile of missile in an airborne role was technically called as a ‘Mass Dimensional’ one.
Since then several flights were tests (separation trials or dummy missile drop tests) were conducted during ‘technological missile profile,’ testing various parameters and different modes. In the last one year, the technical team fine-tuned the software based on the data collected from various tests.
The upcoming firing of BrahMos will be in its full profile. BrahMos air variant will enable the IAF to penetrate deep inside the enemy territory and destroy vital installations from stand-off ranges.
Once inducted, IAF will become the only air force in the world in possession of a supersonic cruise missile system.
Former IAF Chief Arup Raha delighted: Reacting to the news of the impending test, former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (Retd) told Mathrubhumi that BrahMos will give a major boost to the capability enhancement of IAF.
“I am delighted that finally the programme is inching closer to its goal. It is a huge indigenous step strengthening our strategic capabilities. It propels IAF’s strike capabilities by many folds. BrahMos on Sukhoi strengthens our stand-off capability in a dense environment,” the former IAF chief said from Calcutta.
He said with Su-30MKI features coupled with BrahMos’ supersonic cruise abilities, the IAF will become a formidable force in the region. It was during his time that the programme got a major fillip with HAL tasked to modify two Su-30MKI platforms.
“More aircraft from the existing inventory can be modified and even the new ones too can be integrated with BrahMos. I am happy that the programme has come to such an advanced stage. I shall wait for the big news now,” ACM Raha (Retd) said.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Top Gun Sukhoi pilot in an inspiring role as ASTE Commandant
Bengaluru, Oct 5: “My interview doesn’t matter much, as long as you write about my unit, so that many youngsters in this country will get inspired reading it,” Air Vice-Marshal Sandeep Singh, Commandant of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), was razor-sharp with his remarks.
Wading through a ‘semi-surgical strike’ by the media, which lasted for nearly four hours, AVM Sandeep came across as one of the most information-friendly Commandants ASTE had for a long time.
His answers were to the point. He spoke about many things, yet he knew that he is dealing with a group of info-extracting specialists. He wanted us to occasionally blind our cameras and also probably look at some areas without ‘seeing it.’ And, everyone obliged.
Hailing from Delhi, AVM Sandeep has been serving the IAF since 1983 and today he is the leading pilot who knows the frontline Sukhois like the back of his hand.
Amidst constant queries, animated discussions, hush-hush-attempts for an exclusive byte and some unsuccessful mobile-phone-number-request attempts, glimpses of AVM Sandeep’s leadership qualities were seen on many occasions.
Read the full report, here: http://bit.ly/2dt319x
Also read a related ASTE report, here: http://bit.ly/2dYruFy
Friday, October 31, 2014
HAL conducts critical Ground Vibration Test on modified Sukhoi with BrahMos missile
 |
| An exclusive grab of Sukhoi undergouing GVT test at HAL's Nasik facility. |
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) conducted the critical Ground Vibration Test (GVT) on a Sukhoi aircraft, which is being integrated with the air version of the BrahMos missile. Confirming details to OneIndia, HAL Chairman R K Tyagi said that the GVT is an important step towards the modification of the Sukhois, which are set to carry the BrahMos missiles in future.
"The recent GVT was aimed at assessing the dynamic behavior of the modified Sukhoi platform. The tests were carried out for a total of nine configurations," Tyagi said. The GVT was done at HAL's Nasik Division in Maharashtra. A team of experts from the ground test department of HAL's Aircraft Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Bangalore conducted the GVT in the presence of quality experts, IAF officials and members from the BrahMos Aerospace team.
* Tests on nine configurations of the aircraft
* Repair and overhaul stores facility open
* We shall take on the challenges, HAL Chief
* Space will be our new home, says Rakesh Sharma
* Tests on nine configurations of the aircraft
* Repair and overhaul stores facility open
* We shall take on the challenges, HAL Chief
* Space will be our new home, says Rakesh Sharma
Full report in OneIndia: http://bit.ly/1wN8yJe
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Tarmak007 exclusive | Astra maiden launch video
Here's the exclusive video of maiden launch of India’s home-grown Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile ASTRA, which was successfully test fired by IAF on May 4, 2014. The missile is developed by DRDO.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Su-30 MKI inducted at AF Station Halwara
(Press Release | Unedited)
SU-30 MKI aircraft was inducted into Western Air Command in a formal ceremony at Air Force Station Halwara on 25 Sep 12. Air Marshal Arup Raha AVSM VM AOC-in-C Western Air Command IAF was the chief guest for the induction ceremony. He was accompanied by Mrs Lily Raha President AFWWA (Regional).
While the first batch of SU-30 MKI was inducted into IAF in Sep 2002, the 220 Squadron at Halwara known as ‘Desert Tigers’, which flew the MiG-23 aircraft till 2005 is now resurrected with the latest SU-30 MKI Squadron in Western Air Command. The SU-30 MKI is a frontline all-weather air-dominance fighter with multi-role capability, which can undertake varied air combat and ground attack missions. Air Force Station Halwara is one of the oldest frontline Airbases of the IAF. The base has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception as a forward airfield in 1942. Halwara, due to its strategic location was actively involved in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. Halwara has been home to Spitfires in early 1950s to being the hub of Mig-23 operations till 2009. It was later chosen to base the first SU-30 MKI Squadron in the Western Air Command in 2011.
The ‘Desert Tigers’ were formed as an offensive fighter Squadron on 09 Feb 1963. The Squadron was initially names as ‘Fighting Tigers’ and flew the first jet aircraft of the IAF, the Vampire. The squadron has changed many bases during its forty years long journey and has taken part in 1965, 1971 and Kargil Operations. While the Squadron flew Vampires during 1965 war, it flew HF-24 Marut in 1971 war from Jodhpur where the Squadron was rechristened as’ Desert Tigers’, the name it is known by till date. The Squadron later went on to fly Mig-23 BN, the supersonic strike fighter till 2009. Having been inactive for two years the ‘Desert Tigers’ were resurrected with state of the art air-dominance fighter SU-30 MKI in Sep 2011. The Squadron has a glorious past and it looks forward to bright future as it readies to spread its wings across the Indian landscape.
Air Force Station Halwara witnessed a well coordinated ceremony on this occasion. Guests from Western Air Command graced the event. The chief Guest was received by Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Halwara, Air Commodore RGK Kapoor VM. An impressive parade contingent presented a general salute to the AOC-in-C. Later the Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Wing Commander Sharad Aneja took permission from the Air marshal to get airborne in a SU-30 MKI aircraft. The ceremony included an impressive flypast by the SU-30 s of 220 Squadron. The pilots of the Squadron executed the characteristic ‘Trishul’ formation in a spectacular manner signifying their formal induction into the premier Air Command of the IAF. The Air Force personnel and their families witnessed the momentous occasion at Air Force Station Halwara.
Air Marshal Arup Raha AVSM VM in his address congratulated the air warriors of Halwara air base for successful induction fo SU-30 MKI. He appreciated the tireless efforts put in by all personnel in operationalising the Squadron within a very short period. The Squadron has enhanced the operational capability of Western Air Command in a substantial manner. The Air Marshal and his wife interacted with the officers and their spouses during social evening organised at the Officers’ Mess.
Mrs Lily Raha interactd with the spouses of air warriors (Sanginis) during the customary welfare meeting held at CV Gole auditorium. She also visited various welfare ventures run by President AFWWA (Local), Mrs. (Dr.) Suneeta Kapoor.
SU-30 MKI aircraft was inducted into Western Air Command in a formal ceremony at Air Force Station Halwara on 25 Sep 12. Air Marshal Arup Raha AVSM VM AOC-in-C Western Air Command IAF was the chief guest for the induction ceremony. He was accompanied by Mrs Lily Raha President AFWWA (Regional).
While the first batch of SU-30 MKI was inducted into IAF in Sep 2002, the 220 Squadron at Halwara known as ‘Desert Tigers’, which flew the MiG-23 aircraft till 2005 is now resurrected with the latest SU-30 MKI Squadron in Western Air Command. The SU-30 MKI is a frontline all-weather air-dominance fighter with multi-role capability, which can undertake varied air combat and ground attack missions. Air Force Station Halwara is one of the oldest frontline Airbases of the IAF. The base has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception as a forward airfield in 1942. Halwara, due to its strategic location was actively involved in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. Halwara has been home to Spitfires in early 1950s to being the hub of Mig-23 operations till 2009. It was later chosen to base the first SU-30 MKI Squadron in the Western Air Command in 2011.
The ‘Desert Tigers’ were formed as an offensive fighter Squadron on 09 Feb 1963. The Squadron was initially names as ‘Fighting Tigers’ and flew the first jet aircraft of the IAF, the Vampire. The squadron has changed many bases during its forty years long journey and has taken part in 1965, 1971 and Kargil Operations. While the Squadron flew Vampires during 1965 war, it flew HF-24 Marut in 1971 war from Jodhpur where the Squadron was rechristened as’ Desert Tigers’, the name it is known by till date. The Squadron later went on to fly Mig-23 BN, the supersonic strike fighter till 2009. Having been inactive for two years the ‘Desert Tigers’ were resurrected with state of the art air-dominance fighter SU-30 MKI in Sep 2011. The Squadron has a glorious past and it looks forward to bright future as it readies to spread its wings across the Indian landscape.
Air Force Station Halwara witnessed a well coordinated ceremony on this occasion. Guests from Western Air Command graced the event. The chief Guest was received by Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Halwara, Air Commodore RGK Kapoor VM. An impressive parade contingent presented a general salute to the AOC-in-C. Later the Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Wing Commander Sharad Aneja took permission from the Air marshal to get airborne in a SU-30 MKI aircraft. The ceremony included an impressive flypast by the SU-30 s of 220 Squadron. The pilots of the Squadron executed the characteristic ‘Trishul’ formation in a spectacular manner signifying their formal induction into the premier Air Command of the IAF. The Air Force personnel and their families witnessed the momentous occasion at Air Force Station Halwara.
Air Marshal Arup Raha AVSM VM in his address congratulated the air warriors of Halwara air base for successful induction fo SU-30 MKI. He appreciated the tireless efforts put in by all personnel in operationalising the Squadron within a very short period. The Squadron has enhanced the operational capability of Western Air Command in a substantial manner. The Air Marshal and his wife interacted with the officers and their spouses during social evening organised at the Officers’ Mess.
Mrs Lily Raha interactd with the spouses of air warriors (Sanginis) during the customary welfare meeting held at CV Gole auditorium. She also visited various welfare ventures run by President AFWWA (Local), Mrs. (Dr.) Suneeta Kapoor.
Monday, December 19, 2011
I'M ALIVE! Sukhoi pilot puts together a passionate video on elite fighter
Ironically, the album came to Tarmak007 at a time when the frontline fighters are shrouded in a quality mess, following the recent Su-30 MKI crash -- the third after they were inducted into the IAF. Hence -- I'm Alive -- title becomes apt, considering what's is talked and written about on the platform's design issues and quality standards -- something the Russians and HAL will have to be blamed. Enjoy the video and Tarmak007 salutes the daredevils of IAF who touch the sky with glory.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
SUKHOI CRASH: Flaws in Russian design or holes in HAL's quality standards? | Crashed fighter was on a maiden 'air test' after servicing |
Frontline fighters Su-30MKIs being manufactured under license at HAL's
Nasik Division in Maharashtra. Photo: Tarmak007
By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service
Bangalore: The Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) that crashed near Pune on December 13 was on
its first air test (fly test) after it underwent the mandatory servicing. The
aircraft had already completed 400 hours of flying and had to do undergo a
second servicing (after every 200 hours) as per the Indian Air Force (IAF)
norms. Sources with the investigation team tell Express that the fighter
crashed after oscillating – a rare phenomenon if the platform was not under
control. “The pilots couldn't control the aircraft and it crashed without any
warning, clearly pointing towards system and quality issues,” sources said.This was the third crash of the elite Sukhoi jets of IAF, with the first one occurring on April 2009 following the pilots suspected to have inadvertently switched-off the fly-by-wire and the second one in November 2009, with fire being reported inside the aircraft.
Sources in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) say that there were quality related issues with the basic design (Russian). “The issues with the design are known even to the IAF and you can't blame HAL alone. The current crash is suspected to be a fly-by-wire malfunction and we are investigating. The flight data recorder (FDR) along with some burnt parts of the aircraft have come to Nasik. We will decode the FDR to find the exact cause,” sources said.
The crashed fighter was manufactured at HAL's Nasik division, during 2009-10 period, as part of the phase-3 production (partial raw-material, partial Russian). Two Russian specialists are now part of the investigation team, with one looking into the fly-by-wire systems and another the test-flight parameters. “There's a lot of redundancy built in Sukhoi. There are four parallel wires and in case one fails there are three more that should have worked. Is it a question of the design flaw or HAL's quality standards?,” sources ask.
HAL sources claim that they have made lot of improvements to the Su-30 MKI. “There were problems with the pipeline and looms (electrical harnes). Thirty (30) Sukhois were grounded a few months back due to defects in the assembly done by the Russians. They admitted the mistakes and identified 12 aircraft out of the 30 for rectification,” sources said. The recent crash cost the nation Rs 250-crore. HAL's main profits come from Nasik Division.
42 ADDITIONAL ORDERS LIKELY: Amidst the question marks over quality issues, both from Russian and HAL side, India is all set to place an order for additional 42 Su-30MKIs. This is in addition to the initial order of 50 (which came from Russsia), plus the 180 (140 + 40) being done in various phases. “The additional order of 42 will be taken up for production from next year onwards. These may not be the upgraded versions (Super Sukhois). A final decision will be taken soon (upgraded or not) soon,” sources said. So far, the IAF has taken deliveries of 103 Sukhois built under license by HAL.
Currently India is also holding talks with Russia for the upgradation of the existing fleet. “The plan is to upgrade 100 aircraft. A team is already in Russia and we are sorting out software and radar-related issues,” source said.
(Copyright@The New Indian Express)
Friday, April 1, 2011
HAL order book soars by $1.9 billion
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) achieved sales of Rs 13,061 crore ($2.9 billion) for the fiscal year 2010-11 — a 14% increase over the previous year. The government-owned company’s profit before taxes stood at Rs 2,718 crore ($604 million), while its order book jumped by Rs 8,524 crore ($1.9 billion). According to T. Sudhakar Rao, HAL’s executive HR director, one major highlight for the company during the year was the initial operational clearance (IOC) for the Dhruv Mk. III helicopter and Shakti engine utility variant. “This was a major achievement, as Dhruv [is] our flagship product,” Rao says. The LCH had its first flight in May. During the 2011 Aero India show, HAL also unveiled the LCH technology demonstrator (TD-2) with a digital camouflage paint scheme — a first for any Indian Air Force (IAF) asset. TD-2 is expected to join the flight line soon. [Photo A.R. Jose]
(Full report in AW)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Onus on HAL to speed-up SU-30 MKI production
Su-30MKIs in formation. Photo: IAF
By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week |
Bangalore | India | August 11, 2010
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) will have to step up Su-30MKI production at its Nasik facility following the announcement that 42 more fighters are being ordered from Russia.
“The ball is now in HAL’s court and it needs to speed up the delivery of the current order so as to take the additional load,” a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official told AVIATION WEEK. HAL has been told to complete the ongoing Su-30MKI blocks (under the compressed schedule) by 2015 at all costs. “There are concerns expressed by us time and again and we are watching the progress at the other end,” the official said.
When asked to explain what the IAF “concerns” were, the official declined to elaborate.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Aviation Week India Thought Leaders (ITL) Series-4: HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak sets firm agenda for aggressive export sales; order book Rs 80,000 crore; says ALH Mk-IV variant on track
(AVIATION WEEK'S INDIA THOUGHT LEADERS Q&A SERIES)
By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week
Bangalore, India | May 28, 2010
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) sits on a robust order book close to Rs 80,000 crore, showing the company’s resounding health. As the backbone of the armed services, especially the Indian Air Force (IAF), HAL has firmed up a flight path to stay on top as South Asia’s market leader. Brightening its outlook are a series of fixed-wing and rotary platform projects. The offset policy has also been a huge blessing, with a number of global leaders working closely with HAL. Provisional sales for 2009-10 stood at Rs 11,415 crore, up about 10% over the previous year, while the profit before tax for the year stood at Rs 2,617 crore, with growth of 12% over the previous year. The order book has also swelled by more than Rs 12,000 crore during the year. At the company’s controls is a man who has ushered in a new shop-floor-driven, intense working philosophy. AVIATION WEEK met HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak as part of its India Thought Leaders (ITL) series.
AW: How far has HAL been able to penetrate the global market? Where do you position HAL by 2012?
A.N.: HAL is emerging as a globally competitive aerospace company, winning the confidence of customers through the supply of high-precision structural work packages to leading global aerospace companies such as Airbus and RUAG in Europe, Boeing in North America and Embraer in South America. We will gradually focus on export of indigenously developed helicopters and trainer aircraft in the future. We will strive to harness the opportunities that emerge through offset. These should take the HAL export sales to substantially higher values in the years to come.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Hypersonic BrahMos missile will be ready by 2015 for testing, says Dr Sivathanu Pillai
(AVIATION WEEK'S INDIA THOUGHT LEADERS Q&A SERIES)
By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week Bangalore, India | May 27, 2010
The Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic missile program has made its mark in the international arena with a series of successful launches and subsequent rapid induction by the Indian Army and Navy. Now an air version of the missile is currently under development and will be fitted onto the Su-30MKI platform when ready. AVIATION WEEK caught up with BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director A. Sivathanu Pillai to learn more.
AW: What do you think has led to the success of BrahMos missile so far?
A.S.P.: Joint venture BrahMos is built upon the technological synergy of strengths of the two nations – India and Russia. Moreover, the superiority of the product such as Speed, Precision and Power has ensured the realization of this high-tech product and attracted the users to go for induction of the system in the shortest possible time. It can be proudly said that the Indian Army is the only land force in the entire globe to have a supersonic maneuverable land-attack cruise missile regiment.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Su-30MKIs will fly with BrahMos missile in 2012
Artist's impression of BrahMos on Su-30 MKI: Photo: BrahMos Aerospace
By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week
Bangalore, India | May 26, 2010
Initial trials for the air-launch version of the BrahMos supersonic missile will be carried out in the first half of 2011, and flight trials will take place in India in 2012, the missile maker says. The development of the air-launch version is expected to be completed in 2012, and its maker hopes to begin production and induction the same year. This version is for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will be fitted with special launchers onto Su-30 MKI aircraft.
BrahMos CEO and Managing Director A. Sivathanu Pillai told AVIATION WEEK that a special fire control system (FCS) and missile fabrication are being developed. “The prototype of the launcher has been already manufactured at BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL). Work related to platform modification is to be taken up by Sukhoi Design Bureau. Two aircraft will be prepared for carrying out the trials,” Sivathanu Pillai said.
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