Inspiring ADA | LCA Mk-II CDRs by end of this year: Dr Girish | Part-IA

 

Inspiring ADA | A news series set to take-off today ahead of Plane Carnival 2021

A new series #InspiringADA takes off today with Dr Girish Deodhare Prog Dir ADA joining #TarmakTalking. Girish is one of the most silent/unassuming souls of India's A&D. Always locked on to missions, taking on challenges with a smile & mentoring the gen-next.

Girish's interview will have 4 sub-parts. He gives an overall pic of progs. Later, project heads to join series to update us on #AMCA, #NLCA, #TEDBF & #LCAMk2. Icing on the cake to be Jan 26 special with young scientists.

You can catch the entire #InspiringADA series on the You Tube channel here: https://bit.ly/2XSqdF8. Please do subscribe if you haven't yet.

So tighten your seat belts folks, as we hit the skies with loads of new stories & updates this #PlaneCarnival season.

 

Trailer: Young Aryan Joshi is ready to fire!

CAS INTERVIEW | We will expand operational utility of Tejas: Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria

By Anantha Krishnan M

These are interesting times for the IAF. The very nature of warfare is changing rapidly, and we now have to be simultaneously effective across multiple domains and levels of warfare extending from conventional to countering sub conventional threats. We have to not only embrace emerging fifth generation technologies/ capabilities but master the emergent technologies in cyber, networking and big data to be always ahead of our adversaries in capability and thought process. The Tejas has very good capabilities and as we gain experience we will continue to expand its operational utility in IAF plans. -- Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria in an interview to Onmanorama. 

Full interview, here:  https://bit.ly/2T1jBTa

R-Day Special | NSG's pictorial tribute to 26/11 Martyrs is awesome

Pravin Talan, the photographer

who shot these stunning images.

The National Security Guard (NSG) has paid tributes to its martyrs in a striking fashion. To honour its martyrs during the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks, the elite force hired a ‘sharpshooter’ -- Pravil Talan -- a leading fashion photographer.

The result is a stunning calendar released for the Year 2019. It is in great demand among the security forces, and many even in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) are finding it difficult to lay their hands on a copy.
As an organization NSG has always shied away from being too much in the public eye, and its men are an enigma and a shadowy mystery. 

“There has always been a curiosity among the youth of the nation to know more about NSG, who they are, how they train and what they do. This calendar gives a glimpse into the high level of training and capabilities of an NSG commando. As they are of members of a ‘Zero-error world-class-force’ the photographs had to live up to that image,” said an MHA official via email, in response to queries from Onmanorama. (Read the full report, here: https://bit.ly/2UfMHMA)

Locked on to future, AFS Sulur emerging as IAF’s key base

By Anantha Krishnan M 

Welcome to Air Force Station (AFS) Sulur! An airbase locked on to future. And, tipped as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most critical base in years to come. When Onmanorama visited AFS Sulur, the base was abuzz with a series of upgradation works. From runway to ATC tower to new hangars, it for a while looked like a massive stadium getting ready for a big game. And, those who have flown in know how significant this game is going to be for the IAF in the future. He said the modern infrastructure accretion that was created to house the Tejas has changed the erstwhile skyline at Sulur making its transformation markedly profound. Read full story: https://bit.ly/2RDxg3X 

Promo of Tarmak Talking at Radel

Promo out for #TarmakTalking with Air Marshal S R K Nair

Tarmak007 Talking with Dr Kota Harinarayana

Hello folks!

Welcome to #Tarmak007Talking -- a news series aiming to get you an up-close with all heroes from India's inspiring aerospace and defence sector. This is the first edition of #Tarmak007Talking and we begin with Dr Kota Harinarayana, the man widely revered as the father of India's modern fighter jet programme.

In the days ahead, we shall bring you more heroes, including unsung as well, who have toiled hard to make India a vibrant aerospace and defence power. If your organisation or CEO or a team wants to be featured in #Tarmak007Talking, do write to anantha.ak@gmail.com or ak@billionbeats.in. This interview series will be a collaborative effort and currently, it is being supported by Inspired Indian Foundation®. (www.inspiredindianfoudation.org)

The production team consists of award-winning video editors, a young research group and a professional camera crew among others. Sit back and enjoy #Tarmak007Talking!

Jai Hind!

Anantha Krishnan M

#Tarmak007Talking | I would've loved to have flown in Tejas: Dr Kota

By Anantha Krishnan M

https://english.manoramaonline.com

Bangalore: Nothing much has changed in the life of Dr Kota Harinarayana, who recently turned 75. Despite age catching up at supersonic speeds, he stays fit. He travels a lot, mentoring hundreds of aeronautical scientists. His wife says Dr Kota is wedded to plane dreams.

Revered globally as the man who shaped India’s modern fighter jet mission, Dr Kota today is a satisfied man, with his pet bird – the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) – finally joining Squadron duty.

In a freewheeling interview to this writer, the man who passionately guided the Tejas project through one of the most turbulent phases said he is still dreaming and looking forward to making India a mighty power in the field of aviation and defence.

[Read the full report here | https://bit.ly/2JW5ebH]

Watch the video below

Soon on YouTube: #Tarmak007Talking

An interview series with a difference.

More on the known and unknown!

#Tarmak007Talking

An upclose with Flying Daggers | Tejas Talking

Presenting to you #TejasTalking, one of the most comprehensive films on Indian Air Force's Tejas pilots. In this 55-minute film, specially made on the occasion of Republic Day 2018, we get you an up-close with the team members of No 45 Sqn, Flying Daggers, who operate the Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.

#TejasTalking is a part of #ProjectHamaraHeroes from the hangars of Inspired Indian Foundation®, launched in January 2018. Under this pilot mission, IIF aims to capture inspiring stories from the Indian armed forces and the scientific fraternity.

 It is an independently-funded mission, with no commercial angle.

You can WhatsApp your feedback to +91 78997 78888. Jai Hind!

Copyright@Tarmak007 

Women pilots set for practise combat missions on Hawks in Bidar

By https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, Aug 28: Two months after the historic induction of first three women pilots into the fighter stream of Indian Air Force (IAF), the Bidar Air Force Station is all set to give them the first flying experience on Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer, as part of the Stage-II training.
IAF sources told Mathrubhumi on Sunday that the three women Flying Officers -- Bhawana Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh – have already begun their sessions on Hawk simulators.
“As part of the Stage-III training being imparted to these women officers, they have begun sessions on the simulators from August 22. They will start flying the Hawks in the next one or two weeks,” an IAF official said.
The official said the three pilots were given adequate familiarisation training to switch over to higher Gs on Hawk as compared to the Kiran and Pilatus platforms they were trained during their stint with Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal near Hyderabad.
These three women moved to AFS Bidar last month for their training on Hawks, ahead of their final destination in flying supersonic jets, next year.
At AFS Bidar, the trio would be trained in ‘practise combat flying’ during which their body is set to experience new challenges. “It will be different and the girls have been already prepared for the same. They have been given a whitepaper (a book let) that explains their role,” says an official. 

Full report here: http://bit.ly/2bJeK5r

NLCA platforms begin night flying from SBTF in Goa

(Video of NP-2 carrying out fuel jettison tests)

By Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, May 24: The naval prototypes of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – NP-1 (trainer) and NP-2 (fighter) – have begun their night flying activities for the first time from the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa in Goa.

This is virtually a back-to-back campaign for the NLCA team, considering they only finished the previous trials at the end of April. The detachment includes scientists and engineers from Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The current trials began on May 21 and are expected to continue through this week.

“The night trials are critical for the project. This is for the first time that both NP-1 and NP-2 are undertaking night operations from SBTF. Both have done extensive night trials from normal runways,” says an official.

So far both platforms have carried out four sorties with the time duration ranging from 25 to 30 minutes.

“It’s important that we complete these sets of trials before Monsoon sets in. Pre-Monsoon winds are favourable for undertaking the tests. We are also fine-tuning some of the parameters we have tested in April. Ahead of the current campaign, both platforms underwent some stress analysis tests in Bengaluru,” says the official. @OneIndia

* Fuel jettison test done in April

* Radar and data link too tested

* Hot refueling routinely carried out

Full report here: http://bit.ly/1RmJvoI

To order, ‪#‎PreciousSouls‬

Paperback: http://amzn.to/1nK62nV

Hardcover:http://amzn.to/1nK62nV

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1TJXoUA

Loaded with inspiring stories, 'Precious Souls' launched

THE LAUNCH: (Left to right) Air Marshal S R K Nair, Dr Muhammed Majeed, Dr Nazeema Maraikayar, Anita Nair, Dr Malathi K Holla (on wheelchair) and Anantha Krishnan during the launch of Precious Souls in Bangalore on 14 May 2016.

HOUSE OF KALAM: Family members of Guru Kalam with Dr Kota Harinarayana (4th from left) at the launch of Precious Souls.

PRICELESS MOMENTS: Parents of special children and invited guests share their thoughts.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Precious Souls author Anantha Krishnan with novelist Anita Nair during a one-to-one capturing the key phases of the book project.

GURU DEVO BHAVA: NCC Air Wing cadets unveil the painting of Guru Kalam during the occasion. The painting done by an Army sepoy is autographed by Guru Kalam, who gifted it to Inspired Indian Foundation on June 12 2015. The Foundation would now auction the painting for undertaking the causes of unsung heroes. The 40x37 inch oil painting has treated teak frame. 

By Jose George

Precious Souls: A journey into the inspiring lives of special children and their families, the second book by best-selling author Anantha Krishnan M. was launched at Hotel Royal Orchid in Bengaluru on May 14 (Saturday).

The book, launched by Dr Naseema Maraikayar (Founder-chairperson of Abdul Kalam International Foundation and niece of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam), Air Marshal S R K Nair (AOC-in-C, Training Command, IAF), Dr Muhammed Majeed (Managing Director, Sami Labs), Anita Nair (Author), Dr Malathi Holla (Para Athlete) and Anantha Krishnan M, chronicles the lives of 24 special children who have dared to defy all odds by exploring their creative urges.

Precious Souls has a foreword from former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam who was moved by the inspiring stories of these children. “I hope this great attempt by my journalist friend will create awareness among people about special children, their needs, and their gifts,” wrote the ex-president.

The event began with the unveiling of a painting of Kalam titled Mission, Melody &Missiles, by an army soldier Renjith C Thalavoor. The painting has a signature of Kalam.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Naseema Maraikayar urged people to understand and appreciate the special children and work towards making the world a better place for them. She also announced the decision to appoint Ananth Krishnan as the strategic advisor to of Abdul Kalam International Foundation.

During the interaction with author Anita Nair, Anantha Krishnan said it was during his discussions with Malathi Holla for his first book, A Different Spirit that he came across more closely with people with different abilities and was moved by their resilience. When asked what inspired him to write about special people an emotional Ananth said it was Abdul Kalam who said if you do anything do it perfectly, giving everything you have, who inspired him to look at the lives of special children and spread their stories. He also urged his fellow journalists to work towards creating awareness about people with different abilities.

Speaking on the occasion, which was hailed ‘an evening dedicated to mothers’ Dr Muhammed Majeed said this event will go a long way in helping the cause of the differently-abled.

Parrikar on Precious Souls. 

The parents of the special children shared their experiences of bringing them and the joys and the many challenges they face.

Four special children, Adithya Venkatesh (keyboard), Vaibhav Kutnikar (tabala), Anubhav (vocals) and Samuel Ashish Marcus (guitar) mesmerised the audience with their enviable music skills. 

Three leather-bound copies of the book, one for Rs.12,000, a second for Rs.11,000 and the third for Rs.10,000 were auctioned on the occasion. The proceeds were handed over to the families of special children with economically poor background.

The evening also witnessed the presentation of G Santha Teacher Memorial Journalism Award 2016 to Ms Rekha Satheesh, Deputy News Editor, The New Indian Express and Youth Icon Award 2016 Ms Devi Unnimaya of Placid Vidya Vihar Senior Secondary School, Kerala.

To order a copy of Precious Souls, here: SUPPORT A CAUSE

Pre-order 'Precious Souls' and support a cause!

My next book, ‪#‎PreciousSouls‬ is now available on Amazon.in and Amazon.com. You could pre-order the hardcover, paperback and Kindle versions now.

#‎PreciousSouls‬ brings to you inspiring stories of special children and their families from India. The book explores disappointments and triumph in a narrative manner; the author telling each life as it went on during his interaction with the families. The style gets the reader involved as if he or she is seeing the child or their parents right in front of them. Late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was so touched by the subject that he even wrote the foreword for the book. 

Front cover is a painting done my an Indian Army soldier, while the back page narrates a photograph taken by the author at Indian Naval Academy, that went viral on social media.    

Paperback: http://amzn.to/1nK62nV
Hardcover:http://amzn.to/1nK62nV
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1TJXoUA

Part proceeds from the sale of this book have been pledged towww.inspiredindianfoundation.org, that bats for unsung heroes.

Buy. Share. Support.

3 launches of Nirbhay planned this year: Dr Tamilmani

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is keen to integrate the private industries as a production-cum-development partners for all futuristic programmes. DRDO has already initiated feasibility studies on some of the futuristic projects, which are to be taken up in a phased manner. Speaking to Mathrubhumi’s #Talkathon interview series, Dr K Tamilmani, Director-General (Aero), DRDO, said the design and development of many of the high- technology equipment will be handed over to the private industries. He said the Aeronautical Test Range facility at Chitradurga (Karnataka) is in the process of realisation. To a query, Dr Tamilmani said the next launch of Nirbhay is scheduled in March/April 2016. Two more launches with different missions are planned during this year. Full interview, here: http://bit.ly/24t5l42 

Tejas ready to spit fire during Iron Fist-2016

By Writetake

Bengaluru, Feb 26: Within a month after scripting history in Bahrain with its maiden flying display outside Indian skies, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is ready for the next mission.

Sources confirm to OneIndia on Thursday that two Tejas variants are likely to be part of the upcoming Iron Fist, set to begin on March 18.

A total of three Tejas variants will be made ‘hot-ready’ for Iron Fist, with one being on the stand-by mode.

Iron Fist is IAF’s largest fire power demonstration event with the network-centric warfare capabilities being exhibited to fullest. It is scheduled to begin at the Chandan Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer from March 18. 

An IAF official says that the Tejas team has been asked to report at Jaisalmer on March 2. 

Read the full report, here: http://bit.ly/1VIoJ7k

Iorn Fist 2013 promo video, here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th6Tl8U0PE8

At 80, AVM Ajit Lamba (Retd) wants to keep flying like a bird

By Anantha Krishnan M 

What do Indian Air Force (IAF) daredevil pilots do when they grow old? How do they celebrate their birthdays, especially when they turn 80? Do they still have the courage, will and passion to fly when the age is on their wrong side? 

Well, you might just find the right answers in this report! OneIndia was at one of the popular flying spots in Bengaluru to capture a very rare flight of a very special man. 

Always found a way to fly: Air Vice Marshal Ajit Lamba (Retd) always did something different on his birthdays. This time, on turning 80, he had his flight-plan well in advance. 

You are at Jakkur airstrip, on way to the Kempegowda International Airport. It’s around 8 am and was definitely one of those days you would still want to hide under a blanket. 

The foggy morning skies of Bengaluru did not dent the birthday boy’s spirit as he waited in hope. The scheduled take-off at 8.30 had to be deferred, but he was confident that the skies would soon be clear. 

Had flown over 100 types of aircraft: “Most birthdays I have flown and my family is well aware of what I am up to. I had initial plans to fly the Hansa of National Aerospace Laboratories, but couldn’t get the aircraft on time. I rang up Ashok and he said come over,” says Ajit Lamba, who was the former Commandant of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment of IAF. 

And, at the stroke of 10 am, he along with his long-time friend Wg Cdr Ashok Mehta (Retd) took off on their Red Barron X-Air Microlight. 

Ajit Lamba is probably among the few pilots of IAF who had flown all types of aircraft. He even owned a microlight named Pegasus, which was a birthday gift from his wife when had turned 70. 

“You know I might have flown over 100 different types of aircraft of IAF. Not the latest assets that came in the last couple of years. From fighters, trainers, transport planes and helicopters…Those were great days…” he says, while attending to phone calls from his friends and relatives, who had called to wish him on his birthday. 

Sold his plane for want of parking space: “I had to sell that to a friend in Coorg due to lack of parking facility in Bengaluru. So, I flew one day to Coorg and sold it to him,” says the veteran pilot. 

Even at 80, he keeps his flying licence updated and clears all the mandatory medical tests without fail, as per the DGCA requirements. 

Ajit Lamba joined the IAF in 1953 and he was commissioned two years later. He retired in 1991 after serving for 38 years. He has logged over 7000 hours of flying while in service. 

Does a touch-and-go at Jakkur: At Jakkur, Ajit Lamba flew for 15 minutes and did one touch-and-go. “On these microlite’s you can’t do much. It’s non-aerobatic. The idea was to get airborne. And, it’s very safe up there. Safer than driving,” he says. 

While in the IAF, he had one ejection from the Gnat and over half-a-dozen engine-off landings. 

“I keep praying to God to keep me fit. Flying once in a while, a game of golf, a glass of beer, family, books and travel… What else this old man needs to do?” he laughs, as we wind up the interview session. 

I often dream of flying without a plane: He has a word of praise for Tejas as well. “It is a fabulous aircraft. Just that it needs to be produced in large numbers. If I was the IAF Chief, I would have ordered 200 aircraft straightaway,” he adds. 

He says he has started dreaming often flying without a plane. 

“Not sure what that means. But I see these dreams very often. It’s a great feeling to fly like a bird. And, I want to keep flying…,” says Ajit Lamba, one of the fittest and youngest pilots of Bengaluru.

 ©OneIndia

Why is India so reluctant to celebrate Tejas success?

By Anantha Krishnan M 

Warning: This is a biased piece! 

I am willfully breaking one of the thumb rules in Journalism, which says: never take any sides when you report. So you have a choice of not reading it, considering it is one-sided! I am frank. Honestly! 

Straight to the point. 

Why did the Indian media, politicians and the military minds sideline one of the historic events being scripted post-Independence? The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas flew for the first time outside Indian skies when it participated at the fourth edition of Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS-2016) from January 21-23, 2016. 

It was eight minutes of history that was worth a live telecast, considering it was happening for the first time ever. After all, we are a nation that’s so obsessed with records. Considering that Tejas flew all the way from Bangalore to Jamnagar. Then to Muscat and finally to the Sakhir Airbase in Bahrain! It was an event worth chasing. Shocking that even Doordarshan too didn’t have any live shots. Not even borrowed. 

This was for the first time that a home-grown Indian fighter jet flew at an international event, outside India. First time the largest military importer in the world exhibited a 4+something-fighter-jet on a foreign land alongside some of the best known names. 

As a biased journalist, supporting India’s defence programmes, I woke up with great interest for almost a week, three days ahead of the show and on all three days during the show and the day after the show (3+3+1 = 7 days) hoping to read something in the newspapers. My heart would have skipped a beat if it was reported on the front pages, but even the left-side obituary pages too never had anything mentioned on Tejas. 

Even news channels had bigger things to report. On the Day-1 of the show, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal grabbed all the prime time slots visiting Hyderabad’s Central University. 

Day-2 Breaking News was the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arresting a number of terror suspects across India. 

Day-3 was completely grabbed by Netaji files being declassified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

And as I write this piece, two days after the BIAS-2016, French President Hollande has already landed in India and he will be our guest during the Republic Day. But, with Hollande in India, it was but natural for the Rafales to make news. 

So, media had other things to chase and a desi metal bird flying for eight minutes each on three days is not worth reporting. And, even if someone did report, they might have no news sense like me. Or they might be biased, like me. 

And then, what about our Breaking News Mantris? 

A tweet from PM Modi would have definitely lifted the spirits of Team Tejas. It would have cost the exchequer nothing. After all a tweet is a tweet is a tweet! And, it’s sweet when it comes from the handle of your PM. 

If the PM was busy, even External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who visited BIAS-2016 on the last day, could have tweeted. The MEA handle did tweet a photo of Sushma watching the Sarangs fly. But Sarangs flying is no breaking news and they have been flying all over the world since 2004. But, Sushma can’t be blamed as Tejas might have finished its quota of flying by the time she reached the venue. Sorry Tejas; seeing is believing! 

What about Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, the man who was responsible to make Tejas cross the Indian border. One statement from Ministry of Defence, after the historic flight, would have been ideal. But it never came. 

Why did the Indian Air Force (IAF) keep quiet? Well, what to say! Tejas is not yet IAF’s. They have just got one aircraft (SP-1) and they have been waiting. And, waiting. And, waiting… They have their share of concerns before Tejas Squadron takes shape. Still, one comment from the Chief: “Well done,” would have meant a lot. 

Interestingly, DRDO tweeted quoting Parrikar on the last day of the show, which said: “RM (Raksha Mantri) at NCC Republic Day camp said, as per my primary reports #LCA Tejas has been appreciated by many other countries.” 

There were press releases from IAF, MoD and HAL ahead of the show on India’s participation at BIAS-2016. Surprisingly, nothing after Tejas scripting history. What’s the big deal? After all it was a demonstration and not any war! 

Fact is, 24-minutes of historic three-day Tejas’ demonstrations did not find many takers in India, barring some biased journalists making noise! These journalists must be crazy. 

So, who is to be blamed? Well, who else now, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) which failed to send their JF-17 Thunders. As per the earlier plan they were to come, to be parked alongside Tejas and Typhoons on the same bay. The media was all warmed up for the Tejas-Thunder ‘duel.’ 

But, with Thunder missing what will the lightning bird Tejas do? Just not done, PAF! Be there, next time. 

So, what would have made headlines and prime time news hour? A tyre burst of Tejas in Bahrain. May be mosquitoes inside the cockpit! Yes. I got it. 

Sorry Tejas, you proved your mettle. But, we ignored you. 

It was a treat watching you. We are proud of you. 

Take a bow. 

Welcome back home, heroes. 

Blue Skies and Happy Landings! 

©Swarajya http://swarajyamag.com/