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 

Govt gives tenure extensions to 3 top aerospace scientists linked to Tejas project

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The tenure of three top scientists closely associated with various ongoing aeronautical projects, including India's Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) programme have been extended beyond their service. Military sources confirmed to Express that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) gave the assent for the extension the services of two scientists late on Friday night, with another receiving the go ahead earlier.

P S Subramanyam, Director, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Dr K Tamilmani, Director-General (Aero), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Shyam Chetty, Director, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) are all operating out of Bangalore. The decision to extend the services of these three scientists were taken following the recommendations made by their respective organisational heads. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Appointments Committee Of Cabinet had to act swiftly as the tenure of Dr Tamil Mani and Shyam Chetty were to end on Saturday (31 May).

Sources said the PMO was in favour of the continuity of national projects and acted favourably upon the recommendations. "The PMO was of the opinion that ongoing defence projects should not be affected by the sudden exit of senior scientists. The completion of projects have been given a new thrust with daily monitoring mechanism in place. A total of 58 filed were pending with DoPT for PMO's nod," a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official said on condition of anonymity.

The decision gives Subramanyam, now 64 years old, another year in office while Dr Tamilmani, now 62 , gets another two years and 60-year-old Shyam gets two more years in service. All the three scientists are currently engaged in the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of Tejas, scheduled to be completed next year. "It was widely felt at this point of time a change at the helm of affairs would have affected the progress of Tejas, which has finally reached the last lap before getting inducted. This worked in favour of Subramanyam, who is associated with the project from 1986 onwards," a DRDO official said.

With Tejas being a technology-driven programme, the DRDO was backing the case of Dr Tamilmani to tackle the certification challenges of the aircraft. "Dr Tamilmani's expertise is not only critical for Tejas, but also for some of the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and engine projects," the official said.

For Shyam Chetty, who reports to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the extension came in mainly due to his involvement with the National Civil Aircraft (NCA) programme. "In addition to Tejas FOC, Shyam has to lead the NAL team for the NCA project aimed at better regional connectivity. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has been given the mantle to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for undertaking the design, development, manufacture of 70 to 100 seater aircraft. NAL will play a critical role here," the official said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Desi tyres on Sukhois a runway hit | Tejas, Dhruv, LCH, MiG-29 K line up to script a gripping story

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Serivce

Bangalore: Indian fighter jets have begun the process of changing over to desi tyres, probably signaling an end to escalating cost and non-availability concerns. Indian Air Force (IAF) sources confirm to Express that the India shining story is being scripted by MRF, which has been cleared by the military airworthiness officials to produce the main wheel tyres of frontline fighters Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI). The indigenous tyres, named as Aeromuscle, are 30 per cent cheaper than the imported ones.

The IAF stared looking within the country after facing difficulties in sourcing tyres from abroad. The IAF was even forced to use tyres from its war reserves for some aircraft, after supplies from Russia became an issue. The idea to approach Indian companies was taken up during P V Nayak's tenure as the IAF chief. "MRF agreed to do all design, development and quality tests at their own cost in the interest of nation," an IAF official said. The MRF took the tyres for dynamometer tests thrice to a facility in China, incurring a cost of around Rs 10 crore. (A dynamometer test simulates the entire sequence of taxi, takeoff, landing and braking loads on the tyre.)

"Later, the tyres were sent for trials at the IAF bases in Bareily, Jodhpur and Leh in 2011. They were finally cleared for getting on to IAF assets in 2012. The MRF has so far delivered 350 tyres and the remaining are being manufactured at their plant in Medak, near Hyderabad," the official said. A Sukhoi has two main wheel and two nose wheel tyres. 

Seeing the success of Aeromuscle tyres, MRF has now been given the mandate of designing the nose wheel tyres for Sukhois. "Currently, the fitment trials are over and they are being taken to China for the dynamometer tests. By June, these tyres will be sent to Bangalore for the clearance of the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification," the official added.

Speaking to Express from Hyderabad, Dr K Tamilmani, Director-General (Aero), DRDO, confirmed that even the Indian Navy wants Aeromuscle for the MiG-29Ks. "We are planning to even change the Tejas tyres very soon which will be followed by Dornier, Pilatus and Hawk. Currently, the Tejas runs on Dunlop, being imported from the UK," says Tamilmani. He said aircraft tyres normally undergo various tests like burst, air retention, bottoming-up (emptying the air/flat tyres), fitment and taxi.

"By 2015 end, all the military platforms will have a source for indigenous supply. The MRF is currently supplying Chetak helicopter tyres to HAL, Navy and IAF. The Advanced Light Helicopter tyres made by them have also been cleared for commercial production. The tyres for the Light Combat Helicopter have completed the tests and are awaiting flight trials," Tamilmani said. He said the MRF is planning to set up a separate Aero Tyre Division in Medak, with many countries showing interest in these tyres.

"The MRF is also setting up a dynamometer test facility in Medak at a cost of over Rs 20 crore and it should be ready by 2015. The lifespan of a tyre is taken into account with the number of landing, which is normally around 40 to 50 times. Runway conditions, brake applications, temperature difference can also contribute to the wear and tear of the tyre," he said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Rudra to receive IOC officially today | Begins validation flights ahead of Aero India, along with LCH

PHOTOS: SUDHAKAR JAIN | THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS | SHOOT COURTESY: P SOUNDARA RAJAN, MD (HELICOPTERS), HAL | LOCATION: HAL HELICOPTER  DIVISION

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Rudra, the weapon system integrated (WSI) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), MK-IV, along with the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) began the flight validation exercises ahead of Aero India. In an interview to Express on Saturday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL’s) Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (retd) Unni Pillai said that both choppers are in fine form and ready for the thrillers during the show.He said Rudra will be HAL’s star performer during the show, with LCH leaving no effort to match up to the big brother.

“This air show is special to us because we are handing over two Rudras to the Army Aviation. Like last year, one LCH will be painted in a special camouflaged painting and put on duty at the static display area,” Unni said.HAL is also gearing up for an in-house event on Sunday, when the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) officially gives the green signal to Rudra in the form an Initial Operational Clearance (IOC).

“Rudra is a marvel and we have cleared all systems and weapons. The Army can now fly Rudra for all support roles during frontline operations. It is definitely a significant moment for Indian military programme,” CEMILAC CEO Dr K Tamilmani told Express.

Barring the air-to-ground (A-2-G) missile, which the Services are yet to finalise, Rudra has a mix of weapons already cleared for operation. An air-to-air Mistral missile (MBDA, France) with 10 km range, 20 mm cannon (Nexter, France) and 700-mm rockets (Belgium make) form Rudra’s killer menu.

“The Helina which was initially meant for Rudra as a A-2-G missile, is currently undergoing changes at DRDO facilities in Hyderabad. It will then have to be tested on ground and later onboard Rudra, before the Services accepts it. We are confident that Helina will make it finally to Rudra,” Tamil Mani said.

HAL chairman R K Tyagi felt that Rudra will give the much-needed brand identity to the company during Aero India. “The Dhruv programme has gone through various good and bad phases. But, ultimately what emerges as a product matters, and Rudra is an answer. It has one of the world’s finest features embedded onboard and we will be exhibiting the same to the customers during the show. The IOC is a morale-boost to team HAL,” Tyagi said.

Tomorrow: Lines, pilots fear

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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