Aero India 2011

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 8^th 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 11^th 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.

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 3^rd 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.

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                                            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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Views of readers are welcome by the writer.

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