SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), also known as Prachand, is poised for a crucial milestone later this year. The helicopter will undergo integration and testing with the Helina Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), a key weapon system for the platform.
Helina, the helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile, has already been successfully test-fired from the ALH-Rudra attack helicopter. This integration process is expected to be seamless due to the significant system overlap between the LCH and Rudra.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Icing remains a critical safety concern for aircraft, occurring when they fly through clouds containing supercooled liquid water droplets. These droplets freeze upon contact with aircraft surfaces, forming ice that can drastically alter the shape of airfoils, including wings and tails, leading to a deterioration in aerodynamic performance, difficulty in control, loss of flight stability, and, in severe cases, catastrophic crashes.
Ice dislodged from aircraft or engine surfaces poses additional risks, potentially damaging engines, causing loss of thrust, and leading to engine failures mid-flight. Historical data shows numerous fatal accidents attributed to aircraft icing.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a leading aerospace and defence company in India, has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the manufacturing and supply of air intake composite ducts specifically designed for the CATSA-W UAV program.
The CATS Warrior is being designed with a composite airframe, a critical feature for achieving low observable (LO) characteristics. In layman’s terms, this means the drone will have a reduced radar signature, making it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect. This stealth capability is essential for modern aerial warfare, allowing the CATS Warrior to operate behind enemy lines undetected.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Rolls-Royce has made a compelling proposition to the Indian Navy, offering its proven MT30 marine turbine engine along with a complete Transfer of Technology (ToT) package. This move aims to power the next generation of larger Indian warships, including the planned aircraft carrier.
The MT30 boasts a proven track record, successfully powering the massive 65,000-tonne HMS Queen Elizabeth, the United Kingdom’s aircraft carrier. This engine’s capabilities make it a strong contender for powering India’s upcoming large warships.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has ambitious plans for the Tejas MkII fighter jet, aiming to produce at least 120 units before 2036, according to Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) CB Ananthakrishnan. This timeline aligns with the potential retirement of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mirage-2000 and MiG-29UPG fleets by the mid-2030s.
HAL plans a phased production approach, starting with an initial rate of 16 Tejas MkII jets per year from 2029 to 30. This will gradually increase to a targeted production rate of 24 units annually by 2032-33. The entire production run is expected to be completed by 2035-36, meeting the IAF’s potential replacement needs for its ageing fighter jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy has embarked on discussions with various Indian private-sector companies for the development of indigenous marine propulsion engines for conventional submarines. This initiative aims to achieve self-reliance in a critical area and power the next generation of underwater vessels.
The primary focus of this project is the development of 12 next-generation diesel-electric attack submarines (SSKs) under Project-76. These submarines are intended to replace the ageing Kilo-class submarines currently operated by the Indian Navy. The new engines are expected to match the performance of the existing MTU 12V 396 SE84 diesel engines used in the Kalvari-class submarines.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Indigenous air warfare capabilities leapt forward on May 29th with the successful test-firing of the Rudram-II air-to-surface missile. Launched from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet off the coast of Odisha, this marked the first full-configuration test of the weapon.
The 800kg missile can carry a 200kg warhead 200kg warhead, is designed as a “universal weapons system.” This means it can be seamlessly integrated into various Indian fighter jets, including the upcoming Tejas MkII and potentially the Rafale in the future.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
.jpg)
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is accelerating production of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, aiming to build 24 aircraft annually. This announcement by HAL chief CB Ananthakrishnan signifies a significant boost to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter strength.
Previously, HAL operated under a “Contracted Schedule” with a production rate of 16 Tejas Mk1A jets per year. The new plan, dubbed the “Enhanced Delivery Schedule,” leverages HAL’s existing three production facilities: two Bengaluru lines (each producing 8 aircraft) and a new line in Nashik with an identical capacity. This combined capacity allows HAL to reach the target of 24 jets annually.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is inching closer to acquiring a variant of the renowned Rafale fighter jet specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations – the Rafale M. This single-seat variant is expected to cost around Euro 91.07 million per unit, comparable to the previously acquired Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force.
While sharing the core capabilities of the Rafale A, the Rafale M boasts crucial modifications for carrier operations. A key difference lies in the extended and reinforced nose section, designed to withstand the powerful launch mechanisms of aircraft carriers. Additionally, the undercarriage is strengthened to handle the demanding take-off and landing cycles on a moving platform at sea.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) is soaring towards the next stage of its high-altitude platform (HAP) development. Building on the success of a recent sub-scale test flight, CSIR-NAL is set to construct a full-scale prototype equipped with cutting-edge features.
The May 7th test flight of a sub-scale vehicle proved to be a valuable learning experience. The flight saw the vehicle reach an altitude of 3,000 feet while carrying a synthetic aperture radar payload developed by the Indian start-up Galaxeye Space. Following the payload drop, the vehicle climbed even higher, reaching an impressive 25,000 feet.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAJESH AHUJA / FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
In an era marked by escalating maritime tensions and the rapid expansion of China’s naval capabilities, the need for enhanced naval power and cooperation among like-minded nations has never been more pressing. A strategic proposal should be that Four nations come together for a collaborative effort between India, France, Japan, and South Korea to build a fleet of advanced aircraft carriers. some for the arguments for the Quad Carrier Cooperation is that.
China’s rapid naval expansion and future ambitions, including the development of larger aircraft carriers and advanced technologies like EMALS, pose a significant challenge to regional security. To maintain a strategic balance, India, France, Japan, and South Korea will need more and larger aircraft carriers equipped with cutting-edge technologies. The collaborative construction of these carriers is aimed at ensuring that the participating nations can effectively counter China’s growing naval capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chief has announced a significant design feature of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft – a cockpit tailored to fit 90% of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots.
This design prioritizes pilot comfort and ergonomics. The cockpit adheres to anthropometric requirements, ensuring a suitable fit for pilots within the 5th to 95th percentile range. This translates to a more comfortable and efficient flying experience for a vast majority of IAF pilots.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The debate surrounding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and its ability to compete with the Pakistani Air Force’s (PAF) fighter jets has been a topic of much discussion. This article aims to shed light on the Tejas’ capabilities and their role in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
While the PAF possesses a mix of F-16 variants, including older models, the core argument focuses on the Tejas Mk1/A’s ability to engage modern threats. It’s important to recognize that the Tejas Mk1 isn’t pitted solely against outdated F-16s. The IAF rightfully expects its aircraft to be prepared for a wider range of potential adversaries, including the JF-17, J-10CE, and even newer F-16 variants.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Flight Lieutenant Kambampati Nachiketa, Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman—these names evoke stories of bravery and resilience. They also share a common thread: each had to eject from their fighter jets and landed in Pakistani-Occupied Kashmir (POK) during critical missions, whether in the Kargil War or the 2019 air skirmish.
These incidents underscore a crucial issue in modern aerial warfare: the need for advanced systems to prevent Indian fighter jets from straying into enemy airspace. In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is implementing several technological advancements to tackle this problem effectively.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The race for India’s next-generation fighter jet engine has intensified as French aerospace giant Safran has upped its offer. Following their proposal for complete technology transfer (ToT) for the joint development of an engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program, Safran has extended the same offer for the much-anticipated 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
This move by Safran positions them as a frontrunner in the competition, which also includes established names like General Electric (US) and Rolls-Royce (UK). The key differentiator is the 100% ToT, including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), offered by France.
Continue reading