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November • 2010

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Continuing a powerful partnership with unmatched F-16 AESA radar capabilities.

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Good fortune and protection for India. With the operationally proven APG-80 AESA radar aboard the F-16IN Super Viper, the Indian Air Force will attain and sustain unprecedented air combat capability for the future. The Indian Air Force, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin: continuing a powerful partnership with unmatched potential.

Aviation SP’s

Table of Contents

An SP Guide Publication

News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India.

Issue 11 • 2010

35 Industry Independent choice is our strength: SAAB Show report

26 NBAA

Sales Sparse, But Mood Buoyant

OEM

31 Interview ‘Northrop Grumman AESA is relevant in the modern battlefield’

33 Interview ‘Honeywell sees India as a key global location’

Selection of GE F414 has put an end to the ensuing delay in the Light combat aircraft Tejas MK II programme

First

Sail & Fly

Civil

12 19

Business Aviation Soaring Sky high Regional Aviation A Class Apart

Finally F414 The GE F414 incorporates advanced technology with the proven design base of its predecessor. It is a durable, reliable and esay to maintain engine.

•

Modern & Tech-savvy

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Regular Departments

A Word from Editor

NewsWithViews

– Chinese unmanned lunar search

– Flying Saucers for Earthlings

9 InFocus Paradigm Shift 10

Forum

Burgeoning Friendship

NewsDigest

40 LastWord Consolidating Partnership

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30 Joint Exercise

NOVEMBER • 2010

F414

Aiming for Excellence Celebrating 78 Years...

AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION

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FINALLY

24 Air Force Day

Aviation SP’s

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23 Maintenance

34 Scott Crossfield

Cover Story

military

22 Training

Hall of fame

Exercise Indradhanush

32 F-16IN

F-16IN APT for MMRCA: Lockheed Martin

Cover Image: An F414-GE-400 jet engine is tested aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Cover Illustration: US Navy Photo

Next Issue: Year-End Special

Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 1

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Business in the Middle East, indeed, is looking up. There is a growing demand for private charter flights as the responsibilities of top executives based in the region involve quick and frequent trips abroad. By R. Chandrakanth

uring the 2007 Dubai Air Show, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal casually signed a cheque for an undisclosed amount to privately own an A380 superjumbo jet dubbed as the “Flying Palace”. Such is the money power in the Middle East. Three years down the line, the Middle East continues to wield the “money clout”, although some of the countries were taken in by the sweep of global recession. Year 2010 has a different story. The Middle East is bouncing back. The aviation sector is looking up. The Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) 2010 event held from December 7 to 9 is expected to be bigger than ever with about 70 business aircraft to be on static display. Excited about a Frost and Sullivan report that the business jets market is poised for steady growth, with over 200 units expected to be delivered to the region by 2015, the Managing Director of F&E Aero12

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BOOMING DEMAND: THE QATAR EXECUTIVE FLEET COMPRISES TWO BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 605 JETS FEATURING 11 SEATS AND THE EIGHTSEAT CHALLENGER 300 AIRCRAFT. QATAR’S FLOURISHING NATURALGAS INDUSTRY IS A MAJOR DRIVING FACTOR IN SPURRING INTEREST IN AVIATION-ON-DEMAND.

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A Word from Editor

Acknowledging how India had emerged as a world power, Obama sought to enhance the partnership on many counts. The takeaways included deals worth $10 billion including selection of GE F414 for the Tejas Mk II programme

ovember’s highpoint has been the visit of the US President Barack Obama. The three-day visit further strengthened Indo-US alliance and Obama termed it as “one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century”. Acknowledging that India had emerged as a world power, Obama sought to enhance the partnership on many counts. The takeaways from his visit included deals worth $10 billion designed to create 50,000 American jobs; closer cooperation in the areas of security; backing India’s bid for permanent seat in the UN Security Council; removing India’s defence and space-related establishment from the US ‘Entity List’, etc. From the aviation perspective, the only deal which got formalised during the visit was the SpiceJet purchase of 30 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. All the pre-arrival talk about the US clinching the multi-medium role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal during the President’s visit, however, did not crystallise. The preliminary agreement between India and the US for 10 C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, would result in more strategic sourcing activities by Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and other companies involved in the C-17 Globemaster III programme. This issue’s In Focus and Forum highlight on the new dimensions to the Indo-US relationship post-Obama visit. In this issue, there are articles on IAF’s Maintenance and Training Commands, highlighting their efforts in keeping the force prim and proper. The cover story of this issue gives an insight into the journey of GE with Tejas, the light combat aircraft (LCA). Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey takes us through various developments, post-selection of F414 to power the aircraft. Interestingly, this selection was concretised just before the visit of President Obama to the country. The selection of GE has put an end to the debate and the uncertainty on the progress of the Tejas Mk II programme. Technology development is something amazing and we have an Australian firm that is developing a heavy lift airship known as the “Skylifter”, a novel dirigible gas balloon system intended for transporting bulky cargo which con-

ventional aircraft and helicopters cannot carry. The Skylifter team is aiming for a payload capacity of up to 150 tonnes, even to remote areas. News with Views also highlights China’s second unmanned lunar probe, Chang’E 2, as part of the first stage of a three-step moon mission, which in the next stage will culminate in a soft-landing on the moon. In the civil aviation sector, R. Chandrakanth, who has been in the Middle East for about three years, writes on how the Middle Eastern countries are competing to become the region’s aviation hub. In the article on what is driving business jets in the region, there are astounding figures of high net worth individuals and their spending spree. Giving an overview of the annual meeting of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), LeRoy Cook from Atlanta states how unlike last year’s gloom-infested NBAA convention, this year was filled with hope and the mood was upbeat, even though sales were still sparse. We are going through exciting times and we do hope everyone benefits from what is legitimately deserved…

Jayant Baranwal

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 5

First

Sail&Fly

The seaplane-convertible trimaran is now a reality

Photograph: Yelken Octuri

ver imagined a yacht could fly? French cabin designer Yelken Octuri has made this possible and Masqat Airways is its first patron. The model was manufactured at the Aerocoché plant in the water sports facilities of Salles sur Cérou, in the Tarn french departement. The sailing aircraft has been designed for the corporate executives of the Masqat Airways’ air transport company and allows them to enjoy sailing along the Omani coastline with its 600-km range in the plane version. The sailing yacht can transform into a plane with its four mobile masts. The sails are retracted and the four masts are lowered to become wings. The propulsion is provided by the sails of the four masts in boat mode. The surface of the sails is 1,302 sq m. Each mast can be individually oriented through a double-jack system that ensures an optimal positioning regardless of the wind direction. In order to transform into wings, the masts must be lowered in horizontal position. The sails will then go to storage compartments located inside each mast. The four masts are lifted and lowered by a set of four shrouds set up on two central masts. The yacht is said to have two main decks, a half-deck in the aft and another half-deck in the fore for the cockpit. Access inside the boat is through two doors located above the aft floats. The lower deck features a main room, a kitchen, 6 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

Characteristics:

Boat Mode • Length: • Width: • Rigging: • Height: • Height of masts: • Surface of the sails:

46.2 metres 27 metres 4 masts 50.7 metres 40.6 metres 1302 m² (sails + masts surface)

Plane Mode • Wingspan: • Height: • Engines: • Engine power: • Maximum speed:

90.4 metres 27.6 metres Nissen & Brasseur 4 x 5400 ch 390 km/h

a toilet and a storage room. The main room’s floor is above the sea level, so that the windows can be just above the boat’s waterline. The upper deck features three rooms and a bathroom. SP —SP’s Aviation News Desk E-mail your comments to: letters@spsaviation.net www.spsaviation.net

NewsWithViews

Chinese unmanned lunar search

China launched its second unmanned lunar probe, Chang’E 2, on October 1, 2010, as part of the first stage of a three-step moon mission, which in the next stage will culminate in a soft-landing on the moon. The satellite blasted off on a Long March (LM) carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. “Chang’E 2 lays the foundation for the soft-landing on the moon and further exploration of outer space,” said Wu Weiren, Chief Designer of China’s lunar orbiter project. Chang’E 2, named after a legendary Chinese Goddess of moon, will orbit 100 km above the moon, compared with 200 km for Chang’E 1.

VIEWS

Illustration: Anoop Kamath

hina’s interest in lunar exploration programme is believed to have been ignited by an incident in 1978 when the U.S. National Security Advisor Brzezinski gave Chairman Hua Guofeng, Mao’s successor, a one-gram moon rock sample brought back from the moon by the Apollo astronauts. China has come a long way since then. The launch on October 1, 2010 of a Long March (LM) 3C rocket carrying the lunar orbiter Chang’E 2, the second lunar probe, was particularly symbolic as it marked the 61st anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic which is celebrated as China’s National Day. The spacecraft successfully entered the initial 117-minute lunar orbit at 100 km above the surface of the moon and will remain in orbit for around nine months exploring and mapping the lunar surface with its cameras providing a maximum imaging resolution of 10 metres or nearly 40 feet. The first Chinese lunar probe Chang’E 1, which was launched in October 2007, provided a peak resolution of 400 feet and remained in orbit till the end of 2008. Higher resolution available with Chang’E 2 is attributable to its comparatively lower orbit and the significantly better quality of sensors employed. The plan is to manoeuvre the satellite into an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 100 km and a perigee of 15 km. But beyond the symbolism, the lunar probe with the help of on board sophisticated cameras, will capture 3-D images that will help select a landing site paving the way for the launch of the Chang’E 3. This satellite which is designed to carry out the first unmanned soft landing on the surface of the moon is scheduled for launch in 2013. The Chinese unmanned lunar exploration programme has been planned to be conducted in three phases. The Phase-I which involves collection of data with the help of lunar orbiters will conclude with the end of the Chang’E 2 mission. The second phase beginning with Chang’E 3 will

involve robotic probes landing on the moon to collect and analyse lunar soil samples and transmit the data back to the earth. In Phase III, the robotic probe will come back to earth with samples of rocks and soil collected from the lunar surface for analysis by Chinese laboratories. Although no clear timeframes have yet been defined, reports state that the third phase of the programme should be completed by 2020. However, there are some imponderables that may impinge on the estimated timeframe for the programme. Missions in Phases II and III involve much heavier payloads and as such would require a more powerful launch vehicle than the LM-3. Designated as LM-5, the new launch vehicle which reported to be under development, is expected to be operational by 2012. Also, a new launch site for the LM-5 is under construction on Hainan Island. The second lunar mission by China is being seen by some as a response to India’s Chandrayaan-I which scored over the Chang’E 1, delivering a lunar impactor that crashed into the surface of the moon near the South Pole. Coming after the US, Russia and Japan, India is the fourth nation to have left a footprint on the moon. As it stands, India’s Chandrayaan-II mission which will include a Lander and Rover to explore the surface of the moon is slated for 2012-13. However, in the domain of manned exploration of space, at this point in time, China appears to be a few steps ahead of India having sent a man into space in 2003 and credited with a space walk in 2008. India is yet to send its first astronaut into space tentatively by 2015 and land on the moon by 2025. China too has plans to put its first astronaut (in Chinese “Taikonaut”) on the moon by 2025. At this point in time, it appears that both the Asian giants will finally end up in a neck-on-neck race to conquer space. SP —Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 7

NewsWithViews

Flying Saucer for Earthlings

In a cross between blimps for freight and flying robots for disaster relief, comes word of a new heavy lifting airship proposal by an Australian company that could potentially transport heavy and awkward loads to remote areas. Known as the ‘Skylifter’, the novel dirigible gas balloon system is intended for transporting cargo too heavy or bulky for conventional aircraft and helicopters. The Skylifter development team is aiming for a payload capacity of up to 150 tonnes. While the company’s immediate plans are for traditional payloads, down the road, it would be interested in developing prefabricated buildings that could reach the remote areas.

VIEWS

Photograph: Skylifter

ecades after the horrible Hindenburg’s fiery disaster and the scuttling of the German dirigibles by the victorious ‘Allies’ in the aftermath of World War II, when the industry began to revitalise, fans of airships have been hoping for a large-scale revival of the majestic floating aircraft. Since then, every few years lighter/heavier than air flying concepts have come along to raise those hopes, such as Northrop Grumman’s long endurance multi-intelligence vehicle, Skyhook’s JHL40, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Walrus, which led to the current Aeroscraft ML866 project. Now, there appears to be another contender vying for a niche in this field—Australia’s Skylifter, but with a unique design of its own. So, what is different? Rather than use either a spherical or a cigar-shaped aerostat, as the gas-filled envelope of lighterthan-aircraft is known, the Skylifter team has developed a discus-shaped one like a flying saucer. This means that like a traditional, round balloon and unlike the elongated dirigible blimps, the craft is ‘directionless’ i.e. it is totally oblivious of where the wind might be blowing from. Because of its saucer like round design, it always remains aligned to the wind. The Skylifter is being developed to use aerostatic lift to remain airborne and uses paddle type propellers to direct its flight. There is no requirement for any wings, fins or control surfaces. In other words, it combines the advantages of both the spherical balloons and the cigar-shaped dirigibles to give it a revolutionary capability—that of a giant helicopter. The biggest helicopter in the world today boasts of a 20-tonne payload capability, whereas the makers of the Skylifter are hoping to have a 150-tonne lifting capability as a starter, an increase by 700 per cent. The Skylifter’s design is said to consist of three main sections. Floating at the top would be the symmetrical discus 8 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

aerostat, permanently filled with lighter-than-air (LTA) gas like Helium. Hanging on suspension lines below it would be the cylindrical control pod, with the two-pilot flight deck mounted at the bottom. The cargo would hang from cables below the control pod (see illustration). Biodiesel engines, augmented by solar panels on top of the saucer, would generate electricity to power three cycloidal propellers, with horizontally arranged blades, mounted on the sides of the control pod. The main advantage of such propellers is that they can be easily controlled via a helicopter-style collective. This would come in handy for the precise manoeuvring involved in collecting and depositing of cargo but without the unsettling downwash of a hovering helicopter. As stated earlier, Skylifter’s main bragging points would be its lifting capabilities like other lighter-than-air vehicles. But unlike traditional blimp-shaped airships, it wouldn’t be limited to landing at airfields with masts; instead, the pod and balloon would be moored to the ground and the balloon could be lowered down close to the pod to minimise the effects of wind when moored. This means that the Skylifter would never really land as it would remain airborne throughout its life. The company claims that the Skylifter would be able to lift extremely heavy and awkward loads with the precision of a helicopter and transport them safely in an under-slung fashion to the remotest of areas—a revolutionary design indeed. However, the makers of the Skylifter have not specified its operational ceiling. If it could go to the high-altitude areas such as in Ladakh and if it was operationally available in India, imagine the speed with which Leh inhabitants, whose dwellings were totally destroyed in the wake of the recent cloud burst and the resulting mud-slide, could be re-instated with prefabricated homes carried by the Skylifter—a most useful ‘Flying Saucer for the Earthlings’. SP —Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia www.spsaviation.net

InFocus

Diplomacy

Paradigm

Shift

US President Barack Obama’s visit has raised hopes of a partnership on an equal footing between the two countries

Photograph: PIB

he US President Barack Obama’s three-daylong visit to India, the longest ever to any country in his Presidential tenure, was a positive move against global terrorism and increased defence and security cooperation between India and the US. The President declared India-US alliance as “one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century”. Deals worth $10 billion (Rs 44,800 crore) including two profitable defence deals worth $5 billion (Rs 22,400 crore), which would help America battle the economic downturn, were unveiled. America’s first citizen announced that the US would support India’s entry into the world’s most elite technology clubs including the Nuclear Suppliers Group. He also declared the lifting of sanctions against Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The removal of the sanctions against DRDO, as well as state-owned defence firm Bharat Dynamics from the “entities list” opened the door for cooperation in high-technology areas such as satellite development, missile defence, etc. For the first time the US head of the state backed India’s demand for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, though his subsequent statements made it clear that everything comes for a price and the cost this time would be the support to the US in its stand against Iran and Myanmar. The US President said, “In the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.” Soon after President Barack Obama landed in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, a White House statement declared that India and the US have reached agreements on two lucrative defence deals worth nearly $5 billion that will give employment to nearly 26,500 people in America. The report said that the Boeing Company and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are in the final stage of concluding a deal on purchase of 10 C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft. According to media reports, the IAF may order for another six C-17 after evaluating the performance of the 10 already ordered. With this, it is said that the IAF will be the owner of the second largest fleet of C-17 military transport aircraft in the world after the US. The

statement also stated that India has selected General Electric Company for a contract to provide the Aeronautical Development Agency with 107 F414 engines to be installed on the light combat aircraft, Tejas. Nonetheless, all these deals were finalised ahead of the President’s arrival and came as no surprise. Many more job opportunities ahead. The Boeing C-17 military aircraft is powered by four Pratt & Whitney engines and it is expected that India would purchase approximately 45 engines. Good prospects for yet another US company. Boeing also declared SpiceJet’s order for 30 next generation Boeing 737-800 airplanes worth $2.7 billion Rs 12,000 crore). The deal will help the airline penetrate further into the low cost market. But that was not all. The US President hinted at a future of great cooperation between India and the US. Addressing the joint session of the Parliament, Obama said, “The future that the United States seeks in an interconnected world; why I believe that India is indispensable to this vision; and how we can forge a truly global partnership—not in just one or two areas, but across many; not just for our mutual benefit, but for the world. I stand before you today because I am convinced that the interests of the United States—and the interests we share with India—are best advanced in partnership.” Despite several criticisms on the US President’s deportment on Pakistan, his visit has raised hopes of a partnership on an equal footing between the two countries. “India and America are indispensable partners in meeting the challenges of our time,” he said. These words were as delightful to the Indian ears as were the Hindi words he uttered— Bahut Dhanyavad (many thanks) and Jai Hind. Turn to Forum to know how industry leaders and opinion makers view the emerging relationship between the two democracies. SP —Sucheta Das Mohapatra Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 9

Forum

diplomacy

bolstering ties: Barack Obama with the Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh

Burgeoning Friendship President Barack Obama’s visit has made it clear that a strategic partnership between India and the US is imperative not only for both the countries, but is also in the global interest

Photograph: PIB

new chapter in the history of Indo-US relationship has begun, or at least this is what industry leaders, trade analysts and opinion makers of both the countries believe, post US President Barack Obama’s visit to India from November 6 to 9. “It was a talk among equals. For the first time, we have been treated as an equal,” says former Chief of Air staff Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi and adds, “A strategic partnership between the two countries is in the interest of both the US and India, and also in the global interest. The economic gains may take a while, but strategic gains have been immense.” Vivek Lal, Vice President, Boeing Defense, Space & Security-India says, “The US President’s visit to India has solidified the foundation of the association between the two countries laid in the last few years. The visit was a catalyst in moving forward the relationship. It has given a tremendous momentum to the partnership.” Agrees Former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major and says, “President Obama’s visit has brought a breakthrough in the Indo-US relationship.” Obama’s visit seems to have made it clear that a wellcalculated partnership between the two countries is in the

10 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

interest of free flow of trade and energy globally. The balance of power is shifting towards the East. Nevertheless, the US cannot overlook the growing role of India and China in shaping the new world economy. India also cannot ignore the role of the US in world stability. Tyagi says, “The US sees India as an emerging power, transparent and democratic. Japan’s economy is stagnating for the last two decades and it is unlikely that China will provide an open transparent system for the US. So it is in the core interest of both the countries that India and the US have a strategic partnership. The rise of India is good for the region and this is what they said during the Obama visit. India is a peaceful nation. It is such a matching of interest that whatever follows from here is natural.” He adds, “What India was looking for was a partnership in which both partners would seek each other’s assistance in world affairs. What clearly emerged was that the US said that we will not only consult India on regional issues, but also issues related to East Asia and other global issues. The message also came that in shaping the new world order, the US will always consult India.” While the lifting of sanctions against Indian Space Research Organisations has paved the path for development www.spsaviation.net

Forum

diplomacy in satellite and missile technology, the decladustrial partnership. Now with the US Govration of several multibillion dollar deals has ernment lifting sanctions, it will help buildraised the hopes of the defence industry both ing more industrial collaborations in India. in the US and India. “The lifting of sanctions You can see increased level partnership, infrom the Defence Research and Development creased confidence.” He further adds, “The Organisation (DRDO) shows the relationship US President’s visit to India, Prime Minister between the two countries is maturing and it Manmohan Singh’s visit to the US, the civilwill certainly help expand the scope of coopnuclear deal—all this has given a momentum eration in various fields,” says Lal. to the trade relationship. The oldest and the Air Chief Marshal India has co-developed missiles and mililargest democracies are coming together (Retd) tary aircraft with Russia and Israel. But beand we expect we will have more valuable S.P. tyagi cause of American sanctions, DRDO has never partnerships in future.” developed weaponry with the US. President Boeing is also looking forward to many Obama’s hint at relaxation of sanctions has more joint ventures in India and is eyeing the thrown the doors open for possible collaborahomeland security and cyber security market tion with high-tech defence industries in the as well. “Keeping in view the cyber security United States for India. “The lifting of sancmarket, we have recently acquired Narus, a tions from the DRDO will lead to several inUS company based in Bangalore. We also look novations,” says Major. India has some of the at the homeland security market with great best brains and an expertise in IT—computer interest and potential collaborations in India simulation, virtual reality, and robotics. Hopes with the opening up of the space sector. Beare high that America’s advanced technology sides new procurements, we can be a part of Air Chief Marshal (Retd) and India’s best brains can together create the ongoing modernisation drive of the IAF Fali Homi major breakthroughs in command and control, and and Navy. So besides new deals, we are also communications software. But only time will concentrating on after sales services that will tell how relaxed would the American laws be take prominence as new platforms come into in providing a platform to Indian scientists on the country. There is a big market for after application oriented research. sales support, not only in terms of training, The US President backed India for permabut also in terms of maintenance of platforms, nent membership in the Security Council and training of personnel, maintenance training, assured assistance in entering the world’s elite pilot training, etc,” informs Lal. technology clubs including the Nuclear Suppliers Besides the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Group. But Tyagi questions, “Wasn’t all this aland GE F414 engines deals, which are on ready on our plate.” He says, “Many would argue the verge of finalisation, both countries are Dr Vivek Lall that Obama did not properly endorse the Seculooking ahead to many more deals in the Vice President, Boeing Defense, rity Council membership to India. But I believe near future. Apart from the medium multi Space & Security it was a positive step for a strategic partnership role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal likely India between the two countries. It was a long-term to be finalised in 2011, in which US Boeing partnership effort.” F/A-18 Super Hornets and Lockheed Martin The $10 billion (`44,800 crore) Indo-US F-16IN are strong contenders, India is plandeal that came in the wake of Obama’s visit ning to buy 145 Howitzers worth $8 billion will create 50,000 jobs in America. A White House statement for the Army. The Indian Army also plans to buy sensor-fused declared that the GE F414 engines contract likely to be final- weapons or cluster bombs. IAF and Navy are also looking for ised with the Aeronautical Development Agency, and valued at AWACS and mid-air refuellers worth $2 billion (`8,900 crore). $822 million, will create 4,440 jobs in the US. Likewise, the 10 Tyagi says, “With regard to many defence deals, we do not C-17 likely to be procured by the Indian Air Force (IAF) will know whether there were any discussions during the Obama support Boeing’s C-17 production facility in Long Beach, Cali- visit. We all know there will be differences, but that does not fornia for a year. Valued at $4.1 billion (`18,300 crore), it will mean the partnership will collapse. Sometimes we will just support 22,160 jobs in the US. What’s on Indian platter then? agree to disagree. We will work on our respective national in“It was India’s decision to purchase the C-17s or the GE en- terest. It is known that in the defence front, India has never gines. When an American machine is bought, doesn’t the plant allied militarily with any other country and will never, but our make money from it?,” questions Tyagi. Major says, “If you look military to military relationships will continue.” at some of the major programmes today, you can see the amalObama’s visit was unable to eradicate the discomfort in gamation of technological advancements of many countries. India with regard to the US military relationship with PakiAbsolute self-sufficiency is not a reality for any country. Joint stan, and with criticisms coming from several quarters with ventures can bring in better technological development. And regard to the US President’s demeanour on Pakistan, the ‘ifs this will definitely lead to employment. Even if it does not mean and buts’ on the Indo-US relationship seems to continue. transfer of core technology from the US to India, we will have However, Tyagi says, “Both the countries have their own resaccess to advanced technology. Joint ventures are a necessity ervations,” and adds optimistically, “We are friends now and today and cooperation with other countries is a must.” friends can talk”. SP —Sucheta Das Mohapatra Lal says, “For the last several years, we are building inIssue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 11

Soaring Sky high Civil Business Aviation

Photographs: Qatar airways & Royal Jet

By R. Chandrakanth

luxury redefined: The Qatar Executive fleet comprises two Bombardier Challenger 605 jets featuring 11 seats and the eight-seat Challenger 300 aircraft; exterior and interior of bombardier challenger 605.

www.spsaviation.net

Civil Business Aviation

Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 13

Civil Business Aviation

cember 7 to 9 is expected to be bigger than ever with about 70 business aircraft on static display. Excited about a Frost and Sullivan report that the business jets market is poised for steady growth, with over 200 units expected to be delivered to the region by 2015, the Managing Director of F&E Aerospace (organisers of MEBA 2010), Alison Weller said business aviation companies from across the globe are evincing “strong interest” in MEBA 2010. “With a recent report predicting an annual growth rate for the Middle East business aviation market by over six per cent the next 10 years, the region will surely see an increase in business aviation service providers to cater to this demand,” said Weller. MEBA 2008 reportedly struck deals worth $1.5 billion (`6,700 crore). Frost & Sullivan report is encouraging and it mentions that business aircraft movements would reach 1,60,000 by 2018, a compound annual growth rate of about 6.21 per cent. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the report said, held about 37 per cent of the market potential followed by the UAE with nearly 24 per cent. The Middle East in all is expected to get deliveries of nearly 460 aircraft by 2018, of which Saudi Arabia alone will account for 154. Private jet operations are on the rise in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Enthused by such market potential, the governing body of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) will meet in Dubai for the first time outside the US or Europe. There is a big spurt in demand for private jets from corporations, high net worth individuals (HNWI) and other agencies. The Middle East, especially the UAE, has been witnessing a growing demand for private charter flights as the responsibilities of top executives based in the region involve quick and frequent trips abroad. Ali Al Naqbi, the founding chairman of MEBA, said the number of registered Middle Eastern business jets has risen by 30-40 per cent over the last couple of years to around 500 aircraft, of which 114 are based in Saudi Arabia, with 78 registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). From 1975 to 1998, there was only one business jet operator, now there are over 25. 14 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

Royal strides

luxury unlimited: (L-R) abu dhabibased royal jet is the largest business jet operator in the gulf with a 16 per cent market share; on-board bbj royal jet; qatar executives’ plush interiors and exterior of gulfstream 300, which is a hot favourite among business jets

Propelled by growing demand for business jets, Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet has benefited the most. It has emerged as the largest business jet operator in the Gulf with a 16 per cent market share. Its fleet has grown from two aircraft to 12 in less than four years and revenues by 30 per cent. Royal Jet holds the distinction of being the only operator in the Middle East region of having the world’s largest privately operated fleet of Boeing Business Jets (BBJ). It has six BBJs and its growing fleet of jets includes two mid-range Gulfstream 300s, a long-range Gulfstream IVSP and a Learjet 60. In addition to the new A6-DFR, Royal Jet’s multimillion dollar refurbished BBJ will return later this month, while an Embraer Lineage 1000 will arrive later in the year. Royal Jet’s President and CEO, Shane O’Hare explained that there has been a steady growth in demand for large aircraft in both the VIP and the corporate jet sector in recent years. “The BBJ is the largest purpose-built VIP aircraft— nearly double the size of even the largest new long-range High net worth individuals on the rise

In the Middle East, the population of high net worth individuals (HNWI) has been estimated at 4,00,000 controlling $1.5 trillion (`7,600,000 crore) of financial wealth, up from $1.4 trillion (`7,000,000 crore) in 2008, according to the annual World Wealth Report by Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management and Capgemini. Another report by Oliver Wyman, management consultancy firm, the wealth held by HNWI in the GCC—those with investable wealth of over $1 million (Rs 4.8 crore)—is expected to grow to about $3.8 trillion (`20,000,000 crore) by 2012. The purchasing power of the Middle Eastern population undoubtedly is high. In sync with their huge money spends, besides MEBA 2010, there is another event happening in February 2011 in Abu Dhabi, aptly called “Big Boy’s Toys” wherein ultra luxury cars, aircraft, yachts and the like will feature.

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Civil Business Aviation

corporate jets, and as such is ideal for a VIP or business delegation, as well as for a large or extended family,” he said. “Each of our BBJs is uniquely configured, offering the choice of up to 52 seats, or, as in this case, having fewer seats but with an increase in lounge and bathroom space. It offers a truly private jet experience and is perfect for a small, intimate group of people, affording extreme levels of comfort and a great deal of living or working space, all combined with total intimacy and privacy. The aircraft provides the experience of a presidential suite in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels,” added O’Hare. The new BBJ titled A6 DFR—is configured to accommodate up to 18 guests. When entering this aircraft you walk first into a majlis (VIP lounge) area, which in turn leads through to two stylish lounges, a private office and stateroom, as well as two bathrooms complete with showers. Customers can charter a Royal Jet aircraft starting at about $3,500 (`1,56,000) per hour for a round trip flight on one of the company’s smallest planes. At the high end, travellers can expect to pay $12,000 (`5,36,000) per hour for a jet carrying up to 58 people. Each charter is totally bespoke, with amenities such as VIP terminals, executive chef, comfortable beds, and in-flight entertainment. “Seven-star” executive airport

Abu Dhabi is known for pulling out all stops when it comes to setting up facilities. Al Bateen Executive Airport is one such example. It is the Gulf region’s first and only dedicated private aviation airport and is working on providing “seven- star” facilities. The one-stop shop business jet facility offers VVIP and VIP passenger terminals as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), fuel handling, and all other fixed based operations services. It has found early success and has already notched up a 34.4 per cent increase in aircraft movements in the first six months of 2010, in comparison to the same period in 2009. Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is investing $54.4 million in developing this facility. The former military air base is a beehive of activity. The private operators based at Al Bateen include Al Jaber Aviation, Falcon Aviation, Prestige Jet and XO Jet.

Factors propelling business jet travel in the Gulf region

• Secondary airports – growth of smaller airports, benefiting oil and gas companies • HNWI – Over 4,00,000 high net worth individuals • Privacy – Top Arabs and executives prefer private jet travel for its confidentiality • Quick business – Number of multi-national companies setting up business in various locations • Fractional ownership/Jet Cards etc making executive travel within reach.

Qatar Airways forays into business jets

At the 2009 Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways launched the Qatar Executive as the business jet market has been in the nascent stage. “We launched Qatar Executive last year because we had identified a huge gap in the market and are now well on the way to filling that void,” Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker has stated. The Qatar Executive fleet comprises two Bombardier Challenger 605 jets featuring 11 seats and the eight-seat Challenger 300 aircraft. Qatar’s flourishing natural-gas industry is a major driving factor in spurring interest in aviation-on-demand. Similar stories emanate from other countries in the Middle East. Ammar Balkar of Elite Jets and former President and CEO of MEBA states, “In the next few years, business aviation sector in the Middle East will generate revenues worth $1 billion (`4,800 crore) a year and there will be around 600-650 private jets in the market.” Players such as Arab Wings (Amman); Emerald Jet (Beirut); Saudia Private Aviation (Saudi Arabia); Empire Aviation, Prestige Jet, Al Jaber, Falcon Aviation, and a host of others have started reworking on their expansion plans, post the global recession, and signs of recovery is getting noticeable. The chunk of Middle East private jet operations is business-based and about 10-15 per cent of the total charter volume comes from leisure travel. Business in the Middle East, indeed, is looking up. SP Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 15

c o v e r

s t o r y

Military Procurement

FinallyF414 Photographs: GE AVIATION & SP GUIDE Pubns

With the selection of GE F414 engine, it is clear now that the GTRE-Snecma proposal would in no way militate against the selection of the engine for the Tejas Mk II

n October 1, an end to the prolonged debate and the By Air Marshal (Retd), ensuing uncertainty on the progress of the 2010, General B.K. Pandey Tejas Mk II programme. But it could raise Electric Compaa few queries as well. Competing with GE ny (GE) of USA for the $822 million (`3,700 crore) tender with its offer of for a total of 107 engines floated by the Indian Defence Research and Development the GE F414 afOrganisation (DRDO), was the Eurojet terburning enTurbo GmbH, a European consortium. It comprises four comgine, emerged as the lowest of panies of Europe namely Avio of Italy, ITP of Spain, MTU of the two bidders in the race for the selection of an Germany and Rolls-Royce of UK. engine to power the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas MK II. The company has now been invited Background The programme to design, develop and manufacture indigto negotiate a contract to provide the Indian Aero- enously a light weight fighter aircraft designated as the light nautical Development Agency (ADA) with 107 combat aircraft (LCA) and subsequently rechristened as “TeF414 engines. Although trade deals worth billions jas”, was launched in 1989 with a view to replace the ageing of MiG-21 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Inof dollars signed during the US President Barack fleet dian aerospace industry at that time did not have the capability Obama’s recent visit to India has raised the hopes to produce an aero engine to power the LCA and there was of GE to new heights, the final word on the con- no option but to look for a solution abroad. The choice fell on the GE F404 after burning turbofan engine of weight lower tract is yet to be said. Selection of GE for further negotiations has, however, put

16 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

than other contemporary engines. However, the GE F404 was capable of delivering dry thrust of only 53.9 kilonewtons (kN) www.spsaviation.net

Military Procurement

and 82 kN with afterburner, which was considerably lower than the 100 kN desired by the IAF. The decision to employ the GE F404 engine was regarded as an interim measure and was to be limited to the prototypes in the development phase. With the ultimate aim of total indigenisation of the LCA, as a long-term solution, an ambitious programme to develop a fourth generation engine called the Kaveri was sanctioned in 1989 and was assigned to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a facility under the DRDO. Intended to power the first batch of production models of the Tejas, the cost of the project was estimated at launch to be `382.81 crore and was to be completed by the end of 1996. However, 14 years after the initially stipulated date of completion and investment of nearly `3,000 crore, the Kaveri project was formally delinked from the LCA programme in September 2008. ADA, however, continued with the Tejas programme with the underpowered GE F404 and a somewhat dissatisfied IAF rather reluctantly ordered 40 aircraft in the first batch to constitute the first two squadrons. There was an imperative need to find a new power plant close to the required level of performance to give the IAF sufficient confidence to place orders for another 100 aircraft that would meet the stipulated performance requirements. Thus began the search for a new engine. The Contenders

GE responded to the request for proposal (RFP) floated earlier this year for the new engine with the offer of the GE F414-400,

a derivative of the highly reputed and widely used GE F404. Employed on the Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornet and the Gripen from Saab of Sweden, the GE F414 has established a credible record of reliability. Incidentally, F/A 18 and the Gripen are both contenders for the mega deal for 126 medium multi role combat aircraft (MMRCA) tender for the IAF which is also expected to be finalised in a year or so from now. The GE F414 engine is fitted on naval variants of combat aircraft. Employing the latest technologies and featuring a dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the GE F414 operates at a pressure ratio of 30:1, which is significantly higher than the contemporary engines. While the high pressure ratio provides higher level of efficiency, it also produces greater heat stress on the engine. To cope with this, the GE F414 employs single crystal low-density blades fused with disks. Called “blisks”, these are lighter but stronger compared to conventional blade designs. With reheat, the GE F414 is capable of delivering a maximum thrust of 98 kN which is only marginally short of the qualitative requirements spelt out by the IAF. Heavier by 50 kg compared to the GE F404, the GE F414 has an identical maximum diameter which is 35 inches and is of a similar length of 157 inches. However, its inlet diameter is 32 inches as against 31 inches of the GE F404. The Eurojet EJ 200, the only other competitor in the race for the tender, is Europe’s fifth generation advanced military turbofan engine developed on the Rolls-Royce XG 40 technology demonstrator and powers the Eurofighter Typhoon. It incorporates the latest in aero engine technology such as low-density single crystal blades, a unique engine control and health monitoring system integrating all sensor inputs into a single unit called the digital engine control and monitoring unit (DECMU), FADEC and “active tip clearance control”, a feature that maintains the optimum clearance between the blade tip and the turbine case for better engine efficiency. Eurojet EJ 200 has a modular design which facilitates maintenance activity making an engine replacement feasible in a mere 45 minutes. Compared to the GE F414, though longer by three inches, the EJ 200 is lighter by about 112 kg and its maximum diameter is only 29 inches which is six inches less than that of its competitor. The EJ 200 is capable of delivering with reheat a thrust of 90 kN, but on account of its lower weight, it has a higher thrust to weight ratio compared to the GE F414. Selection of Engine

There are a number of factors that either would have already been considered or perhaps would be considered before a final decision is taken. First, the selected engine should have a thrust rating close to that stipulated by the user. With a maximum thrust rating of 98 kN, the GE F414 scores over its rival which is rated for a maximum thrust rating of only 90 kN. However, as claimed by Eurojet, the performance of the EJ 200 can be enhanced by 15 per cent through only “minor adjustments in the engine”. Eurojet also claims that the thrust can be increased by up to 30 per cent for which “few components would have to be replaced”. Another important consideration would have been an assessment and comparison of the vintage and the development potential of both the engines in the Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 17

Military Procurement

F414-400 Advanced Fighter Engine The F414-400 is the most advanced jet engine in its class. Launched in 1998, the F414-GE-400 is the US Navy’s newest and most advanced technology production fighter engine. It incorporates advanced technology with the proven design base of its F404 predecessor to provide the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with a durable, reliable and easy to maintain engine.

in this regard by President Obama may take time to fructify. As for Eurojet, although there has been no statement to the contrary, European companies could be reluctant to transfer sensitive and core technologies without 100 per cent control on their investments. Licence manufacture alone does not provide an environment conducive enough for the full transfer of technologies that have been developed by European companies at enormous cost in terms of time and resources. Nothing in this regard therefore can be taken for granted. Finally, there is the element of ownership cost which would include initial outlay for acquisition, life cycle cost over the expected life span and the offset obligations if applicable. The Indian system of procurement of hardware is price-sensitive and the decisions are often inclined to be overly influenced by the L 1 syndrome i.e. preference for the bidder with the lowest quote beaten down further through ruthless negotiations over the quoted price. In the tender in question, the initial commercial bids indicated GE F414 quote at $822 million (`3,700 crore) as against $666 million (`2,990 crore). However, it appears that detailed examination of the quotations revealed areas involving costs that were not taken into account and reflected in their bid documents by the two aerospace majors. On correction of the observed anomalies, it appears that the price quote for the GE F414 turned out to be lower than that of the competitor Eurojet EJ 200. The decision-making process could at any stage come under the subtle influence of some intangible factors. These are essentially political in nature such as the mileage the government of the day may wish to derive at the political level from the deal and the possibility of sanctions at a later date that could seriously undermine the operational disposition of the IAF. These factors are difficult to quantify but would need to be factored in. In this regard, President Obama’s visit would have been rather opportune for GE.

race. But perhaps the most important factor is the extent of modification in the existing airframe that would be necessary before the engine can be integrated with the Tejas Mk II. The requirement of extensive re-engineering work or redesign of the airframe could lead to delay, which in the final analysis would translate into cost. It goes without saying that the fitment of a new engine on an existing platform would call for some changes in the airframe and this would be applicable to both the engines. In the instant case, as the GE F414 is heavier than the existing engine by 110 lbs, there would be the need to compensate for a shift in the position of the centre of gravity of the aircraft. So would perhaps be the case with the Eurojet EJ 200, which compared to the GE F404, is lighter by 135 lbs and longer by three inches. Then there is the question of transfer of technology (ToT). Despite the various agreements in the regime of defence cooperation signed between India and the US, there are yet a number of roadblocks that impinge on India’s efforts to acquire sensitive and the latest defence technologies from the US. Quite recently, the US Government did not accord approval for the involvement of Lockheed Martin in the Indian LCA programme, leaving the door open for EADS. In the case of the GE F414, issues related to ToT would have to be negotiated clearly and carefully through the yet somewhat inflexible legal system in the US. Translation into reality of assurances

Even as the process of selection in the tender for 107 engines for the Tejas Mk II is moving forward rapidly, GTRE has entered into an agreement with Snecma of France for the joint development of the Kaveri Mk II with the aim to ultimately replace the GE F414 or the EJ 200, which is finally selected under the ongoing tender. The IAF had opposed the proposal in the initial stages itself observing that the Snecma offer was not for developing the next generation engine but was based on the core of the existing M88 engine that powers the Rafale. In the opinion of the experts committee of the IAF, the GTRE-Snecma engine would not meet the requirements of the IAF. As per assessment by Snecma, it would take at least five years for the engine to be developed and that a minimum of 250 engines would have to be manufactured to render the project financially viable. Undoubtedly, the GTRE-Snecma engine project would in all likelihood, cater also for the medium combat aircraft proposed to be developed jointly by ADA and the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Opposition to the proposal, initially by the IAF, was on account of apprehensions of delay in the project if the Kaveri Mk II programme was to be linked once again with the Tejas Mk II programme and the GE F414/ EJ 200 proposal called off. It is clear now that the GTRE-Snecma proposal would in no way militate against the selection of the engine for the Tejas Mk II through the ongoing tender with GE F414 and the Eurojet EJ 200. SP

Timeline 1990 — LCA design finalised 1995 — Roll out of First Technology Demonstrator – TD1 1998 — Roll out of Second Technology Demonstrator – TD2 2001 — Maiden flight from National Flight Test Centre, Bangalore 2003 — Supersonic flight 2003 — Procure uprated F404-GE-IN20 engine for the eight preproduction LSP aircraft and two naval prototypes 2004 — Kaveri engine fails high altitude test in Russia 2004 — GE awarded $105 million for development and production of 17 GE-IN20 engines 2007 — HAL orders 24 F404-IN20 afterburning engines to power the first operational squadron of Tejas fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force F404-GE-IN20 The F404-GE-IN20 succeeds F404-F2J3 development engines used for nearly 600 flights, cumulatively covering eight engines. Based on the F404-GE-402, the F404-GE-IN20 is the highest rated F404 model and includes a higher-flow fan, increased thrust, a full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) system, singlecrystal turbine blades and a variety of single-engine features.

18 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

GTRE-Snecma Engine

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Civil Regional Aviation

Class apart

E-Jets have been helping airlines to replace older, inefficient aircraft, and to develop new markets with lower operating costs, greater efficiency, and outstanding passenger comfort

Photograph: Embraer

rom its first flight in After enormous research and investBy R. Chandrakanth 2002, E-Jets from the Brazilment, Embraer came up with the new ian stable of Embraer have aircraft aptly named E-Jets as it encomruled the skies. Distinctively passed a whole lot of striking features different, E-Jets have capand all to do with the alphabet ‘E’—eftured the imagination of ficiency, economics, ergonomics, enthe airline community, reflected by its gineering, environment and extended impressive sales. As of October 2010, over 680 E-Jets are range. The very essence of all this was Embraer’s E-philosoperational across the world and having accumulated 4.4 ophy of “embracing the rise of the empowered passenger”. million flight hours, Embraer is expected to deliver 1,100 E-Jets has been helping airlines to right size low load factor units by 2016. That’s phenomenal. narrow-body routes, to replace older, inefficient aircraft, and It indeed is. A lot of thought, hard work and passion have to develop new markets with lower operating costs, greater gone into the creation of E-Jets. The fact that Embraer met with efficiency, and outstanding passenger comfort. 40-odd prospective airlines to find out what they needed in the next-generation 70- to 120-seat airplane family, is indicative of “Tap the gap” approach the manufacturer’s intent—of giving what the customer wants. Embraer announced to the world that E-Jets was not a stretched version from smaller planes or shrunken from The airlines had sought enhanced passenger comfort. Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 19

Civil Regional Aviation

‘E’ stands for efficiency, economics, ergonomics, engineering, environment and extended range

larger platforms. It was a clean design approach. The Embraer 170/190 family of E-Jets consists of four commercial jets with 70 to 122 seats. The four jets “tap the gap”, as the airline puts it, between larger mainline aircraft and smaller regional jets. The absence of over wing exits gives airlines maximum configuration flexibility. The E-Jets have a maximum cruising speed of Mach 0.82, can fly at 41,000 feet and have ranges of up to 2,400 nautical miles (4,448 km). The high degree of commonality among the four aircraft—Embraer 170; Embraer 175; Embraer 190 and Embraer 195—results in exceptional savings for carriers, in terms of crew training and costs of spare parts and maintenance. Features extra-ordinaire

Efficiency The optimised design of E-Jets are such that with the lowest possible aircraft operating empty weight, it can carry the highest revenue-generating payload. Since fuel consumption is proportional to aircraft weight, a lighter airplane translates directly into cost savings that go right to the bottom line. The structural design efficiency of the E-Jets family allows up to 30 per cent more payloads per pound/kilo of structural weight among aircraft of similar seat capacity. Combine the E-170’s SDE with streamlined maintenance programmes, a high degree of parts commonality among the family and fast turnaround times, overall utilisation and efficiency increase while unit costs decrease. Engineering Embraer has developed an innovative aircraft health, analysis and diagnostic system (AHeAD) on every E-Jet. It is a computational web-based platform that allows airlines to continuously monitor the performance of an E-Jet while in flight. It regularly transmits fault identification data for analysis by ground personnel so that they can plan maintenance remedies at a down line station. The system through continuous monitoring helps in the fleet to minimise ground time and maximise air time. Ergonomics After listening to prospective airlines, Embraer engineers designed a unique spacious cabin as per the double-bubble fuselage concept, a shape derived from vertically overlapping two circles, with a four-abreast cross section. The widest point of the upper circle, which forms the main cabin, is at elbow level when passengers are seated. This maximises personal space and allows the installation of wider seats and a wider aisle compared to larger jets. The width of the lower circle is greatest near the cabin floor which boosts the baggage and cargo capacity. 20 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

Adding to the sense of spaciousness is a two-metre high cabin, near-vertical sidewalls and large eye-level windows, almost 30 per cent larger than those on other aircraft that lets in lots of natural light. What’s more, under seat areas are free of support railings so that passengers can stretch out in greater comfort. Economics The E-Jets maintenance plan emphasises simplified procedures and longer check intervals to help keep costs low with routine checks coming every 120 flight hours or 14 days (whichever comes first). Basic checks are scheduled every 600 flight hours and are easily performed overnight. Heavy checks for aircraft structure occur every 20,000 flight cycles. As a result, E-Jets deliver 19 per cent to 23 per cent lower hourly direct maintenance costs compared to other similar capacity aircraft and up to 53 per cent lower cost than some out of production jets. Environment E-Jets produce an average of 50 per cent less CO2 than older aircraft like the B737-200, MD 87 and DC9 and 1530 per cent less than previous generation jets such as the B737-300/500, Fokker 100 and RJ100. Due to their efficient design and new engine technology, E-Jets meet the latest, strictest ICAO noise limits. General Electric’s CF34 engine is designed to be more efficient—CO, UHC, NOx and smoke emission margins range from 26 per cent to an impressive 98 per cent below ICAO limits for the E170/E175 and from 9 per cent to 77 per cent for the E190/E195. Another key feature of E-Jets is the state-of-theart, fly-by-wire technology, which increases operational safety, while reducing pilot workload and fuel consumption. Embraer’s Executive Vice President (Commercial) Paulo Cesar states, “I believe airlines in countries that never had jet aircraft with fewer than 120 seats have a unique opportunity to re-examine their approach to capacity and seized the untapped potential of that category. As many of our more than 50 E-Jets customers can attest, their fleet decision years ago helped them weather today’s economic turmoil.” 91- to 120-seat category expanding

Embraer forecasts a requirement of 6,875 new jets in the 30 to 120-seat capacity segment over the next 20 years with a total market value estimated around US $200 billion. The break-up is 30-60 seat category—475 aircraft; 61-90 seat – 2,515; and 91-120 seat category 3,885. The 30- to 120-seat segment is an essential component of world aviation that supplies a range of capacity to low and medium-density markets. The value of its contribution is evident when demand contracts as well as when carriers want to open new routes without adding a large number of seats. Embraer said that the market for 50-seat regional jets had reached maturity. The aircraft will continue to feed hubs in the USA and Europe and will support regional aviation development in Russia/CIS, Mexico, Africa and South America. Aircraft in the 61- to 120-seat category are improving overall industry efficiency by right-sizing larger narrow-body jets, replacing old equipment, developing new markets and helping airlines grow gradually from smaller regional jets. SP www.spsaviation.net

CFM. Generation after generation. The legendary CFM56* and LEAP-X. Famous reliability and fuel efficiency. Lower emissions, noise and costs. LEAP-X. Like father, like son. www.cfm56.com/xpower CFM, CFM56 and the CFM logo are all trademarks of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma and General Electric Co.

Military Training

Modern & Tech-savvy

Training Command has always provided aid to civil authorities in times of crisis or natural calamities

Photographs: IaF

raining Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is responsible essentially for foundation building and aims to groom the budding professionals on whose shoulders lie the responsibility of safeguarding the country’s security, honour and sovereignty. Essentially, Training Command shapes the future of the IAF. Despite the fact that the fleet of the basic trainer aircraft, HPT-32, remained grounded, the ab-initio pilot courses graduated on schedule. Achieving this without compromising standards and under such trying circumstances speaks volumes about the workforce and leadership. During the year gone by, the Training Command was engaged in smooth changeover of Stage III fighter training on Hawk Mk132 aircraft and planning for the induction of intermediate jet trainer (IJT) and light combat aircraft (LCA) into the IAF. Keeping pace with technology and trends in modern methodologies of training, Training Command has embraced a simulator-based training philosophy. Simulators of various levels and capability have been integrated with the training curricula. Flying training devices (FTD) of Hawk, Do-228, An-32 aircraft navigation simulator (NAVSIM), radar and visual tower observation simulators (RADSIM and VITOSIM) to train ATC officers, Drona for armament training, are a few such systems. Most training programmes for development of air warriors are now conducted through distance learning programmes with minimal contact duration. Similarly, CBT based e-learning packages and smart class rooms have replaced the classical versions of training curricula. Air Marshal V.R. IYER Training Command has alAir Officer Commandingways provided aid to civil auin-Chief, Training thorities in times of crisis or Command natural calamities. Flood relief operations were undertaken on a large scale in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during 2009, involving around 205 hours of flying and similar operations are at present continuing in various sectors this year as well. Salvage operations were undertaken after the crash of the helicopter of the government of Andhra Pradesh involving Chief Minister Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy. The Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) won the Defence Minister’s Trophy for best Command Hospital during 2009-10. Their continued efforts towards providing quality 22 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

service in ECHS and HIV/AIDS palliative care is praiseworthy. The spatial disorientation simulator (DISO) was commissioned at AFA in December 2009. Till date, 47 aircrew and 44 Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) officers have been trained on it. The Air Force Technical College, the alma mater of technical officers, which was awarded the President’s Standards in November 2008 celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in July 2009. A number of administrative initiatives with special focus on infrastructure development have been undertaken to

enhance the quality of life. Some of the important activities undertaken by TC that would go a long way in ensuring better military preparedness and support to civil authorities include regular counter-terrorism operations training by IAF Garuda personnel along with National Security Guard (NSG) and Para SF to secure major cities and installations against sub-conventional attacks. Issues related to ‘flexible use of airspace’ between civil and military airports are actively being pursued by this Command. SP www.spsaviation.net

Military Maintenance

Air Marshal P.V. Athawale Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command

Aiming for

Excellence

Maintenance Command provides quality maintenance support to operational units of IAF

Photographs: IAF

he vision of Maintenance Command (MC) is to provide “efficient systems’ sustenance for air operations”. The base repair depots (BRDs) under Maintenance Command provide total product support, maintenance, repair and overhaul of all variants of aircraft, radars and missiles, airborne communications systems and ground support equipment of the IAF. The equipment depots (EDs) look after receipt, storage, issue, packaging and transportation functions. Liaison and assistance to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is provided through Air Force Liaison Establishments. The traditional task of maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) and supply chain has recently been enhanced to include sharing of responsibility with Air Headquarters (HQ) regarding provisioning and procurement of spares for a range of aircraft and systems. The recent approach on an integrated technologistic approach is bringing about a paradigm shift in the way IAF dealt with spares supply and maintenance as two distinct functions. Air Marshal P.V. Athawale is at present the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C). Projects initiated and steered by him such as Integrated Air Command and Control Systems and Air Force Net (AFNET) have culminated recently into force multipliers. Air Marshal Athawale is also known for his pioneering initiatives in avionics software and IT in the IAF. He has vigorously initiated lean engineering and quality management system refinements for improving productivity of BROs in MC. Information management, e-documentation and outsourcing initiatives are the other ventures under the current focus. The BRDs and EDs have been successfully meeting the challenges of stocking and maintaining the legacy equipment while inducting high technology weapon systems to retain the ‘cutting edge’. Reduction in repair cycle time during overhaul, development of in-house repair schemes for life enhanced aircraft, adoption of newer manufacturing techniques/processes,

implementation of newer concepts such as ‘lean engineering’ and improved storage and warehousing to ensure greater availability of existing assets are some of the examples. Pragmatic and rational life extension programmes along with midlife upgradation to ensure higher life cycle of assets are pursued as a rule at MC units rather than an exception. Lean Engineering practices introduce efficiency intensive production procedures and minimise waste in production, repair, overhaul and logistics processes. Quality and flight safety enhancement have been the key result areas assigned to BRDs. Accordingly, a special drive was initiated by the Maintenance Command last year. All BRDs and major EDs, which are already ISO certified, took up the challenge of refining the quality management system (QMS) and the requirements perceived by top level in-house inspection teams. The MC in recent times has focused on indigenisation of aircraft spares and sub-assemblies to achieve self-reliance. During the last financial year about 947 complex, high technology items were indigenised at depots leading to financial saving to the tune of `56 crore. Today, the depots are geared up with requisite infrastructure and human resources for induction and assimilation of changing aviation technology. In order to enhance production capacities and the capability to undertake repair and overhaul of modern war machines a project for modernisation and upgradation of BRDs and EDs costing `375 crore has been initiated. To augment the quality standards, a 3D-CNC coordinate measuring machine with full programming function has been commissioned for inspection of aviation grade components. Another major area of activity of MC is logistics management. This plays a dominant role in supporting the maintenance function. The logistics arm of MC meets its functions through EDs, air stores parks and movement control units. The material management functions in the IAF are all the more complicated due to geographical spread of the country and the variety of weapon systems with the IAF. SP Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 23

military AIR FORCE DAY

78 2

Celebrating

Years...

Photographs: Abhishek / Sp guide pubns

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military AIR FORCE DAY

a power to reckon with:

1 Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh greeted by Chiefs 2 the cas inspects the parade 3 synchronised Rifle Drill 4 fully loaded su-30mki on display 5 Tricolour in the air 6 Air Warriors Marching Out 7 Akash Ganga Team leader with the IAF Flag 8 AJT Hawk on display 9 Pechora SAM system

For more information and video, visit: www.spsaviation.net Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 25

Show Report NBAA

Sales Sparse, But

Mood Buoyant

T Photographs: LeRoy Cook

he National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) annual meeting rotates among the few host cities with halls large enough to host the fourth largest American trade show. The 2010 edition of the show set up a camp in Atlanta, Georgia, after a gap of three years. Unlike last year’s gloom-infested NBAA convention, the October 2010 gathering was filled with hope that the worst of business aviation’s depression was gone, and the attendance was strong.

A total of 24,206 registrants were on hand, representing a five per cent increase over the 2009 figure, and 1,083 exhibitors packed the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The static display at Dekalb-Peachtree airport was jammed with 93 aircraft; it was all that could be accommodated, resulting in a waiting list for cancellations. As we said, the mood was upbeat, even though sales were still sparse. Both Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Cessna Aircraft returned to the exhibit hall, after reducing their presence to static displays at the airport last year. Builders of large, longrange equipment, such as Gulfstream, Embraer, Dassault, Bombardier, Boeing and Airbus, exhibited lavishly, benefiting from their continued strong sales. Boeing announced that it will deliver no less than eight 747-8I wide body business jets to completion centres in just over one year, starting late 2011.

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Show Report NBAA News from the floor

Piper Aircraft introduced an upgradation of its developmental PA-47 PiperJet, the first single-engine business jet likely to be in the market. Now slated to deliver early in 2014, the renamed Altaire has abandoned the Malibu-based fuselage of the prototype to enable a wider, taller and longer cabin to be offered, with a three-foot wide entrance door, an enlarged wing and a reshaped tail. The high-mounted Williams FJ44-3A engine requires only Williams International’s EXACT passive thrust vectoring for proper trim and will produce a top cruise speed of 360 knots, with a ceiling of 35,000 feet. The expected maximum range is 1,300 nautical miles. Rather than the sidestick controls of the Physical Optics Corporation (POC) aircraft, the Altaire will feature conventional control yokes and a stickpusher stall barrier system. Piper is pointedly targeting the Cessna Citation Mustang as the PiperJet’s main competition. Daher Socata is evaluating the former Grob SPn twin-engine VLJ to possibly supplement its TMB 850 Very Fast Turboprop. Meanwhile, Diamond Aircraft’s single-engine D-Jet is under development, along with the Cirrus SF50 Vision. On

the other hand, Eclipse was at the show touting its ability to deliver an already-certified Total Eclipse 500 twin-jet VLJ. On the opening day, Eclipse proudly announced an investment by Sikorsky Aircraft in its company, which promises support capability as well as money. Honda Aircraft’s displays, both in the exhibit hall and under roof at the airport, showcased the company’s developmental aircraft and engine quite well. A conforming test model of the HondaJet was ready to fly at NBAA time and a target of Q3 2012 is set for certification. Further up the ladder, Bombardier showed the mockup of its forthcoming LearJet 85 composite-airframe mid-size jet, and rocked the show with announcement of not one, but two, new members of the large-cabin Global series, a stretched-fuselage Global 7000 and 8000 based on the successful Global XRS. The aircraft were shown only as full-size rear-projection images on a huge screen at the static display. The Global 7000, 11 feet longer than the XRS, is expected to be available in 2016, offering a 7,300 nm range, with the two-foot longer, 7,900 nm range 8,000 coming in 2017. As the show opened, Gulfstream flew one of its G650

Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 27

Show Report NBAA test aircraft on a 10-hour, 5,000-mile closed-circuit proving run at Mach .9, to spotlight its newest airplane’s capability. Gulfstream also exhibited a finished G650 at the static display. The G650 will be the first Gulfstream to feature a larger fuselage cross-section since the original turboprop model. Cessna’s Citation division is determined not to be outdone by Gulfstream’s challenge to the Mach .92 Citation X (historically pronounced “ten”) with a Mach .925 Vmo for the G650; Cessna announced a slightly-stretched, upgraded Citation Ten at the NBAA convention, which promises to have an even-faster top speed. Rumours continue to surface about a single-turboprop version of the Citation Mustang in flight test at Cessna. Dassault brought a “green” 900LX trijet to the show, sporting its new Aviation Partners winglets that help boost

shining stars: (top) HondaJet on display; (above l-r) static display scenes; Mockup of Piper’s new PiperJet Altaire, with a larger fuselage and redesigned wing and tail

long-range cruise to Mach .80, which it can hold to 4,500 nm with four passengers. With the current super-midsize 2000LX twin-jet replacing the 2000DX and 2000EX models, speculation is high that a replacement SMS aircraft is being developed. Absent from the show was Emivest’s SJ30 long-range light jet, which was still struggling to find its niche in the marketplace. Emivest filed for reorganisation bankruptcy protection in the week following NBAA, after delivering some three airplanes to customers. Hawker Beechcraft shuffled its deck of airplanes with multiple announcements at the NBAA show, including long-awaited upgradation of the Beech Premier 1A light jet; what was to be the Premier II is now the Hawker 200, sharing the Premier’s carbon-fibre fuselage but with winglets, a higher pressurisation level, FL450 certificated altitude, increased takeoff weight, longer range, 15-knots more speed and new FJ44-3AP FADEC engines. The venerable King Air 200 will be replaced with a new King Air 250, which incorporates winglets, composite-blade propellers and ram air recovery cowlings, all of which improve the airplane’s high-and-hot capability. In addition, Hawker Beechcraft announced a retrofit programme for the Hawker 400XP (once the Beechjet 400), which will replace the P&W JT15D-5R engines with Williams 28 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

FJ44-4A-32 fanjets, add winglets and upgrade avionics. In a totally unrelated programme, Nextant Aerospace showed its re-engined Beechjet 400A with Williams FJ44-3AP engines and a Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite, to be serially produced as the 400XT, rather than converted one at a time. Conjoined in the static display were a Comlux Airbus A318 Elite in executive livery, wearing showy polished wing slats, and a Boeing Business Jets 737-700 with complete facilities for working and living on board. Although the big airplanes challenged the PDK airport’s 66,000-lb pavement strength, waivers were obtained for their landings and the 6,000-ft runway length required no special techniques. In the exhibit hall, Greenpoint Technologies showed a model of an Aerolift elevator installation that could be installed in a BBJ 747, allowing a VIP’s party to descend to the ramp privately and without requiring stairs or jet bridge.

In the panel

Garmin International announced its entry into transport category electronic flight instrumentation with a G5000 suite of integrated avionics. Almost universally accepted in the cockpits of light business aircraft with its G3000 suite, Garmin had yet to crack the stricter requirements of the transport www.spsaviation.net

Show Report NBAA Business and Awards

The NBAA convention allows attendees to gather annually to renew acquaintances, participate in educational seminars and conduct the association’s business. For the first time, dual general session meetings were held, on the two principal days of the convention. At the opening session, speeches were given by Sonny Perdue, the outgoing Governor of the State of Georgia who is also an active pilot, Tom Donahue, President of the US Chamber of Commerce, John Pistole, Head of the Transportation Safety Administration, and Randy Babbitt, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration. Jimmy Hayes of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises spoke of the value delivered by his company’s business aircraft over the years.

waiting to take off: Static display of 93 business aircraft at Atlanta’s DekalbPeachtree airport

world. However, Cessna has agreed to install the G5000 in its new Citation Ten, and the large displays and touch-activated controls were getting a workout on the display floor. Rockwell Collins showed its new Pro Line Fusion integrated cockpit system, which has already been accepted by a host of new or updated aircraft. The launch customer will be Bombardier with a Global 5000 installation, followed by the Gulfstream 150. While Rockwell Collins relies heavily on HUD for SVS or EVS, Honeywell was exhibiting an enhanced SmartView system which offers SVS/EVS in a head-down display, using Kollsman infra-red cameras. Datalink communications, for both the cabin workplace and transmitting ATC commands to the cockpit, was one of the major talking points at the show. By January 1, the new aircraft flying in Europe above FL285 must have VDLM2 data link capability, and all such operations will require it by February 5, 2015. VIP passengers are equally insistent about being able to keep in touch during flight. The competing satellite communication systems, Iridium and Inmarsat, have exclusive strengths, leading airline datalink supplier ICG to join up with Cobham to offer a multi-level “Sora” communication system. Sora will allow business jet users in both the front and back of the aircraft to stay connected, even in mid-ocean. Many other firms were showing targeted satcom tools for business travel.

During the historic second day session, the traditional humanitarian award, given to an individual exemplifying service to mankind in the past year, was deferred; instead, recognition was given to the 600 NBAA member companies who participated in flying aid to the suffering country of Haiti after its massive earthquake disaster. Corporate aircraft landed on roads and outlying airfields to deliver supplies, evacuate injured persons and bring in relief workers. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt returned to the stage to award Wright Brothers Master Pilot designations to five noted individuals who have flown for more than 50 years. These were Arnold Palmer, noted professional golfer, Clay Lacy, retired airline pilot and entrepreneur, Russ Meyers, Chairman Emeritus of Cessna Aircraft, Eugene Cernan, US Apollo astronaut who left the final footprints on the moon’s surface, and Neil Armstrong, astronaut and test pilot who was the first human to set foot on the moon. Famous test pilot and air show performer Robert A. Hoover was unable to attend due to health problems. In addition, Arnold Palmer was given the NBAA’s Meritorious Service Award as special recognition for his strong support of the business aviation causes over the years. The 2011 NBAA meeting will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 10 to 12. The entire global business aviation community hopes for continued easing of the financial crisis and an upswing in activity. SP Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 29

Military joint exercise An IAF Mirage 2000 lifts off from Kalaikunda airbase for a mission

Exercise

Indradhanush

Photographs: IAF

ncreased number of launches and full-scale large force engagement (LFE) missions marked the Indo-UK Indradhanush joint air exercise between the IAF and Royal Air Force (RAF) from October 18 to November 3, at Kalaikunda Airbase in West Midnapur district, West Bengal. While the Royal Air Force participated

with its Eurofighter Typhoons, the E-3D Sentry, and VC-10 mid-air refueller, the IAF fielded the Su-30 MKIs, Mirage 2000s, MiG-27s and its airborne warning and control system (AWACS) for the first time in a joint air exercise. Flying missions aimed at enhancement of mutual operational understanding and refinement of procedures. SP

IAF Su-30 MKIs in action with RAF eurofighter Typhoon

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OEM Interview

Northrop Grumman AESA is relevant in the modern battlefield In an interview with John Fagnant, Director of ISR and Targeting Strategy at the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems sector, SP’s Aviation discovered some of the historical and cultural qualities that have made the company a leader in Aesa technology. The former US Air Force F-15 pilot describes how the corporation developed unparalleled expertise as a radar house, citing how early radar developments aboard the F-16 contributed to present-day thought leadership in one of the defence industry’s newest technologies. SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Is there a real difference between one AESA and another? John Fagnant (Fagnant): In recent years we’ve seen a ground swell of people thinking “AESA is good” and “all AESAs are equally good” – that they’ve become homogenous. Northrop Grumman gets batched into the competition in the same manner. And that’s not correct. There’s a different discipline in the way we’ve approached our AESA developments which is significant for two reasons. First, it keeps us relevant in the modern battlefield. Second, it ties our engineering to our manufacturing through a generational-architecture mindset that allows us to get efficiencies in manufacturing across all the domains of AESAs that we build. We’ve based our approach on generational leaps in technology and capability, so we’re not piecemealing our architecture across the enterprise with separate, unique parts, which would make it more expensive and less efficient from a manufacturing standpoint. It’s about generating an “electronically scanned” culture. SP’s: What do you mean by developing an “electronically scanned” culture? Fagnant: Our AESA expertise actually goes back to the 1970s when we developed the AN/APG-66 with a mechanically scanned array for the F-16. We were up against competitors like Hughes and the concern from a purely engineering standpoint was that we were dealing with a very tiny nose on the aircraft where we had to graft in very modern radar capabilities. The main problem for our engineers was physical space, but they worked with that. They did what they could with the single receiver channel, but more importantly, they worked with the elements and the subcomponents that made up the entire system to get the maximum efficiency out of that radar from a physics standpoint. Next, we had to do the same thing with software, which had to work efficiently with what was happening at the physics level—things like bandwidth purity or signal-to-noise ratio or swell intervals and other things you worry about in a

transmit and receive environment. This combination of hardware and software efficiencies became the cultural mindset of a whole generation of hardware, electrical design, and software engineers for a time during the 1970s and 1980s not only for the AN/APG-66, but also for the AWACS. Many of these engineers are still here today at the company. At the same time, electrically scanned arrays (ESA) were being developed. One of these was AWACS, which is electrically scanned in the vertical, but not in the azimuth, where it spins. Also, when the B-1 ESA came out during the 1980s, we were bringing efficiencies learned in one programme to others in an electrically scanned aperture type of environment. As all this was happening at the same time, it created an engineering culture that determined how Northrop Grumman approached developing AESA technology. SP’s: How did this strong engineering culture affect the development of the F-22 with its stealth technology? Fagnant: Stealthy aircraft presented a difficult set of challenges to our engineers. Now we had to go to a fighter that was bigger than an F-16, but had to have electronics, RF noise, and transmit/receive purity understood to a degree that had never been approached before in aircraft history. We had already brought up this whole group of engineers that had to deal with those types of issues on an F-16. They understood how to get the maximum amount of physical efficiencies in electrical and RF environments, and how architecture could be applied to get the most out of the hardware. During the time period we spent developing the F-16 radar, we were worried about electronic countermeasures, which were a key part of our software suites. Those things also contribute nicely to stealth technology because stealth depends on control of the electronic environment. You have quietness built in. You want to be able to reside in a stealthy environment and not have to worry about people jamming you from an electronic warfare standpoint because you can deny those capabilities. From a software standpoint, that type of capability paid off. Continued on page 32... Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 31

Military F-16IN

Photograph: Abhishek / Sp guide pubns

F-16IN APT for MMRCA: Lockheed Martin

The company officials claim that many countries are transitioning from double-engine to singleengine aircraft

he US aerospace major Lockheed Martin Corporation claims that the F-16IN offered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the medium multi role combat aircraft (MMRCA) programme is reliable, safe and cost-effective. But besides keeping its fingers crossed for the MMRCA deal, the company is also looking forward to sell its F-35C, the fifth generation carrier aircraft to India. Addressing a press conference on October 28 in New Delhi, Michael R. Griswold, Director, Advanced Development Programme, Lockheed Martin said that the fighter plane custom made for India is a step ahead of the F-16 series produced by the company. “The advanced version of the F-16 has been designed after long discussions between the IAF and Lockheed Martin,” he said and adding that it is apt for IAF requirements. Griswold said that F-16 has a long history of operations and is a proven fourth generation fighter with active electronically scanned radar (Northrop Grumman APG-80), netcentric warfare capability, advanced survivability features, enhanced high thrust engine (General Electric F110-132A), large weapon inventory, all-digital glass cockpit, etc.

Explaining the advantages of a single engine aircraft as in F-16 IN, he said that a transition from double engine to single engine aircraft can be seen in many countries today. Except the safety aspect which is on a par with a double engine aircraft, a single engine aircraft is better in all other aspects—life cycle cost, acquisition cost, survivability, physical size, logistics, etc. The official said that the F-16 has evolved from Block 30 manufactured in 1985, which transitioned to Block 50 in 1990 and F-16IN in 2003 and indicated that it is not the end of the road as the company will bring in many more innovations and technological developments in the years to come. “The F-16’s architecture itself enables growth and has the most powerful engine for MMRCA,” said Griswold. The F-16 is now operational in 24 countries and a recent order has been placed by Oman, informed the officials. SP —Sucheta Das Mohapatra For more information and video, visit: http://www.spsaviation.net/latestnews

...Continued from page 31 This approach led to the way we develop both hardware and software together—a culture that continues still today. SP’s: AESA development is very expensive. What is Northrop Grumman doing about costs? Fagnant: Back then, our mindset wasn’t to build one thing and say, “We’re just going to add this and add that.” The customers’ concern for diminishing manufacturing capabilities and expenses associated with hardware changeovers was a big deal to us. What we learned from the F-22 experience was, “Let’s continue that generational cycle.” Let’s make one major investment at a time to create a generational architecture of hardware and software modes that our entire customer base can take advantage of so that they’re not all paying the non-recurring costs associated with successive singular programmes. And that’s worked out pretty well for us. We are seeing important engineering and manufacturing efficiencies that translate into time and costs efficiencies for our customers. 32 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

This generational architecture just doesn’t reside in one or two airborne types of AESAs. You can see it in our ground-based, maritime, and high/low altitude aircraft. As we move forward into future AESAs, you actually get to see examples of where our AESAs are better because of all these cultural factors at play. Let me use software engineering as an example. We spent a lot of time developing good electronic protection modes for small and stealthy aircraft. What has happened in the electronic warfare environment in recent years is a huge explosion of robust capability. Our engineering community thought about that and stayed ahead of that. Our joint strike fighter sensor systems and the systems that have followed are in very good shape because of our background in electronic protection and electronic countermeasures modes. And we’re transitioning all that—in that same generational mindset—to everything else that we build. SP www.spsaviation.net

OEM Interview now, including the Jaguar’s re-engine and T-Hawk micro air vehicle use. Right now, we have five manufacturing locations, four technology centres and offices in more than 50 cities in India, exceeding `2,500 crore in annual revenue. SP’s: Can you define the direction in which you propose to steer the company? Briefly outline the strategy that you propose to adopt to drive growth of business for the company in India and what would be the thrust areas? Bhavnani: Business growth and exports are the two critical areas of focus and both are linked to each other. Success in one drives the other making them interdependent. So the strategy is to drive both aspects of these opportunities. On specific programmes like Jaguar re-engine or MAV T-Hawk we typically follow the lead of the concerned agencies and support their timelines and strategy as defined.

Honeywell sees India as a key global location Pritam Bhavnani, who assumed

office as the President Honeywell Aerospace India in June this year, brings in both proven capability and wealth of experience that should propel Honeywell’s Aerospace business in India to new heights. Bhavnani had a candid conversation with Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey of SP’s Aviation at Bengaluru SP’s Aviation (SP’s): As the President of Honeywell Aerospace in India, how do you perceive the prospects for the company in the Indian aerospace market? Pritam Bhavnani (Bhavnani): India is important to Honeywell Aerospace. From technology development to product manufacturing to customer service and support, our Indian organisation contributes to every part of our business for customers around the world. We see India as a key global location, export hub and centre of intellectual excellence, and have staffed appropriately with engineers to help us drive success throughout our business. Our aerospace solutions are flying on many Indian aircraft—airlines or private aircraft—and we are leading the way in air traffic modernisation and aviation safety. We are pursuing several opportunities in India

SP’s: To what extent and in what way will Honeywell’s investments in India impact the growth of international business for the company? Bhavnani: Honeywell sets up global operational centres for technology development and product manufacturing to customer service and support, our Indian organisation contributes to every part of our business for customers around the world. As an example, our contract with HAL means the popular TPE331 engine is being built in India for our global customer base. SP’s: In what way and to what extent would the Indian aerospace industry benefit from the association with Honeywell Aerospace? Bhavnani: Honeywell is a leader in air traffic modernisation, safety and energy efficiency, and more than 10,000 employees in India help contribute to our success. Honeywell is also a technological leader in multiple areas. As India builds the infrastructure for its aerospace industry to expand to meet the needs of India, Honeywell’s technology and solutions can help India leap frog to the latest technical advancements and result in safer and more efficient flying. SP’s: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has drawn up a plan to modernise and upgrade a number of civil airfields, construct Greenfield airports as also upgrade air traffic management systems. In which areas would Honeywell be involved in these programmes? Bhavnani: While Honeywell traditionally would provide avionics for the airlines to optimise their performance and efficiency in such an initiative, in this case, we can also provide the modern precision approach and landing system for this airport modernisation effort—the SmartPath ground-based augmentation system (GBAS). The most attractive feature of installing GBAS in a modernisation programme is its flexibility. The current generation precision approach system, instrument landing system (ILS) can only provide a single approach path at a single runway end. The SmartPath system can provide multiple approach paths to every runway at an airport, allowing AAI to achieve optimal airspace efficiency. SP To read the complete interview log on to: www.spsaviation.net/interviews Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 33

Hall of Fame

hat can human ingenuity achieve in half a century? A great deal. The Wright Brothers’ famous first flight was at a speed of 10.9 km/h. A few days before the 50th anniversary of that epochal feat, Albert Scott Crossfield piloted the Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket to Mach 2.005 (2,076 km/h). Crossfield was one of USA’s top test pilots—part of the celebrated team that later took the legendary X-15 to record altitudes and speeds. His flight on November 20, 1953, was the first time an aircraft ever exceeded twice the speed of sound. Albert Scott Crossfield was born in Berkeley, California, on October 2, 1921. Soon after America entered the Second World War, he became a naval aviator and flew overseas as an instructor. Later, in June 1950, he joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) High Speed Flight Research as a test pilot. During the next five years, he notched up 99 rocket flights in the X-1 and D558-II Skyrocket. The Skyrocket was a supersonic research aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. It had wings of 35 degree sweep and horizontal stabilisers with 40 degree sweep. Its wings and empennage were fabricated from aluminium and the fuselage was primarily of magnesium. It was jet as well as rocket powered. For take-off, climb and landing, it had a Westinghouse J34-40 turbojet engine fed through side intakes. Alternatively, the plane could be carried aloft by a Boeing P2B Super Fortress ‘mother ship’. For high speed flight, a four-chamber Reaction Motors LR8-RM-6 engine was employed. Scott’s flight was part of a carefully conducted research programme that featured incremental increases in speed while sophisticated instrumentation recorded the flight data at each stage. For his record-setting mission, he was taken aloft in the Skyrocket by the mother ship. He dropped clear of the bomber at 32,000 feet and zoomed to 72,000 feet before diving to 62,000 feet where he became the first pilot to exceed twice the speed of sound. By the time he joined North American Avi34 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

ation in 1955, Crossfield was by far the most experienced rocket plane pilot in the world. As chief engineering test pilot for North America, Crossfield played a major role in the design and development of the X-15. He was the first to pilot the advanced hypersonic aircraft and it was his job to demonstrate its airworthiness at speeds of up to Mach 3. Because the

ALBERT SCOTT CROSSFIELD (1921 - 2006)

He was an aeronautical engineer, an aerodynamicist and a designer, who felt that his flying was primarily because it was essential to designing and building better airplanes for pilots to fly

X-15 and its systems were unproven, these tests were considered extremely risky. He piloted the plane on its first unpowered test flight on June 8, 1959. Later, he also flew the first powered flight. He flew 14 of the 199 total X-15 flight tests with most of his missions establishing and validating the initial key parameters. Scott introduced many important innovations, including putting the rocket plane’s engine con-

trols into the cockpit. Previously, all engine adjustments were made by technicians on the ground- based on data from previous flight tests. He reached a maximum speed of Mach 2.97 and 27 km altitude in the process. In all, 12 test pilots flew the X-15; among them was Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. In 1967, an X-15 piloted by Pete Knight achieved its fastest ever speed of Mach 6.72 (7,297 km/h). Among his countless honours and awards, Crossfield received the Lawrence Sperry Award, Octave Chanute Award, Harmon International Trophy and the Collier Trophy. He cheated death many times in an aviation career spanning 64 years. In September 1954, following an engine flameout in the North American F-100 Super Sabre he was evaluating, he decided to attempt a dead-stick landing. Other test pilots had doubted such a thing could be done as the F-100 had a rather high landing speed. Scott made a perfect approach and touchdown but was unable to bring the aircraft to a halt in a safe distance. After barely missing several parked aircraft, he was forced to use a wall as a makeshift brake. In June 1960, he narrowly escaped from the ground explosion of an X-15 while testing the engine. What is remarkable is that Crossfield was still flying solo at the age of 84. The end came— as it so often does—due to bad weather. On April 19, 2006, he was piloting a Cessna 210 from Prattville, Alabama to Manassas, Virginia when the plane lost radio contact. The next day his body was found in the wreckage of the aircraft, which was strewn over a wide area. Crash investigators concluded that the aircraft had broken up in a severe thunderstorm. While he was renowned as a daring test pilot, Crossfield himself claimed, “I am an aeronautical engineer, an aerodynamicist and a designer. My flying was only primarily because I felt that it was essential to designing and building better airplanes for the pilots to fly.” SP —Group Captain (Retd) Joseph Noronha, Goa www.spsaviation.net

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Military Asia-Pacific Antony visits Vietnam

Defence Minister A.K. Antony arrived at Hanoi on October 10, for a four-day visit to Vietnam to attend the first ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus along with a high level delegation including the Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and representatives of the services. During the

Fourth ADMM held during last May, the ASEAN Defence Ministers had decided to establish an ADMM-Plus forum comprising of 10 ASEAN countries to include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam; and eight non-ASEAN countries namely, India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US; with the aim to address the regional peace and security challenges. This was to be done by providing balanced and inclusive security architecture for the region as a whole and provide opportunities to build mutual trust and confidence among the defence establishments of the ASEAN and the Plus countries. India

views its participation in the ADMM-Plus deliberations as an aspect of its Look–East Policy and the larger objective of integration with the region. Tenth IRIGC-MTC meeting The 10th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) was held at Delhi on October 7, 2010. The Defence Minister A.K. Antony and the Russian Defence Minister A.E. Serdyukov headed the respective delegations. The Indian delegation included Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) R.K. Singh, V.K. Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and other senior officials of the

QuickRoundUp AgustaWestland • AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to provide six AW139 helicopters for their Medevac fleet program. The $71 million contract calls for the first AW139 to be delivered 18 months after contract has been awarded. Akaer/Saab • Akaer has released to Saab the first 3D model and production drawings of the Gripen (next generation) NG in Sao Jose de Campos. This is as per the agreement signed between Akaer

Independent choice is our strength: SAAB Besides the MMRCA deal, which it terms as the “mother of all businesses”, the company is also looking forward to many more business opportunities in India

pbeat about Indian defence market, Swedish company Saab has assured to provide complete transfer of technology (ToT) to India for its programmes, no matter what the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit is. Besides the medium multi role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal, which it terms as the “mother of all businesses”, the company is also looking forward to many more business opportunities in India including the civil security market. Hasan Buske, Group CEO of Saab AB, during his recent visit to India said that unlike its competitors in the MMRCA race, Saab does not have any political advantage, but it has the full backing of the Swedish Government. Addressing a press conference at New Delhi on October 29, Buske highlighted on the Indo-Sweden relationship and the similarities the two countries have. “Our strength lies in ‘independent choice’. We have the best technology and an open platform to integrate the weapon systems. We sell products independently and our products are affordable,” claimed Buske. “Established in 1937, Saab came up at a time when Sweden was dependent on France for all defence equipment. Today, it has already manufactured 6,000 aircraft. Besides aircraft and missiles, we also have units that integrate systems for land and naval forces,” he said. On being asked about his views on the rules and regulations in India on defence procurement, Buske said that India

Group CEO of SAAB AB Hasan Buske and Country Head of SAAB India Inderjit Sial addressing the media

is an important market for Sweden and the company is fine with whatever the percentage of FDI is permitted in India. He clarified that despite integration of the US solutions in Gripen, transfer of technology to India will not be an issue. Saab officials informed that the company’s association with India goes back to 1975 when it signed a licence agreement for manufacture of ammunition and parts of weapons with an Indian ordnance factory. Besides the Indian Air Force, Saab is also looking ahead to be a part of many more programmes in India. It may be mentioned that Saab has recently signed a letter of intent to set up a research and development centre with Mahindra & Mahindra. Buske was on a visit to India to discuss many potential joint ventures with Indian companies. “Engineering capacity in the Western world is shrinking and we are looking ahead to countries like India which has an extremely strong economy and technically skilled workforce. India is producing 6,00,000 engineers every year. We look forward to utilise Indian capabilities,” he said. SP —Sucheta Das Mohapatra For more information and video, visit: http://www.spsaviation.net/latestnews Issue 11 • 2010 SP’S AVIATION 35

Photograph: Abhishek / Sp guide pubns

Military Industry

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Appointments Piaggio Piaggio Aero Industries has announced that its Board of Directors, under the direction of its Chairman Piero Ferrari, has appointed Eligio Trombetta as General Manager of Piaggio Aero. With this key appointment, as part of its consolidation and expansion programme, Piaggio Aero has strengthened its senior management team and its abilities to develop the company’s industrial growth, with the full backing of the majority shareholders and strategic partners, Mubadala Development and Tata Limited. Embraer Embraer has named Phil Krull as Managing Director of the Company’s first US aircraft assembly plant and customer center, at Melbourne International Airport (MLB), in Melbourne, Florida. Krull will head up the newly established facility dedicated to the Phenom executive jet family in the company’s largest market. European Aerospace and Defence Industries Association Airbus Military Managing Director Domingo Ureña-Raso has been named President and Chairman of the Council of the European AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association (ASD). He will succeed PierFrancesco Guarguaglini, Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica. ASD represents the aeronautics, space, defence and security industries of Europe in all matters of common interest with the objective of promoting and supporting the competitive development of these sectors. Safran Paul Blue has been named Safran National Executive for USA, and Chairman and CEO of Safran USA. He joins the Group’s International Development Department and will report to Emeric d’Arcimoles, Executive Vice President, International Development. Cédric Goubet joins Safran as deputy to the Executive Vice President, Aerospace Propulsion branch, reporting to Marc Ventre. He replaces Benoit Gosset, who is moving to another position within the Group. Yves Charvin has been named Vice President, Legal Affairs at Morpho, the Safran Company that consolidates the Group’s security business. Dassault Aviation Stéphane Fort has been appointed Vice President, External Relations and Corporate Communication of Dassault Aviation. He takes over from Yves Robins. Honeywell Mike Madsen has been appointed President of Honeywell Aerospace’s defense and space business. Earlier, Madsen was Vice President of the Airlines Customer Business team within the air transport and regional (AT&R) actuation systems and aircraft pneumatic components. Ministry of Defence and the armed forces. The Russian delegation included representatives from the Russian Ministry of defence and the Russian defence industry. The Commission took note of the progress on several major projects since its last meeting, which was held in October 2009.

Israeli Ministry of Defence selects Lockheed Martin F-35 Following the Israeli Government’s decision to select the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II as the Israel Air Force’s next-generation fighter aircraft, Israeli Ministry of Defence Director General, Major General (Retd) Udi Shani signed the letter of offer and

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acceptance for the procurement of the F-35 aircraft on October 7 in New York. Israel will be the first country to receive the F-35 through the United States Government’s foreign military sales process. F-15SA aircraft in Saudi Arabia The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of 84 F-15SA Aircraft, 170 APG-63(v)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar sets, 193 F-110-GE-129 improved performance engines and assorted equipment. Also included are the upgradation of the existing Royal Saudi Air Force fleet of 70 F-15S multirole fighters to the F-15SA configuration, the provision for CONUS-based fighter training operations for a 12 F-15SA contingent, construction, refurbishments and infrastructure improvements of several support facilities for the F-15SA in-kingdom including other support services. Eurofighter committed to India Eurofighter, its partner companies and the four-nation members of the European consortium Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain, are fully committed to deepening the strategic partnership with India. Paving the way for this long-term cooperation, the Supervisory Board of Eurofighter GmbH met in New Delhi for the first time from October 25 to 26. CEOs from Eurofighter partner companies (EADS, BAE Systems and Alenia Aeronautica) attended the meeting.

Americas Lockheed Martin submits proposal for Cargo UAS

Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace Corporation, a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation, have formally offered

QuickRoundUp and Saab for participation in the Gripen NG development programme with the aim to support Saab’s development and production for the rear and intermediate fuselage sections, wings and landing gear doors. BAE Systems • BAE Systems has unveiled the boldstroke directable infrared countermeasures suite, an integrated aircraft survivability system designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided missiles and other evolving threats. Boldstroke is a modular, lightweight, highly reliable, and low-cost directable infrared countermeasure suite. Bombardier • The first phase of construction of the 6,00,000 sq ft (55,742 m2) facility in Belfast that will house the manufacture and assembly of the advanced composite wings for the all-new C Series commercial aircraft has been completed on schedule. Bombardier’s Belfast operation is responsible for the design, manufacture and integration of the advanced composite wings for the CSeries aircraft. EADS • EADS North America has announced at the Association of the US Army annual convention that its Armed Aerial Scout 72X (AAS-72X) industry team is preparing for the first flight of one of three companyfunded Technical Demonstration Aircraft in December. The EADS North America-led industry team, comprised of Lockheed Martin, Eurocopter and American Eurocopter, is developing three AAS-72X aircraft to demonstrate the total capability of the aircraft. Eurocopter • Eurocopter and Kazakhstan Engineering have signed a framework agreement for a 50/50 joint venture to assemble and customise EC145s in Kazakhstan. The agreement also includes the development of local maintenance and training activities to support EC145 operations throughout the new customs union zone created this summer by Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus and the entire Central Asian region. www.spsaviation.net

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Show Calendar 9–11 November Business Aviation Safety Seminar-Asia 2010 Singapore Aviation Academy, Singapore http://flightsafety.org 10–11 November The Future of Business Jets Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London, UK www.quaynote.com 16–18 November Heli-Power 2010 Olympia Conference Centre, London, UK http://www.shephard.co.uk/ 17–18 November Unmanned Aircraft Systems 2010 Millennium Gloucester Hotel in Kensington, Central London http://www.smi-online.co.uk 29–30 November The Future of Air Transport Le Méridien Piccadilly, London http://marketforce.eu.com/ Conferences/airtransport10 30 November–1 December Airborne CounterInsurgency 2010 CCT Smithfield, London, England, UK www.airbournecounterinsurgency.com 30 November–2 December Italy Airspace Expo New Rome Exhibition Centre, Italy www.expoairspace.it 7–9 December Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) Airport Expo Dubai, Dubai, UAE. www.meba.aero 12–14 December ATC Global Middle East 2010 Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE www.atcglobalme.com 15–16 December Energising Indian Aerospace Industry DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, India http://www.ciidefence.com

QuickRoundUp

Nishant trials at Kolar airfield

n October 28, ADE conducted Nishant trials at Kolar Airfield in which a technology breakthrough has been achieved. A new technology called the structural health monitoring has been developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) for the monitoring of structural health parameters while the UAV is in flight. The breakthrough enables the structural health of aeronautical structures to be monitored, so that online health can be monitored and online corrective action for the flight can be taken. This enables the aircraft to be flown without unnecessarily grounding them. Analysis algorithms have been developed to predict onset of failures which would be perfected using the data obtained through the flight. Usage of such techniques will avoid periodic grounding of the aircraft and make the maintenance schedules to be more like ‘on condition maintenance’, the condition being detected even before the failure occurs. It will avoid unnecessary grounding of aircraft for inspection. Monitoring can be used for light combat aircraft, medium combat aircraft, fifth generation fighter aircraft and other unmanned aerial vehicles. These techniques are going to be extensively used in the future in order to cut down the operational costs of the aircraft and can also lead to reduction in airfares. Such techniques can prevent ensuing danger of the flights by pre-warning the occurrence of failure. •

the K-MAX unmanned helicopter in response to a US Naval Air Systems Command request for a cargo unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Earlier this year, the K-MAX UAS successfully demonstrated its ability to resupply troops in a simulated environment similar to forward operating bases in Afghanistan. Under a contract with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Lockheed Martin and Kaman successfully flew the unmanned K-MAX at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, meeting or exceeding the requirements that were set. Boeing’s new P-8 facility Boeing has opened a new P-8 aircraft production facility near Boeing Field in Seattle. The refurbished factory will give Boeing and its P-8 teammates the space they need to install mission systems and conduct tests on aircraft for current and future customers. DARPA takes big step in aircraft safety Military aircraft today face many threats, including surface-to-air missiles, antiaircraft guns and weapons fired from hostile aircraft. Despite modern systems that help friendly aircraft evade these threats, sometimes damage occurs. To improve survivability

of damaged aircraft, DARPA’s damage tolerant controls (DTC) program is developing a software to compensate for damaged aircraft control surfaces and engines, allowing pilots to land their aircraft safely. This technology also applies to material failures that can degrade flight performance in an unpredictable manner. US Air Force selects Belac LLC Chromalloy has revealed that its joint venture company, BELAC LLC, has been selected by the US Air Force to provide CFM56-3 parts manufacturer approval (PMA) first stage high pressure turbine (HPT) blades. The one-year contract is valued at $2.6 million. The equipment will replace worn and scrapped turbine engine blades during maintenance of the F108 aircraft engines that power the KC-135 tanker aircraft. The F108 engine is the military variant of the CFM562B commercial aircraft engine. BAE Systems to support Silver Fox UAS BAE Systems has received a US Air Force contract of $3.9 million to provide engineering, training, and other services for the continued use of the company’s Silver Fox unmanned aircraft systems. The Silver Fox aircraft sup-

Elbit Systems • Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., has been awarded a $45.5 million indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, for the supply of the night targeting system upgrade (NTSU) and associated line items for the AH-1W Cobra helicopters. Work will be performed in Merrimack and is expected to be completed over the next five years. Hawker Beechcraft Corporation • Hawker Beechcraft Corporation has announced the recent deliveries of its Beechcraft King Air 350C turboprops, to the Colombian Air Force for use as air ambulances. The aircraft were sold to Colombia under a foreign military sales agreement. Five King Air 350 aircraft have been delivered to date, while a sixth is expected to be delivered later this year. Israel • Elbit Systems Ltd has announced that its wholly-owned US subsidiary, Elbit Systems of America, LLC, has been awarded a five year, $68 million indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract to supply the US Army, Navy, Marines Corps and Coast Guard with AN/AVS-7 head-up display components including the latest Elbit Systems of America flat panel day and night head-up display units. Italy • Three Italian Navy EH-101 helicopters which will support NATO operations in Afghanistan as part of International Security and Assistance Force have arrived, after being airlifted by a C-17 transport aircraft belonging to the US Air Force. The helicopters, fitted with self protection systems and nightvision capabilities, are able to carry out surveillance missions, patrols, convoy escort, transport of sensitive personnel, medical evacuation and deterrence. Italian Air Force’s Predator UAVs deployed in Heart, have crossed the milestone of 5,000 flight hours during which more than 600 operational missions were conducted from 2007 in Afghanistan.

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ports military operations during intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Europe The first female Gripen pilot is born In October 2010, the South African Air Force created aviation history. One of the four South African Air Force (SAAF) pilots to successfully complete the first operational conversion course (OCC) instructed by local SAAF pilots, is a woman. Major Catherine Labuschagne made her solo Gripen flight at the South African airbase Makhado in the Limpopo province. This will give her a place in the record books as the first female Gripen pilot. Major Labuschagne is one of several women serving as pilots in the SAAF and she previously flew the Impala jet before she qualified on the Hawk Lead-In-Fighter trainer to prepare her for the transition to South Africa’s frontline fighter. The South African government ordered 26 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft in 1999 as part of a ‘strategic defence package’. Airbus Military A330 MRTT obtains military certification Airbus Military has obtained certification for the A330 multi role tanker transport from Spanish military certification authority Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Aerospacial (INTA). This paves the way for first delivery of the aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in the coming weeks. The A330 MRTT is now the only certified new-generation tanker and transport being offered to the world’s air forces. A total of 28 A330 MRTTs have been ordered by the Air forces of four nations (Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom). Finmeccanica wins contracts worth EUR 384 million Finmeccanica has won contracts with a total value of more than EUR 384 million through it companies Selex Galileo, Alenia Aeronautica and Selex Sistemi Integrati.

ATC Seminar

n World ATC Day on October 20, the Air Traffic Controllers’ Guild (India) organised a two-day seminar on “Air Traffic Management, Airports & Airlines: India initiatives for infrastructure” in New Delhi. While the Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel inaugurated the seminar, it was a moment of pride for the guild as it hosted the President and CEO of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATCA), Alexis Brathwaite from Trinidad and Tobago. The seminar highlighted the need for cooperation between the various stakeholders in the aviation community, underlining aviation safety, efficiency and optimal performance. The host of speakers gave different perspectives to the growing aviation sector and how the challenges have to be met. The ATC Guild also honoured two eminent scientists—Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation and Dr. K. Santhanam of DRDO. •

Selex Galileo has won orders worth a total of approximately EUR 352 million. Specifically, a contract worth around EUR 242 million (over GBP 200 million) is for the supply of 88 Captor radar systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3A programme. Deliveries are due to commence in 2012 with manufacturing taking place in Italy, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom. Alenia Aeronautica, through its subsidiary Alenia North America, has signed a contract worth more than EUR 22 million (around $30 million) with the United States Air Force (USAF) to supply other two additional modernised and refurbished G.222 tactical transport aircraft for the use of the Afghan Air Force.

Civil Aviation Americas Sixth Boeing 787 makes first flight|

ZA006, is the second 787 equipped with General Electric GEnx engines to fly. In addition to achieving the first flight of ZA006, the Boeing test team has completed a number of flight test milestones in recent weeks. A dramatic series of tests that stress the airplane’s brakes, called maximum brake energy testing, was completed in late September at Edwards Air Force Base, also in California. ZA001 conducted this testing as well as a series of extreme takeoff and landing conditions including minimum takeoff speed testing. As a result of these tests and others, all takeoff performance and handling characteristics testing is complete for the initial version of the 787. Additional testing will be required for 787s equipped with GE engines. The 787 flight test programme has logged more than 1,900 hours over 620 flights and completed more than 65 per cent of the flight test conditions for 787s with Rolls-Royce engines.

Industry The final Boeing 787 Dreamliner to join the flight test fleet made its first flight on October 4 from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The airplane,

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Asia-Pacific New ultra light MiniPOP payload Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is introducing the new-

QuickRoundUp Pakistan • Pakistan is closely collaborating with China to launch a joint space communications satellite next year in 2011 that will be a milestone in their friendship. The new satellite called Paksat-1R will bring immense economic benefits to Pakistan, said Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khan. Raytheon • Raytheon Corporation has been awarded an $11.5 million contract for developing and testing critical high definition (HD) and target location accuracy enabling components, including multi-colour laser rangefinder designator, HD slip rings, and twist capsules for the multi-spectral targeting system A/B for the predator and reaper systems. Raytheon/Boeing • Raytheon Company and the Boeing Company have completed flight testing of the joint air-to-ground missile’s (JAGM) fixed-wing launcher and instrumented measurement vehicle (IMV) on the Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. IMV is the same size, shape and mass as an allup JAGM round and the flight tests are a crucial first step toward qualifying JAGM for Super Hornet employment. Rolls-Royce • Rolls-Royce has won an order worth $390 million at list prices from Thai Airways International for Trent 700 engines to power an additional seven Airbus A330 aircraft. The order includes a longterm service agreement for the aircraft which will be delivered from 2011. Saab Gripen • Sweden’s FMV Test & Evaluation Department has recently conducted a so-called safe-separation firing from Gripen with the Meteor missile which is the first live-firing of the Integration programme. Gripen has also been the launch platform from the start of the development of the Meteor missile. The purpose of this test was to verify the model on separation of the missile from the aircraft. Sikorsky • Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has been awarded a $37,8 million www.spsaviation.net

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est member of its MiniPOP (plug-in optronic payload) family, the ultra light MiniPOP. The new lightweight MiniPOP payload is manufactured using lightweight metals, including magnesium and titanium. It is designed to be utilised by small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which demand long endurance; and by Special Ground Forces for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISTAR) missions. The system can be handled and operated by a single soldier.

Americas Global aircraft family

Corporate aviation leader Bombardier Aerospace reaffirmed its command of the large business jet category by introducing two new jets, the Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft. Bombardier’s flagship Global aircraft family now uniquely covers the large, ultra long-range category with four aircraft models, the Global 5000,Global Express XRS, Global 7000 and Global 8000 jets.

a million flight hours as for September 2010. Multi-role Ka-32A11BC at Portugal On October 5, Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, presented at the second international helicopter exhibition Helitech-2010, in a Lisbon suburb, its civil helicopter lineup. The holding company is offering European operators the EASA-certified multirole Ka-32A11BC, and the light Ansat, Ka-226/226T, the medium Ka-62, Mi-8/17, and the heavy transport Mi-25TS. Jointly with Tranzas, Russian Helicopters is offering the international aviation market training solutions for pilots preparing to fly Russian-made rotorcraft. The Ka-32A11BC in particular, plays an important role in forest fire fighting in various countries worldwide, including Western Europe and Portugal. Within the last three hazardous seasons in Portugal the effective use of the Ka-32A11BC helped extinguish thousands of forest fires, saved thousands of hectares of farm ground, and prevented fires in a number of towns. Eurocopter’s X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter

Europe P.180 Avanti aircraft world fleet

Piaggio Aero announced that their P.180 Avanti and Avanti II aircraft fleet has passed the significant landmark of 5,00,000 flight hours. The P.180 Avanti world fleet is composed of 203 aircraft (+ 4 prototypes). With its two versions, the “Avanti”, certified in 1990, and the Avanti II, certified in 2005, the P.180s have flown more than half

Eurocopter has begun test flights of the X3 demonstrator for its innovative highspeed, long-range Hybrid Helicopter (H3) concept, which combines excellent vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with fast cruise speeds of more than 220 kts. A wide range of utilisations are envisaged for the H3 configuration, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR) missions, coast guard duties, border patol missions, passenger transport and inter-city shuttle services. It also may be well-suited for military missions in ‘Special

Forces’ operations, troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation—benefitting from the hybrid aircraft’s combination of higher cruise speeds with excellent vertical takeoff/landing performance. Eurocopter’s India subsidiary On October 20, Eurocopter inaugurated its new Indian subsidiary. The new subsidiary is headquartered in New Delhi and has an existing facility in Bangalore for the management of industrial activity. An engineering centre will be created in Bangalore next year, along with the opening of a new commercial office in Mumbai. Eurocopter India’s current headcount of 30 employees is expected to grow significantly during the coming years as the company evolves its commercial, industrial and services/support presence in the country. Learjet 60 XR aircraft’s new speed record On October 19, Bombardier Aerospace confirmed that its high-performance Learjet 60 XR aircraft set a new speed record on August 8, 2010, flying 4,777 nm (8,847 km) from Wichita, Kansas to São Paulo, Brazil, with one stop in Cali, Colombia, in just 11 hours and 58 minutes. The flight was officially sanctioned by the National Aeronautics Association (NAA) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) on September 8, 2010.

Space Americas Boeing ships mobile communications satellite Boeing announced on October 19 that it had shipped the LightSquared SkyTerra 1, a high-capacity mobile communications satellite, from the company’s integration and test complex in El Segundo to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The satellite is now undergoing final preparations for a November 14 launch aboard an International Launch Services Proton rocket. •

QuickRoundUp contract to exercise of an option to purchase two UH-60M aircraft and one HH-60M aircraft for the Army. Work is to be completed by June 30, 2012. Sikorsky Innovations, the technology development organization of Sikorsky Aircraft, has completed rig testing of a Hub Mounted Vibration Suppression system, designed to eliminate vibration and deliver a smoother helicopter ride. The effort is jointly funded by Sikorsky and the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate. US Air Force • The US Air Force’s second geosynchronous space-based infrared systems satellite has successfully completed the integration of its two equipment panels onto the spacecraft core module which is a major milestone in the GEO-2 programme and represents the first instance of a fully assembled and integrated GEO-2 space vehicle. GEO-2 is scheduled for launch in 2012. The US Air Force has selected Lockheed Martin as the winner of the 60 percent share of the Advanced Targeting Pod-Sensor Enhancement (ATP-SE) competition. Under the terms of this contract, the Government has options to buy up to 670 pods through 2017. If all options are exercised, Lockheed Martin’s share of the program will total more than $1 billion. US Army • Raytheon Company’s airborne multi-spectral targeting system, whose video imagery helps soldiers, intelligence analysts and commanders in the field make critical operating decisions has exceeded one million flight hours. US Navy • US Navy successfully conducted the first flight test of the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) Block I system on the MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical take-off UAV. The AN/DVS-1 COBRA system allows the MQ-8B to conduct unmanned aerial reconnaissance in littoral areas, detecting minefields and obstacles to prepare for amphibious assaults. The Block I upgrade was designed to specifically address the beach zone and inland areas.

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Consolidating P a r t n e r s h i p

Photograph: PIB

he 44th President of the United States of agenda included common concerns on security, stability and America and the sixth to visit India, Obama’s mis- prosperity in Asia, strategic consultations on regional and sion undertaken during the first term of presidency global issues as also enhanced cooperation in space techwas not only high profile and opportune for mutual nology, clean energy, non-proliferation, dual use and high commercial and military interests; but more importantly, it technology. Being an entirely bilateral issue between India flagged an important milestone in the history of develop- and Pakistan, Kashmir was not on the agenda. President ment of strategic partnership between the largest and the Obama’s explicit support for India’s bid for permanent memoldest democracies in the world. India is one of the major bership of the UN Security Council came as a pleasant surpower centres in the region and is regarded by the US as prise. But support for the membership will come at a price. “the cornerstone of its Asia policy” and President Obama The visit was particularly significant for the military estabhimself has described India as “an indispensable partner lishment in India as there has been unprecedented military of the US”. exchange and cooperation between the two nations in the reThe President’s remarks in the recent past against out- cent past and a number of big ticket items such as the C-130J sourcing to India and the steep hike in visa fees had raised Super Hercules and P8-I maritime surveillance aircraft valued serious apprehensions in the Indian industry. The fact that at $3.1 billion (`14,000 crore) are already on order. As anthe 200-odd business delegates in the Presidential entou- nounced, deals worth $10 billion (`45,000 crore) concluded rage included chief executives of major US firms and that during the visit include a preliminary agreement for a $4.1 the port of entry was Mumbai, the commercial capital of billion (`18,450 crore) to supply 10 C17 Globemaster III, adIndia, as also the elaborate interaction with the captains vanced strategic military transport aircraft and 107, GE F414 of the industry organised by the US-India Business Council engines valued at $822 million (`3,7W00 crore) for Tejas light there, should help dispel any doubts with regard to the eco- combat aircraft. And then there is the $10 billion (`45,000 nomic undertone and commercial focus of the visit. crore) tender for which the two American aerospace majors With a view to subdue expectations to obviate the possibil- Boeing and Lockheed Martin Corporation are in the race. ity of disappointment later on, a bulletin from the Ministry Behind the optimism and hype associated with the Obama of External Affairs had warned visit is the haunting uncertainagainst expectation of any earth ty of the economy back home shattering outcomes from the which is in dire straits. The visit which covered broad poconcern has been compounded litical, economic and security further by the unfavourable issues. As expected, the interacresults of the mid-term election between the leadership of tions that could create new difthe two nations was more of an ficulties for the President in the exercise in the consolidation of regime of both domestic and relationships, elevation of levels foreign policy. Deals concluded of mutual trust and confidence during the visit should provide as also enlargement of the strasmall but much needed relief to tegic framework of the partthe President from pressures nership. An important item on back home. the agenda was the menace of While both nations may terrorism. It is indeed symbolic have much to gain from the A long-term durable relationship that the visit was undertaken in strategic partnership, a longNovember, a month in which term durable relationship can can be forged based not only on Mumbai was traumatised with be forged based not only on trade but through deep political terrorist attacks on the two high trade but through deep political profile star hotels—Taj and Triunderstanding, an aspect that understanding,an aspect that dent. President Obama stayed demands of the two nations demands of the two nations at the Taj—another highly symcongruent vision, clear focus, bolic gesture and a subtle mesdedicated effort and continuity congruent vision,clear focus, sage to the terrorist groups as in foreign policy. SP dedicated effort and continuity in — Air Marshal (Retd) also to Pakistan. B.K. Pandey The other issues on the foreign policy 40 SP’S AVIATION Issue 11 • 2010

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