Archive for May, 2007
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
June 2007 will see the Indian Army pitching Arjun MBT against T-90S and T-72 for a dissimilar combat. Whatever the reason for the exercise, Indian Army is on record stating that, the Arjun MBT production will be decided by outcome of this event. Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service (FIDSNS) have collated the features of Arjun MBT and T-90S for the reader’s judgment of the capabilities of the tank. T-72 M1 specifications have not been added as T-90S is an advanced version of T-72 M1 which Indian Army operates. The two tanks have similar features in most of the mobility features and T-90S has add-on enhancements in terms of firepower and protection.
General Characteristics of MBT Arjun and T-90S
Battle tank design is an optimization of the three basic characteristics viz. firepower, mobility and protection. All tanks are designed in accordance with the war doctrine of the country and to ensure operation over a range of environmental conditions. Arjun MBT is a state of art tank, developed to suite specific needs of Indian Army. Arjun MBT is on par with contemporary tanks in its class like M1 Abrams, Leopard 2, Leclerc and Challenger II. T-90S is a lighter tank and does not fall in the class of Arjun MBT. T-90S is designed in accordance to specifications of the Russian Army and Russian cold climate. Both Arjun MBT and T-90S can be transported to Indian border areas by rail throughout the National Broad Gauge network.
Mobility performance
Arjun MBT’s Hydro Pneumatic Suspension system provides a stable weapon platform which enhances the fire on move capability and excellent riding comfort during cross country move. The Indian borders in north and west are very rugged. Arjun MBT has less Nominal Ground Pressure (NGP) compared to T-90S. Arjun MBT has better acceleration and maximum road speed due to high peak torque output of the engine coupled with fully automatic transmission not withstanding “slightly” lower power to weight ratio. Automatic transmission provides neutral turn capability which adds to the maneuverability during shoot and scoot. Arjun MBT features Auxiliary Power Units (APU) which T-90S does not have. APU’s provide continuous operation in silent watch mode. It also saves main engine life. Rubberized double pin tracks provide increased life, reduced track noise and better maintainability. Arjun MBT’s mission reliability has been proved with 500 kms being covered in 48 hours. Arjun MBT successfully crossed the RAVI River at Lassian without support systems due to lower ground pressure. Trench crossing capability of Arjun MBT is on par with T-90S as Arjun MBT has seven bogie stations compared to six bogie stations of T-90S.
Fire Power Performance
Firing performance of Arjun MBT is superior to T-90S in terms of accuracy (both static and dynamic situations) due to gun ammunition combination and high order of weapon stabilization coupled with auto collimated MRS. Auto collimated MRS compensates for the barrel bend. Firing performance of Arjun MBT and T-90S is same in terms of defeat capability and rate of firing. Two axis stabilized commander’s panoramic sight integrated with gunners main sight provides “hunter killer” capability both in static as dynamic mode (moving to moving mode). Higher order of stabilization accuracy enables accurate fire on the move at a moving target while maintaining the stipulated fire rate. The commander of Arjun MBT can engage targets in case of emergency, capable of firing at various slopes and tilt angles. First round hits probability has been demonstrated for MBT Arjun on a 1 mil target and greater than 60% hit percentage when firing from a moving Arjun tank to a moving target, both at 25 km/h.
LAHAT (semi automatic homing) Missile firing from Arjun MBT has been already demonstrated using a stand alone Laser Target Designator (LTD). This designator can be integrated into Gunner’s Main Sight (GMS). T-90S can fire Laser bean riding missile..
Arjun MBT armament system including gun barrel has been proved to be robust and reliable No case of barrel burst was reported even after firing 10000 rounds. The Arjun MBT prototypes and pre production tanks fired more than 100 rounds from the same barrel in a day. Life of barrel of Arjun MBT is twice that of T-90S, estimate equivalent in Effective Full Charge (EFC) of 500.
Protection Performance
Protection of MBT Arjun against FSAPDS and HESH ammunitions has been demonstrated. In January 2000 at Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE), Balasore, Arjun tank armor defeated all available HESH and FSAPDS rounds including Israeli FSAPDS rounds. ERA is effective only against HEAT ammunition and not FSAPDS which is the primary threat to a battle tank. Arjun Tank has ERA protection as add on feature, while T-90S has it as a regular feature. A tank with ERA has a weight penalty.
Outcome
Indian Army has not expressed the purpose of this exercise. It can be various reasons like a genuine requirement of validating its GSQR which resulted in creation of a heavy tank or the Indian Army internal rivalry or the pressure from the import lobby to kill the indigenous Arjun MBT project. It will be the test of Indian Army’s own integrity as Arjun MBT was made as per the Indian Army General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR), tested by Indian Army and approved for production by Indian Army.
P. Chacko Joseph
Copyrights : Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service.
Posted in Indian Army News, Opinions and Articles | 13 Comments »
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007
The Defence Minister of Republic of Korea Mr. Kim Jang Soo called on the Indian Defence Minister Mr.AK Antony in Defence Headquarters here today. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. Various steps to strengthen the existing Defence Cooperation between both the countries were also discussed, which includes training of Armed Forces personnel, exchange of visits and strengthening the mutual cooperation between the Coast Guard of two countries and widening the scope of sea-lane communications.
India and Republic of Korea had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Logistics and Supplies in the year 2005. This was the first ever visit by any Korean Defence Minister to India. The visit by the Korean Defence Minister is expected to give a boost to the existing Defence Cooperation between India and Republic of Korea.
Mr. Soo who is on a four-day State visit to India, arrived on May 28, 2007 and visited Taj Mahal at Agra. The Korean Defence Minister will visit Western Naval Command Headquarters at Mumbai later today.
Posted in General Indian Armed Forces News, Military News - Asia | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Army Chief General JJ Singh, who is also Chairman Chief of Staffs Committee (COSC) returned on May 28, 2007, after leading a week long Tri-Service Military Delegation to China. This was the third visit of an Indian Army Chief and the first by any Chairman of the COSC to China.
General JJ Singh arrived in Beijing on 21 May to a ceremonial welcome by his Chinese counterpart General Liang Guanglie at the headquarters of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the top military organ of China. During the weeklong visit, the General held wide ranging talks with his counterpart as well as General Guo Boxiong, Vice Chairman of the CMC and other senior defence officials. His schedule included a call on the Chinese Vice President Zeng Quinghong and the newly appointed Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechie as well as visits to operational formations and higher military training institutions like Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Beijing.
The Indian delegation visited various PLA formations and institutions including the 15 Airborne Corps at Wuhan, 28 Air Division at Hangzhou and a naval base at Shanghai.
The two Armed Forces have upgraded military to military cooperation in a graduated manner which began from setting up of “peace and tranquility” mechanism along the LAC and has over the past few years graduated to holding of cultural and sports events amongst forces deployed in the border areas; allowing each other’s military “observers” at military exercises and maneuvers; extending facility of attending courses of instructions at each other’s military training facilities and finally leading to inviting high level visits by respective military delegations to each other’s military establishments.
But the Chinese are not to be trusted. All the states around it like Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam and India have a bad experience with China in the past and distrust China. Inspite of Chinese attempts to doctor the past history towards its favour, the fact remains that it is the agressor. While it is prudent to keep its enemy close, India should ensure that 1962 is not repeated.
Posted in General Indian Armed Forces News, Military News - Asia | No Comments »
Monday, May 28th, 2007
Order values for 2 missiles systems from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) exceeded the R&D expenditure incurred on 6 missiles. This data is for the year 2006.
Prithvi Missile variants including Dhanush and Brahmos order values till 2006 was Rs 3585 Crores (round figure). These include both the delivered quantities and orders under execution. This data includes the letter of intent purchases forwarded to DRDO from the three services.
This figure is significant as the development cost of Prithvi variants, Brahmos, Trishul, Akash and Nag put togther is Rs 2000 Crores (round figure).
Indian Armed Forces have placed the first minimum order quantity for these missile systems as they will be used for formation of necessary infrastructure, training and operational procedures. Once the users are through with this process, more orders will be placed.
Akash, Trishul and Nag missile projects are awating user orders as these projects are near successful completion.
DRDO has a very successful missile development programme.
Posted in Defence Research and Development | No Comments »
Friday, May 25th, 2007
25 may, 2007
Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service (FIDSNS) uncovers the story of Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT), which is one of the world’s best main battle tanks. Indian indigenous Arjun MBT development history is a facinating story of Indian quest to develop a formidable Tank.The article covers the design, development and operational use of Arjun Tank. FIDSNS is greatfull to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its time and efforts to make this article.
The main battle tank MBT-80 which is now called MBT Arjun was conceived by the Indian Army after it realised the futility of its tanks mainly in desert conditions, during the 1971 war.
1972 – 1975
In October 1970 a symposium was held on the Indian Main Battle Tank (MBT) at Armoured Corps Center and School. It was attended by the representatives from Indian Army General Staff (GS), Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO), Director General Quality Assurance (DGQA) and Department of Defence Production (DODP). The main aim of the symposium was to formulate GSQR for future Indian MBT.
The first draft of Qualitative Requirement (QR) was prepared by Armoured Corps Directorate and discussed with Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS).
The first General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) was issued in August 1972 as QR No. 326 for the design and development of MBT. The QR 326 was not exhaustive and with regard to specifications but featured only skeleton specifications.
The design and development of MBT based on GSQR No. 326 was taken up by the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). The initial outlay of Rs. 15.50 Crore was sanctioned vide the Government of India (GOI) letter dated 02 May, 1974. Project Development Certification (PDC) of the project was 10 years from the date of sanction.
The MBT was to be designed around imported engine as the design and development experience to create a tank engine was not available within the time frame of the project. In 1974, DRDO had to take up design and development of a tank engine as Government of India could not import a tank engine because of political and other reasons.
1975 -1980
DRDO prepared the system configuration of the tank. Indigenous engine hardware was assembled and motoring test commenced by 1979. Indigenous suspension and transmission hardware was ready for development test. The main 115mm armament was developed and trials were carried out for proof at Balasore ranges. The gun system and fire control system design was configured. One prototype hull in mild steel was fabricated to check the fitment and assembly.
In April 1978, the Indian Army called DRDO for a meeting for mutual discussions. The aim was to change the GSQR No. 326. A series of meetings between DRDO and Indian Army, chaired by VCOAS resulted in change in GSQR. The new GSQR bearing the number 431 was issued in August 1982.
The changes in the GSQR No. 431 were
a)Increase in width and weight
b)110/115mm gun was to be replaced with a 120mm gun.
c)Improved Sighting and Fire Control system.
Essentially it meant creation of entirely new design and systems. A sum of Rs. 56.55 Crores was obtained mainly to cater to cater to GSQR changes and price escalation due to inflation/ rise in import costs.
The PDC of the project was revised. The first prototype was to be built by October 1980 and subsequently 12 prototypes were to be developed, one in every 6 months.
The indigenous engine and transmission evaluation on dynamometer was carried out during 1979-81.
1980 – 1985
As already mentioned that the country had no experience in building an basic internal combustion engine. The tank engine development slipped as this engine was to be made after experimenting with basics of an internal combustion engine. Project of this scale was almost impossible for nascent Indian research laboratories. By this time, the western governments had shown willingness to supply the engines. A decision was taken to import a limited number of engines (also called “power packs”) from M/S MTU, Germany. For the fitment On Mark 1 (Mk 1) prototypes so as not to let the development schedule of the MBT slip.
Initially MTU supplied a 700hp engine for fitment trials and subsequently supplied 1100hp engine for prototypes. The MTU was also developing a 1400hp engine as per the specifications laid down by CVRDE.
The first prototype of the MBT was developed based on GSQR No. 326 of 1972 and No. 431 of 1982.
The prototype was subjected to limited technical trials by DRDO at Avadi and Jodhpur desert area.
Subsequently, few more prototypes were produced with different configuration by 1985.
In the initial development phase, suspension, running gear and other automotive systems were being evaluated with 1100 hp engine.
1985 – 1990
There had been significant enhancement in the battle tank technologies world wide and there was a possibility of these tanks being introduced in the Indian Sub Continent. This prompted Indian Army to change its GSQR and in November 1985, third GSQR No. 467 was issued. The changes in GSQR were:
a)More lethal gun of 120mm caliber.
b)Requirement of Fin Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS)
c)Development of Semi Combustible Cartridge cases and high energy propellant.
d)Integrated Fire Control System based on sight stabilized system with periscopic gunner sight.
e)Thermal Imaging system for gunner’s main sight for night fighting capabilities.
f)Provision of “Kanchan Armour” for enhanced immunity.
In addition following conditions were in the new GSQR:
•Manufacture of 23 Pre production Series (PPS) Tanks to enable full scale troop trials and after that smooth transfer technology (TOT) to a production agency.
•Setting of Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) evaluation center and augmentation of infrastructure facilities.
•Realistic assessment of technical and user trial.
•Import of engines for prototypes and PPS.
The revised financial implication because of the new GSQR was Rs. 280.80 Crores which was issued in 1987. The GSQR escalated the cost of materials, stores and the import cost spiraled due to weakening Rupee.
The development of the tank was progressed with reference to the new GSQR. DRDO had to re – design the structure of chassis/ hull. The turret had to be designed again to cater to improved armour protection and a high power to weight ratio power pack. The MBT now also to feature Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare and protection system, Medium Fording capability, auxiliary power unit (APU), Laser Warning System (LWS) and Global Positioning System (GPS).
The period of 1985 – 1990 was significant in history of Arjun Tank for the progressive evolution of a number of systems through exhaustive field testing. A total of 12 Arjun Tank prototypes were built in order to prove the design, development and system integration of a number of systems through field testing.
The integration of first prototype with a proper 1400 hp engine was accomplished in 1989. During the automotive trials of the prototypes a total of 20,000 Kilometer run in various terrain. Arjun MBT covered 11000 kilometers in dessert terrain and 1000 kilometers in river bed terrain. The weapon system was also tested by firing 540 FSAPDS and 560 HESH.
1990 – 1995
The confidence of DRDO had built up with these prototypes and many improvements were made.
The first batch of 6 PPS tanks had got manufactured through Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), each two PPS tanks. Indent for manufacture of manufacture of 9 more PPS tanks by HVF was released to HVF in December 1992.
MBT Arjun was formally inducted into Indian Army in 1993 with these 6 tanks. The performance of PPS tanks were demonstrated to the Defence Minister, COAS and the members of the Parliament in February 1993.
The PPS tanks were put through grueling tests by the field formations covering several thousand kilometers of automotive runs on various terrains and firing hundreds of rounds per tank to establish the efficiency of the Arjun tank.
The status of the Arjun Tank was reviewed by the COAS in May 1994 and “bottom line requirements” were laid down. After the completion of the 1994 trials on MBT Arjun, a presentation was made to the COAS and he laid down “Imperatives” in August 1994.
All the additional 9 PPS tanks were handed over to Army progressively and the final handing over of the 9th PPS Tank to Army happened in 1996. The last PPS tank (i.e. XV) incorporating improvements as suggested by the Army and with add on features viz. APU, NBC, Medium Fording Capability was demonstrated to COAS and users at Avadi.
The PPS Tanks delivered to the Army during this period had covered 70,000 kilometers of automotive trials and fired 7000 rounds. The average kilometer run by a PPS tank was 4500 kilometers and 460 rounds fired from each tank.
DRDO addressed the bottom line requirements and imperatives as demanded by the COAS. The overall design of the Arjun Tank was cleared.
1995 – 2000
A set of dedicated trials as directed by the COAS was carried out during August – December 1995 successfully.
The Prime Minister P.V Narsimha Rao dedicated the MBT Arjun to the nation in January 1996.
The Army designated the XV PPS tank as the reference tank for production.
In the year 1997, 11 PPS tanks participated in Indian Army Exercise “AGNIR.ATI-t.” (A clarification on the name of the exercise is needed. It could be Exercise Agnirathi). 10 Arjun Tanks successfully completed the exercise. But the Army again came back with suggestions and modifications. In November 1997, the final list of suggested modifications and “joint Action Plan” for the implementation and certification was drafted. DRDO implemented the modification to the satisfaction of the Indian Army.
The Indian Amy again put the improved tanks to trials. The 43rd Armoured Regiment conducted the automotive trials. The trials were successful and Arjun tank was brought ready for full scale production.
The Arjun MBT project was successfully closed at Rupees 305 Crores. The final acceptance by the Indian Army led to placement of order for 124 Arjun Tanks in 2002.
DRDO transferred the design and other drawings to the manufacturing agency HVF in 2002.
The Authorised Holder of the Sealed Particulars is with DRDO till certain maturity level is reached in production, i.e, the first 30 tanks produced by HVF will have quality control certified by DRDO. After that Arjun Tank will be certified by DGQA.
The Future
The Arjun Tank had its detractors in form of internal rivalry of the users, the Indian arms import lobby and media seeking sensationalism. Since India did not have any Tank design experience and many defence experts expressed doubts about the viability of the Arjun Tank project when it started and questioned the capability of the CVRDE to design and develop tanks. DRDO took these challenges and ever shifting qualitative requirements, in stride. Pending a political decision, currently DRDO is gearing up for the development of Arjun Mark-2 Tanks (Arjun Mk.2).
P. Chacko Joseph
Copyrights: Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service, May 2007.
Posted in Defence Research and Development, Opinions and Articles | No Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
24 May, 2007 (FIDSNS)
By Deepa Prakash: Correspondent - South India
Meat and meat products form an integral part of food for the armed forces. Meat on hoof was a part of food supplies before the advent of processed meat; cattle and sheep were carried along by the army during wartime and slaughtered in the camps for immediate consumption. This was a set back in terms of military logistics requiring the troops to move quickly and carry light weight nutritious food.
Pre-cooked processed and preserved meats are a part of the combat rations the world over. Ready to Eat (RTE) and dehydrated meat products form a part of the field scale rations. Deployments that warrant peace scale rations depend on fresh meat for consumption.
Meat is procured for the Armed Forces in a dressed and cleaned form the local vendors from or around area of deployment. The global norms describe edible meat to be from the slaughter of a live animal i.e. “Live Slaughter” – however sometimes the spurious elements in the supply chain include the risk to consume meat cut out of a deceased carcass from a dead animal i.e. “Cold Slaughter”. It is important to know if the meat is from a “live slaughter” or “cold slaughter” to ensure the hygiene and quality of the meat to ensure no harm to the consumer.
The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, a part of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed quick and easy to use “Meat Testing Kits”. A chemical coated strip is dropped into the matter extracted from a piece of meat – Change of color in a few minutes indicates the meat is from a cold slaughtered animal.
Tests have also been developed to evaluate freshness of meat products. Fatty acids are one of the components of meat and rancidity is a major problem deteriorating the quality of a meat product. A test strip has been developed which rapidly detects quality of meat based on the level of free fatty acids formed in the product.
Meat is a rich medium for microbial growth. Microbial contamination causes food poisoning and sometimes even death. Checking microbial profile is conventionally done in a microbiology lab; apart from being a laborious process it is also time consuming. On the field scale the forces deployed have neither the luxury of time nor a laboratory – DFRL has developed a color test which immediately gives and idea of the freshness/extent of spoilage the meat has undergone. This in turn helps in acceptance/rejection of the meat product depending on the extent of spoilage/deterioration in microbial quality.
The test kits are portable and easy to use under field conditions even at extreme temperatures. These quick tests for quality are just a few of the many developed by DFRL, Mysore. This technology has been well accepted by the armed forces and is a part of the labs Transfer of Technology (TOT) to meat and food processing industries aswell as institutional catering services.
Posted in Defence Research and Development, General Indian Armed Forces News | No Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2007
May 24, 2007 (FIDSNS)
A book titled “1965 War – Inside Story” written by Shri R.D.Pradhan was released on May 23, 2007.
Shri R.D. Pradhan who was the private secretary of the defence minister Y.B Chavan during the 1965 war, had written a 320 page book “Debacle to revival,” which chronicles three years of the late Y.B. Chavan’s term as the country’s Defence Minister. The book was launched in November 1998. The book had chronicalled the 1965 events written in the personal diary of late Y.B Chavan.
Like previous book, this book is also based on Chavan’s hand-written diaries and analyses. The book gives good insights on Indian politico-military leadership relationsships.
Both the book release ceremonies were attended by Marshal of the IAF, Shri Arjan Singh, who was the Chief of Air Staff during the 1965 war.
Posted in General Indian Armed Forces News | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007
May 23, 2007 (FIDSNS)
At about 1030 hrs on 04 May 07 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Sub Centre at Kochi, received information from MV Morning Rose regarding sighting of one life boat with seven persons onboard in position about 15 nautical miles North East of Androth Island (Lakshadweep Island). The survivors belonged to dhow Sayed Malik Dinar which reportedly sank while on passage from New Mangalore to Kalpeni Island and was adrift for four days. Maritime Rescue Sub Centre at Kochi requested MV Morning Rose to pick up the survivors and proceed to Androth Island for transferring the crew to Lakshadweep Administration.
MV Morning Rose approached the life boat and provided food and water to the survivors. However, the ship declined to pick up survivors on the grounds of health contamination onboard. Therefore, a tug was arranged through Lakshadweep Administration to launch rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the vessel was also requested to remain in area till arrival of Tug. Tug MV Kiltan sailed from Kiltan Harbour at 1130 hrs on 04 May 07 for rescue assistance. Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was also launched at about 1230 hrs on 04 May 07 from Kochi to coordinate rescue efforts. The Tug arrived the area at about 1245 hrs on 04 May 2007 and all the seven survivors were taken onboard. The survivors were brought to Androth Island at about 1510 hrs on 04 May 07 and were handed over to Lakshadweep administration.
On 27 Apr 07, ICG Ship (ICGS) Kasturba Gandhi had assisted in location of fishing trawler Valacani Star missing since 25 Apr 07. The vessel was adrift due to loss of propeller and total power failure onboard. The crew was provided with food and water. The vessel was thereafter towed to New Mangalore PM 27 Apr 07.
ICG also evacuated medically ill crew of MV Hua Yun and injured crew of MV Agios Raphael this month. ICGS Meera Behn and ICGS C-136 aided the MV Agios Raphael evacuation on a request from M/S Tarus Shipping Pvt Ltd, Kandla.
73 coastal state police stations will soon be set up with the help of Indian Coast Guard. India’s 10 coastal states are setting up marine police stations under the government’s Coastal Security Scheme.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Aviation clebrated its Silver Jubilee at Daman on May 22, 2007.
Posted in Para Military and Coast Guard News | No Comments »
Monday, May 21st, 2007
May 21st, 2007 (FIDSNS)
Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) a unit of Defence Research and Development (DRDO) is working on Primary Radar for Airborne Early Warning and Control system (AEW&C).
Detailed design of Active Array antenna unit and central unit subsystem has progressed. Design of linear array of ridge slot has been completed. Prototype linear array is under fabrication. Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for (transmission/reception) T/R modules and PDR for Primary radar system held.
The S band 7 kW transmitter for airborne surveillance platform is already ready.
Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) has already created a state of art (Radar Warning Reciver/Electronic Support Measures) RWR/ESM and self protection suite for the AEW&C.
Center for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) has released the roadmap for certification of AEW&C aircraft platform. The selection of of a suitable aircraft for the system is in progress.
The Center for Airborne Studies (CABS) has finished the System Engineering for AEW&C system. The Prototype of IFF Antenna has been made. CABS has also finished the PDR for AEW&C system.
The DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Universities and Private sector companies are involved in the development of the indigenous AEW&C. DRDO and IAF are going to hold critical design review (CDR) of the AEW&C mission avionics.
Posted in Defence Research and Development, Indian Air Force News | No Comments »
Sunday, May 20th, 2007
May 20, 2007 (FIDSNS)
The fourth Military games will have over 100 countries participating and is being conducted for the first time in an Asian country.It is expected that around 6000 uniformed sports persons will be participating in the 15 disciplines.
The Military World Games Organising Committee (MWGOC), constituted under the Ministry of Defence, has given the broadcast/telecast rights of the Military World Games to be held in Hyderabad and Mumbai later this year, exclusively to Prasar Bharati. The Prasar Bharati is the Public Service broadcaster of India. An MOU to this effect was signed between the MWGOC and Prasar Bharati here earlier this week.
As per the MOU, Prasar Bharati would telecast / broadcast the opening and closing ceremonies live on Indian official television broadcasting company called Doordarshan (DD). The DD 1 chanell will broadcast te opening and closing ceremonies. DD will telecast live for at least 8 hoursa day on in its sports channel, DD Sports. All other news channels would be given some daily feed by Prasar Bharati.
The MOU also confers Prasar Bharati, full rights for multiple telecast / broadcast of matches / highlights of the matches on all or any of its channels in perpetuity. Prasar Bharati would also provide free publicity in the run up to the games on all its channels including DD-1 , DD-News and DD- Sports.
Prasar Bharati would also show at least half an hour of highlights of the sports events on DD-1, and all other channels of Prasar Bharati on all days during the conduct of the Games. Similar arrangements will be made byIndian official Radio broadcasting company called All India Radio (AIR) for the broadcast of the Games across the country. Broadcast/Telecast of the Games on Prasar Bharati will be subject to programme exigencies of National significance.
Prasar Bharati would pay 50 per cent of the net surplus earned by it through the exclusive telecast of the Games to MWGOC .
Posted in General Indian Armed Forces News | No Comments »
Sunday, May 20th, 2007
20 May, 2007
Russia created SU-27 to counter US F-15. The only know duel between the two aircrafts happened in July 1992, when USAF 1st Fighter Wing hosted the first leg of a Russian-American fighter exchange. Two Su-27UB fighters and one IL-76 transport were deployed to Langley AFB. The Russians claim that one of their SU-27UB got absorbed into a simulated duel with US F-15’s. Later the SU-27UB video footage clearly showed it acquiring US F -15d and F -15c. But the USAF did not reveal its footage and hence there was no data on how SU-27UB fared in the duel. Russia claims that it had approached US for an air duel, SU-27 vs. F-15, which was not entertained by US.
In this background, when India gave a proposal to US on joint air exercises, could US resist?
There could have been multiple reasons for US to consider the proposal. Indo-US relations were getting better. India was a huge arms importer. A scan of the past, one can find how reliable ally was India to Russia. India was the only country which can engage China. Did US actually believe the Pakistani propaganda on poor quality of Indian pilots? Here was a golden chance to show the Russian equipment down and to prove American weapon supremacy. Or did the Pakistani defeat in all the wars with India in spite of being equipped with US weapons and training made US sit up and realize the potential of Indian Air Force (IAF).
For Russia it could have been validating their design. There was a chance to show the superiority of Russian equipment. But did they trust the Indian pilots?
India had bought a lot of equipment from Russia. It is understandable that India wanted to test them. After all it had paid for all those weapon systems.
The initial Russian reaction to the eventuality of IAF SU-30 exercising with USAF F-15 was not very polite. Eventually, they gave in. After all it was now Indian equipment. India had every right to do so. All the research, machinery and equipment were paid for by Indians.
After the first Indo-US one of the points came clear. US had actually undermined the quality of IAF pilot’s. Maj. Mark A. Snowden, the 3rd Wing’s chief of air-to-air tactics and a participant in Cope India 04, spoke for the 13 U.S. pilots who attended the exercise. He said “The outcome of the exercise boils down to [the fact that] they ran tactics that were more advanced than we expected. India had developed its own air tactics somewhat in a vacuum. They had done some training with the French that we knew about, but we did not expect them to be a very well-trained air force. That was silly.”
Another outcome was the IAF Mirage -2000 aircraft performed better than the F-16’s. Not just in Indo-US exercises but also with Singapore exercises.
US have opted for F-22 after the Indo – US exercises. India has opted for more SU-30 MKI’s and is going to participate in fifth generation fighter project.
In the medium range combat aircraft (MRCA) category, India gained few ideas. India was clearly impressed with the sophistication level of the US aircrafts. A mirage – 2000 or an F-16/18 or a MiG-29 airframe will not bother IAF as long as it has latest electronics.
In the light aircraft category, the exercises showed that MiG-21 had not lost its relevance. IAF should not take lightly the development of Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas.” Tejas airframe is at least two generations ahead of a MiG-21 airframe. If a 1960’s design like MiG-21 equipped with modern avionics can be so effective, then Tejas is a must for the Indian Air force.
Copyrights: Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service. 2007
Posted in Opinions and Articles | No Comments »
Saturday, May 19th, 2007
19 May, 2007, (FIDSNS)
Excercise Ashvamegh results are out. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has now formal results of the Arjun MBT performance. Frontier India Defence and Strategic News Service (FIDSNS) has a copy Army’s report on Arjun Tank as a user feedback.
The report states that, Indian Army had Seven Arjun Tanks during Excercise Ashvamegh ,i.e, 5 LSP’s (limited series) and 2 PPS (pre production). Six Arjun Tanks participated in the excercise. The cumulative distance travelled by Arjun Tank in the excercise is 180 kilometers. All the Tanks had (inner) air getting dirty faster remark and one PPS tank had maintainence related minor issue of engine oil leak and end connector getting loose.
Indian Army observations as recorded in the document
a) No major problems faced during Ex-Ashvamegh.
b) No other defects found during Ex-Ashvamegh.
On asked about the Arjuns Tanks minor issues that croped up during Ex Ashvamegh , FIDSNS was told that the LSP’s and PPS’s had run a cumulative distance of 1000 kms before participating in Ex Ashvamegh with normal maintainence.
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Saturday, May 19th, 2007
19 May, 2007 (FIDSNS)
Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) a unit of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has embarked on developing advanced version of indigenous Rajendra II radar and is called Rajendra III. Rajendra III is indigenous slewable phased array radar. The BLR-III vehicle on T-72 chasis is ready for track test. Phased array antenna has been fabricatedin Bharat Rlectronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad.
Collimated beam pattern and s/s cure for all 16 spot frequencies has been taken.
Rajendra II Radar
Rajendra II Radar is also slewable passive phased array radar. By 2005, Rajendra II had participated in more than 15 flight trials at Balasore missile testing range. The flight trials have been spread over 4 missions in both group and autonomous mode. High altitude engagement, far boundary engagement, crossing and receding target engagement and multiple missions against multiple targets capabilities have been established.
Consistency in performance of radar in guiding missiles as close as 15m is established. During a mission, a Pilot less Target Aircraft (PTA) was neutralized while engaging crossing and receding target.
Rajendra radar is used for 3-D target detection, multi target tracking and multiple missile guidance under extreme hostile EW environment. A main phased array consisting of 4000 phase control modules (PCMs), and a command phased array consisting of 1000 PCMs have been built to achieve the multi-functionality. A powerful high-end computer computes phases for all the elements of the array. Rajendra controls the beam positioning sequence through beam requests for each track at adaptive data rates and performs multifunctional roles like search –confirm –track -interrogate targets, assign and lock on launchers, and launch/acquire/ track/guide missiles. The RDP supplies track data to remote group control centre. Rajendra features a Dual channel radar receiver and a C band transmitter, although the complete transmiting and receiving features and bands are unknown.
Rajendra Multisensor Tracking features 2-D battery surveillance radar (BSR) with 360 degree coverage and a larger detection range provides track data to the multifunction, slewable, 3-D phased array radar. The multisensor direction finder in Rajendra processes the track data from the phased array radar and the BSR to identify the targets reported by both the sensors and maintains a common track database. For those BSR tracks, which are not being reported by Rajendra though under its coverage, target acquisition is initiated with elevation search in the designated direction. The antenna is skewed in the direction of threat to acquire the targets, which are outside the covered air space.
The major functions of the radar are:
•Surveillance of the assigned volume of space
•Acquisition of aircraft targets either independently or handed over from group control centre and battery surveillance radar
•Tracking of targets
•Tracking of assigned targets and missiles during engagement
•Command guidance of missiles
•Integrated IFF functions
The AKASH Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system is guided by Rajendra radar. Rajendra radar features a “phase shifter” technology. Phase shifter when integrated in large numbers for electronic beam steering, allows Rajendra radar to simultaneously track multiple aircraft and also guide multiple missiles towards these targets. The phase shifter was designed and developed by Prof Bharati Bhat, a scientist from Centre for Applied Research in Electronics (CARE) of IIT, Delhi, and her team.
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