Aero India 2011
Air Shows of India
First edition of air shows
in India
was held during 1993 under the title of ‘Avia India’. It was a very modest show
having a few assets for display. Air show was renamed as ‘Aero Inda’. Aero India 1998 was
the biennial aero show which was the biggest in Asia,
more popular and was one of the best-attended. Department of Defense Production
(DDP) under the ministry on Defense, GOI is the organizer of these shoes. The
official footfalls of the show in 1998 were only 7000 sqm which went on
increasing up to 18,000 sqm in 2005. It rose to 30,000 in 2007 sqm and 44,000
sqm in 2009. It began showing a quantum increase in gross exhibition area and
was 75,000 sqm in 2011, a significant increase.
Aero India 2011
India’s premier show, India’s 8th
edition of international exhibition was held for five days from Wednesday, 9
February to Sunday, 13 February at air force station at Yelahanka, Bangalore, Karnataka.
A.K.Anthony, Minister of Defense, GOI inaugurated the event. The presence of B S Yedyurappa Chief Minister of Karnataka graced the
function.
There were 675 exhibitors
(380 overseas and 295 domestic) with 30 countries exhibiting, including India. 60
countries represented, with 360 members with official and business, US leading
with 250, Germany
35, Italy
10 and 35 from remaining countries. 70,000 business visitors and delegates
thronged the venue. There were eight countries pavilions and 63 chalets at the
venue. Air show and static display were integral to the show. The concurrent events
included were media briefing, press conferences by the Defense Minister, Chief
of Air Staff and exhibitors, product launches, technical presentations,
workshops on defense acquisitions, procedures and offsets including industry
round table meetings. Flight, static, flight-cum-static display by civil and
military aircraft was programs of the show. Aviation aficionados could await a
visual treat of fighters, helicopters and transport aircraft from both military
and civil aerospace sectors from across the world. In all, over 100 aircraft
were involved in Aero India 2011 out of which 27 aircraft were belonging to
civil aviation sector. Thus, Aero India 2011 was truly an all-encompassing
air-show. ISRO had set up a space stall, which was a major attraction.
India’s Rs 5,00,000 crore
(100 billion dollar) 10 year outlay for purchases had impressed the tempo of
air-show. The firms from 30 countries went all out to woo Indian delegation as
well as neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldive
and Malaysia.
Over 100 aircraft had lined up at Yelahanka air-base to be showcased to 1.75
visitors. Some of the acquisitions in offing for Indian armed forces are:
126 Combat jets-worth $
1.26 billion (Rs 6000 crore)
6 Mid-air refueling
tankers-worth $ 2 billion (Rs 10,000 crore)
197 Utility helicopters-
worth $ 750 million (Rs 3750 crore)
22 Attack choppers-worth $
600 million ( Rs 3000 crore)
US had won major contracts
for military transport aircraft like C-130 J Super Hornet Hercules and C-17 Globemaster
aircraft in the previous edition. US had largest participation in Aero India
2011 also. The companies showcased aircraft like F-16v Fighter Falcon,, F/A-18
Hornet, C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotankers. Two US firms are in
the fray for the deal for 126 Medium-Multi-Role \Combat Aircraft (MMRCA-Rs 6000
crore) for IAF. The Americans are closely followed by Russians who were
exhibiting over 80 types weaponry including MIG, Sukhoi, Almaz-Antle and
Engineering and Design bureau. They were pitching for MIG-35 and Sikhoi-35
Combat trainers, two versions of II-76 MD transport planes (with different
engines). Another highlight was Be-200 amphibians which can take-off from land
and water used for maritime reconnaissance, rescue missions and firefighting.
Indigenous sector
showcased supersonic Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Light Combat Helicopter
both of which were expected to pull off some breathtaking maneuvers in the sky.
IAF’s newly acquired C-130 J Super Hornet transport aircraft was unveiled at
the event. Inducted on February
5, 2011, it was the first US aircraft in the IAF’s transport
fleet.
A.K.Anthony, Defense
Minister said on Wednesday, February 9, that the centre might close the deal on
MMRCA by April 2011. He said, “Some more formalities are needed. I can not say
who will win the deal. The deal will be finalized based purely on trial,
valuation and contract negotiations. There will not be any political decision.
IAF will get all that they want to fight for the country. Tejas Mark I will be
inducted in 2012 and Mark II after another three years. It should become
reality by 2015.”
“US are providing more
equipment to Pakistan
for their fight against Taliban which are being used against India. It is a
matter of serious concern to us. US understand this.” Anthony added.
After Inauguration
Inauguration of Aero India
2011 took on hot Wednesday, February 9 at Yelahanka air base. The speeches
happened all right, but the show stealers were pilots. The maneuvers started at
10.35 am. The Surya Kiran
jets took off in group of three leaving behind a wake that turned into colours
of Indian flag. Nine Surya Kiran Jets pilots’ daredevilry, majesty and might
made the visitors spellbound. Then came an AK-32 accompanied by two Dornier
followed by IJT Jaugers in group in an arrow formation much to the delight.
Shutterbugs tore through the skies in an awesome show of power. Then followed
five LCVs who expressed sheer majesty in trident formation. Deadly Su-30
displayed flying in Trishul formation. For five days, different aircraft like
F-16, f-18, Euro Fighter, Typhoons, Su-30, Grifen, Rafale, and Red bulls,
Sarang helicopters etc across the world performed different maneuvers. That was
a season of aviation feast for the visitors.
Surya Kirans
At 10.35 am on Wednesday, February 9, first day
of Aero India 2011, Surya Kiran aircraft stole the show. The red and white
strapped jets took off in group of three leaving behind a wake that turned into
colours of Indian flag. The nine aircraft spewed smoke produced by coloured dye
mixed with diesel into the jet’s exhaust through a network of pipelines. Pilots
control in the spray depending on requirement. The nine Surya Kirans performed
loops, vertical climbs at a speed of 550 km/hr. They whirled their way up in
the clouds exhibiting their might in the sky.
Wing Commander Prajwal
Singh, one of the Surya Kiran team member summed up, “If you are fancied by the
daredevil acts of Surya Kiran, it will take a minimum of 10 years in the
fighter aircraft unit and considerable experience` needed. Further, six sorties
of flying test have to be cleared with colours. Only two men will make it to
Surya Kiran cockpit every three years. Even after you join, practice is
necessary every single day.”
Surya Kiran team uses MK
II U 2469. MK II, a twin cockpit trainer breaks into aerial maneuvers
performing precise loops, barrel rolls etc. Aero India 2011 is special for
Surya Kiran. For the first time the aircraft performed sky-writing. The team is
developing a new maneuver called ‘kite break’ where five aircraft will do loop
while other four will do horizontal loop and all of them go in the opposite
direction. The move is similar to the kites. The clearance is still not
accorded for their trick.
The Surya Kirans are
expected to be replaced by Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT). Now fewer Kiran is
available for training new pilots. New IJT will be inducted in the Air Force.
IJT would provide much higher maneuverability and performance. IJT will allow
the pilots to stretch their skills beyond what they are now doing. The other
flying team is Red Bulls team. Red Bulls team is air sports team and has to
follow strict regulations related to safety. The negative loop pull off by Red Bulls is excellent.
The Surya Kiran team will
fly British Hawk from next air show. The final moment for the team came at 4.17 pm on the concluding day of the
Aero India 2011, Sunday, February 13. The aircraft took in threes, one after
another. It was a fabulous display of flying skills for 13 minutes by nine pilot’s
team. 4.17 pm Sunday was emotional moment for them.
As already mentioned, MK
II Surya Kiran aircraft will be retired from aerobatics. Surya Kiran team was
formed in 1996 as 6-member team with Wg Cdr Kuldeep Malik, thunderbolts member
as first team leader. They gave their first display during Aero India 1996. By
1997 Surya Kiran team was expanded to nine aircraft. The final show was a
heart-stopper with incredible crosses and arrow formation. The display came to
an end with trademark “Bomber maneuver wherein all nine aircraft came together
and at the last moment each winged off into different directions.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
Light Combat Aircraft is
an aircraft in evolution. On Wednesday,
February 9, 2011, five LCA expressed sheer majesty in trident
formation in Aero India 2011 show. Ratan Tata watched the performance and
expressed appreciation. He remembered that he had intervened the project, which
was about to be shelved. After ten years the same LCA were in the initial
operational clearance on January 10, 2011. In a few minutes the LCA were in the
air. They did every thing asked of them. The lead pilot Group Captain Sunith
Krishna was clear in his mind that LCA was destined to arrive. Krishna was the man who chased the first LCA on its first
flight on January 4, 2001. He is the first man flying in its 11th
year through 1500 flights. What does it mean to fly an aircraft that was an
infant in 2001 and now an adult? “There were too many unknowns when we began to
fly the LCA 11 ago. The first 200 flights were a challenge, you had to learn
and learn. You had to understand it. Today 1500 flights and 11 years later, I
am convinced, the LCA is a pilot’s aircraft. It is very easy to handle it. It
does every thing that a full-fledged aircraft does.”
LCA program is most
ambitious one in the country. It is not easy to build and fly own aircraft.
Today India
is just two years away from final operational clearance. This is remarkable
achievement. LCA envelop was limited when it began that expanded today.
Expansion of envelop was cautious and taken step by step. The stage has come to
weaponise which is long way from demonstration flight. Today most of the
unknowns have come down. The LCA is now a ‘do a 6G’as they say in pilot lingo,
but when it achieves the full envelop and final operational clearance, it is
expected to do 8G and about 28 degrees alpha (vertical flight). Even at this
stage, the LCA do vertical climb, plunge loop and inverted flight, all of which
were on display at this air show.
Sunith Krisna’s ultimate dream is to see the LCA as a full-fledged
flight aircraft in the IAF. Just seeing the way it does today, it gives great
satisfaction. He loves to the LCA becoming part of IAF Squadron and the moment
is coming.
Su-30
In its class, Su-30 MK I
has no competition. Those who tried the F-16 and F-18 have failed. Ashu Parag
Lal who have been flying Su-30 say, “No other aircraft in the world can perform
the yan turn tail side or do a vertical climb at 80 degrees and prepare an
angle of attack. The yan turn is 360 degrees turn that Su-30 can perform in the
mid-air while climbing or descending in the flight. If it is an attack
situation, the Su-30 has capacity to slow down around immediately in any
direction and shoot. Most other aircraft will have to do a big circle” Ashu
explained.
“In actual flight, the
sight of 360 degree turn as the Su-30 descends, is wonderful. You will think in
humanly impossible. The tail-slide is also amazing. The aircraft virtually
stops mid-air and then begins to fly reverse at zero or even negative speed. No
aircraft in the world flies reverse. Flying reverse puts enormous stress on the
engine. But Su-30 can take it,” Lall said. Yet another wonder of the aircraft
is angle of attack. “Su -30 can climb and attain an angle of attack of 80
degrees alpha, some thing which is never easy. And Su-30 does it so
comfortably,” pilots Jeelu Yadav and Rahul Chauhan said.
The four Pune based pilots
say thrust-vectoring nozzle is the technology in Su-30 that allows it to do
near impossible maneuvers. “The Su-30 defies the laws of aerodynamics. It
defies the of control,” they echo. Ashu has been flying the Su-30 from 1997,
which means his complexity threshold, has been set by Su-30. “All my life, I
have been flying only Su-30. There is no other mission on which I have not
undertaken in the aircraft. Every day begins with Su-30. It has come to the
point where its complicity is second nature to me. I now try to do any thing
more complex than the existing state of complexity in the aircraft that the
extent to which I am used to it. I breathe and live the Su-30. I feel safest in
Su-30 cockpit. Where is the place for fear? There is no traffic jam out there.”
The pilots have this to tell to the students, “Try the ultimate job in the
world. There is no high that is comparable to the high of piloting a combat
aircraft, smell it and you will soon see that you want to fly it.”
One Su-30 is responsible
for Rs 200 crore which the aircraft costs. Every time he takes off, that kind
of money is flying with him. Imagine, what responsibility is,” Parag Lall,
Su-30 pilot opines.
Hurricane Hunter
Indian Air Force (IAF)
inducted its first C-130 J Super Hercules transporter on February 5, 2011 manufactured by
Lockheed Martin (USA).
Weatherbird variant of C-130 J transporter is Hurricane Hunter. A crew of five
people including a pilot and a navigator can operate Weatherbird. It can stay
aloft for nearly 15 hours. Weatherbird flies into the eye of cyclone to check
its intensity. It collects weather data from within the storm’s environment.
The vital information collected instantly relayed by a satellite to requisite
station to release accurate weather forecast. The storm chaser aircraft has
been fitted with computerized weather instruments. The Weatherbird penetrates
into sever storms and obtain data on storm movement, dimension and intensity.
Such an aircraft is currently operational in US Air Force and has been chasing storms
in Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The aircraft
is on display at Aero India 2011 along with C-130 J transporter of IAF.
National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and Indian Metrological Development
are contemplating to buy one each Weatherbird.
C-130 J aircraft had
traveled 13,000 miles from Hawaii islands to Yelahanka airbase in a journey speed
over three days and flying time of 17 hours. It consumed five tones of fuel for
a display of eight minutes.
Journalists in Weatherbird
On February 11, 2011, Times of India reporters
boarded big fat US whale, the Hercules and had a gripping time. The reporter’s
team walked into the belly of Hercules C-130 J, the whale that came all the way
from Hawaii.
The US
Air Force escorted the reporter’s team members to the seats and strapped them
up. The engine roared, yawn of the aircraft was closed. The aircraft revved up
with small shudder. The Hercules began taxiing to the end of the runway. The
engine began to roar at high pitch and the whale lurched forward and began
hurtling down the runway. The reporters held on to the railing so that they
would not fall off. The next minute they were up in the air. The aircraft
relentlessly pulled upwards. Minutes later came the turbulence, up and down it
went. The reporters experienced stinking feeling in the stomach once, twice and
thrice and then settled down. The four turbo propelled engines were roaring,
After settling down at
6000 feet, the reporters walked 10-15 meters within the aircraft- that is how
long it is, high tech computers giving out second by second data on weather,
temperature, air pressure, wind speed and everything else under the sun. There
were hundreds of switches and lights working to perfect, each connected by
miles of wire.
Vince Bunden explained to
the reporters, “We fly right into the hurricanes. We get into the eye of the
storm. Their job is to understand the hurricanes, where they come from, at what
pace, where they are roughest and tell the people back on land how to be safe.
We have been into more than 250 hurricanes including Katrina.” The reporters
understood what the Weatherbird was all about- strong and rugged taking water
and wind coming at more than 200 miles an hour. The aircraft rocks into
hurricane but does not crack. The structure is that strong and equipped with
weather software, which tells every thing about the atmosphere 3000 feet in the
air.
The reporters experienced
at 10,000 feet and 500 miles an hour, the flight was very smooth. After an
hour, reporters were requested to sit and to be strapped. Minutes later they
hit ground with a thud but mild. They came out in the sun.
Rafale
Rafale is French combat
aircraft. Five French pilots have flown Rafale all the way from France to Bangalore over 5000 miles
with three air-to-air refueling. They had a stopover at UAE before reaching India. In all,
the distance was covered in nine hours at around 550 km/hr. The pilot Plu
Vinage said, “Rafale has superb electronic and cockpit. It can do a mach 1.8,
9G and 30 degree angle. Rafale is light compared to F-16, F-18 and Su-30. The strength of Rafale lies in the dogfight.
It can hit swiftly when the enemy is close up. Weaponisation is lethal. Not too
many aircraft can do the dogfight as Rafale. It is more advanced than Mirage
2000 which is also French. Rafale is fourth generation aircraft. It has two
engines. If one engine fails, it can fly on the other whereas Mirage has a
single engine. On Friday, Rafale took to the skies severing to the right and
inverting before taking off vertically into the high skies leaving behind a
trail of smoke.
Young and one of India’s
ambitious politicians Naveen Jindal kept his date with Rafale in the air show.
He had done the F-16 and F-18 in the past and had the experience of flying with
the combat aircraft. He took seat in the cockpit without any anxiety. He had
full confidence and excitement. At 12.35
pm he came to the tarmac and seconds after he was at the aircraft.
At 12.46 pm Jindal climbed
the ladder and got into the co-pilot’s seat. The lead pilot was Plu Vinage. The
aircraft taxied to the end of the runway. At 12.51 pm Rafale roared into the sky with Jindal.
F-18 Super Hornet
Boeng’s FA -18 Super
Hornet Block II is the only aircraft flying here loaded with missiles.
Elaborating on this at Yelahanka airbase on Tuesday, February 8, chief test
pilot of F-18 programs Ricordo Tarven described, “It includes low drag solutions,
higher fuel capacity and next generation cockpit that grants a wall-to-wall
I-pad for the pilot on three sides equipped to see the target area on 3-D. The
enclosed weapon pod allows international customers to load and carry weapons
more stealthily and offers configuration flexibility with internal infrared
system tracking. Enhanced performance engines deliver both on transonic and
supersonic speeds.”
A stimulator was on
display at Hall E of the exhibition. The fighter loaded with two AIM-120 Amraan
(air-to- surface) each weighing 1000 pounds expected to perform in the air
show. Traven added, “The Super Hornet Block II not just an engine and an aero
plane, it is an avionic fleet, a rider sensory package and new engine with new
hydranic system.” F-18 Super Hornet is one among six contenders for India’s
contract to procure 126 medium-multi-role-combat aircraft. Traven’s preference
is for twin engines aircraft. However, he said it was buyer’s decision.
Timothy J Romer, US
ambassador took 60 minute test ride on US F-16 Super Viper, which was offered
to Indian Air Force as contender for MMRCA deal. He said, “I was fantastic for
sight seeing Bangalore
upside down from a height of 1200 feet.” He chose to promote the aircraft
saying, “If you want to know that your marriage is successful, fly on F-16. My
wife called at least six times while I was flying to check whether I was safe.”
US Tried to Tempt India with Technology and Pricing
US assistant secretary for political and military
affairs, Andrew J Shapira was in Bangalore
along with a high level delegation to participate in Aero India 2011. Shapira
replied to the questions of the reporters about what US is hoping to see in the
near future and long term in Indo-US ties, “It is my first visit to India. I am
excited to meet my counterparts in MEA here. US are looking at enhancing its
business with India.
Specially, we are looking at how the US can participate in MMRCA and
Attack Helicopter programs that India
is on offer. Our mission is to deepen and enhance technological ties between
the US
and India.
This is also the reason why we have taken a crucial decision on removing the
restrictions on Indian defense firms, which are now off entities list. That is
a positive sign. We have also Indo-US civil nuclear deal, which will have
spin-offs in future. We are looking at strategic ties with India. We are
offering great technology and great price. That is strong positive for India. As far
as I know, there has been no change in US policy on Joint Fighters. We are looking at MMRCA which is what India is keen
to be part of the program.” Regarding Indo-China ties Vis-à-Vis the US, Shapira said,”
China
is a rising power, with that comes international responsibility. The regional
dynamics may change with China’s
rise. We look forward working with India keeping in mind China’s
emergence.”
Ratan Tata in F-18
Ratan Tata, 73 year old
business tycoon took his second ride on Boeng F-18 Super Hornet at Aero India
2011 on Thursday, February 10. His first ride on Super Hornet was in 2007.
Prior to that he had flown on F-16. Ratan Tata is also known for flying his
private Falcon jet as co-pilot.
At 11.06 Ratan Tata
arrived at Boeing’s office ferried in an electrical car. Preparations for
special flight began an hour before the scheduled take off. Medical examinations
before the flight involved a quick test and elaborate briefing. VIP pilot was
Mike Wallace. The flight started. The two had steered through 60 minutes of
stunts in air. After 1.25 pm
sharp, a ruddy faced Ratan Tata stepped out of Super Hornet helped by the pilot. Ratan Tata
exclaimed, “It was terrific, better than the last time. We did some aerobatics.
We flew low, we accelerated. We had a great time. I would like to do it again.
Shahid Kapoor in F-16
Hollywood hero, Sahid
Kapoor took a ride in F-16 Super Hornet. He got his prestigious opportunity
that a civilian will not get. It was his privilege. He was the first Indian
actor to fly on F-16. Before the flight, fear was hidden because of the
excitement. He joked, “Disobeying dad is even more difficult”
He had some training for maintaining his physique. He had some time in the simulator to get a feeling of atmosphere inside the cockpit.
He had some training for maintaining his physique. He had some time in the simulator to get a feeling of atmosphere inside the cockpit.
Dad of Shahid Kapoor is directing
a movie ‘Mousam’ in which Shahid is playing a role of air force officer against
Sonam Kapoor. The film is slated for release in July, 2011. The producer and
his dad were keen that Shahid get a first hand experience. He was to be at Aero
India
venue at 3.00 pm on Friday.
But his flight from Mumbai was delayed. Therefore, he was now fixed to be in
the cockpit of fighter on Saturday.
On Saturday, Shahid Kapoor
arrived at around 2.15 pm
to the Lockheed Martin stall in dark green jumpsuit with helmet on hand. He
looked at ease to take a ride on F-16. The flight lasted for about an hour. He
came out all smiles and thumb-up sign to be greeted by his dad and his fans. He
exclaimed, “It was unbelievable. The experience could not be defined, it needs
to be felt. We were on a mission. We went up to 10,000 feet and then the pilot
let me hold the stick. We did dogfights and took a 360-degree turn. We went up
to 6G where we feel six times our body weight. Shahid Kapoor recalled, “I
wanted to become a pilot. When I grew up, came to know, it was not for me and
tried other areas. I have utmost respect for Air Force pilots. They are real heroes
of the country. People should know about their lives and be inspired.” Shahid
opined, “Flying is a bad habit. It is very addictive.”
H.R.Shashank in Combat Aircraft
On Sunday, February 13, 2011, Shashank had
a chance to be seated in co-pilot’s seat behind the lead pilot’s seat. The
chief pilot was Robin Norlander. Norlander had so far flown celebrities, politicians
and journalists. But this was the first time he was to fly a student who had
never been in air before. He felt nervous for Shashank. He met Shashank in the
morning, briefed him and tried to make him relaxed. They went in the air. They
performed climbing, descending, turns, 360 degree turns and finally joined a
triangular formation with SAAB 2000 and SAAB 340 in front of the audience.
Shashank was allowed to operate the stick and rubber pedal inside the cockpit
for about 30 minutes. The stick helps the aircraft to bank to the left and
right and up and down. The pedal operated by foot is an aid that helps the
aircraft to fly towards the left and right. The pilot said Shashank was
comfortable.
H R Shashank, 21 year old student of
mechanical engineering from BMS College, Bangalore
was the winner of Gripen to pgun.com. The contest was conducted by Gripen and
the winner was promised a ride on the fighter aircraft. Around 3000 contestants
played at the amateur level of the game while 2400 contestants played at
professional and ace level since January. Shashank was to appear for GATE on Sunday.
But he dumped GATE for Gripen and preferred to fly on one of the most technologically advanced
aircraft from Sweden.
When he was in primary school, he wanted to become a train driver. He was
amused by its size. It was later he saw an aircraft. Ever since that, was for
aircraft. He has never missed a single air show since 1996. He wanted to get
feeling of technology through engineering. After graduation he wants to work
with some great Indian project like Teja or join Aeronautical Development Agency
(ADA).
Shashank had won the Gripen
contest and had the opportunity to fly high in the air in Gripen combat
aircraft. We wish him all success to achieve his goal.
Like Shashank others at the competition were also
aircraft freaks. Shaival Sheth flew down from Mumbai to watch the air show. He
was planning for his trip since May last.
Chirant A, an M.Tech
student at PESIT was never into adventures. He was afraid of going into a ride
in wonderla. He was all changed and liked to develop software for aircraft.
Kasmira Shah, an employee
of Infosys was chasing a dream to become a pilot. But she found the course
expensive and her parents were protective being a girl child. When she heard
the competition, her mother suggested chasing her dream once again.
Germ Kapil, a linguistic and
Shampa, an M.Sc student from Garden City
College desired to carry off poses with Gripen. They entered the
Gripen model contest for their love of the aircraft. They got the chance to get
into a pilot uniform. As civilian getting into the cockpit of a combat aircraft
in a pilot gear is a dream come true. It is because they wanted a first hand
feel of an aircraft that they were there.
SAAB
SAAB, Swedish aircraft
major has set up a shop in India two years before. Now, SAAB plans a joint
venture with HAL for manufacture of airborne electronic warfare systems.
Bangalore is all set to become hot spot for avionics and electronic warfare
systems in India. SAAB on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
announced a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for
manufacturing helicopter avionics Aero India 2-011 show was scheduled to
begin on Wednesday, February
9, 2011. Announcement was made on Tuesday, one day in advance to
the event. The timing of the announcement could not have been better.
SAAB intends to generate
business billions dollar in next ten years from this joint venture. SAAB will
close down a manufacturing unit in South Africa to set up a
development facility in Bangalore.
“It is an automatic choice.” Said Inderjit Sail, head of SAAB International India AB. The
Swedish company is in the fray with other global giants such as Boeng and
Lockheed Martine for contract for 126 MMRCA for IAF. But dynamics are about to
change as the avionics will soon be jointly be developed and produced right
here in Bangalore.
HAL and SAAB have got the approval of their boards for the joint venture. “We
are now working on nuances of the deal. The investment and other details will
be finalized soon.” Sial said.
Jan Widerson of SAAB’s Asia Pacific group marketing and business development
said,” In another month’s time we will chalk out the details. We will be
recruiting 100 to 300 Indian students from various universities and train them
in Sweden.
After training, they will be brought to India for research and work. They
will form the backbone of India
operation.” Sail added, “We will hold a minority stake of 26, percent as per
Indian foreign direct investment regulations. SAAB currently supplies
electronic warfare systems to HAL, for Advanced Light Helicopter ‘Druva’. It
also works in various verticals like weapon systems and maritime security
aircraft. SAAB is expected to create a sustainable and long term relationship.
The centre will form a bridge between India and Sweden. It will
stimulate innovation all round in India. The areas of focus would
cover aerospace, defense and urban innovation creating new technologies and
exporting opportunities for India
government industrial and academic entities.
SAAB team of Sweden came in
with four aircraft including the Gripen. They started last Tuesday to reach Yelahanka
last Saturday with five stops in between including Jordan, Muscat and Ahmedabad. It is only ten hour
journey. But the fighter can not fly at a stretch as refueling is needed. There
was no tankar to carry fuel and landing was needed every time. Rabin Norlander,
chief test pilot of Gripen said when he got break, “It is the first day off I
am getting after two weeks. I want to sleep late and then do some shopping.”
Ola Ringnell, SAAB director for flight test and verification said, “It is a
terrific personal experience in India.
The best part about Aero India
was getting to know the average Indian.”
Radka Mach ova
Radka Machova, 62 year Czech
lady, a mother of two boys headed one of
the world’s most daring aerobatic team, ‘Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team’. The team
of four members was lead by Radka to Aero India 2011. The Czech lady says, “
Aerobatic is zero risk. I enjoy being in air leaving behind all problems on the
ground.” She felt proud when invited by their manager to become leader of
formation aerobatic team. She readily said yes. She liked aviation. As small
girl, she built flying models, collected articles and pictures of airplanes. At
15, she had first parachute jump-skydive and after graduation she went to
university of transport. There she obtained a private pilot license with
aerobatic qualification. She says,”Why should not one be a woman pilot? It is
not very important to be a woman or man,”
Radka feels flying is
freedom. She concentrates only on the flight and feels like a bird. She visited
India
for the first time. She does not have experience of weather in India, which is
very important for flying. She hoped there would be no problems. Her family
knows there is no possibility for any mistake. May be from time to time, they
are afraid about it.
Omega Tanker
Omega Tanker was the biggest aircraft at Aero
India 2011 event. The fuel tank of Omega was also big, but never full. Omega
lived on lean diet. The reason for that was the length of the runway (3km) at
Yelahanka airbase, which was not enough to take off on full tank. The full tank
adds up considerably to its weight, and prevents it from picking up momentum
fast enough to take off from short runways. On a full tank Omega needs a runway
as long as the one at BIAL i.e. 4 km to take off or land. Every now and then,
the aircraft would take off to put up a show for business visitors and
spectators.
Indian Oil Corporation
Limited (IOC), official fuel supplier for Aero India 2011 dispensed about 800
kilolitres of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) every day. The hungriest of the lot
was US
transport aircraft, which consumed about 700 liters for each flight of six
minutes. During the show aircraft can demonstrate in air for little less than
seven minutes before making way for others. With hectic activity throughout the
day IOC also ensures that there were no hiccups in the electricity front. They
were supplying 20 kl to run generators at the event. IOC had five tankers that
were always topped stationed at two ends of the runway to refill aircraft. One
of the tankers topped with AV GAS 100 LL (a category of gas for the planes for
flying bulls) a five plane Czech
Republic based aerobatic
team. Unlike others, their aircraft have piston engines.
Flying Control Centre
Supersonic jets danced in
the air and fighters flew in the show. It was not that simple as we saw. All
the activities In the air should be regulated to avoid any untoward happening.
The men in the Flying Control Centre are
responsible to monitor and coordinate the flying operations. The men in the
office are famous test pilots who have the crucial task of evaluating all
aircraft for services. Their primary responsibility is to make sure the display
is safe not only for pilots but also for the visitors. They monitor the
movement of all performing aircraft. Wing Commander Madhava Rngachari of
flying control centre of Aero India 2011 was one of the testing
team of LCA, C-17, transport aircraft and many others of HAL . He explained,
“As a test pilot you would know what is good, what is bad and leads to
disaster. Using our skill we are supposed to monitor all actions of an aircraft
and keep it safe.
We use 12 different camaras
for our work. On computer screens they monitor the aircraft and flying boundaries.
On vertical scale, there are three different lines-300 ft, 500 ft and 1000 ft.
During display, no aircraft is bound to fly below the ceiling to avoid any
danger to the public. All the maneuvers performed by the aircraft are approved
by the flying control centre. The flying teams send a ribbon file (maneuvers
displayed in the form of a drawing). The centre evaluates these from the safety
aspect and then gives approval. In the present air show, they did not reject
any plans but had asked a few to keep the maneuvers within safety limits.
The team plans out a
charter for day’s flights. Once the aircraft takes off, they keep constantly in
touch each communication unit. The time between one aircraft landing and the
other taking off is less than a minute and any thing can go wrong in these few
seconds if the team is not vigilant.
Air Traffic Control
Wg Cdr Rajeev Kumar Jha is
a senior Air Traffic Controller at Air Force station, Yelahanka. He is Air
Force officer for 19 years. During 2006; he had a stint with United Nation
peace keeping force in the Republic
of Congo. He came back to
Air Traffic Control. He monitored all aircraft during the air show by conveying
altitude and distance. His job was complicated because there were many pilots
around for whom English was not the first language. But the conversation was
restricted to universal language of numbers read off a large monitor displaying
aircraft information pulled in the form of the revolving radar atop the ATP. It
was very critical that ATC instructions are forwarded precisely. If that did
not happen, there would be chaos on the ground.
There are seven air
traffic controllers in all at Yelahanka and three on duty at any point of time.
Jha handles the approach of the aircraft; his colleagues manage surface.
During the show, constant
interaction was needed with BIAL and HAL airports to enforce smooth
coordination of parking of some aircraft and getting them to the venue.
Jha spearheads pilots on
their flight plan. He enjoys his high-pressure job. He was used to juggling
many tasks. When he finishes his day’s work, he could rest with satisfaction
that all the aircraft on his monitor during air show had landed safely or took
off safely.
Simulators
A common civilian does not
get an opportunity to fly in a fighter aircraft, though he longs for it. Such
desirous people may experience the feeling of the flight in a simulator.
Bjorn Danvelson, an
operational analyst for SAAB Technologies and retired pilot with Swedish Air
Force said, “Simulator is the closest that a common man gets.” Boeng and Rafale
had simulators at Aero India 2011 venue. Throughout the day the flight
simulators were crowd pullers. The simulators were delighting the youngsters.
22 year old Rita Manazes said,”The simulator was really good. You could really
feel pressure on your hands as you took off. It was awesome.” The experience of
some pilots about the simulator was great. Most were impressed on sitting in a simulator.
Right in front is the head up display. The handle is to the centre and to the
left is the throttle. There are three positions- ideal, maximum military speed
and after burner. Once on the runway, move the after burner and pull the
handle, you are now airborne, sounds like a dream.
The flight simulators at
the Aero India 2011 could give the visitor the thrill of being in the cockpit
of a fighter,
Bangalore Aerospace Park
Aero India 2011 was held
at IAF air base at Yelahanka. B S Yedyurappa, chief minister of Karnataka was
present during inauguration. A K Anthony, defense minister said,” Aero India
2011 is turning out to be greatest of all shows.” Defense Secretary, R K Singh
announced that India
had a bonanza for the world right up to 2030 with the country expected to
spend $ 150 billion on civil and
military aircraft.
Aero India 2011 was a
feast for Karnataka government. All roads leading to Yelahanka air base were
decked with high posters and banners of chief minister. There were advertisements in the show venue
also. Taking advantage of the presence of big aviation firms for Aero India, Yedyurappa
promised more power and infrastructure for investors to stay in Karnataka.
Yedyurappa along with Murugesh Nirani minister for large and medium industries
tried their best to woo the investors. Already, there are many major Aerospace
industries in Bangalore like QUEST, HAL, BEL, ISRO, BAE Systems, Turomecca,
Genstar, IT Solutions, BEML etc. Bangalore
can be base for many more global players in Aerospace industry and place for
R&D institutions in aviation sector. Aerospace University
of international standards is on anvil in Bangalore.
Aerospace Park in 985 acres is set up adjacent to Bangalore International Airport
with 250 acres special economic zone (SEZ) within Aerospace Park.
More than Rs 5000 crore ($1.1 billion) of investment is in the pipeline.
Interested investors were invited to visit Hanger B, Stall No 3B in the air
show.
Aero India 2011 and Bangaloreans
For many, five days of
Aero India 2011 was a season of festival.
Shoaib lives in his house
located near Yelahanka airbase. Like Id and other festivals, air show was also
a festival for him. He invited his relatives to his house, arranged nice meals
for them. All together watched the air show sitting in the house, had nice meal
and fun.
Salim Pasha, a mechanic
played host to all his brothers and their families to watch the show. He said,”Why
spend money when you can watch sitting in the house.” This was the case in all
the houses near airbase. Friends and relatives had crowded in for the privilege
peep.
Many had camped along Bellary Road to
have a clear view of display. They came prepared with umbrella to protect from
scorching sun, freshly cooked home made food. They cheered when the fighter
planes thundered through the air right above their head. They were not just
those who could not afford the tickets.
Some, who hesitated to
stand on the road, parked their cars in the open field in front of the airfield
and enjoyed the show sitting in the shade. One of such said, “I tried to get
ticket, but I could not because I had hectic schedule. I did not like to miss
the show either. So I am on the road.”
The lake near the airfield
was another hot spot for Bangaloreans. They rolled their picnic mats, sipping
juice and watching the steel birds fly. However, these spots were filled on a
first come basis.
The road looked like a
carnival. Venders had a big business with big crowd. They had set up tents for
business. They could supply biryani, Chinese noodle, ice creams, dahipuri,
tender coconut, soft drinks or whatever named by the customer.
A host of foreigners were
seen sipping wine sitting on the balconies of their chalets and watching the
metal birds flying in the sky showing their best. Some foreign nationals were
waiting outside with quality cameras. On enquiring they said, they were getting
better view from the road.
Score of people were
sitting on the roadside footpaths, house terraces, water tanks and
advertisement bill-board grills and trees.
There was craze for the
air show. Better displays were expected on Saturday and Sunday i.e. week end.
People from other parts of the state too gathered at the venue to see the birds
created by men. Many crowded SBI branches but the sale of tickets was closed
there. The rumor that the sale of tickets for the show was closed on Thursday
set off panic across Bangalore.
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) clarified that sale of tickets was not
closed yet; tickets were available at Gate of Air Force station.
Road Traffic Control
The show organizers had
arranged 200 BMTC special buses for the entire period of show, but they were
insufficient. On air show days, BIA road was a chock a break with enthusiastic
Bangaloreans making a beeline for the show. The road was already congested by
infrastructure work going on. At least 6 km of the road was packed with
vehicles. The road to air force station also leads to BIA. Traffic police had
announced some divergence that was of little help. Those who had to catch early
morning flight had to leave home hours before their usual time fearing traffic
jam. The police had taken all precautions to keep the traffic smooth despite
heavy VIP movement on the road. Most of vehicles could keep a good clip and to maintain
the maximum speed limit. There were a few traffic jams near air force station.
Although traffic police had published alternate routes to BIA, commuters
preferred to use Bellary Road
to airport. BIA had rescheduled its flight timings to avoid traffic congestion.
BIA had informed the most of the airlines about rescheduling inbound and
outbound flights about a month in advance. During air show, there could not be
any flights and also had shared the information with general public. Public
transport made the trips without any hassle. In spite `of all these `steps, the
public transport found no relief. Many were found waiting for buses to the
venue.
Alexander S, an aviation
enthusiast had bought his ticket on the very first day that sale started. He
lives in Jalahalli West. He took time of the work; he left his home two hours
early but reached 45 minutes late taking three buses. He was stuck in traffic
jam in a crowded special bus. He had heard much of the opening grandeur but
missed. So much was the rush of the visitors to the air show. The response of
visitors was beyond the estimation of the organizers.
Medical Facilities
at Aero India 2011
February heat is sharp.
Visitors were advised to come prepared with umbrella, sun-cap and sufficient
water. At least 100 cases of sunburn were reported. Medical staff confirmed a
head injury at public display viewing area; two fracture cases were also
reported. This is common at all air shows. Senior medical officer in charge of
Aero India 2011 Wg Cdr P K Tyagi said,
”We are well prepared to tackle any emergency and intensify our rounds
across the venue. Visitors are advised to wear light cotton clothes covering
the full body and apply sunscreen lotion on all exposed body parts. The visitors
are well informed about phone numbers of medical aid posts and medical control
room enable them to contact in case of emergency.
Facilities like 18-bed
medical centre, operation theatre with surgical team, two burn beds with
emergency rooms, two medical aid posts(6-bed and 10-bed), 17 doctors including
four civilians, medical control room with 15 hotlines, 25 ambulances (11 at venue,
14 in the periphery). Two search and rescue units (one for road with ambulance
and other with one helicopter), casualty evaluation posts (enabling to reach
major hospitals in eight seconds) and state disaster management unit were
arranged at the air show venue.
General
Bangalore police had purchased
three armored troop carriers at Rs 70 lakh each in June2010. One carrier was
deployed at air force station to counter any Mumbai type terror attack.
During last decade, growth
of Indian economy is unprecedented and Indian economy continues to be strongest
in the world. Air travel in India
is tied closely to the country’s economic growth. Boeng India President
Dinesh Keskar announced that his company will deliver first Boeng 787 to Nippon Airways in 3rd quarter of 2011. This
will bring an end to its long wait.
There are six contenders
for India’s
deal for supply MMRCA., the US
F-16, F-18, Swedish Gripen, French Rafale, Russian Mig-35, EADS Consortium’s
Eurofighter and Typhoons. Defense minister A K Anthony is not an astrologer to tell
who will bag the contract. He said, “Final decision will be only on merit.
There will be no other consideration.
Keeping in mind the
scorching sun, a cap and sunscreen were placed on every seat for the visitors
to use. VIP’s seats even had handheld ultra-violet protection film.
Every time a fighter took
off, there would be a different background music play. It was a James Bond for
Gripen while it was Jai Ho for LCA etc. Last time it was Chuck De for LCA.
Mahender Singh Dhoni,
Indian cricket skipper visited air show at 3.00 pm on Saturday. He was clad in blue jeans and white
T-Shirt. He strolled through exhibit area. He sat in the cockpit of Gripen,
entered an aircraft of US Air Force, climbed an LCA and watched a Sukhoi and
F-18 aircraft.
Silent Guardian Protection
System has been developed in US. It works in a manner similar to pain gun and
sans lethal force. It uses millimeter wave technology to repel individual
without causing any injury. The system’s antenna directs a focused beam that
produces an intolerable heating sensation thereby controlling outburst of
violence. The beam travels at a speed of light and penetrates the skin to the
depth of 1/64 of an inch. It does not cause any physical harm. GOI expressed
interest in buying the system.
At 24, Kavita Prabhu who
was graduated from Mount Carmel
College has 120 flying
hours at her credit. She was commissioned as a pilot in December 2010. Like any
other child initially she was very pond of becoming a doctor or engineer. But
she was very pond of her cousin Vaidya, a squadron leader. Kavita wanted to do
every thing Vaidya did. She would read on aircraft. Her childhood dreams
started to begin to chase. In class 11, she joined air wing of NCC and went to
study science in the college. She began to drift and joined yahoo. Her mother
Rekha Prabhu reminded her childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Her parents were
a big support and no one opposed her from pursuing a rather dangerous
profession. Today she is the only girl in the family in force. Her father Anand
would always proudly introduce her as the boy of the family. Kavita says, “It
is like having the world beneath you. I have always loved adventures. My
ultimate aim is to fly the Su-30 someday.
While our brave Air Force
men are busy securing our skies, their wives prefer to be busy themselves with
noble causes. There was a small shop selling traditional items in Aero India
2011 show. The shop’s profits go towards aiding physically disabled children of
IAF men. All Air Force employees’ wives are compulsory members of Air Force Wives
Welfare Association (AFWWA), Air Marshal Madhula Naik’s wife, the president.
Joint Secretary of AFWWA said, “A lot of foreigners are promising the shop. We
have sourced all craft items from different parts of the country.” The name of
the store was ‘Akriti’, a small tent stall housing art works, paintings,
candles, handicrafts etc. The sainted candles made by ten special kids aged
10-12 years of Umeed
Asha Kiran
School were on sale in
the stall.
Tender for MMRCA
IAF had floated global
tender for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. It was a gigantic program. It
was the largest such open-tender military aviation deal in the world. America,
Russia, Sweden, France and European Union were in the race. First, the offers
of Americans, Russians and Swedes were ejected from the hotly-contested race. Euro
fighter of European Union and French Rafale were short listed. In the dogfight,
finally Euro fighter was shot down leaving only Rafale to fly high in the
Indian skies.
After exhaustive technical
and commercial evaluation spread over five long years, India selected
French Rafale over Euro fighter Typhoons. MOD declared Rafale to be cheaper
(L-1, lowest bidder) than Typhoons after
exhaustive mathematical calculation and data verification of the unit cost of the two jets,
lifecycle cost of operating them over a 40-year period, with 6000 hours of
flying, as well as cost of ToT (transfer of technology).
Contract had to be inked after final round of
commercial negotiation between MOD and French aviation major Dassault and
requisite final nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security. Under the MMRCA
project, the first 18 jets should come in ‘fly-away’ condition from mid 2015
onwards. The remaining 108 fighters would be manufactured in India over six
years after transfer of technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
US were sore about
ejection of its F-16 Super Viper and F-18 Super Hornet from MMRCA race. The
countries backing the Typhoons-- UK, Germany, Spain and Italy
experienced heartburn.
It is learnt; the
negotiations between MOD and Dassault have not been conclusive and stand on
breaking point. Sri AK Anthony may try to compromise with
respectable terms. Some quarters in India even suggested scrapping the
deal with Dassault and investing that huge sum on indigenous Tejas (LCA) to
expedite the project on war footing.
**************
S.S.Salimath, B.E., D.F.E.(Germany)
Bangalore, India.
Ph: 080-2343
0702, Mob: 9448388678
E-mail:
somanathsalimath @ gmail.com.
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