Brahmos test fired successfully- Sep 05,2010

Balasore, Sept 05: The Army version of the surface to surface supersonic cruise missile Brahmos was successfully test fired today from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, about 15 kms from here.

Defence sources said it is one of the tests from the planned series of assesment launches of the Brahmos for the Indian land forces.

  The missile has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Russian Npo Maschinostroyenia. The 8.4 metre long missile can hit a target at a distance of upto 290 kms. It has a diameter of 0.6 metres and weighs 3000 kgs. It can carry a warhead of upto 300 kgs. The missile can attain a height of upto 14 kms. It has a pre-set trajectory and can change its course to strike 20 kms from the target. It can be launched either in vertical or inclined position and is capable of striking a target in 360 degrees horizon.

    The Brahmos is currently being configured for aerial deployment with the SU30MK1 as its carrier.

Agni -" Our Nation Pride"

Agni (missile)
The Agni missile  is a family of Medium to Intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. As of 2008, the Agni missile family comprises three deployed variants:

 

• Agni-I short range ballistic missile, 500 – 700 km range.  
• Agni-II medium range ballistic missile, 2,000- 2,500 km range. 
• Agni-II Advanced 2,750- 3,000 km range.  
• Agni-III intermediate range ballistic missile, 3,000 - 5,500 km range.  
• There will not be an Agni-IV missile, with DRDO leapfrogging from intermediate range Agni-III to a standard ICBM possibly.  
• Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile, 5000 – 6000 km  range (under development).

Agni-I was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989, and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead. Agni missiles consist of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range). These are rail and road mobile and powered by solid propellants.

   The Agni I has a range of 700–800 km while the Agni-II has a range of 2,000–2,500 km. They are claimed to be a part of the "credible deterrence" against China and Pakistan. The Agni-II can only reach most parts of western, central and southern China. With the successful test of Agni-III which has a range of 3500 km, it falls within the reach of most major Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of missiles. Agni-III was tested on July 9, 2006 from Wheeler island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa. After the launch, it was reported that the second stage of the rocket had failed to separate and the missile had fallen well short of its target. Agni-III was again tested on April 12, 2007, this time successfully, from the Wheeler Island off the coast of Orissa.On May 7, 2008 India again successfully test fired this missile. This was the third consecutive test; it validated the missile's operational readiness while extending the reach of India's nuclear deterrent to most high-value targets of the nation's most likely adversaries.

  It has been reported that the missile's Circular Error Probable (CEP) lies in the range of 40 meters, which, if confirmed, would make the Agni-III most accurate strategic ballistic missiles of its range class in the world.This is of special significance because a highly accurate ballistic missile increases the "kill efficiency" of the weapon; it allows Indian weapons designers to use smaller yield nuclear warheads (200 Kiloton thermonuclear or boosted fission) while increase the lethality of the strike. This permits India to deploy a much larger nuclear force using less fissile/fusion material (Plutonium/Lithium Deuteride) than other Asian nuclear powers. Older, less accurate ballistic missiles, such as those deployed by earlier nuclear powers require larger yield (1-2 Megaton) warheads to achieve the same level of lethality. It has also been reported that with smaller payloads, the Agni-II can hit strategic targets well beyond 3500 km.

In May 2008 Indian scientists announced they had developed and patented a path-breaking technology that increases the range of missiles and satellite launch vehicles by at least 40%.The enhanced range is made possible by adding a special-purpose coating of chromium based material to a rocket's blunt nose cone. The material acts as a reactive-ablative coating that forms a thin low density gaseous layer at the tip of the rocket as it approaches hypersonic speeds; this super-heated gas layer reduces drag by 47% (at mach 7-8), thereby allowing range enhancements at least 40%. It has been announced that this technology will be incorporated in future Agni deployments after having undergone ranging and calibration tests.

 

MRCA

   The Indian Air Force Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Competition, commonly known as the MRCA Tender, is an ongoing competition to supply the Indian Air Force with 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. The Defence Ministry has allocated 42,000 crore (US$ 9.11 billion) for the purchase of these aircraft. Six aircraft were bid for this multi-billion dollar contract, which has been touted as India's single largest defence deal ever. These represent some of the latest combat aircraft being developed or fielded today.

   Bidders:

1. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets
2. Dassault Rafale
3. Eurofighter Typhoon
4. Lockheed Martin F-16IN Super Viper
5. Mikoyan MiG-35
6. Saab Gripen NG

Present status:

 TyphoonOn 8 August 2008, the then IAF Chief Air Marshal Fali H. Major informed that technical evaluations were being conducted and claimed that the IAF is all set to conduct field trials of the MRCA bidding aircraft in the second half of 2008. The industry offset proposals from the bidders have been provided to India as of 11 August 2008. The technical evaluation of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) has been completed by 18 November 2008.There have been concerns that this process would take a few years at least, and getting the aircraft after that would take longer. It is reasonable to expect that the aircraft can be delivered no sooner than 2011.

  In January 2009 SAAB International, proposed to India the transfer of technology if Gripen win the MRCA and make India 'an independent manufacturer' of its own fighter jets. SAAB favored 'extensive transfer of technology' well in excess of 60 % more than requirement of RFI to boost India's indigenous capabilities in fighter jets. It was reported in April 2009 that Dassault Aviation's Rafale has been rejected after technical evaluation of the fighters.However, this has been disputed by IAF.In late May 2009 Times of India has reported that Dassault Aviation has submitted the missing answers to the General Staff Qualitative Requirements drawn up by the IAF, and after serious diplomatic intervention, they are back in the race.

   On 27 May 2009 Indian Air Force completed the technical evaluation of all 6 fighter jets. Air chief marshal Fali H. Major told the press that the reports had been submitted to the ministry of defence. The aircraft will be put through a rigorous testing process at Bangalore, Jaisalmer and Leh. The aircraft will undergo technical and humid condition tests in Bangalore. Desert trials will be conducted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and High-altitude and mountainous condition trials will be conducted at Leh in Ladakh.

       RafaleFlight evaluation of the fighters started in August 2009 at Bangalore. The F/A-18E/F and F-16IN completed their field trials by mid-September 2009.The Rafale began trails in late September 2009. As of late October 2009, the IAF has completed the trials of F/A-18, F-16, Rafale, and MiG-35. According to Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, all the aircraft tested so far "are going neck and neck".On 23 January 2010, India's ambassador to Italy stated that the Eurofighter Typhoon was in the lead.

        The Gripen was the last of the aircraft to be evaluated by the IAF. On the 22 March, two Gripens left Bangalore, one to Jaisalmer and the other to Leh, Ladakh. At Jaisalmer AFS, a Gripen would undertake the hot weather trials and also a dummy run and bomb drop at the Pokhran Firing Range. The other Gripen headed towards Leh, would perform high altitude tests involving landing, refueling and restarting engines. Prior to the Gripen, 4 out of the 5 aircraft had issues restarting their engines during trials conducted in Leh. Updated bids have been requested by the MOD on 28 April 2010, according to an MOD official. Meanwhile GRIPEN NG DEMO aircraft has passed its high altitude tests in Leh and also other hot weather tests. Now the process of down selecting will begin. European fighters have become 25% cheaper. CEO of Eurofighter consortorium says that he now has more than 50% chance in the competition.

    The IAF is to complete an evaluation report on the six fighters in July 2010 and will begin to shortlist them based on the air force's evaluations.

Report suggests Rafale and Typhoon have entered the final stage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Unique made "LCH"

The HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is a combat helicopter being developed in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army.In 2006, HAL announced its plans to build a LCH. Funds for the design and development of the LCH to meet the requirements of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force were sanctioned in October 2006.

The LCH is a derivative of the HAL Dhruv, which was inducted into the Indian armed forces. Using a successful and proven helicopter as the base platform is expected to conserve the project costs for the LCH, which is pegged at INR 3.76 Billion (US$78.8M). The LCH was expected to be ready for the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by December 2010 with the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in 2011. However, the revised timeframes hold that the 5.5-tonne LCH should be ready for induction into IAF by 2012-2013. The first prototype of LCH completed its first ground run on February 4. HAL has a firm order to deliver 65 LCH to the IAF and 114 to the Army.

HAL has performed the maiden flight of its indigenously designed and developed LCH. The first Technology Demonstrator (TD-1) of the LCH flew the 20 minute flight from HAL's Helicopter Complex, Bangalore on 29 March 2010. This flight provided an opportunity to carry out low speed, low altitude checks on the systems on-board. The crew reported that the performance of the helicopter and systems was satisfactory.
The LCH incorporates stealth features and crash landing gear for survivability. The LCH will have a narrow fuselage, with two crew stations.The LCH is being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armour role and will be able to operate at high altitudes (16,300 feet). HAL hopes to equip the Indian Air Force with about 65 gunships.The helicopter is powered by the HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine. The helicopter will be equipped with helmet-mounted targeting systems, electronic warfare systems and advanced weapons systems.

  In 2006, HAL selected the M621 cannon incorporated in a Nexter THL 20 turret for the gun armament of the helicopter, operated by a helmet mounted sight.Three prototypes will be built. The second version will be fitted with weaponry before its test flight. The Indian Air Force will be provided with the third prototype for user trials. The LCH will have a glass cockpit with multifunction displays, a target acquisition and designation system with FLIR, Laser rangefinder and laser designator. Weapons will be aimed with a helmet mounted sight and there will be an electronic warfare suite with radar warning receiver, laser warning receiver and a missile approach warning system.

General characteristics:

Crew: 2

Length: 15.8 m (51ft 8in)

Rotor diameter: 13.3 m (43 ft 6 in)

Height: 4.7 m (15 ft 4 in)

Disc area: 138.9 m² (1472 ft²)

Empty weight: 2550 kg (5621 lb)

Loaded weight: 4000 kg (8818 lb)

Useful load: 2950 kg (6503 lb)

Max takeoff weight: 5,700 kg (12125 lb)

Powerplant: 2× HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft, 1000 kW[14] (1400 shp[15]) each

Performance:

Never exceed speed: 330 km/h (178 knots, 207 mph)

Maximum speed: 275 km/h (148 knots, 171 mph)

Cruise speed: 260 km/h (140 knots, 161 mph)

Range: 700km (297 nm, 342 mi)

Service ceiling: 6500 m (21,300 ft)

Rate of climb: 12 m/s (2362 ft/min)

Disc loading: 39.59 kg/m² (8.23 lb/ft²)

Power/mass: 327 W/kg (0.198 hp/lb)

Armament:
Guns: M621 20 mm cannon on Nexter THL-20 turret

Rockets: Unguided rockets

Missiles: MBDA air-to-air missiles

Air-to-surface missiles

Anti-radiation missiles

Helina ATGM(8)

Bombs: Iron bombs

cluster bomb units

grenade launcher

The new war Bird "HAL Tejas"

   The HAL Tejas is a 4th generation lightweight multirole jet fighter being developed by India. It is a tailless, compound delta wing design powered by a single engine. Originally known as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)—a designation which continues in popular usage—the aircraft was officially named "Tejas" by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

       The IAF is reported to have a requirement for 200 single-seat and 20 two-seat conversion trainers, while the Indian Navy may order up to 40 single-seaters to replace its Sea Harrier. During its sea level flight trials off Goa, Tejas notched a speed of over 1,350 km per hour, thus becoming the second supersonic fighter being manufactured indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited after the HAL Marut.

 Status

 

   Tejas trainer under construction.In March 2005, the IAF placed a 2,000 crore (US$ 434 million) order for 20 aircraft, with a similar purchase of another 20 aircraft to follow. All 40 will be equipped with the F404-GE-IN20 engine.The Tejas is presently undergoing flight testing. It will be inducted into the IAF when it has received Initial Operating Clearance (IOC) which is expected to be in December 2010. Consequently, the IAF has created a 14 member "LCA Induction Team" stationed in Bangalore that is composed of IAF pilots and officers and headed by an Air Vice Marshal. The team's objectives are to reportedly oversee the induction of the LCA, help solve any challenges that may arise, assist HAL in customizing the Tejas for operational use, and to create doctrines, training and maintenance programs and finally to assist the IAF in ensuring a smooth introduction of 'Tejas' into operational service.

 

    HAL Tejas high-altitude trials at Leh successfully completed by December 2008.The first production variant of the 'Tejas' (LSP-1) flew on June 2008. Tejas completed 1000 Test Flights by January, 2009 with more than 530 hours of in-flight testing. By February 2009 officials of the Aeronautical Development Agency stated that the Tejas had started flying with weapons and integration of radars would be completed by March 2009. In addition, they stated that nearly all system development activity would be completed by that time. On April 2010, the third production aircraft (LSP-3) flew with a hybrid version of the Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode radar and by June 2010, the fourth production aircraft took flight in the configuration it would be delivered to the Indian Air Force in. By June 2010, Tejas had also completed the second phase of hot weather trials. The objective of the hot weather trials was to prove that the aircraft was in an IOC configuration with the weapon system and sensors integrated.

 

The trainer variant prototype took to the skies in November 2009. In December 2009, the Indian government sanctioned 8,000 crore (US$ 1.74 billion) to begin production of the fighter jet for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.The Indian Navy has a requirement of 50 Tejas and the first protoype, NP-1 was rolled out in July 2010.[46] IAF had ordered 20 additional Tejas fighter jets and the defence acquisition council had cleared the plan.

Planned production variants

• Tejas Trainer – Two-seat operational conversion trainer for the Indian Air Force.  
• Tejas Navy – Twin- and single-seat carrier-capable variants for the Indian Navy.
• Tejas Mark 2- Featuring more powerful engine and refined aerodynamics.  

The Tejas Mark-2 expected to be developed due to the inability of the Mark-1 to meet the Indian Air Staff requirements,will have a more powerful engine, refined aerodynamics and replacing other parts to reduce obsolescence according to an IAF spokesman. The LCA's naval variant would be ready for carrier trials by 2013 and is slated for deployment on the INS Vikramaditya as well as the Vikrant class aircraft carrier.

 

Some of features of "Naval LCA Version":

• 
  

  Aircraft carrier operation with ski-jump and arrested landing  

  
  

  Nose drooped for better cockpit vision  

  
  

  Additional aerodynamic features like LEVCON and fore plane to reduce carrier landing speed  

  
  

  Maximum take off weight from carrier—12.5 tons[vague]  

  
  

  External store carrying capacity from carrier—3.5 tons  

  
  

  Strengthened fuselage  

  
  

  Stronger undercarriage due to higher sink rate  

  
  

  Arrestor hook for deck recovery  

  
  

  Fuel dump system

  
  

 General characteristics:

Crew: 1

Length: 13.20 m (43 ft 4 in)

Wingspan: 8.20 m (26 ft 11 in)

Height: 4.40 m (14 ft 9 in)

Wing area: 38.4 m² (413 ft²)

Empty weight: 5,680kg (12,522 lb)

Loaded weight: 9,500 kg (20,945 lb)

Max takeoff weight: 13,500 kg (31,967 lb)

Powerplant: 1× General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan

Dry thrust: 53.9 kN (11,250 lbf)

Thrust with afterburner: 85 kN (19,100 lbf)

Internal fuel capacity: 3000 liters

External fuel capacity: 5×800 liter tanks or 3×1,200 liter tanks, totaling 4,000/3,600 liters

Performance

Maximum speed: Mach 2+ (2,376+ km/h at high altitude) at 15,000 m

Range: 3000 km (1,840 mi (without refueling))

Service ceiling: 16,500 m (54,000 ft (engine re-igniter safely capable))

Wing loading: 221.4 kg/m² (45.35 lb/ft²)

Thrust/weight: .91

Armament:

Guns: 1× mounted 23 mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon with 220 rounds of ammunition.

Hardpoints: 8 total: 1× beneath the port-side intake trunk, 6× under-wing, and 1× under-fuselage with a capacity of >4000 kg external fuel and ordnance

Missiles:

HAL Tejas carrying R-73 missile and Drop Tank.Air-to-air missiles:

Python 5

Derby

Astra BVRAAM

Vympel R-77 (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder)

Vympel R-73 (NATO reporting name: AA-11 Archer)

Air-to-surface missiles:

Kh-59ME TV guided standoff Missile

Kh-59MK Laser guided standoff Missile

Anti-ship missile

Kh-35

Kh-31

Bombs:

KAB-1500L laser guided bombs

FAB-500T dumb bombs

OFAB-250-270 dumb bombs

OFAB-100-120 dumb bombs

RBK-500 cluster bombs

Others:

Drop tanks for ferry flight/extended range/loitering time.

LITENING targeting pod

Avionics

Hybrid MMR radar (Israeli EL/M-2032 back end processor with Indian inputs)