SOURCE: AFI

In March 2000, Rajiv Kothiyal embarked on what seemed like a routine procedure: starting the aircraft engine. However, within moments, an unusual and alarming event unfolded. Kothiyal detected a burning smell in the cockpit, and thick black smoke began pouring out from behind the cockpit area. Standing nearby, I (Air Marshal Rajkumar) immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. I sprinted toward the aircraft, urgently signaling Kothiyal to shut down the engine by drawing my hand across my throat. Promptly, the crash crew, always prepared for such emergencies, intervened and swiftly brought the situation under control.

Dr. Kota, overseeing the operations, tasked me (Air Marshal Rajkumar) with leading the investigation team. As we delved into the aircraft, our initial apprehensions eased when we discovered that the damage was minimal. The culprit was a misapplied polyurethane insulation wrapped around a hot duct, which had charred and caused the smoke. Despite this, the entire area housing the Environmental Control and Cooling System (ECCS) and the avionics bay was covered in black soot, necessitating a thorough cleaning.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense exports, Brazil has officially confirmed the purchase of Ground Panoramic Night Vision Googles (GPNVGs) manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This follows a leak of the purchase documents a few years ago.

The initial details of this deal emerged when documents hinting at a Brazilian interest in the GPNVG were leaked. Today, Brazil has officially confirmed the purchase, validating the earlier information.

SOURCE: AFI

ePlane, a deeptech startup incubated at IIT-Madras, is revving up its engines for the future of urban mobility. The company announced its ambitious plans to complete the prototype of its electric air taxi, the e200X, by the end of 2024. This is just the first step in their aggressive timeline.

Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, the founder of ePlane, revealed their goals during the Mint Digital Innovation Summit in Mumbai. They aim to not only complete the e200X prototype but also develop several additional prototypes in the coming year. The ultimate objective is to achieve certification and commercialization for these electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles by 2026. This ambitious target would pave the way for full-scale urban deployment of ePlane’s air taxis by 2027.

SOURCE: AFI

NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NewSpace), in collaboration with the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) of DRDO, Bangalore, has achieved a significant breakthrough. They have successfully developed an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.

The project, titled “Autonomous Drone as First Responder for Search and Report Operations in Enclosed/Indoor Environments,” focused on creating a UAV capable of navigating and exploring indoor environments with complete autonomy. This innovative drone can even operate under challenging conditions, including complete darkness.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of C-130J Super Hercules medium-sized airlifters has played a critical role in supporting the ongoing border standoff in Ladakh. These reliable aircraft have become workhorses for the IAF, consistently delivering crucial supplies and personnel to the strategic region.

India currently operates 12 C-130Js, which have seen extensive use in a variety of missions. Notably, they have been instrumental in providing logistical support to the troops stationed in Ladakh, where the tense border standoff with China has entered its fifth year.

SOURCE: AFI

Airbus is set to deliver the first batch of helicopters assembled in India, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in the country’s aviation sector. Sunny Guglani, head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia, announced plans for the initial deliveries during a statement on Tuesday.

This development comes after Airbus joined forces with the Tata Group in January 2024 to establish a final assembly line (FAL) for its H125 helicopters in India. The announcement, made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, signified a major boost for the “Make in India” initiative.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s elite PARA Special Forces (SF) have received a significant upgrade in their operational capabilities with the induction of Laser Target Designators (LTDs). These portable devices mark a game-changer for PARA SF, particularly in dense conflict zones, by enabling them to carry out highly precise strikes on enemy positions.

LTDs function by emitting a concentrated beam of light that illuminates a designated target – a process known as “painting the target.” This painted target reflects the laser beam, which is then picked up by sensors onboard laser-guided bombs or missiles. Upon release, these munitions home in on the reflected laser signature, ensuring pinpoint accuracy and minimal collateral damage.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Indian Navy and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have joined forces to enhance expertise in armament quality management. This marks the first-ever collaboration between the two forces on such a topic.

The Directorate General of Naval Armament Inspection (DGNAI) conducted a specialized training program on Armament Quality Management Systems (AQMS) for ten CRPF officers. This program equipped participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and maintain their own armament systems.