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The long-awaited IJT-36 Sitara trainer aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), continues to be a source of both hope and frustration for the Indian Air Force (IAF). While HAL claims to be nearing the end of the development phase, the program has faced significant delays and setbacks over its two-decade-long journey.
Initially envisioned as a replacement for the aging Kiran Mk II, the Sitara has encountered numerous hurdles, including critical design flaws that necessitated major modifications to the tail and undercarriage sections. These issues resulted in failed spin tests, a crucial parameter for any trainer aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revised its plans for the AMCA fighter jet program, opting for a new model involving two Development cum Production Partners (DcPPs). This revised approach aims to ensure a competitive and efficient development and production process for the advanced 5th-generation fighter jet.
Previously, the MoD had proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, where the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would manufacture the initial batch of 40 AMCA Mk1 jets powered by older F414 engines. Subsequently, a private sector majority-owned company would take over the production of the AMCA MkII, with HAL holding a minority stake.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a premier research and development organization under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) seeking dedicated funds for the establishment of a high-altitude test facility within the country.
Currently, India lacks such a crucial infrastructure, forcing GTRE to rely on the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) in Russia for testing its critical engines, such as the Kaveri. This dependence on foreign facilities has several drawbacks.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation is making a significant move to take full ownership of Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), located within Nagpur’s MIHAN Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This bid comes as Dassault aims to secure a contract for manufacturing Rafale jets in India under the Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, this proposal is encountering resistance from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Dassault’s pursuit of 100% ownership of DRAL is driven by its desire to have absolute control over the supply chain within India. The French firm argues that this control is crucial for meeting both domestic and export demands efficiently. While parts for Rafale jets are already being sourced from DRAL, the facility requires significant investment and expansion to be capable of assembling the jets domestically.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30MKI, a formidable asset, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade, dubbed the “Super Sukhoi”. This ambitious project, which has been in the works for over a decade, aims to elevate the aircraft’s capabilities to rival and surpass its Chinese counterpart, the J-16.
Initially envisioned as a beneficiary of the now-defunct Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program with Russia, the Super Sukhoi’s development trajectory shifted when India opted out. Russia subsequently proposed the Su-30SM upgrade, featuring the potent AL-41F engine. However, India has charted its course, prioritizing indigenous technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to significantly enhance its manufacturing capabilities through substantial investments in automation technology. This strategic move is aimed at reducing the acquisition cost of future fighter jets, particularly the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The Indian Ministry of Defence is concurrently engaged in discussions with a private sector company to integrate it into the final assembly line of the AMCA, scheduled to commence production in 2033-34. This collaboration marks a significant step towards leveraging private sector expertise in the aerospace domain.
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