Iron Birds of the INDIAN AIR FORCE

FIGHTER AIRCRAFT

HAL - TEJAS

Images: DRDO / HAL

INTRODUCTION

The history of military aviation indicates that light fighters have always been one of the most popular classes of aircraft. Generally lightweight fighters are significantly cheaper and less complex to build than their heavier counterparts. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas "Radiance" is a 4+ generation, multirole light fighter developed by India for both defensive and offensive purposes. India with its expanding economy and its growth in aerospace and other important military technological areas has become a very important and robust criterion to enable the country’s growth in the development of indigenous defense related products. With ample government support, this industry can grow both commercially and in the technology spectrum. The present NDA government seems determined to cut the policy paralysis, which was the hallmark of the previous UPA government lead by Prime Minister Dr. Singh & Defense Minister A K Antony. Another invigorating factor is that the Shri. Narendra Modi's Government supports 100% Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the defense industry. This will augur well to augment the current state of affairs in this sector. Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas was envisaged to boost the indigenous aerospace capabilities. It has emerged as a sophisticated and significant piece of complex technological system that the country can be proud of. The main intention was to not only provide a launch base for aircraft production but also build upon local industry infrastructure capable of creating state-of-the-art products and services. 

However, the LCA program was predicated on several critical technologies and primary among them was the propulsion unit. The Kaveri GTX-35VS engine development has been slow and beset with unpredictable problems. As an illustration, Snecma of France with half a century of experience in developing various kinds of engines took more than 13 years to successfully bring the M-88 turbofan into production. Similarly, China has been struggling to develop a viable turbofan engine of its own, it has managed to reverse engineer and produce most of the parts of the Russia's NPO-Saturn AL-31 domestically for the WS-10A program, but is encountering problems marked by technological and performance inadequacies to produce the all important turbine blades, which is now being imported from Russia.  Likewise, the Shenyang WS-10 a turbofan engine based on the core of CFM56 imported from America was found to lack the performance needed to equip modern fighters and was never used to power an aircraft. The delay in developing the Kaveri was warranted since DRDO/GTRE over estimated the technological complexities and the timeline required to overcome and build such sophisticated and complex system. Apart from the engine there has been delays in the development in other areas of the fighter as well, mainly developing and realizing new cutting-edge technologies which had to be evolved from scratch. IAF has also been changing its Air Staff Requirements frequently based on the current altering airborne scenarios. Thankfully though there has been substantial progress during the past couple of years and the Tejas program is triumphantly marching towards certification for Final Operational Clearance (FOC).

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) manages the LCA program while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, (HAL) is the principal manufacturer with participation of various DRDO & CSIR Laboratories, public & private sector industries and academic institutions. The development of Tejas has been a monumental national effort. It is worth mentioning that during the last two decades the Tejas has gone into production and upgraded technology levels of various disciplines of design, development, ground testing and flight-testing of a modern combat aircraft. The program has also fostered the growth of a large human capital in Aeronautical Engineers and has enabled the country to build confidence to pursue future military and civil aviation challenges.

Design

Tejas is a tailless, compound delta winged configuration with size and weight advantage and better close combat, high speed and high angle-of–attack characteristics. The longitudinal stability is relaxed to enhance agility, maneuverability and performance. To improve high speed handling and reduce wave drag, the wing is optimized with camber & twist, wing body blending and area ruled fuselage. Tejas has an Air-frame designed for strength and stiffness under specified loads in extreme environment with durability and damage tolerance. Tejas incorporates a highly reliable quadruplex digital Fly-By-Wire (FBW) Flight Control System to ease handling by the pilot. The digital FBW system of the Tejas employs a powerful digital flight control computer (DFCC) comprising four computing channels, each with its own independent power supply and all housed in a single Line Replaceable Units (LRU). The new generation glass cockpit comprises Multi Function Displays (MFD), Head Up Display (HUD) and Stand by Instrumentation System driven by Open Architecture Mission and Display Computer. The computer interfaces with pilot display systems like the MFD is through the MIL-STD-1553B multiplex avionics data buses and RS-422 serial links. MIL-STD-1553 is a military standard published by the United States Department of Defense that defines the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of a serial data bus.

Tejas is intentionally made longitudinally unstable to enhance maneuverability. The Control Laws (CLAW) recover stability and provide good handling qualities to the Pilot. The autopilot provides pilot relief functions. This helps the pilot to do more head down activities (especially mission critical activities) without being concerned about the aircraft departing from its flight path. The Tejas employs carbon-fiber composites (CFC) and titanium-alloy steels materials for up to 45 per cent of its air-frame, including in the fuselage (doors and skins), wings (skin, spars and ribs), elevons, tail fin, rudder, air brakes and landing gear doors. Composites are used to make an aircraft both lighter and stronger when compared to an all-metal design, and the LCA’s percentage employment of CFC is one of the highest among contemporary aircraft of its class. The use of composites in the LCA resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in the total number of parts compared to using a metallic frame The term Glass Cockpit refers to a modern cockpit in which all the round dialed electro-mechanical instruments is replaced with MFD and a Head Up Display (HUD). A glass cockpit uses several displays driven by flight management systems, which can be adjusted to display flight information as needed. This simplifies aircraft operation and navigation and allows pilots to focus only on the most pertinent information and gives multirole capabilities with carefree maneuvering. The Tejas is a tailless, compound delta platform. This platform is designed to keep the Tejas small and lightweight. The use of this platform also minimizes the control surfaces needed (no tail planes or fore planes, just a single vertical tail fin), permits carriage of a wider range of external stores, and confers better close-combat, high-speed, and high alpha performance characteristics than conventional wing designs. The coherent Pulse-Doppler Multi Mode Radar is designed to operate equally effectively in the Air to Air and Air to Surface domains, it features multi-target Air to Air Track, Hi Resolution Synthetic Aperture Mapping and specialized Air to Sea modes.

Open Architecture Computer designed and developed by ADA, combines display processor, video switching unit and mission preparation and retrieval unit. Real time simulator, Hardware-in-Loop (Iron Bird) Simulator, Engineer-in Loop simulator Systems Development and Evaluation Facility are some of the facilities that enable the pilot an exhaustive and confidence building testing and evaluation of all systems of the aircraft before flying the Tejas. The Tejas is a pilot’s aircraft and nowhere is this more evident than in its handling qualities and performance characteristics. The fighter rockets off the runway and into the air in a mere 500 meters, and the control harmony and carefree handling characteristics are clearly demonstrated in the almost poetic ballet in the air that is the aerobatic display routine. Tejas development program has also accomplished the design and development of two-seater trainer aircraft for Indian Air Force (PV-5). Being a fully operational trainer this prototype is also obtaining the full operational clearance.

Tejas is designed to carry a variety of weapons such as air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, precision guided and standoff weaponry. In the air-to-air category, the Tejas carries long range highly agile beyond visual range and close range missiles to tackle any close combat threat. It also has the ability to attack air-to-surface targets with extreme accuracy using sophisticated navigation and attack systems. It won't be long before Indian fighter pilots will fly an air combat system which is designed and manufactured in India. 

KEY FEATURES

Aerodynamics and Performance

• Tejas is a highly maneuverable and agile combat aircraft designed for air defence and offensive roles. It features aerodynamically unstable tailless compound delta wing configuration which is culmination of an intense design exercise involving extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics studies and Wind Tunnel testing. An additional control surface, Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON) is incorporated in LCA Navy to enable operations from a carrier.

Airframe

• Cost-effectiveness and weight saving achieved by use of advanced composites which constitute 43% by weight of the airframe.
• Optimized Structural Design taking into account strength, buckling and Aero-Servo-Elastic requirements for carriage of heavy external stores, concurrent design practice employing Digital Mock-Up.

Avionics and Weapon Systems

• Advanced Glass Cockpit with High Performance Graphics to Support Situational Awareness, Decision Support and Data Fusion.
• Dual Redundant Open Architecture Mission and Display Computer.
• Unified Modeling Language Based prototyping, IEEE-12207, ADA-95 On-Board Flight Certified Avionics Application Software.
• Two microprocessor based Electronic Units monitor and control the on-board General Systems such as Engine, Electrical, Hydraulic, Fuel and Environmental Control Systems.
• Helmet Mounted Sight, Multi Mode Radar, Litening Pod and Radar Warning Receiver.
• Digital Weapon Management System Compatible to Russian, Western and MIL-1760C Weapons.
• Single Avionics Application Cater to Multiple Variants of Aircraft.
• Proven Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground Attack Modes.

Integrated Flight Control System

• State-of-the-art Full Authority Quadruplex Digital Fly-By-wire Flight Control System.
• Fault Tolerant Digital Flight Control Computer with built-in Redundancy Management.
• Fail Operational, Fail Safe Digital Flight Control System and Fail Safe Air Data System.
• Robust Control Laws for Stability and Command Augmentation, Carefree Maneuvering, Autopilot Control and Ski Jump Functionality.
• Advanced Flight Control Actuators incorporating both Hydraulic and Electrical Redundancy.
• Range of Ground Based Test Facilities for Integrated Flight Control System Development, Handling Qualities Evaluation, Non-Real Time Tests, Real Time Simulation, Hardware-in-loop Simulation, Structural Coupling Tests, Lightning Test, Ground Check out Systems and Flight Test.
• Test Facilities equipped with State-of-the-art Flight Dynamic Simulator, Engineering Test Station, Air Data Test Station, High End Projection Systems, Data Acquisition, Analysis and Storage System.

Propulsion

• Successful Integration and Flight Testing of GE-F404-F2J3 and IN20 Engines.
• Enhancement of Jet Fuel Starter with GTSu-110 M1 for LCA Mk1, and Development of high power GTSu-127 for LCA Mk2.
• The On-board Engine Condition Monitoring System provides real time Engine Status in the Cockpit and Logs the Engine usage Data to Compute Life usage Indices of Parts, also equipped with a Vibration Monitoring System.
• Enhancement of Engine Ground Test Facility to test IN20 engine. Alternate engine program for LCA Mk2.

Materials and Processes

• Indigenous Design, Fabrication and Qualification of Composite Radome and Drop Tanks.
• Indigenous availability of Type Approved materials for aircraft application now above 70%.

General Systems

• Single input, multi output gear box Aircraft Mounted Accessories Gear Box (AMAGB)
• Carbon-Carbon Composites for Aircraft Brakes.
• Tejas has a “brake-by-wire” system controlled by the Digital Hydraulic Electronic Unit (DHEU).
• Canopy Severance System (CSS).
• Work in Progress to bringing down high life cycle period for Software updates.
• Heat Exchangers.
• Hydraulic Filters.
• Gimbal Assembly with Venturi.
• Up Lock.
• Flight Qualified Mechanical System Line Replaceable units for Hydraulic, Fuel, Environmental Control, Secondary Power Systems and other aggregates.
• Fire Extinguisher Bottle.

Performance

• Max speed: Supersonic at all Altitudes
• Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet
• ‘g’ Limits: +8/-3.5

Dimensions

• Span: 8.20 m
• Length: 13.20 m
• Height: 4.40 m

Weight

• Take-off Clean: 9800 kg
• Empty: 6560 kg
• External Stores: 3500 kg

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Tejas has successfully completed more than 2,590 flights and has participated in Hot Weather, Cold Weather, Iron Fist and Weapon Trials comprising of Bomb releases both in Computer Calculated Release Point (CCRP - Uses GPS for target acquisition and termination) and Continuous Computed Impact Point (CCIP - Uses Radar for target termination) modes.
• R73E missile successful launching in MMR and Helmet Mounted Display Guided Modes.
• Stick Bombing, separation trials of emergency jettison of multiple stores and Drop Tanks were conducted at various locations across India.
• Other notable milestones achieved are Spool Down Engine relight, Envelope expansion up to 24 degrees Angle of Attack, operational readiness platform scramble, Laser guided missions with Litening POD, Fuel System, Brake Management System and General Systems performance.
• Multi-role capability demonstration by simultaneous release of Laser Guided Bombs, Chaff & Flare dispensation and firing of R73E missile within a span of 100 secs. Other important achievements are night flying and wake penetration.
• Advanced Composites development of engine parts, Bypass Duct, Nozzle Flap, Bullet Nose Cone, curing achieved in both autoclave and press processes, indigenous resin development, developed glass transition temperature in excess of 300ºc.
• Indigenous aircraft paint system, characterization to DEF STAN 80-216, BS 2x 33 & 34 and application process fine tuned to Tejas.
• Indigenously developed single trolley multiple operations, shorter flight readiness cycle time, loading trolleys for Drop Tanks, Weapons, Digital Flight Control Computer, Battery, Jet Fuel Starter, Landing Gears etc.
• Realization of Product Life Cycle Management (PLM) - Implementation for all projects, complete product data management across work centers, pipelines and electrical looms data management, synchronization of data, query workflows from design through manufacturing, digital manufacturing and ERP interface, online design query management for faster disposition, real time status dash boards for effective tracking.
• Production Optimization - Introduction of laser tracker, high speed machining, automated drilling and riveting technologies, application of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) concepts, production standard drawings, build quality improvement and product cycle time reduction.
• Strength Test of Leading Edge Vortex Controller (LEVCON) for LCA Navy, successful flight trials with indigenously designed and qualified composite drop tanks, flight flutter tests for operational clean and heavy stores flight envelope expansion.
• Water Tightness Tests, Lightning Test Facility and configured and commissioned Automatic Cable Harness Tester.
• Production standard Digital Mock up (DMu) including system pipelines and electrical looms, capabilities like Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), analysis and assembly sequencing introduced.
• Qualification of indigenous autoclave consumables like pressure sensitive tapes, vacuum bag sealants and release films for Carbon/Epoxy system.

Image: Free Use

TEJAS MARK II

Tejas Mark II  will have some structural changes over the Mk I as the aircraft will be equipped with the more powerful GE 414 engine. The length of the aircraft will also  increase slightly and correspondingly its weight will go up. Tejas Mark II will have better radar, much more powerful engine, air to air refueling and also have full electronic warfare suite and advanced weapons.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is giving the final touches to the preliminary design of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-II, scheduled to be completed by the end of March. The detailed design phase of LCA Mk-2 would begin in the second quarter of 2014. A separate project team from ADA and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), dedicated to the upgraded version, is currently undertaking daily reviews.

The main scope of Tejas Mk-2 program is to have the engine changed from the current GE F-404 to GE F-414. A development contract for eight engines for the preliminary design phase has already been signed with GE, with the critical design review already been completed at its Boston facility. The Mk-II fighter will have OBOGS (On-board Oxygen Generating System), which is being developed by Defence Bio-engineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bangalore based Defence Research and Development Organisation lab. Currently, the ground development is over for OBOGS and the systems are undergoing various stages of qualification process.

Tejas Mk-II will have a unified electronic warfare system aimed at detecting and ducking enemy radar and later jamming it. It is to be the most maintenance-friendly aircraft in its class and all equipment on-board can be easily removed or re-installed smoothly. The Tejas MK-I has some scope for improving the maintenance aspects, which is being addressed in Mk-II. ADA is in the process to make Tejas Mk-II free from any kind of dead weight. The Mk-I has some dead weight in the form of lead plates installed to balance the aircraft which will disappear in Mk-II. It will also have considerable amount of extra fuel capability in operational clean configuration.

The point performance of Mk-II will be higher than Mk-I, which means the aircraft will have better rate of climb, transonic acceleration and turn rates. The new version will have an in-flight refueling system. ADA-HAL is going for the DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) technique for the production of Mk-II. The DFMA concept will be used for the first time for an Indian aviation program, which will decrease the production time and cost, also increase the quality quotient. With the avionics systems changing at a faster rate leading to technology obsolescence, the makers of Tejas have an uphill task of making the fighter contemporary even in the 2025's. The Mk-II project was sanctioned in 2009 at a cost about of Rs. 2,400 crore and post-design finalization phase, two prototypes are set to roll out from the HAL hangars. The IAF has committed a minimum of squadrons of Tejas Mk-2. (Via - NewIndianExpress - Edited)

TEJAS NAVY

Images: Left - Tejas.gov.in / Right: Mail Today

The LCA (Navy) is India's first indigenous effort to build a carrier borne naval fighter aircraft, a vital ingredient in the navy's expansion plans. It is designed to operate from the future Indigenous aircraft carriers, the Indian Navy plans to acquire. It will use ski-jump for take-off and arrested landing for aircraft carrier operations. The naval LCA uses a drooped nose section for better view and strengthened air frame structure for aircraft-carrier operations.

Though the aircraft looks quite similar to the regular Air Force trainer version, it is significantly different anatomically. This is because it is designed to land on an aircraft carrier with adequate pilot visibility during landing and take off. The landing gear with its high sink rate of 7.1 m/sec arising from ship deck requirement had imposed serious challenge to the designers, which has now been successfully circumvented.

The success of Tejas program for IAF drew the confidence of Indian Navy entrusting ADA with the Design and Development of Naval Version of LCA for operation from Aircraft Carriers. Aerodynamic fixes to improve low speed performance for Carrier Operation, addition of Arrestor Hook for deck recovery, need for a stronger Undercarriage and Cockpit redesign for naval operations have made the LCA Navy development program an immense challenge. World class infrastructure facilities created through the LCA program have significantly increased the level of technical competence in the country, thereby giving the confidence to take up more complex fighter aircraft developments activities in the future. ADA has taken up the Design and Development of next generation fighter the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Technological capabilities acquired through LCA program enabled ADA to participate in the development of 5th generation Combat Aircraft. Spin-off benefits of indigenous technology development initiative of `Tejas` program has potential spin-off benefits to other aircraft development programs and support other aircraft operating in Defence Service. Tejas has re-scripted the history of Indian Aeronautics in golden letters.

Tejas rejuvenated the field of Aeronautics in India with capabilities of R&D, Fabrication, Assembly, Testing facilities, Air worthiness Certification and Quality Assurance undergoing a radical upgrade. The sheer elegance and dignity with which it zooms to skies and accomplishes the mission with surgical precision is a privilege to watch. It is the ultimate dream machine of a patriotic pilot who wants to score honors for his country. LCA is the smallest lightweight multi-role supersonic aircraft in the world. With state-of-the-art technologies in every aspect of design and development, this single seat, single engine tactical fighter from India is among the best in the world in its class.

The mission of LCA program is to design and develop a world class fighter for Indian Air Force to replace MiG series of aircraft and to create the technology base in the country for such a development. For survival in today’s battlefield, agility and maneuverability are crucial. The use of advanced aerodynamic, structural, avionics and control systems has given LCA all weather, day-night capability with excellent mission and point performance. LCA’s emergence has led to the development in state-of-the-art materials, manufacturing processes, computational and test facilities at the national level, taking the country to technological self-reliance. Tejas is fitted with advanced sensors like Multi Mode Radar (MMR) Litening Pod (Day and Night imaging sensors). These when integrated with the on board weapon system, makes it a potent multi role combat aircraft.

ADA has developed a number of software packages in the areas of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Virtual Reality, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Composites. A number of real time software for on-board application in the areas of Avionics, Intelligent Flight Control System, Mission Computer and software tools for independent verification & validation have also been developed at ADA. All these packages have been extensively used for LCA and a few of them marketed within India and abroad.

Dream of the country’s first indigenous effort to build a carrier borne Naval Fighter aircraft got a fillip with the crossing of another significant milestone of the first Engine Ground Run (EGR) in Bangalore on September 26, 2011 of first LCA (Navy) prototype NP1. The maiden flight The LCA Navy NP1 was completed in Bangalore on April 27, 2012, the flight test engineer completed a 22 minutes flight. During the flight the aircraft was put through various maneuvers including low speed handling and even undertook a close formation flying at slow speed with another aircraft. With this India has crossed a major milestone in Design, Development, Manufacturing and Testing of a “four plus” generation Carrier Borne Fly-by-Wire STOBAR aircraft. LCA Navy is the second STOBAR (Short Take Off But Arrested Recovery) carrier borne aircraft in the world and this will be the only Carrier borne Fighter aircraft in the Light category. (Major Inputs: Aeromag India & Tejas.gov.in)

TEJAS NEWS UPDATE

(I will be updating this section with regard to the progress of TEJAS program on a regular basis)

June 02, 2014: India's first indigenous naval fighter jet for aircraft carrier operations, the LCA Navy, is back in the air and has notched up 20 flights in its log book. After its maiden flight in April 2012 and quick routine of four flights, the aircraft was grounded for a major re-design of its undercarriage with help from EADS/Airbus Group. After missing at least two test windows, the team in Bangalore was finally confident enough to get the first naval prototype NP1 back in air on March 22 for 35 minute flight in which the aircraft went supersonic for a few minutes at 1.1 Mach. The LCA Navy Mk.1 fleet of eight prospective aircraft will almost definitely be dedicated for conversion training and familiarization of aircrew. It will be the more powerful LCA Navy Mk.II (46 on order), powered by the GE F414 turbofan engine that will actually be used for carrier-borne operations on the new Vikrant-class aircraft carrier as well as the INS Vikramaditya. The air force version of the Tejas is cruising towards final operational clearance (FOC) smoothly, completing weapons trials on three platforms at Jamnagar recently, and now commencing all weather trials at Bangalore and other locations. (Via: SPS Aviation)

June 04, 2014: The LCA Tejas has had an excellent 2014 so far, most recently with three platforms completing a rigorous round of weapons trials in Jamnagar. Equally crucial are ongoing weather trials and performance trials at hot and high airfields. Newly available photographs of the LCA Tejas Mk.1 gunning its engines to notch up test points from the world's highest operational airfield at Leh shows a limited series production (LSP) airframe buzzing the Himalayas of lower Ladakh in a series of maneuvers crucial to final operational clearance. Performance in rarefied high altitude airfields is a critical requirement stipulated by the IAF as it intends to deploy or detach aircraft at a series of forward bases from time to time for operations and force projection. The Tejas, which underwent crucial winter trials in February last year as well, will continue to stretch its legs over the forbidding north in an effort to achieve full weather compliance. Sources on Team Tejas confirm that the little jet performed admirably, and were confident of strapping on additional loads to the aircraft's pylons to push it even further. (Via: SPS Aviation)

December 29, 2013: India's indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) completed 500 sorties in a year, achieving another milestone after attaining initial operational clearance last week. The highest number of sorties attained earlier in a calendar year was below 300. The release said 2013 has been exceptionally successful year for Tejas.It said noteworthy accomplishments include in-flight relight (shutting off and then reigniting the single engine), high energy brake testing, flight envelope expansion, R73E missile firing with radar guidance, air-to-ground weapon tests, wet runway trials and demonstration of swing role capability. Tejas, the lightest military jet in its class, got initial operational clearance Dec 20, paving the way for its induction into the IAF. The final operational clearance of the fighter plane is slated for December 2014. (via: IndiaToday.in)

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SUKHOI Su-30 MKI

Images: Sukhoi

INTRODUCTION

Essentially one of the best fighter aircraft operating in the world today, the mighty Sukhoi Su-30 MKI (M-Improved, K-Export, I-India in Russian) has garnered what is by any yardstick an enviable position as the most advanced and potent air dominance fighter, which awkwardly is proving to be even superior to the F-22 and a host of other wannabe western fighters. The aircraft is marked with supreme agility coupled with awesome firepower. It has the ability to change direction, hover like a helicopter almost at a standstill and execute extreme angles of attack ensuring effective performance of close maneuvering combat and also timely initial line approach for launching an attack to intercept high altitude and high speed targets. This is achieved by employing 3-D thrust vectoring technology in its engine design, the first fighter to have such a capability. The Su-30 MKI's flexible afterburner mechanism allows the nozzles to vector the thrust produced by the exhaust in different directions and angles supported by the canards, flaps and spoilers, which are synchronized automatically by the flight control system. This allows the pilots to not only out maneuver the enemy but also escape and alter directions in a flash. The Su-30 MKI high performance is attributable to its structural and aerodynamic configuration comprising of a lifting fuselage and developed wing root extensions. The interaction of the fore-planes and wingroot extensions creates a controlled vortex effect similar to that of an adaptive wing. In terms of the aerodynamic efficiency, the Su-30 MKI, like all other Su-27 variants, has no rivals. In the 1989 Paris Air Show Russian pilot Viktor Pugachev wowed crowds by demonstrating the now famous Pugachev’s Cobra maneuver in a Sukhoi Su-27 mainly aided by the fighters two Thrust Vectoring Saturn-Lyulka AL-31FP turbofan engines.
The MKI's air frame evolved from that of the Sukhoi Su-27 while most of the avionics were developed by India. The Su-30 MKI is a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program and is the most advanced version of the Su-30 variants, which is equipped with a phased array radars, upgraded avionics and is ability to deliver a heavier payload.

Development

In 1994, India decided to buy the Su-27 type fighter jets from Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau. Sukhoi commenced to develop a Su-30 a derivative of the Su-27 type based plane for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1995. In November 1996 an agreement between India and Russia was made for phased development and delivery of 8 Su-30K two-seat fighters and 32 Su-30 MKI multi-role two-seat fighters. The planes were scheduled for delivery in several consignments, with gradual enhancement of avionics, power plant and weapons. Sukhoi built two prototypes between 1995 and 1998. The first prototype, Su-30I-1, was based on the Su-30 production version, the prototype was completed in 1997, and the production started in 2000. The first pre-production plane was flight tested on 26th November 2000. The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates domestic systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli subsystems. It has abilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components.

Key Features:

• For the first time in the world, a production aircraft had an engine with thrust vector control (AL-31FP by NPO Saturn-Lyulka), and a remote control system integrated into a single control loop. Taken together, this renders the Su-30 MKI extremely maneuverable.
• For the first time in the world, a production plane had Phased Array Antenna radar
• Su-30 MKI's canards and thrust-vectoring nozzles are two of the most prominent developments over the basic MK variant.
• Nose wheel of the Su-30 MKI showing that the drag brace on the Flankers is mounted externally and fixed to the fuselage instead of the gear leg.
• The plane features large scale integration of avionics systems of domestic, Russian and foreign origin. The Su-30 MKI has an "international" avionics portfolio, including systems made by 14 foreign companies from across 6 countries of the world.
• The plane had a new ejection seat, the K-36D-3.5, and a number of other innovative systems.
• The air-launched weapons line-up has been significantly upgraded with the addition of the RVV-AYe air-to-air guided missile, Kh-29L/T/TYe, Kh-31A/P, Kh-59M air-to-ground missiles, and KAB-500 and KAB-1500 guided bombs. 
• The in-flight refueling capability considerably increases the air patrol time and aircraft operational range.
• The division of weapon control and aircraft piloting functions decreases the load on the crew and consequently ensures the reliable performance of the combat mission.
• The aircraft on-board equipment comprises a fire-control and surveillance radar system and optronic fire control complex integrated into the weapons control system to detect targets and guide air-to-air missiles and simultaneously track up to ten air targets at a range of up to 100 km and engage two targets at a range of up to 65 km.
• Effective Flight-control and navigation system, ensuring air navigation at all stages of flight, in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) weather conditions, at any time and season, over land and sea, in any geographical latitudes.
• Electronic Counter Measures equipment comprises of an illumination warning system, active jamming station and a passive jamming device (a chaff/flare dispenser)
• Monitoring system to check working parameters of the aircraft and outside operational situation.
• The Su-30 MKI fighter is provided with a wide range of airborne weapons, carried on ten suspension points:
•       50 to 500 kg aerial bombs;
•       Air-to-air missiles, type R-27R1, R-27T1, R-73E;

• The aircraft is also armed with a 30mm built-in automatic rapid-firing gun GSh-301 with an ammunition load of 150 rounds. 
• The high flight/technical aircraft performance, its capability to engage in air fighting and destroy ground and sea targets, as well as increased maneuverability and load carrying capacity, mounting of new local and foreign equipment and armament determine the high effectiveness of the Su-30 MKI fighter.

The Su-30 MKI program for the first time has showcased a new model for military-technical cooperation between Russia and India:

The Highlights:

• Delivery of the first consignment of baseline version (Su-30K)
• Joint R&D to produce an upgraded version (Su-30 MKI)
• Granting India the licence to manufacture with subsequent replacement of Russian-made components with those of foreign origin. In December 2000, a contract was signed to sell to India a licence to manufacture 140 Su-30 MKI planes of the final delivery group
• Upgrading of the planes from the first deliveries to the technical status of the final delivery group
• Setting up of a joint technical service center for after sales maintenance of the all equipment supplied - (Major Inputs - Sukhoi Design Bureau / Enemyforces.net - Edited)

General Characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 21.935 m (72.97 ft)
Wingspan: 14.7 m (48.2 ft)
Height: 6.36 m (20.85 ft)
Wing area: 62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Empty weight: 17,700 kg (39,300 lb)
Loaded weight: 24,900 kg (76,100 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 38,800 kg (85,600 lb)
Power Plant: 2× Lyulka AL-31FP turbofans with thrust vectoring, 131 kN (29,400 lbf) each

Performance

Maximum speed: Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h) at 11,000 m (36,000 ft)

Range: 3,000 km (1,620 nmi) at altitude; (1,270 km, 690 nmi near ground level)

Service ceiling 17,300 m (56,800 ft)

Rate of climb: >304 m/s (70,000 ft/min)

Wing loading: 556 kg/m² (113 lb/ft²)

Thrust/weight: 0.77 (at loaded weight)

Armaments: Air to Air Missiles

6 × R-27R/AA-10A/Astra semi-active radar homing medium range AAM of range 80 km.
6 × R-27T (AA-10B) infrared homing seeker, medium range AAM, 70 km
2 × R-27P (AA-10C) passive radar seeker, long range AAM
10 × R-77 (AA-12) active radar homing medium range AAM, 100 km
6 × R-73 (AA-11) short range AAM, 30 km
Air to Surface Missiles:
2 × Kh-59ME TV guided standoff Missile, 115 km
2 × Kh-59MK Laser guided standoff Missile, 130 km
4 × Kh-35Anti-Ship Missile, 130 km
3 × PJ-10 Bramhos Supersonic Cruise Missile,300 km
1 × Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile, 1,000 km
6 × Kh-31P/A anti-radar missile, 70 km
6 × Kh-29T/L laser guided missile, 30 km
4 × S-8 rocket pods (80 unguided rockets)
4 × S-13 rocket pods (20 unguided rockets)

Armaments: Bombs

6 × KAB-500L laser guided bombs
3 × KAB-1500L laser guided bombs
8 × FAB-500T dumb bombs
8 × RBK-500 cluster bombs
28 × OFAB-250-270 dumb bombs
32 × OFAB-100-120 dumb bombs

KEY AVIONICS

Laser-optical locator system

OLS-30 laser-optical locator system includes a day and night FLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, whilst the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km. Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar.

LITENING targeting pod

Israeli LITENING targeting pod is used to target laser guided munitions. Litening incorporates in a single pod all the targeting features required by a modern strike fighter. The original Litening pod includes a long range Forward looking infrared (FLIR), a TV camera, a flash-lamp powered laser designator, laser spot tracker for tracking target designated by other aircraft or from the ground, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables continuous engagement of the target even when the target is partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures. The pod integrates the necessary laser rangefinder and designator required for the delivery of laser-guided bombs, cluster and general purpose bomb.

Electronic countermeasures

Sukhoi Su-30 MKI has electronic counter-measure system. The Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, called Tarang, (Wave in English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India's MiG-23BNs known as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an Electronic Support Measures receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response. - (Text- Wikipedia)

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MIKOYAN MiG-29

Images: MAPO-MiG

INTRODUCTION

The MiG-29 "Fulcrum" was designed by Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (MiG OKB) and built as a single seat supersonic, all weather, air superiority fighter. The MiG-29 was designed in response to a new generation of American fighters, which included the F-15 and F-16 and the design team was headed by Rostislav Belyakov. In the late 1960's, the Russian General Staff launched a requirements study for a "Perspektivnyi Frontovoi Istrebitel" or "PFI" (Advanced Tactical Fighter) to counter the F-15 and F-16. The MiG-29 is designed as an air defense fighter, this dual-purpose aircraft also has ground attack capability. The primary role of the aircraft is to destroy air targets at all altitudes, all profiles, all weather, and under all Electronics Counter Measures conditions. In addition, the basic MiG-29 is capable of limited air-to-ground operations and in advanced versions, has been optimized to attack both stationary and moving targets with precision guided munitions. The first prototype flew on 6 October 1977 however, the 2nd and 4th prototypes were lost in accidents due to engine failures. Despite these setback production started in 1982 and the first operational division was setup in August 1983 by the Russian Air Force at Kubinka Air Base, near Moscow. Initial production, testing, and modifications continued until 1985, and by 1986 the first export deliveries were made. In total, over 800 units were delivered to the Russian Air Force and around 500 units for export serving 21 Air Forces worldwide.

The MiG-29 utilizes the RD-33 family of aircraft two-spool bypass turbojet engines with maximum thrust at 8,300 kg (18,300 lbs) that feature air flows mixed in a common afterburner, variable area nozzles, and a modular design which facilitates maintenance. The aircraft was designed with slight positive longitudinal stability, rather low wing loading, and high thrust-to-weight ratio. The aircraft wing had 3-D deformation and high-lift devices in the form of programmable leading and trailing edge flaps. Composite materials were utilized to some extent in the air frame structure. The air frame manufacturing breakdown was oriented to the needs of mass production manufacturing. It is constructed with a wide use of parts produced by computer numerical control (CNC) machines, structural modularity, and intensive use of automatic beam welding. The aircraft is equipped with an integrated fire control system comprising of three mutually supported subsystems namely radar, electro-optical, and optical sets. As a result, the aircraft is capable of launching air-to-air missiles with homing heads of different types. Special attention has been given to the reliability and maintainability of the aircraft, equipment, and weapons.

The MiG-29 aircraft main features are: 

• integral aerodynamic layout; 
• highly efficient bypass turbojet engines ensuring the starting thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 1; 
• integrated system of airborne radio electronic equipment and armament including NO19E airborne radar, ОEPrNK-29E optronic sighting and navigation integrated system with infra-red search and track system, "Shchel-3UM-1" helmet-mounted target designation system; 
• combination of the middle range "A-A" R-27R1 missiles and R-73E close combat missiles; 
• high combat survivability of the two-engine aircraft; 
• easy operation; (Text: Migavia)

MiG-29 of the Indian Air Force [IAF]

India was the first international customer of the MiG-29. The IAF placed an order of more than 50 MiG-29 in 1980 while the aircraft was still in its initial development phase. Since its induction into the IAF in 1985, the aircraft has undergone a series of modifications with the addition of new avionics, sub-systems, turbofan engines and radars. Indian MiG-29's were used extensively during the 1999 Kargil War in Kashmir by the Indian Air Force to provide fighter escort for Mirage 2000's, which were attacking targets with laser-guided bombs. According to Indian sources, two MiG-29's from the IAF's No. 47 squadron (Black Archers) gained missile lock on two F-16's of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) which were patrolling close to the border to prevent any Indian incursions, but did not engage them because no official declaration of war had been issued. The Indian MiG-29's were armed with beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles whereas the Pakistani F-16's were not.

The MiG-29’s good operational record prompted India to sign a deal with Russia in 2005-2006 to upgrade all of its MiG-29 for US$888 million. Under the deal, the Indian MiGs were modified to be capable of deploying the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12 'Adder') air-to-air missile. The missiles had been successfully tested in October 1998 and were integrated into IAF's MiG-29. IAF has also awarded the MiG Corporation another US$900 million contract to upgrade all of its 69 operational MiG-29. These upgrades will include a new avionics kit, with the N-109 radar being replaced by a Phazatron Zhuk-M radar. The aircraft is also being equipped to enhance beyond-visual-range combat ability and for air-to-air refueling to increase endurance. In 2007, Russia also gave India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a licence to manufacture 120 RD-33 series 3 turbofan engines for the upgrade. The upgrade will also include a new weapon control system, cockpit ergonomics, air-to-air missiles, high-accuracy air-to-ground missiles and "smart" aerial bombs. The first six MiG-29's will be upgraded in Russia while the remaining 63 MiGs will be upgraded at the HAL facility in India. India also awarded a multi-million dollar contract to Israel Aircraft Industries to provide avionics and subsystems for the upgrade.

In January 2010, India and Russia signed a US$1.2 billion deal under which the Indian Navy would acquire 29 additional MiG-29K's, bringing the total number of MiG-29K's on order to 45. The MiG-29K entered service with the Indian Navy on 19 February 2010.

The upgrades to Indian MiG-29's will be to the MiG-29 UPG standard. This version is similar to the SMT variant but differs by having a foreign-made avionics suite. The upgrade to latest MiG-29UPG standard is in process, which will include latest avionics, Zhuk-ME Radar, engine, weapon control systems, enhancing multirole capabilities by many-fold. As of 2012, Indian UPG version is the most advanced MiG-29 variant. (Text: Wikipedia - Edited)

Air-to-Air Weapons for the MiG-29

The MiG-29 has 6 to 8 under wing hard points that utilize the BD3-UMK2B pylons and the APU-470, APU-73-1D, and APU-68-85E launching devices.

• 30 mm Gryazev/Shipunov GSh-30-1 (9A-4071K) Internal Gun System: Single barrel gun built into the port LERX, 1500 to 1800 rounds/minute firing rate (25 to 30 rounds per second), 860m/sec (2822 ft/sec) muzzle velocity, shell weight 400 grams, bullet weight 900 grams, Max Effective Range: 3937 to 5906 feet vs air targets, 656 to 2625 feet vs ground targets.
• R-60 (AA-8) "APHID" Missile Family
• R-27 (AA-10) "ALAMO" Missile Family
• R-73 (AA-11) "ARCHER" Missile Family
• R-77 (AA-12) "PBB-AE/PBB-AE" Missile Family

Air-To-Ground Weapons for the MiG-29

• KAB-500Kr: Precision-Guided Munition (PGM) 500 kg class electro-optical TV-guided Fire-and-Forget bomb
• KAB-1500Kr: Fire-and-Forget 1,500 kg class precision-guided air bomb 
• KAB-1500L / 1500F / 1500L-PR: PGM export weapon, destruction of stationary ground targets like military/industrial bunkers & reinforced concrete shelters
• KAB-500R: Precision Guided Munition, destruction of stationary ground targets like military/industrial bunkers and reinforced concrete shelters
• KAB-500KRU: PGM laser guided bomb with lock before launch capability
• Kh-25ML AS-10a "KAREN": Semi Active Laser / Optical / Radio Frequency command guided Air-To-Surface missile
• Kh-25MP AS-12 "KEGLER": Anti Radiation (ARM) variant of the AS-10 KAREN
• Kh-59 AS-13 "KINGBOLT": Extended range pilot guided electro-optical TV PGM to supplement short range AS-10
• Kh-29TE AS-14a "KEDGE": Is a interchangeable Laser, Infrared, Active Radar or TV guidance tracking heads air-to-surface missile with a range of 10–30 km
• Kh-31A mod 1 AS-17a "KRYPTON" Series: Anti-ship missile with active radar seeker
• Kh-35 AS-20/SS-N-25 "ZVEZDA": Low altitude air-launched & surface-launched versions jet-launched subsonic cruise anti-ship standoff missile. (Text: Sci-Fi)

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Dassault Mirage 2000

Images: Left: Karl-Heinz Krebs - Right: Carlos Zamora Zamora

INTRODUCTION

The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French multirole, delta-wing, single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter manufactured by Dassault Aviation. It was designed in the late 1970's as a lightweight fighter based on the Mirage III for the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air). The Mirage 2000 evolved into a multirole aircraft with several variants developed, with sales to a number of nations. The variants include the Mirage 2000N and 2000D strike variants, the improved Mirage 2000-5 and several export variants. Over 600 aircraft were built and it was in service in nine countries as of 2009.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) purchased 49 Mirage 2000, comprising 42 single-seaters and 7 two-seaters, in the 1980s. In 2004, the Indian government approved purchase of ten Mirage 2000Hs, featuring improved avionics, particularly an upgraded RDM 7 radar. The IAF named the Mirage the "Vajra" ("Thunderbolt" in Sanskrit). India also purchased appropriate stores along with the fighters, including ATLIS II pods and laser-guided weapons.

India has assigned a nuclear strike role to its Mirage 2000 squadrons in service with the IAF since 1985. In 1999 when the Kargil conflict broke out, the Mirage 2000 performed remarkably well during the whole conflict in the high Himalayas, even though the Mirages supplied to India had limited air interdiction capability and had to be heavily modified to drop laser-guided bombs as well as conventional unguided bombs. Two Mirage squadrons flew a total of 515 sorties, and in 240 strike missions dropped 55,000 kg (121,000 lb) of ordnance. Easy maintenance and a very high sortie rate made the Mirage 2000 one of the most efficient fighters of the IAF in the conflict. There are reports that the IAF qualified Soviet-designed missiles with the Mirage 2000, such as the R-27 (NATO AA-10 Alamo) AAM.

In 2006 it was reported that the IAF was close to finalizing a EUR 1.5 billion (about $2 billion) deal to upgrade its fleet of 51 Mirage 2000 ‘Vajra’ fighter jets. The aim was to give the aircraft more capabilities, bringing them to Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standard, and extending its useful life for another 20–25 years. The contract was signed in 2011.[citation needed] In July 2011, India approved an $3 billion upgrade to its entire Mirage 2000 fleet and for over 400 MICA missiles.

Mirage 2000H

India has acquired a total of 51 Mirages, which include 41 single-seater Mirage 2000Hs and 10 two-seater Mirage 2000TH trainers. Since India wanted the fighter quickly, the first part of an initial batch of 26 single-seaters and 4 two-seaters was shipped to the IAF beginning in 1985 with the older M53-5 engines. These aircraft were given the designations of Mirage 2000H5 and Mirage 2000TH5. The second part of this initial batch consisted of 10 more single-seaters with the M53-P2 engine, with these aircraft designated Mirage 2000H. All the first batch was re-engined with the M53-P2, with the single-seaters re-designated "Mirage 2000H" and the two-seaters re-designated Mirage 2000TH. A second batch of six Mirage 2000H single-seaters and three Mirage 2000TH two-seaters was shipped in 1987–1988. A Total of 49 fighters were received.

In 2004, the Indian government (during NDA tenure), approved purchase of ten more Mirage 2000Hs, with improved avionics. The Mirage 2000-5 was a contender for a planned Indian Air Force 126 fighter aircraft procurement in which it was competing with the Mikoyan MiG-35, F-16 Fighting Falcon and JAS 39 Gripen for the Indian Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition. However, Dassault replaced the Mirage 2000 with the Rafale as its contender since the Mirage 2000 production line was to be closed. India received all 10 around 2007 during UPA tenure. The total purchase went up to 59.

India has announced a $1.9 billion program to arm 51 of its Mirage 2000 aircraft with the MBDA AIM-132 ASRAAM dog fighting missile beginning in 2007. Installation will require new radar, electronic warfare equipment, and updates to the cockpit and data bus. Pilot helmets will require addition of a helmet-mounted sight. These will be the first Mirage aircraft to carry the British missile and Dassault, Thales, and MBDA are to participate in the effort.

In March 2010, India and France finalized the long delayed deal to upgrade all of India's Mirage-2000H to Mirage-2000-5 Mk 2 variant with new radar systems, a new weapon suite, missiles, electronic warfare system etc., at the cost of 43.9 million dollars per plane. The first four to six Mirages will be upgraded in France, with the rest 50 or so being upgraded in India by Hindustan Aeronautics under transfer of technology. Under the upgrade, the entire airframe will be stripped down to be re-wired and re-equipped with new avionics, mission computers, glass cockpits, helmet-mounted displays, electronic warfare suites and weapon systems to extend and enhance the operational life of the multi-role fighters by around 20 years. In July 2011, India approved an upgrade to the avionics and other systems on its Mirage 2000's. (Text: Wikipedia)

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MIKOYAN-GUREVICH MiG-21

Images: Russian AF / IAF

INTRODUCTION

The MiG-21 is a delta wing supersonic jet fighter designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau during the Soviet Union era. The MiG-21 is by far the most prolifically produced fighter supersonic jet in the history of aviation. The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 was developed as a necessary response to the arms race during the critical period of the Cold War. The former Soviet fighter the MiG-19 its predecessor was by itself a world record holder in speed, agility and firepower and was unequaled by any Western fighter. The MiG-21 was the first successful Soviet aircraft combining fighter and interceptor characteristics in a single aircraft. Every country wanted the MiG-21 as their air superiority fighter during that era. More than 11,000 MiG 21's were built in 14 distinct versions that spanned three generations of design. The MiG-21 flies with more than 50 air forces today spread over four continents. It is best remembered as the tenacious foe of the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War. US & its NATO allies had the penchant of giving derogatory connotations to Soviet military hardware (example the MiG-21 was named "Fishbed", the MiG-23 "Flogger" etc,) despite their limited resources the Soviets had the uncannily ability to build cutting-edge military hardware and managed to stay ahead of their Western adversaries hoopla both in terms of technology and performance, the MiG-21 is no exception.

The MiG-21 was designed as a clear weather interceptor and the prototype flew for the first time in 1957. The aircraft entered mass production in 1958 powered by a Tumanski R-11 turbojet, but reached its definitive form in the following year with the MiG-21F, with an engine uprated to 56.39 kN. This paved the way for the MiG-21PF of 1960, with the uprated R-11F engine and an enlarged inlet to allow the incorporation of R-1L radar in the center body, the MiG-21PFS, with blown flaps and a ventral pod carrying a 23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L twin barrelled cannon, and the MiG-21PFM, incorporating all the sequential improvements of earlier models. The aircraft is equipped with a KM-1M ejection seat, that provides escape capability for the pilot at Zero meter altitude and a minimum sped of 130 km/h.

INDIA

In 1961, the Indian Air Force (IAF) opted to purchase the MiG-21 over several other Western competitors. As part of the deal, the Soviet Union offered India full transfer of technology and rights for local assembly. In 1964, the MiG-21 became the first supersonic fighter jet to enter service with the IAF. Due to limited induction numbers and lack of pilot training, the IAF MiG-21 played a limited role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. However, the IAF gained valuable experience while operating the MiG-21 for defensive sorties during the war. The positive feedback from IAF pilots during the 1965 war prompted India to place more orders for the fighter jet and also invest heavily in building the MiG-21's maintenance infrastructure and pilot training programs. Since 1963, India has introduced more than 1,200 MiG planes into its air force. As of August 2013, at least 252 MiG-21s are known to be in operation. However, the plane has been plagued by safety problems and the most recent crash of a jet occurred on 27 May 2014 in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in Kashmir, killing the pilot. Since 1970 more than 170 Indian pilots and 40 civilians have been killed in MiG-21 accidents. At least 14 MiG-21s had crashed between 2010 and 2013. On December 11, 2013, India’s second generation supersonic jet fighter, MIG-21 FL was decommissioned after being in service for 50 years.

Bangladesh Liberation War

The expansion of IAF MiG-21 fleet marked a growing India-Soviet Union military partnership, which enabled India to field a formidable air force to counter Chinese and Pakistani threats. The capabilities of the MiG-21 were put to the test during the Bangladesh Liberation War. During the war, the MiG-21s played a crucial role in giving the IAF air superiority over vital points and areas in the western theater of the conflict. The 1971 war witnessed the first supersonic air combat in the subcontinent when an Indian MiG-21FLs claimed a PAF F-104 Starfighter with its GSh-23 twin-barrelled 23 mm cannon. By the time the hostilities came to an end, the IAF MiG-21s had claimed four PAF F-104s, two PAF F.6, one PAF North American F-86 Sabre and one PAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules. According to one Western military analyst, the MiG-21s had clearly "won" the much anticipated air combat between the MiG-21 and the F-104 Starfighter. (Text: Wikipedia)

Interesting Tidbit

Israel - Stealing the MiG-21

Israel's secret service the Mossad is well known for its fearless daring and cheek in its quest to preserve its national interests and security, and in one such brazen operation it stole a MiG-21 fighter jet right under its enemies noses. The revered MiG was one of the most feared and cutting-edge strike aircraft ever produced. The West had no match for it since its equivalents the F-104 Starfighter and the F-4 Phantoms were a bunch of clobbered aircraft post Vietnam, Korean and Bangladesh Liberation Wars and more significantly, the Russians had introduced the fighter into the Egyptian, Iraqi and Syrian Air Forces, sworn enemies of the Jewish state. After all, just like the Israelis the Americans were also itching to look under the hood of the MiG-21. Therefore, it made sense to steal this plane. Israel in a convert and ingenious operation called "Operation Diamond" recruited a disgruntled Christian Iraqi fighter pilot to steal the plane and fly it to the Negev desert. Israel and America studied the stolen plane extensively (aptly named 007) and learned all its secrets. It is believed that this paid off in the Six Day War also known as the "June War" when Israel shot down six Syrian MiGs, and gained general air superiority. (Based on: Ian Black and Benny Morris (2007). Israel's Secret Wars: A History of Israel's Intelligence Services - Grove Press. pp. 206–209)

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GROUND ATTACK AIRCRAFT

MIKOYAN MiG-27

Image: Left: Sobchak / Right: The Hindu

INTRODUCTION

The Mikoyan MiG-27 is a variable-geometry swing-wing ground attack aircraft, originally built by the Mikoyan design bureau in the Soviet Union and later license produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd as the Bahadur ("Valiant"). The MiG-27 was a highly developed version of the MiG-23. The aircraft was designed from the outset as a dedicated ground attack aircraft and is optimized for operations over the battlefield. It was one of the world's best strike aircraft in the 1970's. 

By the mid 1960's the Soviet Air Force felt the need to supplement its vaunted MiG-21 with a air superiority fighter that could also perform ground-attack duties. The new machine would have to approximate the formidable performance of such Western counterparts as the F-4 Phantom and F-105 Thunderchief. The Mikoyan design bureau initially toyed with revised delta configurations before settling upon a “swing-wing” version like the General Dynamics F-111. The wing can be deployed at three different angles for takeoff, cruise, and fighting mode and, when fully extended, would assist in achieving shorter landing distances. To ensure high performance at high speed, the aircraft also carried adjustable “splitters” at the front of each air intake. The aircraft also has larger, heavy-duty landing gear to facilitate operation from poor quality airfields. In accordance with its low level attack requirements, provisions were made to retain a nuclear capability by introducing specialized navigation systems. The most obvious difference is the nose when compared to the MiG-23, which was designed to give the pilot an enhanced view on the ground during attack approaches. As it was only necessary to house a laser range finder and marked target seeker in the nose, it was possible for the MiG designers to taper the nose steeply. The pilot is protected from small arms fire by armor plating on the side of the cockpit, and to enhance low level performance, the variable geometry inlets and variable nozzle are replaced by lighter fixed units. The afterburner was also simplified and lightened to compensate for the weight lost in the front as the air intake splitters were discarded which were designed for the MiG-23, as excessively high speed was considered unnecessary at low altitude. The aircraft entered service in the late 1970's, the improved versions are the MiG-27K and MiG-27D.

Propulsion & Armaments

The MiG is powered by a Tumanski R-29B turbojet with a maximum speed of 1885 km at 26,250 feet with a service ceiling over 45,900 feet and has a combat radius of 540 km with full weapon load and fuel. The fighter is armed with 23mm GSh-23L cannon with 200 rounds, seven external hard points with provision for up to 4000 kg or stores, Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles, As-7 air-to-surface missiles, cannon pods, rocket launcher pods, large caliber rockets, drop tanks, Electronic Counter Measure pods and conventional and guided bombs.

MiG-27ML

This was an export variant which was supplied to India in 1986 as knock-down kits for license assembly. The Indian version had a single window instead of several in the It was under nose fairing for the Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) sensor. A total of 150 were assembled in India.

MiG-27H

This version is equipped with French avionics with reduced size and weight. It has modern avionics systems consisting of primarily two Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) Mission and Display Processor (MDP), Sextant Ring Laser Gyros (RLG INSI), combined GPS/GLONASS navigation, HUD with UFCP, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Jam Resistant Secured Communication, stand-by UHF communication, data link and a comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. A mission planning and retrieval facility, VTR and HUD Camera will also be fitted. The aircraft retains stand-by (conventional) instrumentation, including artificial horizon, altimeter and airspeed indicator, to cater for the failure of HUD and the MFDs. The MiG-27s are also being endowed with improved radar which gives the MiG anti-ship and some air-to-air capability. It is expected that at least 140 of the 180 aircraft will be converted from MiG-27MLs.

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SEPECAT JAGUAR

Images: Left: Wikipedia - Right: Sepecat Info

INTRODUCTION

The SEPECAT Jaguar is a Anglo-French deep penetration strike aircraft which can do ground attack roles, originally used by the British Royal Air Force and the French Armée de l'Air in the close air support and nuclear strike role, and still in service with several export customers, notably the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman. Originally conceived in the 1960's as jet trainer with a light ground attack capability, the requirement for the aircraft soon changed to include supersonic performance, reconnaissance and tactical nuclear strike roles. Not a bad testament to an aircraft originally intended purely as an advanced trainer. The air frames were manufactured by SEPECAT (Société Européenne de Production de l'avion Ecole de Combat et d'Appui Tactique), a joint venture between Breguet and the British Aircraft Corporation, one of the first major joint-Anglo-French military aircraft programs.

The Jaguar was exported to India, Oman, Ecuador and Nigeria. The Jaguar was used in numerous conflicts and military operations in Mauritania, Chad, Iraq, Bosnia, and Pakistan, as well as providing a ready nuclear delivery platform for Britain, France, and India throughout the latter half of the Cold War and beyond. In the Gulf War, the Jaguar was praised for its reliability and was a valuable coalition resource. The aircraft served with the Armée de l'Air as the main strike/attack aircraft until 1 July 2005, and with the Royal Air Force until the end of April 2007. India plans in the long term to replace its Jaguar fleet with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Design & Weapons

The Jaguar is an orthodox single-seat, swept-wing, twin-engine monoplane design, with tall tricycle type retractable landing gear. In its original configuration, it had a maximum take-off weight in the 15 tonne class; and could manage a combat radius on internal fuel alone of 850 km (530 mi), giving the Jaguar a greater operational range than competitor aircraft such as the Mikoyan MiG-27. The aircraft had hard points fitted for an external weapons load of up to 10,000 lb (4,500 kg), typical weapons fitted included the MATRA LR.F2 rocket pod, BAP 100-mm bombs, MATRA AS37 anti-radar missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and Rockeye cluster bombs. The RAF's Jaguars gained several new weapons during the Gulf War, including CRV7 high-velocity rockets and American CBU-87 cluster bombs. Finally the Jaguar was equipped with either a pair of French DEFA (Direction des Études et Fabrications d'Armement) cannons, or alternatively British Aden cannons.

Engine

The SEPECAT Jaguar is powered by the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan engine, which was developed in parallel and primarily for the Jaguar. A separate partnership was made between Rolls-Royce and Turbomeca to develop the Adour, a two-shaft turbofan engine equipped with afterburners. Twin engines were selected for survivability; ease of maintenance was a major consideration, an engine change being possible within 30 minutes. For the Jaguars it needed a high-bypass capable of high thrust for take-off, supersonic flight and low level "dashes".

India

India became the largest single export customer for the Jaguar in 1978, it was chosen ahead of the Dassault Mirage F1 and the Saab Viggen after a long and difficult evaluation process. The order involved 40 Jaguars built in Europe at Warton, and 120 licence-built aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the local name Shamsher ("Sword of Justice"). Indian Jaguars were used to carry out reconnaissance missions in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990. They later played an active role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan, dropping both unguided and laser-guided bombs. The Jaguar is also used in small numbers for the anti-ship role, equipped with the Sea Eagle missile. The Jaguar remains an important element of the Indian military along with the Mirage 2000, the Jaguar has been described as one of the few aircraft capable of performing the nuclear strike role with reasonable chances of success. (Text: Wikipedia - Edited)

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FUTURE FLEET

ADVANCED MEDIUM COMBAT AIRCRAFT (AMCA)

Image: Secretprojects

INTRODUCTION

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter being developed by India. It will complement the HAL Tejas, the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale. A naval version is confirmed, as the Indian Navy also contributed to funding. In February 2013 Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) showed a large-scale model of the AMCA at Aero India 2013 in February, in Bangalore. The aerodynamic shape has been considerably refined in comparison to an earlier model exhibited at Aero India 2011, and even more so when compared to a model for wind-tunnel testing shown at Aero India 2009, at which time it was known as the Medium Combat Aircraft “MCA”. This provides evidence that AMCA is being developed in parallel with Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment is leading the AMCA program.

Design

The design of the AMCA includes a very small radar cross-section & will also have serpentine like air intakes, internal arsenal as well as the state-of-the-art radomes in order to enhance its stealth feature. The design will also be supplemented through radar-absorbing composites as well as paints. AMCA will be a twin-engine design. It features the GTX Kaveri after burning turbofan engine with thrust vectoring. There is a possibility that it will give the aircraft the capabilities of super cruise. The design based stealth characteristics of the aircraft will include additional optimized edge matching, airframe shaping, body confirming antennae & a low Infra Red signature all the way through nozzle design, engine bay cooling as well as work on decreased exhaust temperature. With advanced sensors the aircraft will be loaded with missiles like Astra & Brahmos along with some other superior missiles, standoff weaponry as well as precision weapons. The aircraft will feature the ability to deploy Precision Guided Munitions. It will also feature extensive detection range as well as targeting range with the capacity to release arsenals at supersonic speed. The avionics suite of the aircraft will consist of indigenous AESA Radar and Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system along with suitable electronic warfare systems as well as all aspect missile warning suite.

Multi Mission Integrated Capabilities of AMCA

• Super Cruise, Supersonic Persistence
• Point, Mission, Maneuvering Performance
• Low Radar Signature, Stealth Capabilities, Shaping for Low Observability
• Supersonic Weapons Release
• Extended Detection Range and Targeting
• Thrust Vectoring (Fast Change of State)
• Low Infra Red Signature
• High Angle of Attack Controllability
• All Aspect Missile Warning System
• Stealth Missions
• Special Missions
• Precision Strike Capabilities
• Suppression of Enemy Air Defense
• Maritime Strike - Non Stealth Missions
• Infra Red Search and Track 
• Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar
• Joint Direct Attack Munition
• Beyond Visual Range Missiles
• Precision Guided Munitions
• Close Combat Missile
• Electronic Warfare
• Internal Weapons
• Signature Control
• Situational Awareness
• Integrated Modular Avionics
• Decision Aids
• Future Missiles
• Data Fusion
• Precision Weapons
• Stand-Off Weapons
• Advanced Sensors
• Appropriate Electronic Warfare
• Net Centric Warfare
• High Availability and Low Operating Cost

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DASSAULT RAFALE

Images: Dassault Aviation

INTRODUCTION

The Dassault Rafale ("Squall" in French) is a French twin-engined, canard delta winged, multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Dassault describes the Rafale as an omnirole fighter, with a high level of agility, capable of simultaneously performing air supremacy, interdiction, reconnaissance, and airborne nuclear deterrent missions. The principal defense contractors are Dassault, Thales and Safran. The Rafale features a delta wing with close-coupled canards. Composite materials are extensively used in the Rafale and they account for 70% of the wet area. They also account for the 40% increase in the max take-off weight to empty weight ratio compared with traditional air frames built of aluminium and titanium.

Mission Profile:

• Air-Defense and Air-Superiority
• Reconnaissance
• Close Air Support
• Air-to-Ground Precision Strike and Interdiction
• Anti-Ship Attacks
• Nuclear Deterrence

Key Features

Engine - The Rafale features a new-generation M88-2 turbofan engine offering a high thrust-to-weight ratio with easy maintainability and high dispatch reliability. The M88-2 incorporates advanced technologies such as integrally bladed compressor disks (“blisks”), a low-pollution combustor with smoke-free emissions, single-crystal high-pressure turbine blades, ceramic coatings, and composite materials.

Radar - The Rafale is the first operational and so far, and the only European combat aircraft to use an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar (RBE2) developed by Thales.

Avionics & Electronic Warfare - An advanced digital “Fly-by-Wire” (FBW) Flight Control System (FCS) provides for longitudinal stability and superior handling performance. The Flight Control System is quadruple redundant with three digital channels and one separately designed analogue channel, with no mechanical back-up, design independence between channels will ensure avoiding simultaneous anomalies on all channels. Thales has also developed the “Front Sector Optronics” (FSO) system. Operating in the optronic wavelengths, it is immune to radar jamming and it provides covert long-range detection and identification, high-resolution angular tracking and laser range finding for air, sea and ground targets. The Rafale has sophisticated SPECTRA “Electronic Warfare” (EW) suite jointly developed by Thales and MBDA which provides the fighter outstanding survivability against the latest airborne and ground threats by providing multi-spectral threat warning against hostile radars, missiles and lasers. The system carries out reliable long-range detection, identification and localisation of threats, allowing the pilot to instantly select the most effective defensive measures based on combinations of radar jamming, infrared or radar decoying and evasive maneuvers. Rafale’s laser designator pod designed by Thales brings full day and night laser designation capability with metric precision. It permits laser-guided weapons to be delivered at stand-off range and altitude it operates in the mid-wave infrared band, allowing it to retain its effectiveness in warm and/or humid conditions. For both strategic and tactical reconnaissance missions, the aircraft is equipped with the new generation reconnaissance system with real time transmission and can be used from standoff distance at high altitude down to high speed and extremely low-level.

Net-Centric Capabilities - Just as in the HAL Tejas the Rafale has an open architecture system for net-centric operations providing a secure high-rate data link to share data in combined air operations in real time with other airborne aircraft and surface command-control centers, tactical air controllers or other friendly assets.

Weapons - The mission system of the Rafale has the potential to integrate a variety of current and future armaments like the MICA air-to-air Beyond Visual Range interception missiles, combat and self-defence missiles, the HAMMER modular, rocket-boosted air-to-ground precision guided weapons, the SCALP long-range stand-off missile, the AM39 EXOCET anti-ship missile, Laser-guided bombs, Unguided bombs, the 2500 rounds/min NEXTER 30M791 30 mm internal cannon (which France is marketing heavily in India) and the upcoming METEOR long-range air-to-air missiles.  (Text: Dassault Aviation - Edited)

Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Deal - Analysis

The Dassault Rafale has now been selected to meet the Indian Air Force Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirement for 126 new fighter aircraft. It becomes imperative to analyse why India selected the Rafale over the other competitors.

• The Indian Air Force has a long-standing relationship with France since the 1950's going back to the Dassault Ouragan. The Mirage 2000 also played a very prominent role during the 1999 Kargil war against Pakistan, notably the fighter was able to successfully engage high-altitude targets, which the MiG-23/27 was unable to fulfill.

• Cost wise the French plane is much cheaper by $4-$5 million per unit over the Eurofighter.

• Unlike US & Germany, France is an unfaltering military ally, after the 1998 nuclear tests US imposed sanctions and stopped supply of components for the LCA Tejas however; France was the only Western nation that did not impose sanctions of any kind on India. 

• Germany, the leading country in the Eurofighter development,  has been a steady Indian aviation partner who helped India develop the LCA, Dhruv Helicopter and Dornier utility aircraft, however, the Germans were earlier reluctant to transfer technology for LCA program and ignored India when it almost went to war with Pakistan over Kargil. Hence, in the eyes of the policy makers Germany could not be considered a reliable supplier of major weapons. The same goes with the UK as it always tags the US line. The other countries in the Eurofighter consortium like Italy & Spain cannot influence any foreign policy gain if India purchased the Eurofighter. The political risks were obviously too big to take for the decision makers.

• Weapons options and integration also played a significant role in persuading India to opt for Rafale since most of  Rafale’s weapons and sensors are French made, and thus not subject to any third-party embargo.

• Lastly the Rafale is nuclear capable just like the Mirage 2000H in the Indian service, it is also capable of firing the AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, which India could source from France at a later date, and India is also keen to fit its potent BrahMos supersonic missiles to a wide variety of airborne platforms and Rafale could well carry it without much retro fits.