Aero India 2013

Aero India 2013

Aero India 2013.

 

8^th edition of India’s international air show, Aero India 2011 was held for five days from 9 February to 13 February 2011 at air force station at Yelahanka, Bangalore. A dialog took place regarding the venue for 9th edition. A K Anthony, defense minister declared that 9^th edition of the air show would be held in Bangalore and also that all future air shows will be held only in Bangalore. Aero India 2013, five days’ event was scheduled to be held during February 6, to Wednesday 10, Sunday, in Bangalore on a large scale with 1,25,000 sqm footfalls. The practice-display extravaganza started on Feb 4. The practice session started with unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Sukhoi fighters, HAL helicopters and ended with Sarang helicopter team. As many as 55 kinds of aircrafts ranging from supersonic fighters to unmanned aerial vehicles to vintage aircraft were expected to land in Bangalore by Tuesday. The main attractions of this show were going to be the Russian Knights aerobatics team, Flying Bulls aerobatics team and others. One of the recent procurements of Indian Air Force, Pilatus PC-7 trainer aircraft made its maiden landing in Yelahanka Air Force Station on Tuesday. Salient features of the show;

  Event Highlights-

·        1,25,000 sqm  of Gross Event Area

·        Over 650 Exhibitors from 27 Countries

·        Country Pavilions from Belgium, Bulgaria, France,  Germany, Israel,  Italy, Russia,  Ukraine, UK, and USA.

·        Official Foreign Delegations from 78 Countries

·         Over 60 Aircraft on Static Display

·        Flying Display twice a day by Aerobatic Teams from Czech Republic & Russia along with  IAF Sarang Team

·        Over 70 Chalets

·        Two full days Seminars, Technical Sessions & Conference by Industry Experts ( Prior Registration mandatory)

·        B2B Meetings with Exhibitors and visiting Delegations

Exhibitors’ Profile

·        Leading Manufacturers

·        Vendors

·        Component Manufacturers for aircraft engines avionics, systems, sub-systems, airfield radars

Product Profile

·        Military and civil aircraft

·        Vital components for aircraft engines, avionics, systems, sub-systems, airfield radars

·        Latest technology used in the air defense sector

  Visitors Profile

   Top decision makers from

·        Ministry of Defense

·        Armed  Forces

·        Defense Research  & Development Organisation (DRDO)

·        Members of Council of Ministers

·        Military delegation from  overseas

·        Civil aviation and airport maintenance sector

Exhibition Timings

Business Visitors:

6^th Feb, 2013 (Wednesday): 2pm-6pm

7^th & 8^th Feb 2013 (Thursday & Friday): 10am- 6pm

General Visitors:

9^th & 10^th Feb. 2013 (Saturday & Sunday): 10am- 6pm

Ticket Rates

Business Visitors to Exhibition area  

(Valid for all areas exluding chalets

-6,7& 8 Feb)                                          …….Rs 2000/$35 per day/entry

General Visitor Ticket for Air Display

Viewing Area- (6,7 & 8 Feb)                 …..Rs 400/$15 per day/entry

General Visitor Ticket for Air Display

Area (9 & 19 Feb)                                   …..Rs 500/$20 per day/entry

General Visitor for Exhibition Area

(9 & 10 Feb)                                       ……...Rs 1000/$30 per day/entry

To buy Visitors and General Visitor tickets, they can approach branches of Axis Bank at Jayanagar, Malleshwaram, Koramangala, Cox Town, White Field, Indiranagar and Vijayanagar and Metro branch in Bangalore.

 Children below 16 years are not permitted on business days i.e. 6,7&8 Feb. ADVA area has no age restriction for children on all days.

Business Visitors and General Visitors for Exhibition can enter through Gate No. 5. ADVA Visitors can enter through Gate No. 8 & 9..

Gate will be opened two hours before the event time. Visitors are requested to reach well in time to avoid traffic snarls.

Follow These Rule

·        Photo ID mandatory for entry.

·        All General Visitors to undergo security check.

·        Food items are not allowed.

     Following items will not be permitted: firearms, weapons, knives

     (including pocket knives & multi tools), replica or toy weapons,

     laser pointers, pockets of any kind

·        Organisers reserve the right to deny access to any individual

·        Tickets once sold are not refundable/ non-transferable.

·        Registration not required to children below 5 years old

·        Children aged 5-15 years can provide ID card or accompanying

Parents ID card as proof of verification

·        Registration for visitors and sale of tickets is on line, wherin a unique ID would be generated on filling the details. Tickets can be collected from 10 tickets collection centers in the city on production of unique ID generated.

·        Please carry  your registration ID and/or proof of online payment  to facilitate issue of ticket

·        No over the counter sale of tickets this time. For details, please visit

www.aeroindia.in

Demand for Luxury cars During 2013.

The biennial air show would see delegates from 29 countries and 675 visitors from 380 foreign companies.  Over 300 luxury cars were snapped for five-day events. The booking for luxury cars for the aero show started two months ahead of the event. Car rental companies in the city were forced to bring in more cars from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Karala

Savaari, a car rental pan India company in the city, has over 3000 cars of all shapes and sizes across India. 15 percent of their cars comprise luxury cars like Toyato Camry and Mercides E Class. 60 percent of their luxury cars were booked during normal period.

It was not just the demand that is making happy, but also the fact that they are getting their fair share. Normally, the cars are booked through agents and five star hotels and the rental companies get the much lower than they charge. The direct booking by customers during Aero India could enjoy full rate themselves.

Cavery Rentals normally get Rs 10,000 for an eight-hour day (or 80 km) for renting out a Merc S Class during normal business days. However, during the air show, they got Rs 30,000 or three times the regular rates. Their fleet includes 10 luxury cars comprising Mercs, camry, Audi, BMW and CRVs.

An Audi A6 that fetches Rs 6,500-Rs 7,000 a day, now get Rs 15,000 for the same eight hour-80 km deal.

Cab India who runs over 200 luxury cars in select cities brought at least seven to eight cars from other cities. At least 35 of their cars were dedicated for Aero India demand.

Car Rental companies feel there was a massive hike in road tax last year and they were forced to pass it on to their customers

The demand for hotel-rooms had surpassed the expectation. Roomc rentals in premier city hotels touched the Rs 25,000 mark. The average room occupancy rate was between 95% and 98%, with some hotels chock-a-block with 100% occupancy.

Many Aero India visitors stay back till they finalise their deals, while a few go sight-seeing before they leave.

BMTC Bus Service to Aero India show

BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation)) arranged special buses from Wednesday to Sunday from various areas in the city to the show at the Air Force Base in Yelahanka.  Kempegowda bus stand, Mnekshaw Pared Ground (MG Road), Hebbal Ring Road junction and Yelahanka NES were the pick-up points for the buses. Buses were arranged to carry passengers from Silk Board, Koramangala bus depot and from bus stands at Jayanagar and Yeshwantpur. Parking space was provided for the vehicles of bus passengers at Yeshwantpur, Shantinagar Koramangala and Jayanagar bus terminals. A trip from MG Road and Kempegowda bus station to Yelahanka Air Force Base was to cost Rs 26, and from Yelahanka police station it was to cost Rs 15.

Aero India 2013 affects Flight Schedule of BIA

Air Force station in Yelahanka and Bangalore International Air Port are not far from each other. Flight timings will be affected between February 2 and 10 because of Aero India show. Airport operations will cease for few hours each day. Airport closure timings  would be;

   Feb 2-4…..10-30 am to 12 pm and 2-4 pm..practic Day

   Feb 5 ……10-30am to 12pm                ….. Practice Day

   Feb 6-10…10-30am to 12pm               ……Aero India 2013

Airlines will inform passengers about changes in flight schedules and cancelled/revised timings. Passengers could also check www.bangaluruairport.com for latest information

City’s Diverse Culinary Offerings

JSM corporation has under its umbrella restaurants like Hard Rock Café, California Pizza Kitchen, Trader Vic’s and Mai Tai Trader Vic’s. They were all set to welcome Aero India 2013 delegates. During five days of the air show, each one of the JSM brands offered either complimentary beverage or appetizer to the dignitaries upon producing their Aero India visitor i-card. Each outlet provided an eclectic ambience and attentive service so that each delegate could expect a great dining .

Inaugation of Aero India 2013

Aero India 2013 air show was scheduled to fire off from Wednesday, February 6. On Tuesday, February 5, one day to go for regular show, the practice display at Yelahanka air force station started preparation for the aerobatic extravaganza which was also a crowd puller. The morning practice session started with unmanned Aerial vehicle, Sukhoi fighters and HAL’s helicopters and ended with Sarang helicopter team.  As many as 55 kinds of aircraft, ranging from supersonic fighters to unmanned aerial vehicles to vintage aircraft would be landing in Bangalore. Some of the main attractions of this year were expected to be Russian Knights aerobatic team, Flying Bulls aerobatic team and others. Among other aircraft showcased were the Light Combat Aircraft of HAL and its naval version, Light Combat Helicopter Rudra, the armed advanced light helicopter, Dassault Rafale, the new multi-role combat aircraft India is procuring and others. Apart from these, organizers had promised a glimpse of India’s fifth generation fighter aircraft produced by HAL with their Russian counterparts.

On Tuesday, February 5, an International Seminar was held on the side lines of Aero India 2013, A K Anthony, defense minister speaking in the seminar said, “We have to operate at a higher speed as delay in delivery is still a problem. We have to reduce delay and increase quality. The main aim of the new defense production policy is to increase indigenous content and avoid imports. When I took over as defense minister, 99% people criticized DRDO, now there are many who appreciate its achievements.”

“Research and development (R&D), especially in the defense and aerospace sectors is mostly government funded. Now, private companies have the opportunity to chip in by making the best of the government’s offset policy. I am not satisfied with government funding in R&D. If we want to keep development momentum on par with the growth of the country, we have to spend more,” Anthony said. Thus, the defense minister frowned on delays and called for more R&D funding.

Chief of Air Staff supplemented the views of the defense minister and lashed out against delays in projects, “So far, our modernization plans have been restricted due to slippages in the timeliness of many of our projects. Indian Air Force is currently transforming into a multi-strategic force by signing 325 capital contracts worth $ 28.5 billion since the 11^th Five Year Plan. Of these , 217 contracts worth $ 15.5 billion were awarded to Indian defense companies.” Further Chief of Air Staff agreed with the defense minister, “The R&D expenditure of major public sector companies like HAL is currently 7%. It should go up at least 12-15 % to make viable progress. The two areas we have to focus on are R&D efforts and quality control,” he emphasized.

On Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10.05am formal inauguration ceremony of 30 minutes took place on a makeshift dais. Defense minister, A K Anthony in the presence of chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force and in the presence of  aviation experts from 26 countries inaugurated the show. The mobile dais was shifted out to make way for the metal birds to take off and land. Three copters flew past signaling the opening of the show. Thereafter the regular air show continued.

Lighjt Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

LCA is an aircraft in evolution, designed by Aeronautical Development agency manufactured indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). First LCA was on its first flight on January 4, 2001. There was a stage when the LCA project was about to shelved, but with the intervention of Ratan Tata, program was continued. After ten years, the same LCA got initial operation clearance (IOC) on January 10, 2011.  During Aero India 2011, LCA had expressed sheer majesty in the sky and earned the appreciation of Ratan Tata.

LCA program is most ambitious one in the country. LCA is expected to get final operation clears (FOC) in about two years and then to weaponize it. On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, Chief of Air Staff said, “LCA would be inducted into operational service by 2015. IOC of Tejas was completed two years ago. Final deployment in IAF has been put off due to several issues. Recently, we went for high altitude trials. LCA engine did not work at that altitude. So, LCA will be modified and has to undergo retrials. Delays are normal in development project such as the LCA. The aircraft will take part in the exercise ‘Ironfist’ to be held at Pokhran in Rajastan on February 22. Then, Tejas will be firing the R-73 missile along with laser guided bombs. The IAF is planning to induct 350-400 aircraft in the 12^th Defense Plan period.”

It appears, LCA and Suneeth Krishna have been made for each other. Suneeth Krishna was the man who chased the first infant LCA on its first flight on January 4, 2011. He was the first man flying the adult LCA in its 11^th year through 1500 flights. Suneeth is convinced that the LCA is a pilot aircraft, one of the safest aircraft to fly. He says, “ LCA is now a ‘do a 6G’, as is said in pilot lingo and it is expected to do 8G and about 28 degree vertical flight after final operational clearance.

Suneeth Krishna being Group Capt dazzled the audience with twists, turns and somersaults from the cockpit of LCA Tejas during Aero India 2013. He has been a fighter pilot with the Indian Air Force for 23 years. He recently joined the ADA as a test pilot. He says, “ The technology used in the LCA is a state of art. It has a full glass cockpit and comes with modern avionics. It has a sophisticated computer with Helmet Mounted Display System.” About recent failure of the LCA in high altitude tests, Suneeth Krishna says, “We did not fail but we found faults and now we can make the system better.” He said, “The ground pressure refueling system has been integrated in the latest models of LCA since 2012 which allows the fuel tank of the plane to be filled in about five minutes, unlike the older models which took more than30 minutes to fuel up on the ground.”

Russian Knights

Russians Knights (Russikiye Vityazi), is Russian Air Force aerobatic team. The team programmed to fly their Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-27 UB single seater fighters. The aircraft were designed during the cold war era to counter NATO planes. These do not use engines which emit smoke, like many other aerobatic teams.

The team was expected to arrive at Yelahanka air base on Sunday. The performance of Russian Knights was billed to be one of the star attractions. The team failed to arrive due to bad weather; they were expected to reach Bangalore on Tuesday, a day ahead of the Aero India. Now, the organizers were hoping that the team would land at least on Thursday. The Russian ambassador to India said, “Bad weather in both Russia and India led to the delay. There was heavy snowing in Russia and the team’s departure from Moscow was delayed. The team reached Hidon Air Force station near New Delhi on Tuesday night. But bad weather in North India delayed their flight to Bangalore. We expect them to reach Bangalore by Thursday.”

“Will they? Will they not?” That was the question uppermost in everyone’s mind about the Russian Knight’s coming to Bangalore. The wait ended on Friday when some one from the crowd shouted excitedly, “The Russians are here.” An IL-76 transport aircraft led the Russian Knights, setting at rest all doubts whether the team would arrive at all. It was for the first time that they would be performing as a team in India.

The team did two fly pasts before splitting and landing. With class written all over the maneuvers, the Russians made their point: We are here. The Russian Knights performed solo flights at Aero India earlier but not in groups. The team performs for 40 minutes but Bangalore had to do with 25 minutes. Team commander Lt Col Alekseev Andrey guaranteed the surprise in store for their fans.

The Russian Knights aerobatic team in Sukhoi-27s stole the show on fourth day of Aero India.

Flying Bulls

Aviation  aficionados of Bangalore have been familiar with  the world’s most daring aerobatic team ‘Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team’ from Czechoslovakia The leader of four member aerobatic team which participated in Aero India 2013 was 64 year lady Radka Machova. She was accompanied with three expert pilots, Jiri Saller, Jiri Viprak and Moroslav Krejci. Till January 2013, it was not clear whether Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team from Czech Republic would fly in Aero India 2013. The team had to be convinced into participating with an assurance that the Indian government would pay all expenses. The groundwork of the team for Bangalore show began; they dissembled the four aircraft. packed and sent them by sea. On arrival in India, they reassembled the aircraft. The team use single engine, single seater aircraft.

Flying Bulls team had performed under the leadership of Radka Machova during Aero India 2011 in Bangalore and had the experience of the weather here. On Monday 6, February 2013, after inauguration of the show, flying bulls came on the sky showing their master control and perfect coordination. Radka Machova was in command of the four aircraft fleet. Thunderous applause was heard from the audience. The team performed scintillating acrobatics in Bangalore. They were upside down midair and swerving in the sky.. The communication among the four members of the team was so good that helped them to be in perfect sync. All the four drank only water before flying. Radka Machova was in charge of the speed, altitude and positions of all the four aircraft.

 Radka Machova is now 64 years old but she does not feel it is too late for flying. She had got her flying license when she was 22. As a child she loved the smell of aircraft oil and fuel. The first time, when she was put on parachute, she was paranoid. She was the first pilot in her family and her mother was her biggest encouragement. She loves Indian lunch. Indian biryani tickles her taste buds. Four days she arrived in Ban galore, she was hoping to do some sightseeing.

Back at home in Prague, when Radka Machova is not flying, she peruses her hobby ‘photography’, chats with friends on Face book and uploads photographs that she clicks. She is the mother of two children. Radka is proud that more women in India are taking in the skies. It is heartening to her to see women flying.

French Flavor in Aero India

Aero India was started in 1996 mostly as a domestic event. Over the years it has become truly international. The US was the prominent player in past few editions of Aero India, as were Russia and Israel.  There were six contenders including America, Russia, European Union, Sweden and France who had bid for the tender of India for 126 medium multi-roll combat aircraft (mmrca). It was a gigantic program of $13.3 billion and was the largest such open-tender military aviation deal in the world. Dassault, French aviation major won the deal. That set-back appears to have reduced American interest.

For the first time. The French were seen so prominently in the show that Aero India 2013 carried a strong French flavour. All these years America was considered as partner of India and had dominant presence in the show. Dassault’s India deal created a lot of momentum in the aviation landscape in France and encouraged many players to participate in the Aero India 2013.

French Rafale of Dassault is fourth generation aircraft. It has two engines; if one engine fails, it can fly on the other. It is more advanced than French Mirage 2000 which is a single engine aircraft. Rafale is light when compared with F-16, F-18 and Su-30. Its strength lies in the dogfight. Among the six offers received, India had picked up Rafale after exhaustive technical and commercial evaluation. Final contract had to be inked after final round of commercial negotiatios between MOD and Dassault. It was learnt that the negotiations had run into rough stream and both the sides could not arrive at a mutual agreement. In some quarters of public in India it was suggested to scrap the deal and spend the huge money to develop Tejas on war footing. Air Chief Marshal on the sidelines of Aero India 2013 said, “MMRCA deal is the highest priority for Indian Air Force. The deal has to go through as fast as possible. No compromise would be made in the procedural aspects. Cost negotiation committee review of MMRCA deal will be done by the end of April or early May, after which it will go to the finance committee.

Big Market in India for Defense Helicopter

Indian government is planning to procure close to 400 helicopters that would be used by the army, navy, air force and coast guards. Order announcement and request for proposals for these are expected this year. The major ones among these are 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH), 56 naval utility helicopters, 16 ship-borne light-medium helicopters, over 120 naval multi-role helicopters and 14 shore-based helicopters.

In 2007, Eurocopter was selected for 197 RSH order; but tender was cancelled and it was retendered in 2008. The government is yet to announce the winning bid. Eurocopter company plans to set up a production facility in India if it wins the order. They are holding discussion with private and government partners, including HAL, for establishing a production facility. The Euro 6.3 billion helicopter manufacturer is part of the EADS group.

Sikorsky, part of the $ 58 billion United Technologies Corp, also plans to participate in many of these bids. Sikorsky already has a joint venture with the Tata Group that manufactures components for the assemblies of the cabin for S-92 helicopter in a plant in Hyderabad. Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky was at Aero India 2013 accompanied by several members of his executive council indicating the seriousness with which the company was taking the Indian market.

Maiden Landing of ‘Pilatus’

Pilatus PC-7 Mark II trainer aircraft is the recent procurement of Indian Air Force. One of the first aircraft procured from Switzerland made its maiden landing at Yelahanka Air Force station on Tuesday morning. It was assembled at Air Force Academy in Hyderabad and flown to Bangalore. The new trainer promises new hope for the trainee pilots at the Air Force station which phased out its age old work-horse trainer HPT-32.

The smallest aircraft in the IAF inventory, Pilatus shoulders heavy responsibility. It is an excellent training aircraft. Flying  in new aircraft is always a fine experience. Safety, instruments, control systems and flexibility of services configuration are key features of Pilatus. It is named after a mountain in central Switzerland.

C-17, the US Military Transport Aircraft

C-17, High winged four engine transport aircraft of the US Air Force had flown from Hawaii and was parked majestically on the tarmac of the Yelahanka air base. It is a massive aircraft weighing 77.5 tone, 179 foot long looking like a workshop inside with seats on both side and clear open place in the centre which is enough to land a helicopter. It can transport ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations just like it did during tsunami in Japan. Its crew was the part of the rescue mission in Iraq, Afghanistan and other war zones.

The space of the aircraft’s cargo door was as large as to accommodate a helicopter with no windows to look out. The aircraft can carry 110 tons of fuel in its belly.

Nirbhay

Nirbhay is medium range missile designed and developed by DRDO in Bangalore. It is six meter long and weighs a tone.  It has high degrees of hovering capacity, and good loitering capability, control, guidance and accuracy. Its key strength is the ability to pick the exact one from multiple targets. Its hovering capability allows Nirbhay to wait and hit at the right time. For example, if a bridge is picked as the target, it would only hit the bridge. In case a vehicle comes in between, it would keep hovering around in the air by rearranging the target till the obstacle is cleared. It is capable of carrying nuclear warhead. It is designed to carry 24 different types of warheads, thus making it crucial for various types of missions either on water, water and land. Longer range of Nirbhay would supplement Brahmos which has a 290 km range.

The trial of Nirbhay was being delayed for the four months due to technical reasons. Now the issues have been rectified. The missile will be test fired during February. It will be fitted along with other missiles on Sukhoi 30 MKI. Once the trial proves a success, Nirbhay will be used onboard Sukhoi 30 MKI for use in real-life situations

Nirbhay will supplement the Brahmos cruise missile by carrying warheads beyond the 300 km range, as it is capable of flying at different altitudes ranging from 500 meters to 4 km..

Nirbhay (The Fearless0) was expected to be flight –tested in February as disclosed be the scientific adviser to the defense minister at a briefing on Aero India 2013. This all-weather cruise missile would be inducted into the Navy, Army and Air Force over the next 12-18 months.

Kaveri Engine

DRDO had an ambitious project to power the country’s first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with an indigenously developed engine named Kaveri. The project seems to have derailed. LCA Mark 1 and Mark 2 versions have been be fitted with American made jet engines D404 and D412 respectively. Kaveri engine project was an arduous experiment spanning two-and-half decades at a whopping cost of more than Rs 500 crore has come to an end. DRDO has no intentions of abandoning the engine. Kaveri will have other applications. The project will be taken to its conclusion by demonstrating onboard an aircraft of Indian origin.

Aerospace Actuator Manufacturing Company

Wipro Infrastructure engineering is in a global hydraulic business which unveiled an aerospace actuator manufacturing facility at Devanahalli special economic zone, Bangalore, on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. The new facility was inaugurated by Wipro chairman Azim Premji in the presence of Klaus Richter, executive vice president-procurement head, EADS/Airbus and M N Vidyashankar, principal secretary, Karnataka government. This was the first such facility in India and commences production in April.

In the first phase, the plant set-up in a 7.2 acre campus with an initial investment of Rs 65 crore, will have the capacity to produce 2,000 actuators per year. The existing infrastructure allows for expansion of the capacity up to 8,000 actuators a year. Aerospace actuators have various applications in an aircraft, including landing gear, flight control systems, engines and utilities. Industry estimates put the global actuator systems market at $ 3 billion. Going forward, Wipro see significant opportunities.

In May 2011, Wipro Infrastructure Engineering had signed an agreement with Spanish company CESA (Compania Espanola de Sistemas Aeronauticos SA), a subsidiary of EADS for the manufacture of precision engineering components. The pact involved transfer of technology as well as manufacturing aerospace actuators and related precision engineering components by Wipro fot CESA.

Aerospace component manufacturing is beginning to take off in Karnataka, partly on account of the state’s traditional strengths in the segment due to the presence of PSUs like HAL and NAL and the low costs compared to other international locations. Another major driving factor is that the off-set obligation imposed on the overseas vendors who have won the defense and civilian contracts from the government. Under this, vendors are obliged to procure materials and services from within India equivalent to 30% to 50% of the contract value. Since the government has placed large aerospace orders both defense and civilian, global aerospace majors who have won these orders have to necessarily manufacture components and systems in India.

Quest Global has a 300 Acre aerospace SEZ  in which it has invested Rs 200 crore and which has tie ups with various global aerospace entities. It has recently signed a joint venture agreement with Swedish defense and security major SAAB to establish an aero structure assembly plant.

Wipro Imfrstrutuere Engineering plans to double the initial    investment in Devanahalli SEZ over the next six years to expand the capacity and add new product lines in the precision components. They have ambitious plans for this business and are in talks with several players to develop multiple product lines.

A Constraint of Talent on Growth of Aerospace Engineering

The aerospace and defense engineering (A&D) sector has opened up a new market opportunity for India. But the country is yet to build  a supportive eco-system. Shortage of talent and unavailability of people with deep knowledge are concerns. There is huge gap between what academia produces and what the industry requires. There is a lot of distance between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. In the current scenario, the country is equipped to handle only basic functions. To attract high-end and high value work, the country needs to develop quality talent.

At the bottom of the A&D talent pyramid are basic engineers who handle non-core, low-end work, mostly using tools, methodologies and processes. The country has a little over 50,000 people working in this layer now. The mid layer of the pyramid is the product space where skills, product knowledge, expertise, end-user/market understanding and product delivery capabilities are critical. Currently, people in this space are in the 4 to 5 years experience category, such functions globally are handled by professionals with 15 to 20 years of experience. The top layer of the pyramid is IP (intellectual property) and it is entirely driven by innovation. For this, companies employ experienced and expensive talent. Global players like GE, Boeng, Airbus, Rolls Royce, and Saffran Engineering are among those active in this space in India. Vasanth Kini, managing director, Titanium Industries, a New Jersey based company that makes high performance metals to make aircraft bodies, wings and engines said, “The Indian A&D industry is at its infancy now. We need to do a lot to capitalize on the potential. We need to have good faculty and suitable curriculum to produce industry-ready talent.”

Labour Arbitrage

Labour arbitrage works favorably for India in IT/BPO whereas it is not so in aerospace design engineering services space. Labour costs in India are about a forth to a third of that in the US, but in the aerospace design engineering services various other costs are significant and make the arbitrage play less effective. In the aerospace and defense industry in the US, an engineer charges $ 75 per hour for CAD/CAM work, 2D to 3D conversion or other kinds of drawings. The corresponding cost at the completion of the project comes up to $ 50. The productivity is not the same between engineers in India and in the US. Indian engineers are slower by 20% to 25%. They need some three months of training to start on the project. To conduct a three month training expat trainers charge $ 50,000. India does not have good trainers yet.

Some aerospace and defense related files are too heavy; most companies need to make investment to widen and sharpen their technology pipeline and bandwidth to support seamless transfer of files and drawings. Even after completion and delivery of a project, there invariably will be several rounds of telephonic, email or face-to-face interactions to clear doubts and clarify things between the project team and the company. All these add up, resulting in sizable cost increases.

Global aerospace companies are also now insisting that providers bear the burden of the aviation liability insurance. This is to make the designer/developer of any product/ technology/ component responsible for any direct or indirect functional failures resulting in damages of aircraft or lives.

EADS recently asked Quest Global to insure a contract for $ 100 million, bearing an annual premium of $ 1 million. In aviation, zero defect products are required. Quality is paramount.

Made-in-India Device to Help Pilots

Cassidian, an EADS company has launched two products fully made at its engineering centre in Bangalore. The products include a structurally integrated antenna and a high accuracy air pressure measurement system (HAAPMS).

The embedded antenna is expected to reduce the aerodynamic drag, enhance stealth and support radar cross section in military or civil aircraft. The antenna is of low maintenance as it is not exposed out side. The device can find applications in communication applications, electronic warfare, radar, satellite communication and GPS systems.

HAAPMS provides pilots with highly accurate altitude readings that are a must for flying in reduced vertical separation minimum zones. The system is unique as it is highly miniaturized and modular in design..

 With these sophisticated products, India has become a key hub that supports global innovation

Trade Ties with UK

The Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies (SIATI) has over 300 aerospace companies in its fold in the country.

ADS, a premier trade organization for all companies operating in the UK aerospace, defense, security and space sectors which together with its regional partners represents over 2600 companies

SIATI and ADS Group signed a MoU of mutual cooperation between companies on Monday.

The MoU is expected to boost exports from India to the UK and to help Indian companies to grow. There is a need to develop a supply chain for Indian companies as suppliers for UK-based companies which would be addressed by SIATI. There is scope for identifying potential collaboration between India and the UK in the field of aerospace, especially in manufacturing components, equipment structure and design software solutions. UK based aerospace industries are looking at partnership outside Europe because of sovereign debt crises which restricted the spending capacity of most developed countries in West Europe.

Sarang Helicopter Display Team

Sarang is one of the only two helicopter aerobatic teams left in the world. The team flies four HAL ‘Druva’ helicopters. The helicopter aerobatic team was formed in October 2003. Its first public performance was at the Asian Aerobatic Show, Singapore, in 2004. It is a regular performer at Aero India and Air Force Day parade.

The Sarangs promise a new exciting dimension of aerobatics. The Advanced Light Helicopters enter in an inverted wine-glass shape, followed by a vertical peel-off by the lead copter through a 180-degree rotation and then by rotation salute. The team constantly tries to better its performances, each being different from the previous show. The team gives a lot of emphasis on the visual appeal and how the audience appreciate its maneuvers.

The team was scheduled to head to Jalsalmer in Rajasthan for ‘Iron Fist’ exercises in Pokhran on February 22. Sarang’s aim is to motivate youngsters to join IAF.

Agni VI on the Way

The Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) is busy developing Agni VI ballistic missile which will be capable of hitting multiple targets in one go. The long range nuclear capable ballistic missile will be able to carry multiple warheads. DRDO is an integral part of Agni, Prithvi and Dhanush development programs. Agni V is a major strategic defense weapon. Now they want to make Agni VI which will be a force multiplier. At present, work is on the design and hardware realization phase.

Indo-Russian Fighter

The program to develop Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) is in the preliminary design stage and research and development will start soon. The first prototype Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in collaboration with Russia will be ready by 2015 and production will start by 2018. 

Although created in collaboration with Russia, the Indian version of the aircraft will be tailor-made for the requirement of the Indian Air Force. The main idea adopted from the Russian design will be super cruise capability, stealth and conformable weapons. 30 engineers of HAL are currently working in Russia finalizing the design phase.

Encouragement to Private Sector

IAF has been fully committed to supporting to the private sector by giving then an opportunity to enter aviation manufacturing through IAF’s projects. IAF and defense ministry have urged the country’s private sector to participate more in the development of the aerospace industry.

The IAF has done 14 procurement deals in the last two to three years, which has an estimated offset credit value of $ 3.5 billion. The private sector needs to seek this opportunity and push for joint ventures and collaborations that are sustainable business ventures and not just to garner offset contracts of the $ 3.5 billion offset credit, 70% to 80% of the work would be going to the Indian private sector. When the Indian private sector negotiates with foreign vendors, they must keep in mind a long term strategy.

The defense public sector undertakings such as HAL and BEML are spending money on research and development, but their combined efforts in modernization are not commensurate with the needs of the industry. There is a need for adding on resources from the private sector R&D and also from collaborative efforts with foreign vendors

Indian private sector has to straddle three parts of the aerospace industry--civil, military, space-- in order for the industry to become successful.

Dhiraj Mathur of PwC India, a consultancy firm for aerospace and defense, opines, “Though there are green shoots in the development of an indigenous aerospace industry, a lot of proactive policy initiatives are needed to ensure private sector participation. The government needs to revive the 26% cap on FDI in the sector as well as streamline the various policies to promote greater investments. Other policies that have to be looked into include, ambiguity in the definition of defense equipment, inconsistencies in multiple regulation, and a complex and multi-tired tax structure that makes domestic manufacturing uncopetetive and directly works against the indigenization policy of the government.” Mathur estimates that the Indian defense force’s acquisition program and its offset policy can generate investments in excess of $ 20 billion.

Aerospace Policy of Karnataka Government

Aerospace policy of Karntaka government provides significant incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This cap provides a major boost to such enterprises, coming as it does at a time when many foreign vendors are looking to have joint ventures with Indian companies as part of government’s offset policy.

The policy says that MSMEs will have preference in allotment of land in designated Aerospace Park and at least 30% to40% of the land in these parks would be reserved for MSMEs. These firms will have to pay only 40% of the land cost upfront. The balance would have to be paid in 12 equal quarterly installments. This facility is however available only where the land cost is more than one crore an acre, and will be available only for the initial five years of the policy period.

The policy says MSMEs would be financially supported for obtaining certifications like AS-9100 series, a widely adopted and standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry, and NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program), a global cooperative accreditation programme for aerospace engineering.

The policy will offer an anchor unit subsidy of Rs 5 crore to the first ten aerospace OEM enterprises with a minimum investment of Rs 50 crore and direct employment of 100 persons. This subsidy will be in addition to the anchor unit subsidy available for the first two units under the industrial policy. There will be 100% exemption of electricity duty/tax for aerospace enterprises and this will be available for 7 years for MSMEs, and 6 years for large enterprises. Central sales tax paid by aerospace enterprises will be reimbursed to the extent of 75% for the initial period of 5 years.

Disappointment Was in the Air

Aero India 2013 was a shade paler than the previous editions. Jaguars, Sukhoi Su-30, Boeng F-18 Super Hornet, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, LCAs,  Flying Bulls, Sarangs, Surya Kirans, C-130J Hurricane Hunter and Omega Tanker were the highlights of Aero India 2011. Celebrities like Ratan Tata, Shahid Kapoor and Mahender Singh Dhoni flew in at Aero India 2011. Su-30 LCAs, F-16s, Rafale, Flying Bulls, Sarang, C-17 Transporter were the only planes at 2013 and c-quotient was zero. Surya Kirans were absent. Two lakh people had purchased tickets for week days. Due to delay in arrival of Russian Knights, they did not get the biggest attraction of this edition. They felt sorry for not getting the value for the money they spent. The organizers opined, the 2011 show should not be considered a benchmark; biggest defense deal was in process and 2011 show was bound to be extravagant. 2013 show was not military hardware but technology and supporting industries  were in focus. As many as 78 countries sent their delegates to 2013 show, compared to a mere 45 in 2011.

General

Aero India 2013 unfolded infinite opportunities for businessmen and corporate firms across the world. The show also turned out to be a lucrative opportunity for the people living around the locality to make a quick buck. With the people finding it increasingly difficult to get passes or ticket to the show, many building owners in the area were renting their terraces to those who gathered to watch the show.

The people keen to watch the show but  failed to get tickets or were unwilling to pay for the tickets, were standing on the roads. The runway of the Air Force station is located on an elevated place, it could be better to stand on a high place like terrace of the building, for clear view. At times, police came to chase the crowd on the road. As the number of people making a beeline to climb on to the terraces increased, the building owners began charging them Rs 50 per person per show for entry to their terrace for watching the show. The owners offered bottles of water free of cost.

Medical Emergency Cases

On the third day of the show, a woman was taken to the medical care centre. The woman had fainted due to sheer exhaustion. She received immediate medical care. She was taken by an amblance to the main medical centre for the further treatment

There were over 500 cases of medical emergency at the Aero India 2013 show. Nearly a third of these cases were reported after February 6. Two medical attendants were kept on toes at Hall E. The main medical cell within the control room co-ordinates all emergency cases.

The cases reported included that of hypertension and hyper- glycemia (high sugar level in the blood) leading to fainting due to simple exhaustion. The extraordinary noise level due to the constant take off and mid-air maneuvers of fighter jets have only caused to aggravating the condition for those who were either too weak or too old handle the heat.

Aero India 2013   

On the concluding day of Aero India 2013, it was announced that the tenth edition  of Aero India show i.e. Aero India 2015 will be held in Bangalore from February 18 to 22, 2015.

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                                   S. Somanath Salimath, B.E., D.F.E.(Germany)

                                             Bangalore (India)

                            Phone: 080-2343 0702 Mobile: 94483 88678

                              Email: somanathsalimath @ gmail.com