Aerospace Diary

ROTORHUB HAL stacks up helicopter orders 12th September 2016 - 10:20 by  Neelam Mathews  in Delhi  The recent  technical flight of the Bangalore-built Light Utility Helicopter  (LUH) on 6 September could result in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) winning an order for nearly 200 additional units from the military. This is in addition to a current order for 187 LUHs. An Indian Army official told  Shephard , ‘We expect this project to move fast as ... Read more... ShephardMedia

ROTORHUB 26th November 2015 - 16:40 by  Neelam Mathews  in Delhi  Aiming at more strategic tie-ups between OEMs and Indian manufacturers under its Make in India mantra, India’s Ministry of Defence is in the process of identifying a helicopter manufacturer to feed its voracious appetite for helicopters. The MoD has a need for some 1000 light utility helicopters (LUH) required by the military and parapublic forces within the next 15-20 years. Airbus Helicopters, AgustaWestland and Sikorsky are likely contenders for a possible tie-up.  An MoD official revealed to Shephard that Sikorsky was in discussion with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for a potential joint venture, although for this to work HAL would ‘need to buckle up’. Sikorsky is understood to be in discussion for the manufacture of components for the  S-97 Raider , as it explores possible civil applications for the coaxial compound, such as transporting personnel between offshore oil pl...

by  Neelam Mathews  -  July 15, 2015, 7:36 AM Airbus Helicopters believes that the Fennec may still secure a portion of the Indian reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) requirement. (Photo: Chris Pocock) Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra Defence Systems will create a joint venture to respond to India’s large potential requirements for military helicopters. The new partners said this will be the first private Indian helicopter manufacturer under the   “Make in India” initiative . They are eyeing three particular requirements that could amount to more than 600 helicopters, although in two of the three cases, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already chosen alternative suppliers to meet part of the need. Mahindra is a vehicle and tractor maker with a defense business that supplies armored vehicles, radars and surveillance equipment to India’s armed forces. Its subsidiary Mahindra Aerospace recently bought GippsAero in Australi...

Neelam Mathews June 23, 2014 Looks like it's good news all the way. Either ways, whether the MMRCA is signed or not at Farnborough Air Show, it is pretty clear, things are moving at a fast pace in the corridors of power. Clearing the MMRCA deal fast is being viewed as a way to showcase India and the fact the new government is open to business, AerospaceDiary learns. The question is, one hears whether the announcement should be made in the country or at a global forum Two main issues still need to be cleared, we learn. And while not all defense contracts can be signed this year- given the empty state of coffers, some like the MMRT might see the light of day. The ill-fated 197 LUH could be rebid. Those sceptical of India and defense exports might be in for a surprise once the 49% and 74% FDI for transfer of production comes in. Hopefully, 'on a case to case basis ' won't follow the route the Congress Govt swore by! So here's to hope and good days ahead. ...

AVIATION INTERNATIONAL NEWS  »  AUGUST 2013 by    NEELAM MATHEWS India’s air force rescued thousands trapped in the mountains after June’s landslides and flooding. August 2, 2013, 4:55 AM Landslides and flooding in the mountains of North India in mid-June that killed approximately 10,000 and stranded more than 80,000 triggered the largest-ever search-and-rescue operation by the Indian military. The more than 60 aircraft involved in the operation contended with treacherous weather, low visibility and strong winds; high-tension wires; and no infrastructure or lights on the ground in perilous landing zones with no helipads. “Military pilots are trained always to find a place to land,” Nasir Hanfee, retired  IAF  helicopter pilot, told  AIN . However, this skill can prove elusive for larger helicopters that need more space. For example, while a Chetak (Alouette  III ) can land in a three-meter-diameter spac...

Neelam Mathews March 4, 2013 Defense Queries Answered Today (Verbatim) in Lok Sabha on- HAL- So what’s new? More Excuses? Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken up indigenous production of SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Advanced Jet Trainer (Hawk), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Advance Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Dornier-228 for the defence forces. Dornier-228 program has been as per schedule. There have been some delays in deliveries in respect of production programs of other aircraft. In the initial stages of the projects, delays were due to additional re-work on jigs in Hawk, late receipt of drawings from Russia for Su-30 MKI, integration issues of Integrated Architecture and Display System (IADS) with Shakti engine and other new items in respect of ALH and design and development issues relating to IJT and LCA. The certification of IJT was also delayed due to an accid...

AIN DEFENSE PERSPECTIVE  »  NOVEMBER 23, 2012 by    NEELAM MATHEWS An Indian engineer performs a bench test of some avionics equipment. Government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is expanding its avionics capabilities. (Photo: HAL) November 23, 2012, 7:20 AM Government-owned Indian defense manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. ( HAL ) has launched a $12 million Strategic Electronics Manufacturing facility spread across 196 acres in Kasargod in the southern state of Kerala. It will produce advanced avionics for aircraft and helicopters. The facility is the manufacturing extension of  HAL ’s Hyderabad-based R&D unit for avionics–the Strategic Electronics Research and Design Center. The new factory will make airborne special purpose systems, such as mission computers, display processors and radar computers for the Russian MiG-27 and Su-30 combat aircraft, and the Indian light combat aircraft ( LCA ).   AI...

DH- Nov 2012 While India has acknowledged it needs to move rapidly to replace its elderly service helicopter fleets, government red tape and protests by losing bidders are holding up acquisition efforts, reports  Neelam Mathews. India’s plans for modernising its military aviation capabilities, including big-ticket deals such as the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft requirement for 126 jets, also have a substantial rotarywing component, with the objective being to induct more than 900 helicopters within the next decade. Demand for civil and military rotorcraft in India is projected to increase by an average of 6% annually, with a number of separate purchases being planned by the military, which recognises that acquisition needs to be done at a fast pace to replace a rapidly ageing fleet. The purchase of an RSH has been deferred by the Indian government, much to the fru...