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vol 19 ISSUE 6 • June • 2016

Civil Business Aviation: India’s Online Charter Booking Platforms; G650 – a fact file Regional Aviation: Regional Airlines & their moves NewsWithViews: Drone strikes a British airliner Transport: Single Token Travel Military Fighters: LCA touches a milestone - CAS flies Unmanned: Predator, a proven machine Space ISRO’s yet another milestone & Much More...

Su-30MKI

RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199

• In action during Exercise Red Flag • Graced by Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs (inset)

Read Kiren Rijiju’s special initiative on 8 Red Flag Exercise begins on 18

Flag

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table of contents

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SP’s

Aviation AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION

Sharp Content for Sharp Audience

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VOL 19 ISSUE 6 • JUNE • 2016

Su-30MKI

RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199

• In action during Exercise Red Flag • Graced by Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs (inset)

Read Kiren Rijiju’s special initiative on 8 Red Flag Exercise begins on 18

FLAG

Bearer of India

SP's Aviation Cover 6-2016.indd 1

26/05/16 1:00 PM

Cover IMAGE: Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet is currently the mainstay of combat fleet of IAF and performed admirably in the recently held Exercise Red Flag in USA. India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, flew in it on the invitation of the CAS.

immense excitement: the recently concluded Exercise Red Flag saw the potent Su-30MKI of the IAF participating in Offensive Counter Air Operations in which they provided escort cover to the strike elements. Apart from this, the IAF Jaguar DARIN II undertook integrated strike missions, seen here being photographed by a group of excited media. Both these fleets performed their roles exceptionally well.

Cover images by: USAF, IAF

SPACE 6 ISRO

India Joins Elite Space Club

Military 8 Viewpoint

Kiren Rijiju Graces Su-30MKI

10 LCA

Tejas Mark-2 & IAF

13 UCAV

Predator — A Proven Machine

UCAV 16 Predator

Predator XP & Predator C Avenger: Providing Life-Saving Situational Awareness

BUSINESS AVIATION 22 Aggregators

Civil Regional Aviation 28 Is Enough Marketing Done? 30 E190-E2 Completes Maiden Flight

page 18

cover story

Ahead of Schedule 31 Embraer E190 breakthrough in Japan

33 Transport

Have Token, Will Travel

SHOW PREVIEW 34 ILA Berlin

Focal Point of Aerospace

Perfect Red Flag The prestigious Exercise Red Flag 2016 concluded its advanced aerial combat training between the Indian Air Force, the US Air Force and the US Navy on May 13, 2016

regular Departments 4 A Word from Editor-in-Chief 5 News With Views Drone Strikes a British Airliner in the UK

‘Uber’ of Air Charter Market in India

36 Hall of Fame Mary Bailey (1890-1960)

FACT FILE 26 G650

37 News Digest

NEXT ISSUE

40 Last Word

Farnborough Special

Speed, Style and Comfort

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Enabling Steps Needed, Now

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ISSUE 6 • 2016

table of contents 13

Predator — A Proven Machine

Publisher And Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal senior Editor Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Assistant Group editor R. Chandrakanth Senior Technical Group Editor Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) Contributors India Group Captain A.K. Sachdev (Retd) Group Captain Joseph Noronha (Retd) Europe Alan Peaford USA & Canada LeRoy Cook Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal

‘Uber’ of Air Charter Market in India

Planning & Business Development Executive Vice President: Rohit Goel ADMIN & COORDINATION Bharti Sharma Asst – Admin, HR & Infra Pooja Tehlani design Holistic Directions: Jayant Baranwal Creative Director: Anoop Kamath Designers: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht Designer (3D animation): Kunal Verma Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey DIRECTOR: SALES & MARKETING Neetu Dhulia

SALES & MARKETING General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh SP’s websites Sr Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma © SP Guide Publications, 2016 Subscription/ Circulation Annual Inland: `1,200 • Foreign: US$320 E-mail: subscribe@spguidepublications.com subscribe@sps-aviation.com LETTER TO EDITOR editor@sps-aviation.com expert@sps-aviation.com FOR Advertising details, contact: neetu@spguidepublications.com rajeev.chugh@spguidepublications.com SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD A-133 Arjun Nagar (Opposite Defence Colony) New Delhi 110003, India. Tel: +91 (11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 E-mail: info@spguidepublications.com Representative Office BENGALURU, INDIA 204, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kalyan Nagar Bengaluru 560043, India. Tel: +91 (80) 23682204 MOSCOW, RUSSIA LAGUK Co., Ltd., (Yuri Laskin) Krasnokholmskaya, Nab. 11/15, app. 132, Moscow 115172, Russia. Tel: +7 (495) 911 2762 Fax: +7 (495) 912 1260a

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ISSUE 6 • 2016

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A word from editor-in-chief

IAF came in for praise from the US Air Force for the display of a high degree of professionalism in Exercise Red Flag held in Alaska this year. But while the IAF has been adding feathers to its cap, the need to address the problem of deficiencies in its combat fleet is becoming more urgent by the day.

Space exploration by India, an area in which the nation has made remarkable progress with several notable achievements on record, has once again been much in the news lately and all for good reasons. On April 28, 2016, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the seventh and the last satellite in the series to create its own satellite navigation system to be known as Navigation with Indian Constellation (NAVIC), thus joining an elite club of nations having their own satellite navigation systems. A report of the achievement of ISRO by R. Chandrakanth has been included in this issue of SP’s Aviation. While the nation was relishing the most recent success in ISRO’s efforts to create an indigenous global positioning system, the Indian space agency added another impressive feather in its cap on the morning of Monday, May 23 this year, by the successful test launch from Sriharikota of the indigenous space shuttle dubbed as the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). Meant to be a technology demonstrator (TD), the RLV TD made a re-entry and alighted on a virtual runway in the Bay of Bengal, some 500 kilometres from the east coast of Southern India. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also been in the news and for more of good reasons - infact. After Exercise Iron Fist, an impressive firepower demonstration held at Pokhran, the IAF came in for praise from the US Air Force for the display of a high degree of professionalism in Exercise Red Flag held in Alaska this year. But while the IAF has been adding feathers to its cap, the need to address the problem of deficiencies in its combat fleet is becoming more urgent by the day. The problem can and should no longer be ignored especially as the LCA Tejas Mark 2 is much too distant in the future and is plagued with uncertainty. It is heartening to note that, reportedly, the IAF is looking at advanced platforms in the regime of unmanned combat aerial vehicles such as the Predator family. Detailed features on this subject have been included in this issue. In the domain of civil aviation, the recent phenomenon of ‘Uber’ in the skies has been captured in an interview with Rajeev Wadhwa of BookMyCharters. There is a new breed of entrepreneurs who are chartering a new path in business aviation. As regards the OEMs we have a fact file on the Gulfstream

ISSUE 6 • 2016

G650 whose performance is unmatched and is backed by solid innovation and therefore it is considered the world’s most advanced business aircraft. Moving to regional aviation, we wonder why the four regional players in India have not shown ingenuity with regard to marketing of the regional airline market which is waiting to be tapped. At the moment these airlines are content connecting various destinations in the secondary market, but have not made any ‘headline grabbing’ deals to attract firsttime passengers. Meanwhile, the regional aircraft manufacturer from Brazil — Embraer — is on a roll. After its recent roll-out, the aerospace major had its maiden flight of the E190-E2, much ahead of its schedule. Also the company announced a major breakthrough in Japan for the E190 with J-Air. All this and more! Happy reading!!

Jayant Baranwal Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

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News

with views NEWS: Drone strikes a British airliner in the UK On April 17 this year, a British Airways Airbus A320 from Geneva, with 137 passengers and crew on board, was struck by a suspected drone while it was landing at Heathrow airport. After landing, the pilot reported an object — believed to be a drone that struck the front of the plane. If confirmed, it’s thought it would be the first such incident in the UK, the BBC reported.

A British Airways spokesperson said, “Our aircraft landed safely, was fully examined by our engineers and it was cleared to operate its next flight”. A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said it was “totally unacceptable” to fly drones close to airports. It is a punishable offence which could attract up to five years in prison in the UK.

Photograph: British Airways

VIEWS: The incident of April 17, 2016, is reported to have been the first episode of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly referred to as a drone, colliding with a civil airliner operating a scheduled flight with full load of passengers in the daytime in the UK. Mercifully, the airliner did not crash. There have however been a number of other close calls in the UK. In July last year, there was a near miss as a drone came within six metres of an Airbus A320 passenger jet approaching Heathrow airport and was descending through 1,700 feet. As per the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK, there have been six similar incidents in the period May 2014 to March 2015 at airports around the UK in which drones came dangerously close to manned aircraft. Across the Atlantic in the US, an analysis of the over 900 recorded incidents of conflict between drones and civil aircraft in the years 2014 and 2015, revealed that over 300 could be classified as ‘Close Encounters.’ Of these, around 240 were categorised as ‘near misses’ in many of which collision was avoided by timely initiation of evasive action by the pilot. In over 50 cases listed under ‘near misses,’ the drones involved were found to be operating in prohibited airspace in the vicinity of civil airports. The basic problem essentially lies in the lack of proper regulatory framework for the integration of drones with manned aircraft traffic operating in controlled airspace. While drones were developed and were initially employed for military tasks, there is a profound change taking place in the situation. There is increasing employment of drones in many parts of the world as also in India, for a variety of non-military applications such as aerial surveillance, disaster management, maintenance of law and order, firefighting, air ambulance, management of border security, agricultural applications such as crop spraying or crop assessment, video coverage of events for the media, monitoring of wildlife, inspection of power or oil pipelines, monitoring progress of railway projects, anti-poaching patrols as well as simple recreational activity apart from even delivering pizza! As in the UK and the US, in India too, there have been a number of

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instances reported wherein drones have been spotted operating in the vicinity of airports or military establishments. Apart from the problem of conflict with civil air traffic, in India, the other concern is threat of espionage or terrorist attacks on vital installations with drones. However, despite the growing challenge emerging in the domain of airspace management the world over, the International Civil Aviation Organisation is yet to promulgate a Standards and Recommended Practices for employment of drones in civil applications. It was only in May last year that the US Government notified regulations for the operation of drones in civil roles. For the US, integration of drones with civil air traffic will definitely be the most challenging exercise as its airspace has the highest density of traffic in the world. In Europe, member nations of the European Union (EU) have their own set of regulations presently for operation of drones. However, the European Aviation Safety Agency is in the process of formulating the rules that will regulate operation of drones in civil airspace all across the EU. The new regulations are expected to come into force this year. The regulatory authorities in most parts of the world including in India have understood that drones are here to stay and in the long run, their use can be extremely beneficial to the economy. What is however a matter of concern for both civil and military aviation in India is that with the somewhat unbridled proliferation of drones in India as well and the absence of effective regulatory mechanism in place, conflict between manned and unmanned platforms which is only set to increase, is emerging as a major hazard to air safety. Fortunately, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the regulatory authority in India, has responded to the changing times and has initiated the process of formulating a set of rules to regulate the operation of drones in the civil domain. The matter is urgent as the consequences of delay in finalising and effectively implementing a proper regulatory mechanism will only be catastrophic. SP

—By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

ISSUE 6 • 2016

SPACE

ISRo

We are now one of 5 countries with our own navigational system. Today we are free of dependence on other countries for navigation. Our planes will be able to land with ease and accuracy, we can plan disaster relief better and with our own technology. :Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Photograph: ISRO

India joins elite space club 6

ISSUE 6 • 2016

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

SPACE Isro

India joins top satellite club such as the US, Russia, China and Europe which all have their own satellite navigation systems BY R. Chandrakanth

On April 28, 2016, India launched the seventh and final satellite to create its own satellite navigation system to be known as NAVIC or Navigation with Indian Constellation, thus joining an elite group of nations having their own satellite navigation systems. The United States has NAVSTAR global positioning system (GPS), Russia has GLONASS, the European Union has Galileo and China will have BeiDou by 2020. The Indian system–previously called the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)–was designed to provide accurate position information to users in India and as far as 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) from its borders. The satellites will be able to track the location and position of vehicles, provide information during natural disasters and integrated with mobile phones for navigation and other location services. It will provide two kinds of services: one which is open source and another which is restricted and strongly encrypted, provided only to “authorised users,” according to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Prime Minister hails scientists Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Twitter account said: “With this successful launch, we will determine our own paths powered by our technology. This is a great gift to people from scientists.” He also said: “Our efforts will not only help India but we can help fellow SAARC nations as well.” The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, said the launch of the satellite was “an important landmark in our space programme with India now joining the small group of nations having their own regional satellite navigation system.” The launch “demonstrates, yet again, India’s growing capabilities in space launch technology.” Final satellite of IRNSS 1G The seventh and final satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, the IRNSS-1G, was launched into a subgeosynchronous transfer orbit with a perigree (nearest point to earth) of 284 km and an apogee (farthest point to earth) of 20,657 km. The satellite was launched on board the polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV), which took off from the Sriharikota launch pad on April 28. ISRO said that with this launch, the IRNSS constellation of seven satellites is now complete. This will allow ISRO to focus on the process of designing frontend chips which will receive the navigational signals sent out by the satellites. The system will be similar to the global positioning system (GPS) operated by the United States with 24 satellites and the GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou systems of Russia, Europe and China respectively. An area of 1,500 km from Indian boundaries will be covered under the navigational system. The Prime Minis-

ter invited other countries to make use of this system as well. “We have seven neighbours who rely on technology provided by other countries. They can use Indian services if they want,” he said in a video message addressed to ISRO engineers. The Prime Minister appreciated India’s space community for making the country proud through such achievements which have helped in improving the life of common man. Aircraft can land with ease and accuracy With an accuracy of better than 20 m being claimed by ISRO, the navigation system will be offered as an open or Standard Positioning Service and a superior, coded military Restricted Service. “We are now one of five countries with our own navigational system. Today we are free of dependence on other countries for navigation. Our planes will be able to land with ease and accuracy, we can plan disaster relief better and with our own technology,” the Prime Minister said. Explaining the name NAVIC, Modi said the system was dedicated to India’s mariners and fishermen who have been navigating using the sun and stars as waypoints for hundreds of years. “They have shown strength and determination in venturing out to sea for so many years. We have named this system for them, the ‘Naviks’ (mariners).” Constellation of satellites IRNSS-1G is the last of the seven satellites constituting the space segment of the IRNSS. IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, ID, IE and 1F, the first six satellites of the constellation, were successfully launched by PSLV on July 2, 2013, April 4, 2014, October 16, 2014, March 28, 2015, January 20, 2016 and March 10, 2016, respectively. All the six satellites are functioning satisfactorily from their designated orbital positions. IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the Indian region and 1,500 km around the Indian mainland. IRNSS provides two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Services (SPS) — provided to all users and Restricted Services (RS) — provided to authorised users. A number of ground facilities responsible for satellite ranging and monitoring, generation and transmission of navigation parameters, etc., have been established in 18 locations across the country. The Minister for the Department of Space, Jitendra Singh, said that the country also plans to launch a communications satellite that will provide enhanced bandwidth connectivity to rural areas. The satellite will be launched towards the end of 2016 or the first quarter of 2017. ISRO plans to launch 22 satellites in another flight of PSLV including 19 satellites from four countries: 13 from the US, three from Germany, two from Canada and one from Indonesia. SP

With an accuracy of better than 20 m being claimed by ISRO, the navigation system will be offered as an open or Standard Positioning Service and a superior, coded military Restricted Service

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ISSUE 6 • 2016

Military

Viewpoint

Kiren Rijiju GRACES Su-30MKI

Photographs: IAF

From the IAF perspective, it does help if the political leadership is familiarised with the frontline activities and responsibilities that IAF personnel shoulder and the hazards they face

In response to the invitation by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff, on May 18, 2016, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju joined the list of dignitaries who have honoured the Indian Air Force (IAF) by flying in the cockpit of front line combat aircraft in service. The list of dignitaries who have undertaken similar flights earlier on includes luminaries such as the President of India namely Pratibha Patil followed by the late Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Other dignitaries who have flown in fighter aircraft are the former Defence Minister George Fernandes, Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State for Defence and Rajiv Pratap Rudy, currently Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. VVIPs regularly fly as passengers on board transport aircraft and helicopters of the IAF appropriately modified for VVIP travel. But flying in the cockpit of a fighter aircraft is a different kettle of fish! From the perspective of the IAF, it does help if the political leadership is familiarised with the front line activities and responsibilities that IAF personnel shoulder

ISSUE 6 • 2016

and the hazards that they face. A lot younger in age compared to some of the other dignitaries mentioned above and perhaps the youngest, the 44-year-old Union Minister of State looking resplendent in a G-suit that fighter pilots wear, occupied the rear cockpit of the Su-30MKI at Air Force Station Halwara, a major fighter base in Punjab. Having completed all medical clearance formalities, Kiren Rijiju flew with a highly experienced fighter pilot in the supersonic jet for about 30 minutes. After landing, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said, “Flying in the Su-30 has brought me closer to the IAF team at Air Force Station Halwara. My salute to brave pilots for securing our sky”. The Su-30MKI fleet is now the mainstay of the combat fleet of the IAF. Of the 272 aircraft ordered, the IAF has inducted 210 so far. It is understood that the IAF is to place orders for another 40 such platforms taking the fleet strength to 312 once delivery of the total order is completed. SP

—By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

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IMPOSSIBLE IS JUST A DARE. At Embraer, we find inspiration in the greatest of challenges. The creation of entirely new aircraft, and categories. And the inclusion of technology previously unavailable in aircraft this size. The better way. The efficient way. The unconventional way. You see, we’ve never been ones to settle for the status quo. And we’re looking for those who share a similar mindset and are willing to act upon it. Because we believe for those who do — doing the impossible is just the beginning.

Rethink Convention.

EmbraerExecutiveJets.com

Military

LCA

FIRM LANDING: LCA TEJAS LANDING WITH THE CHIEF of the Air Staff AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ARUP RAHA WHO FLEW THE AIRCRAFT ON MAY 17

TEJAS MARK-2 & IAF If inducted in large numbers to arrest the depletion of combat squadrons, the LCA Tejas Mark-2 would definitely make a difference to IAF in the event of a two-front war

Photograph: HAL

BY Group Captain A.K. Sachdev (Retd)

An overview of the current state of operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is a good first step towards situating the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) into its strategic planning, especially for a worst-case scenario of a two-front war or conflict short of war. The strength of combat squadrons in the IAF has dwindled to 33 from an authoried level of 42 and, statistically speaking, is snaking towards 25 squadrons in less than a decade, as some disconsolate strategic soothsayers predict. The reason is that the rate at which IAF aircraft are expected to be retired from service is much higher than the pace at which future inductions are discernible over the visual horizon.

ISSUE 6 • 2016

The MiG-21/27 fleets are dead or dying, the contract for 36 Rafale jets from Dassault of France, less than a third of the original acceded requirement of 126, is coming up against new impediments ever so frequently. The Indo-Russian joint venture fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) shows all symptoms of being stillborne and the existing backbone of the IAF, the Sukhoi Su-30, is suffering from low serviceability. The plaintive gripes of the IAF over the years, some loud and some muted, have failed to get the ear of the establishment to the extent necessary to produce nimble procurement actions. Bureaucratic delays in capital defence procurement procedures have meant

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

Military LCA denial of foreign combat aircraft while internal inefficiencies of a protectionist public sector regime have led to there being no indigenous combat aircraft of note. Buoyantly named Tejas (brilliance) has so far failed to emit any photon of effulgence.

Photograph: IAF

The Story So Far The fact that the MiG-21 had a finite life and would need replacement was projected in the 1980s by the IAF; but it took quite a few years for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) agencies to get going on a project to produce an indigenous aircraft. Foreign collaboration was a non-starter in those years and DRDO was starting from scratch. The programme was spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a DRDO outfit designated as the Project Manager for LCA, and supported by the Central Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), some academic institutions, public and private sector industrial units. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was the principle production partner. It was recognised early that the power plant would be a major challenge and Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) was tasked to produce a suitable engine for the LCA. Unfortunately, GTRE has still not been able to put together an engine that could be used by the LCA. A GE engine, the F404-GE-IN20, was selected to power the LCA. The LCA Mark-1 was given the initial operational clearance (IOC) in December 2013 and a ‘Release to Service Document’ was handed over to the IAF for 20 of these aircraft. In May 2015, a Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report brought out that, “LCA Mark-I, which achieved initial operational clearance has significant shortfalls (53 permanent waivers/concessions) in meeting Air Staff Requirements (ASR) as a result of which it will have reduced operational capabilities and reduced survivability, thereby limiting its operational employability when inducted into IAF squadrons.” The aircraft is not much of a combat machine, but is seen as more of a training platform for later, improved versions (Mark-1A and Mark-2). The final operational clearance (FOC) is yet to be given to the aircraft. It would appear that the LCA is not really a cause for delight to the main user, the IAF. However, the IAF is under pressure from the Defence Ministry to order 100 LCA Mark-1As that are expected to come equipped with a modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electronic warfare suite, a Derby BVR missile, a GSh 23 automatic cannon, an air-to-air refuelling probe and an improved quartz radome. Meanwhile, there are plans to produce a Mark-2, possibly with private collaboration. LCA Mark-2 Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise move in Paris on procurement of 36 fully-built Rafale jets, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reportedly declared “Rafale is not a replacement for MiG-21. Tejas is a replacement for MiG-21.” While the Rafale deal continues to simmer, there are noises being made about an LCA Mark-2, a machine a metre longer than the Mark-1/1A and with a better engine than the GE F404-GE-IN20 used on Mark-1/1A. From the foregoing it is evident that the LCA is not an illustration of ‘Make in India’; many critical parts of it are not within our manufacturing capability yet. These include the all important engine, the radar, the radome and the undercarriage. Past record does not augur well for the future inasmuch as the capability of the Indian aerospace industry to develop leading edge technologies in aerospace manufacturing. Realising this, the Defence Ministry very pragmatically, opened doors to public-private partnership in the further development of the LCA. The idea was to fast-track the LCA Mark-2’s entry into service. During July last year, an international magazine reported

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AIR CHIEF MARSHAL RAHA FLIES TEJAS

n Tuesday, May 17, 2016, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Indian Air Force (IAF), made history when he became the first Air Chief to fly the indigenously designed, developed and produced light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru. The LCA Tejas is a home-grown, advanced combat platform featuring a quadruplex digital fly-bywire control system and state-of-the-art avionics. More than 50 per cent of the airframe is made up of composites. Occupying the Instructor’s Seat, i.e. the rear seat in a trainer version of the LCA Tejas, Air Chief Marshal Raha got airborne at around noon for a 30-minute sortie, along with test pilot Group Captain M. Rangachari in the front seat. A fighter pilot with enormous and wide ranging experience, the CAS took over controls right at the beginning of the sortie and carried out the take-off, assessed the climb performance as well as the handling qualities of the aircraft by putting it through a series of aerobatic manoeuvres covering the entire flying envelope of the platform. He also carried out simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. Although the mission was of a short duration, the CAS had the opportunity to see for himself the integration of avionics and weapon systems as well as to get a feel of operational capability of the indigenous product which is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Indian aerospace industry. He could also assess the advanced modes of the radar and Helmet Mounted Display Sight. Air Chief Marshal Raha appreciated the flying qualities of the aircraft and congratulated the entire team of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL for their hard work in getting the LCA programme to this stage. He went on to state: “It is a good aircraft to fly and fit to be inducted into the IAF.” This initiative by the CAS helped raise the spirits of the Indian aerospace industry that has been under continuous flak. Said T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL: “It is a morale boosting gesture from the CAS that reposes great confidence of our valuable customer in our abilities.”

•

—By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

ISSUE 6 • 2016

Military LCA

MOVING AHEAD: LCA TEJAS WITH THE IAF CHIEF INSIDE THE COCKPIT

Photograph: IAF

that the Indian Defence Ministry “envisages the possibility of a private Indian company forming a joint venture (JV) with a foreign fighter manufacturer to reconfigure the Mark-2 with the more powerful General Electric F414-GE-IN56 engine.” In September 2015, the IAF indicated the requirement of 100 Tejas LCA Mark-1A aircraft, for which a formal order is yet to be placed. The plan of manufacturing and completion is from 2018 to 2023. The project for design and development of LCA Tejas Mark-2 was sanctioned in November 2009 at a cost of `2,431.55 crore with probable date of completion (PDC) of December 2018. However, because of delay in finalisation of engine contract, the project could start only in December 2013. As a result, maiden flight of first prototype and operational clearance are likely to be completed by December 2019 and December 2022, respectively. However, the Defence Ministry wants the project to be completed by 2018 and hence the search for a foreign collaborator. Foreign Collaboration In some ways, there has already been some foreign collaboration on the LCA project. European Aeronautic Defence and Space renamed Airbus Group, provided consultancy on flight testing while Lockheed Martin and Dassault made some contribution in the design stage. Back in 2013, DRDO had asked Swedish company Saab to submit a proposal for partnering on designing the Mark-2 and establishing a manufacturing line for the fighter. Saab did so promptly, but, with a change in the top management of DRDO in June 2013, the new incumbent Avinash Chander was hesitant to award a contract without competitive tendering. However, reportedly T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL has recently stated: “For enhancing the capability of the indigenous LCA, HAL is in talks with the Saab.” Sweden and India have signed several agreements last year in pursuit of ‘Make in India’ campaign and Sweden is looking for ways to invest in the Indian defence sector. Senior Saab officials have expressed willingness to help the LCA project and it appears that such a collaboration may come to fruition in the coming months. During April 2016, a high level Saab delegation was reported to be in India to discuss the modalities of a possible partnership with HAL on further versions of LCA. However, once stung by their past experience, Saab is likely to insist on a government-to-government deal if they assist India in developing and manufacturing a light fighter aircraft.

ISSUE 6 • 2016

What could be the tenor and texture of a foreign collaboration? It is unlikely that the design and development function would be abdicated by ADA to a foreign entity for two reasons. Firstly, ADA would like to stay in the saddle as far as the LCA project is concerned and secondly, a foreign collaborator is unlikely to transfer technology without a quid pro quo. That brings us to the next question: What role then could a foreign collaborator play? Ideally, the design and development could be brought to an acceptable standard with minimal foreign help and the production could be parceled out to a foreign entity willing to set up an assembly line. This option would take the load off an already overburdened HAL as also introduce a higher level of production quality than HAL has been able to achieve. Although HAL has facilities matching international standards, production has suffered in the past in respect of quality, delivery schedule and inefficient work culture that pervades the public sector. The IAF definitely feels that a move to produce LCA Tejas overseas will enable timely result and yield superior production quality than that of the HAL. Cost could be a speed breaker with this option but HAL is not an inexpensive option so far with its monopolistic hold over the Indian market. Reportedly, HAL has been directed to look for alternatives like more outsourcing and creation of joint ventures to enhance rate of production. Conclusion On the occasion of the LCA Mark-1 getting IOC, then Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne had reportedly stated, “The final goal for all of us is not just LCA Mark-1, but LCA Mark-2. While our air warriors are fully geared up to induct and operationalise the two Mark-1 squadrons, IAF keenly looks forward to induction of four squadrons of LCA Mark-2 as the final version in its projected force structure.” The future trajectory of the LCA Mark-1A and Mark-2 is not yet convincingly certain and, even if all the items in HAL’s wish list for LCA Mark-2 are ticked off successfully, it is not meant to perform like the Rafale or the Su-30. But, if inducted in large numbers to arrest the depletion of combat squadrons, it would still make a difference to the IAF in the event of a two-front war. Indeed, if the numbers are adequate, even with its modest performance, the LCA Mark-2 could make a significant contribution to averting an ignominious IAF performance in the aerial war. SP

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MILITARY

UCAV

PREDATOR — A PROVEN MACHINE The different versions of Predator have been extensively used since 1995 having been employed in combat operations over various countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Serbia, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Syria and Somalia

Photograph: USAF

BY Lt General Naresh Chand (Retd) & Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

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ISSUE 6 • 2016

MILITARY UCAV Predator is an Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which was developed and built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) for the primary use of the US Air Force (USAF) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The Predator series of UAVs were initially designed for carrying out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over land or sea. It could carry out ISR over enemy territory without endangering the crew. It was equipped with sensors such as MTS-B electrooptical/infrared (EO/IR), Lynx multi-mode radar, multi-mode maritime radar, automated identification system (AIS), SIGINT/ ESM system and Communications relay. The Predator and its successor versions have been in use extensively since the 1990s. The different versions of the platform developed are as under: • RQ-1 Series. RQ-1A was the Pre-production designation for the system which included four aircraft, Ground Control Station (GCS) and Predator Primary Satellite Link (PPSL). RQ-K

Photograph: GA-ASI

COMBAT PROVEN: PREDATOR FLYING OVER DESERTS

etc. Some earlier versions of MQ-1A UAV have been partially retrofitted with some Block 10/15 features. Predator B UAV The Predator B UAV, also called remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), has been designated as MQ-9 Reaper/Predator B persistent multi-mission ISR and strike aircraft. It is designed to perform multi-mission ISR and ‘Hunter-Killer’ missions over land or sea. Designated as the MQ-9 Reaper by USAF and Royal Air Force, it was developed with GA-ASI funding and has better capabilities than the earlier versions of Predator. It was first flown in 2001. It is powered by a turboprop engine and is designed to carry out multiple missions. The Predator B is a highly sophisticated RPA which has been built on the extensive experience gained with the GA-ASI’s battle-proven Predator RPA and incorporates major improvements in overall performance and reliability. It features unmatched operational flexibility, has an endurance of over 27 hours, true airspeed of 240 knots, can operate up to 50,000 feet and has a 3,850 pound (1,746 kg) payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) of external stores. It is twice as fast as Predator while carrying 500 per cent more payload and its power plant delivers nine times the horsepower. This results in the MQ-9 Reaper/Predator B providing long endurance, persistent surveillance/ strike capability for the war-fighter. It has high reliability as it is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple redundant avionics system architecture. It is also engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards. The Predator B is modular in construction and can be configured with a variety of payloads depending upon the mission requirements. Its payload includes EO/IR, Lynx multi-mode radar, multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, ESM, laser designators and various weapons packages to include Hellfire air-to-surface missile for precision attacks, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs, GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and GBU-49 laser-JDAM. The Predator B is powered by proven Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, integrated with Digital Electronic Engine Control which significantly improves engine performance and fuel efficiency, especially at low altitudes. A new variant, Predator B extended range (ER) has been designed to carry out retrofit in the field such as wingborne fuel pods that extends the aircraft’s endurance from 27 hours to 34 hours while further increasing its operational flexibility. This year it is planned to enlarge its wingspan from 66 feet to 79 feet to hold the fuel that was previously stored in the fuel pods. This configuration will deliver 42 hours of endurance. The Predator B is equipped with a new reinforced landing gear. This aircraft has been acquired by the USAF, US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, the Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force and soon others.

was the pre-production designation for individual airframe, RQ-1B was the production designation for the Predator UAV system and RQ-1L was the production designation for individual airframe. • MQ-1Series. The designation M implies that the Predator is capable of The Predator B has been dropping bombs and firing missiles. The MQ-1A Predator was an earlier built on the extensive version which was capable of carryexperience gained with ing the AGM-114 Hellfire or AIM-92 Stinger missiles. the GA-ASI’s battle• MQ-1B Predator. This is the curproven Predator RPA rent version of MQ series with some and incorporates major improvements. The current version MQ-1B Block 10/15 which includes improvements in overall further improvements in avionics, performance and data-links, countermeasures, targeting system, wing deicing equipment, reliability

ISSUE 6 • 2016

Operational Record The different versions of Predator have been extensively used since 1995 having been employed in combat operations over countries such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Serbia, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Syria and Somalia. Post-2001, the RQ-1 Predator became the primary unmanned air-

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

MILITARY UCAV craft used for offensive operations by the USAF and the CIA in Afghanistan, etc. It has also been deployed elsewhere. Civilian applications have included border enforcement, scientific studies to monitor wind direction and large forest fires. Certifiable Predator B RPA GA-ASI is developing a variant of the Predator B RPA which will initially meet European airworthiness initial certification standards in 2017 and in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US, will subsequently meet domestic airworthiness certification standards. It leverages both the Predator B RPA and Advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station as points of departure systems and identifies and incorporates the changes needed to achieve a CPB system. The improvements will be carried out both in hardware and software to include improved Predator B structural fatigue and damage tolerance and more reliable flight control software, as well as enhancements allowing operations in adverse weather including icing conditions. Additionally, the aircraft will be designed to survive bird and lightning strikes. The CPB is highly modular in construction and is easily configured with a variety of payloads to meet mission requirements. The UAV is capable of carrying multiple mission payloads and includes a state-of-the-art Detect and Avoid system. It will have adequate space, weight and power provisions to enable the retrofitting of an airborne Due Regard Radar for operation in non-cooperative airspace. It is designed to fly at a maximum altitude of over 45,000 ft, maximum endurance of over 40 hours and maximum true airspeed of 200 knots. It can be remotely piloted or fly in autonomous mode. It also has automatic take-off and landing capability apart from other features and ISR capabilities. The Indian Scenario For over a decade-and-a-half, the Indian armed forces and intelligence agencies have been operating the Searcher Mk II and the Heron unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) acquired from Israel. These platforms have been and can only be employed for reconnaissance and surveillance, their role effectively being limited to intelligence gathering. The Indian aerospace industry in the public sector has designed, developed and manufactured UAVs though of relatively lower capability, such as the Lakshya and the Nishant. These UAVs have been in service for a considerable period of time. Other indigenous platforms that have been under development for some time are the two variants of the Rustom. Three years ago, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted a few of the Harop unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from Israel. This is a loitering platform designed for suppression of enemy air defence or SEAD missions and is armed with explosives. However, the Harop does not drop bombs of fire missiles; it destroys the target by crashing into it. The Indian aerospace industry is currently engaged in developing the autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicle designated as the autonomous unmanned research aircraft (AURA). The platform is planned to be inducted into the IAF and the Indian Navy. Details of the platform are classified and hence are not available in public domain. Although unmanned platforms are relatively a recent innovation in the regime of military aviation, the leading air forces of the world are now inclined to accord these machines greater preference compared to manned aircraft. In fact, every year, the USAF trains more UAV operators than combat pilots. The erstwhile US Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates had predicted that the F-35 Lightening II joint strike fighter would be the last manned fighter the USAF would buy. For the IAF, as also for other air forces, acquisition, operation

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MQ-9 Reaper/ Predator B specs Persistent Multi-Mission ISR and Strike Aircraft Objective Perform multi-mission intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and ‘Hunter-Killer’ missions over land or sea. Characteristics Wingspan

66 ft (20 m)

Length

36 ft (11 m)

Power Plant

Honeywell TPE331-10

Max Gross Take-off Weight

10,500 lb (4,763 kg)

Fuel Capacity

3,900 lb (1,769 kg)

Payload Capacity

850 lb int. (386 kg) 3,000 lb ext. (1,361 kg)

Weapons

Hellfire missiles GBU-12 laser-guided bombs GBU-38 JDAM GBU-49 laser-JDAM

Payloads

MTS-B EO/IR Lynx multi-mode radar Multi-mode maritime radar Automated identification system (AIS) SIGINT/ESM system Communications relay

Power

11.0 kW/45.0 kVA (Block 5)

Performance Max Altitude

50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Max Endurance

27 hours

Max Air Speed

240 KTAS

Features l Triple-redundant

flight control system Redundant flight control surfaces l Remotely piloted or fully autonomous l MIL-STD-1760 stores management system l Seven external stations for carriage of payloads l C-Band line-of-sight data link control l Ku-Band beyond line-of-sight/SATCOM data link control l Over 90 per cent system operational availability l C-130 transportable (or self-deploys) l

Source: GA-ASI

and maintenance of large fleets of manned combat aircraft is tending to become increasingly unaffordable. The recent shift of focus of the IAF from manned combat aircraft to unmanned platforms, both to UAVs and UCAVs, was therefore inevitable and quite understandable. Also, in the context of the rapidly dwindling fleet of combat aircraft in the IAF, the need to induct advanced modern unmanned platforms both for reconnaissance and combat, has acquired a high degree of urgency. However, as the pace of development of unmanned platforms by the Indian aerospace industry has been extremely tardy, the IAF would have no option but to explore options for the acquisition of the required capability from foreign sources. SP

ISSUE 6 • 2016

UCAV

PREDATOR

Predator XP and Predator C feature triple-redundant flight control computers and redundant flight control surfaces and avionics that deliver unparalleled reliability.

Photographs: GA-ASI

PREDATOR XP & PREDATOR C AVENGER: PROVIDING LIFE-SAVING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS BY Dr Vivek Lall

ISSUE 6 • 2016

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UCAV PREDATOR Safeguarding warfighters on the ground, providing infrastructure protection, and searching for survivors in the wake of natural disasters has previously been the job of manned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. Using manned aircraft for ISR missions is a resource-intensive effort requiring multiple aircraft with heavy operating costs and vast teams of trained personnel to pilot, operate sensors, and perform maintenance. The result has been an incomplete solution coming at great expense to the countries that have made the required investment to address this critical problem. The ISR mission presents two critical challenges. First, persistent surveillance over vast stretches of open terrain is required for missions that could include spotting the covert movement of personnel and goods. Manned aircraft do not adequately provide the required level of persistence due to their limited endurance. Second, there are significant limitations to the number of qualified personnel available to recruit and train for manned ISR programmes to ensure constant watch over these areas. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc’s (GA-ASI) Predator® XP remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) was designed specifically to overcome these challenges. Equipped with GAASI’s state-of-the-art Lynx® multi-mode radar mated to an integrated, high-definition electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera, Predator XP provides all-weather, day/night performance for a wide-area search capability. Lynx’s Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) mode provides a quick and easy method for locating moving vehicles. The radar’s new Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode, including Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) coupled with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), provides the capability to complete a variety of maritime missions successfully, including coastal surveillance, drug interdiction, long-range surveillance, small target detection, and search and rescue operations. GA-ASI’s Detect and Avoid (DAA) System, which includes a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) for cooperative traffic and an optical sensor for non-cooperative traffic, allows for self-separation and collision avoidance with other air traffic in international and domestic airspace. With an endurance of 35 hours and the ability to ascend up to 25,000 feet, Predator XP is designed with state-of-theart technologies, including an automatic take-off and landing capability, redundant flight control surfaces, enhanced avionics, and triple-redundant flight control computers. The aircraft also is equipped with both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) data link systems for over-thehorizon operations including aircraft-to-aircraft or ship data communications for man-unmanned teaming capability. Flying since 2009, GA-ASI’s high-speed, multi-mission Predator C Avenger® is a long-endurance, medium-to-high altitude RPAS that can perform wide-area surveillance, time-sensitive missions over land or sea, and a host of other challenging military missions. The aircraft has much higher operational and transit speeds than current Predator series aircraft, resulting in quick response and rapid repositioning for improved mission flexibility and survivability. A highly advanced, next-generation RPAS, Avenger is a jetpowered by a PrattWhitney PW545B turbofan engine capable of producing 4,800 pounds installed thrust. The engine is designed for greater fuel economy and features class-leading fuel consumption components. Avenger can operate at speeds up to 400 KTAS, a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet, and 18 hours endurance. Its significant payload capacity enables it to carry multiple sensors.

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964 Featuring unparalleled reliability, Predator XP and Predator C feature triple-redundant flight control computers and redundant flight control surfaces and avionics that deliver unparalleled reliability. These state-of-the-art systems are derived from their predecessor, Predator B. Since its first flight in 2001, Predator B’s mission has evolved from military operations to supporting many humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery operations for a variety of customers, which Predator XP and Predator C could likewise satisfy. Fire Imaging First responders need as much situational awareness as possible to fight fires spread across treacherous forest terrain. In 2011, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deployed Predator B in support of firefighters during the largest wildfire in Arizona’s history where fires consumed more than half a million acres. Predator B provided streaming imagery of areas affected by the fires to incident commanders and other fire managers on the ground in real-time, supplying them with valuable time to employ the most effective and efficient measures to extinguish the blazes and protect firefighters. Earthquake Assistance In 2012, a US Air Force (USAF) Predator B helped with mock search and rescue efforts after a simulated earthquake struck southern California. The exercise demonstrated Predator B’s ability to be integrated with civilian disaster relief agency efforts. This exercise followed in the wake of a powerful earthquake that shook Haiti in 2010 where USAF Predator aircraft were critical in helping first responders spot fires and find survivors. Search and Rescue In 2013, Predator B was tasked by USAF crews to narrow the search area significantly for a missing biker who was stranded and injured in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico. The aircraft enabled law enforcement personnel to focus on areas where the missing biker most likely would be found. This rescue mission follows a similar one successfully conducted by USAF Predator B crews in response to kayakers that were reported missing in New Mexico in 2012. Maritime Surveillance The DHS operates the Predator B RPAS configured for maritime operations (‘Guardian’) to enhance the agency’s long-range ISR capabilities. During missions in the Caribbean, Guardian has supported successful operations against a series of maritime threats, including counter-narcotics efforts and other illicit activities, contributing to the defeat of human trafficking, piracy, and terrorist schemes. Similar to Predator B, Predator XP and Avenger can perform military and civil missions as their capabilities are uniquely qualified to support law enforcement, public safety, search and rescue, and emergency response operations. GA-ASI’s Predator series RPAS are currently operating within civil airspace, and the company is participating in world-leading airspace integration initiatives. GA-ASI is a world leader in ISR technologies and is best known for its Predator family of RPAS, currently in operation worldwide. Amassing nearly 40,000 flight hours per month, the company’s aircraft have accumulated over 3.8 million cumulative flight hours to date. SP

The author is the CEO of General Atomics.

ISSUE 6 • 2016

MILITARY

exercise

perfect red flag Photographs: IAF, USAF

The prestigious Exercise Red Flag 2016 concluded its advanced aerial combat training between the Indian Air Force, the US Air Force and the US Navy on May 13, 2016 BY air marshal b.k. pandey (retd)

ISSUE 6 • 2016

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MILITARY exercise

RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964 (left) Indian Air Force Su-30MKI taxi out during Exercise Red Flag 16-1 at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska, USA; (below) IAF Su-30MKI lands at the Eielson AFB; (Bottom) An Indian Air Force IL-78 IN THE SKIES EVEN as a Sukhoi REVS up during the start of main phase of Exercise

Red Flag Alaska 16-1, which was an advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) in Alaska (a successor to the previous Cope Thunder exercise series), concluded on May 14, 2016. The main phase of the exercise had commenced on April 28, 2016, with a mix of combat and support elements participating from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Navy (USN). Over the last decade, the IAF has been actively participating in various operational exercises hosted by different countries wherein its capabilities have been pitted against the best air forces in the world. While referring to the overall exercise plan and objective Red Flag Alaska 16-1, the Team Leader Group Captain H Assudani said, “The objective of this intercontinental deployment was not only to showcase the capability of the IAF in undertaking Integrated Air Operations but also to imbibe operational lessons from the exercise engagements which will help us add more teeth to our overall war-waging capabilities.”

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The exercise is conducted under multiple simulated scenarios designed to provide realistic settings. The overall demarcation is between Red Force nominated as the Defensive Force component fighting to protect own airspace and assets and the Blue Force designated as the Offensive Force composite package. The Red Force was mainly constituted by No 18 Squadron USAF, the Aggressor Squadron, flying the F-16. The IAF along with the other squadrons of the USAF flying the F-15, F-16, F-22 and of the USN operating the F-18, constituted the Blue Force. During the exercise, the IAF also flew as a part of the Red Force alongside the Aggressors which for it, was the first experience of its kind. The Exercise saw the potent Su-30MKI aircraft of the IAF participating in Offensive Counter Air Operations in which they provided escort cover to the strike elements. Apart from this, the IAF Jaguars DARIN II undertook integrated strike missions dropping practice bombs over the world renowned JPARC Air to Ground Range. Both these fleets performed their roles exceptionally well. There were three missions commanded by the IAF in this exer-

ISSUE 6 • 2016

MILITARY exercise

Photographs: USAF

(top, l-R) An IAF IL-78MKI aerial refueling aircraft taxing on the Eielson Air Force Base DURING EXERCISE; an Usaf F-16 Fighting Falcon waits WHILE iaf’s Su-30 MKI taxis by after a RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 16-1 mission; (above, l-R) THE iaf’s Maintenance CREW changing a shock absorber on a Jaguar fighter; Iaf pilots GETTING a mission brief prior to a sortie

cise. Mission commanders of both the Jaguars and Su-30s were involved in planning, execution and conduct of debrief. One of the missions was commanded by Sqn Ldr Sidhu, who, while speaking on the mission, said “It was a great opportunity to lead all the coalition forces. It gives one immense satisfaction when all the participants execute the briefed plan which becomes a success.” While talking about participation of the IAF in the Exercise Red Flag, Lt Colonel Brian Toth, Chief Operations Officer of 354 Operations Group, said: “The IAF’s participation has been extremely good from my perspective. For most nations, it takes an exercise or two to step up to meet the requirements of a mission commander. The IAF has been mission commander three times and also performed the package commander’s roles. The IAF hase done a tremendous job.” During the Exercise elements of the Red Flag team formed the White Force and using high-tech instrumentation and mission debrief tools to evaluate the performance of the participants in an objective and logical manner. The White Force watched the entire exercise in real time on tactical displays in the operations room. Kill removal or removal of the pilots and aircraft assumed shot down by the enemy, made the Exercise more realistic. The temperatures were sub-zero during a large part of the Exercise, which posed a challenge to the maintenance team It is noteworthy that despite the challenging environment, the maintenance team ensured 100 per cent serviceability of all platforms throughout the four weeks. Lt Colonel Clarence McRae,

ISSUE 6 • 2016

Commander of the Red Flag-Alaska 16-1 Expeditionary Forces Maintenance Group , said: “Red Flag Alaska provided all of the participants a fantastic opportunity to train with members of the IAF. The exchange of lessons learned and best practices with our partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region have enabled us to strengthen our partnership and signifies our commitment to this area of operations. The professionalism of the IAF airmen made bolstering our countries’ relationship easy and helped provide realistic combat training for all participants.” The Senior Engineering Officers of the IAF units were happy with the comprehensive IAF technical practices which are well defined and meticulous. Adherence to these have ensured a high flight line availability that allowed aircrew to perform their missions. Wg Cdr Pratyush Anand, SEO of the Su-30 Squadron, said, “Out-of-the-box thinking of the technicians has earned praise from all quarters. The participating airmen got an opportunity to see a variety of aircraft and this exposure and interaction with other fleets will go a long way in evolving and refining our own practices.” In his closing address, Colonel William Culver, Vice Commander of the 354th Fighter Wing said, “This was one of the best Exercise Red Flag that I have seen. I compliment the exceptional standards displayed by the IAF and am amazed to see all the ten aircraft the IAF had brought (four Su-30s, four Jaguars and two IL-78s) maintaining 100 per cent serviceability for the entire duration of four weeks and their aircraft flying on all days as per plan.”

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MILITARY exercise

RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

USAF Airmen join their counterparts from iaf for a photo-op at Eielson AFB, after participating in an incentive flight on a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refuelling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Photograph: USAF

Wg Cdr Saumitra Tamaskar, Exercise Director, said, “Having set out with well-defined objectives, the IAF contingent’s efforts over the past month have ensured that they take back important lessons which will help undertake operations across a wide and diverse spectrum and meet any future challenges.” The IAF contingent began de-induction on May 14, 2016, and are planned to return to India in the last week of May 2016. On their way back from Alsaka, the Su-30s of the IAF will participate in Exercise Desert Eagle II with the UAE Air Force. Post Exercise Thoughts While in the second round of Exercise Red Flag, the IAF once again emerged with flying colours, there is an urgent need to take stock and introspect even though all the elements of the participating team earned the well-deserved accolades from the hosts. The first time the IAF participated in Exercise Red Flag was way back in 2008 when it was held at the USAF airbase at Nellis. As participating in Exercise Red Flag proved to be an expensive affair, the Government of India decided to permit the IAF to take part in this international exercise once in five years. The IAF could not take part in Exercise Red Flag in 2013, five years after the first round in 2008, as it was cancelled by the US. Nearly two months prior to the sojourn in Alaska this year, the IAF staged Exercise Iron Fist at the Pokhran firing range in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. Compared to just 12 aircraft participating in Exercise Red Flag, the firepower demonstra-

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tion at Pokhran had over 180 aircraft of the IAF taking part. These included fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters. Of course Exercise Red Flag was conducted over a period of 16 days whereas the firepower demonstration at Pokhran lasted only for a day. Prior to Exercise Iron Fist, in a media briefing, a senior functionary of the IAF had said “Numbers in the IAF were not adequate to fully execute an air campaign involving a two-front war”. The reference was clearly to the alarming erosion in the operational potential of the combat fleet of the IAF. There is undoubtedly an urgent need for the government to address this problem without further dithering or delay. The objectives of the two exercises were completely different. While Exercise Iron Fist was to showcase a wide range of operational capabilities of the IAF covering six segments of the force both by day and night, Exercise Red Flag was meant to give exposure to selected parts of the IAF’s combat fleet and supporting elements exposure to operational philosophy, tactics and best practices of the USAF and the US Navy. It is now left to the IAF to benefit from the experience and make qualitative changes in the currently followed operating philosophies and procedures where considered appropriate. While the aim of Exercise Iron Fist was to apprise the nation of the level and range of capability of the IAF, one of the aims of Exercise Red Flag is to project ‘Military Diplomacy’ as this serves to consolidate relationship not only between the two air forces but between two nations as well! SP

ISSUE 6 • 2016

BUSINESS AVIATION

AGGREGATORS

one of the favourites in India: embraer’s legacy business jets have been one of the popular jets in india. the online booking portals have various kind of travel options including highend jets such as legacy, dassault falcon, gulfstreams’ g series

Photograph: Karthik kumar / Sp guide pubns

‘Uber’ of Air Charter market in India BY R. Chandrakanth

ISSUE 6 • 2016

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BUSINESS AVIATION AGGREGATORS

RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

Photographs: Baron Aviation

Business aviation in India is still nascent. And the concept of business aircraft aggregation is a recent phenomenon, not more than a year old. It is in its infancy but with a lot of promise. Like how Uber, Ola and others have created new taxi markets by providing affordable transportation on ground, there is a quiet revolution happening in the skies, triggered by smart entrepreneurs. These trendsetters included JetSetGo and BookMyCharters. Recently JetSmart a web portal, offering a range of innovatively priced air charter services that can be booked real-time, was launched in India. The current issue covers BookMyCharters which is an initiative of Baron Aviation whose vision is to corporatize the general aviation industry in India by aggregating aircraft inventory and consolidating customers demand and professionalising the approach towards international quality of services. The company integrates its off-line strength with online innovation, thus revolutionising the air charter industry. Giving details of the company’s plans is Rajeev Wadhwa, Chairman and CEO of Baron Group, in an exclusive interview with SP’s Aviation.

Rajeev Wadhwa is a first-generation serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in nurturing innovative business Ideas. Wadhwa is the Chairman and CEO of Baron Aviation, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Baron Luxury and Lifestyles Pvt Ltd. Wadhwa has led and mentored several successful businesses in aviation, information technology and telecom sectors. He has held senior management, Board of Directors and advisory level positions for companies in India and abroad and has over 26 years of experience of working in India and North American markets. Prior to setting up his own venture in aviation, he was the Managing Director of European Aviation Holding and founder President of Global E-Secure Ltd.

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ISSUE 6 • 2016

BUSINESS AVIATION AGGREGATORS

India’s Online Charter Booking Platforms make their debut. BookMyCharters is a globally scalable platform and is geared to address the US$ 20 billion global opportunity SP’s: Could you briefly give the nature of your business? Rajeev Wadhwa (Rajeev): We are a credible brand in the air charter service space in India and have launched an online platform bookmycharters.com, wherein we have contracted and aggregated aircraft inventory of 40 aircraft from 16 operators. This is the largest aircraft consolidation by any single Indian operator in Asia. We are also known as the ‘Uber’ of air charter market in India. While online platforms are the latest trend in charter business, BookMyCharters has a distinct advantage of building a very superior booking engine that validates aircraft availability, its feasibility and offers instant quote with itemised breakup enabling the customer to make an informed decision and book a charter online. While we have built an online platform, we have equal or more investment to service the customers off-line. We operate 24x7 with finest team of professionals and focus on quality assurance so as to guarantee to the customer highest levels of safety and security. Our operations team assures our customers highest levels of professionalism and on ground support with matters related to serviceability, privacy and confidentiality at par with global standards.

in negotiations with operators for more aircraft from Mumbai and South of India. The next big step for us is of course global expansion with our online platform. SP’s: How many airports can you reach within India and overseas too? Rajeev: Currently BookMyCharters enables you to book a private jet to more than 149 airports in India across 22,000 routes, based on the type, size and endurance of the aircraft chosen. Although the online booking of private jets through BookMyCharters is currently restricted to India, our off-line model facilitates our customers to book a private jet for international destinations across the globe.

SP’s: What has been the general profile of your clients – industrialists, celebrities, politicians, etc? Rajeev: Corporate contribution to charter business is maximum, where 70 per cent of their usage is for official purpose and the rest is to indulge in luxury. CEOs /Chairmen of large corporations take private jets for connectivity to smaller cities and remote areas where there is no direct flight by scheduled airlines. Busy execuSP’s: Since inception what has been your company’s growth tives cannot afford to show up late for an and what are the drivers? important meeting or to feel sluggish beRajeev: Baron Aviation was established in cause of the rigours of commercial travel. 2012 with the aim to corporatise the gener“Our operations team They know that the cost of failure far exal aviation industry in India. It started with ceeds the cost of private jet travel. Somethe effort to aggregate aircraft inventory, assures our customers times they compromise in selecting an airconsolidate customer demand and profeshighest levels of craft with use for its utility and not luxury. sionalise the approach towards client serAbout 40 per cent of Indian airfields are vicing to the highest standards. professionalism and good to be used only for utility flying hence Baron launched the concept of viron ground support you can’t ignore the effective use of turbotual operator in India wherein it took over with matters related to prop aircraft. exclusive marketing right to promote busiEntertainment industry also contribness jets of some of the biggest corporate serviceability, privacy utes to sizeable charter business in Mumhouses in India. In 2013 it launched India’s and confidentiality” bai with 80 per cent of usage for multi-city first Jet Card Programme for the country’s film promotions and celebrities using jets UHNIs (ultra high networth individuals), a to attend events. Political parties and politisubstitute to the high value private jet owncians largely use air charters for campaignership. However, the general aviation market in India was highly fragmented to major metros. The acces- ing during elections or to attend special functions and events. For the UHNIs & NRIs, private flying is all about indulging in sibility of the right aircraft was always a question. While major wealth management reports like Kotak suggested that 44 per cent comfort and luxury. The trend of using private jets for special occaof India’s UHNIs were from non-metro cities and towns, the poten- sions has been on the upward curve. Destination weddings, short tial and the need of these markets to use air charters for comfort haul destination holidays for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, going to spa destinations in Kerala or a tour to the royal and convenience was highly unrecognised. In its endeavour to seamlessly connect these customers with palaces of Rajasthan by international inbound travellers and the aircraft owners, on December 14, 2015, the company launched UHNIs are the latest emerging trends. Though we are not seeing bookmycharters.com thereby, expanding its horizons to these too many women booking a private jet, we do believe that kitty untapped markets. In a market that is highly unorganised and parties in the air, “being 21 and above the world” will be the future driven by intermediaries, BookMyCharters simplifies the entire trends where more women will come and engage in the use of process of booking air charters hassle free, delivering instant and private jets for luxury and lifestyle. economic quotes and offers a one-stop solution for all charter SP’s: One of the problems of an aggregator could be unavailbooking requirements. ability of an aircraft to a client who has booked it. In such cases what do you do? SP’s: How many charter companies are enlisted and what is the number of aircraft that you can access? Is it in India alone Rajeev: The benefit of having a large aircraft inventory is the ability to provide our customers to choose just the right aircraft or overseas too? Rajeev: Currently, BookMyCharters has over 40 aircraft from 16 based on their preferences. The availability of the aircraft reflectoperators on the platform with a large fleet based in Delhi. We are ed during the booking process is in real-time and the booking is

ISSUE 6 • 2016

www.sps-aviation.com

BUSINESS AVIATION AGGREGATORS

RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

confirmed. In the rare event that an aircraft is rendered unavailable due to technical or maintenance issues our back-end team of experienced professionals have the expertise to source a similar aircraft for the customer. The flight is coordinated with the highest level of prioritisation and the services offered are at par with global standards. SP’s: What are your plans for expansion, growth? Rajeev: BookMyCharters is a globally scalable platform and is geared to address the $20-billion global opportunity. The platform is a substitute to high value private jet ownership and is disruptive to most popular current aircraft chartering options like fractional ownership and Jet Card Programmes. The company endeavours to be a global player in the air charter market and reach out to mature markets. Our strategic group is working on this international rollout, by negotiating affiliations with operators across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Our goal is to enable customers to charter anywhere in the world, at just one click. SP’s: The business aviation community, per se, has shown signs of strain and are said to be in the red. How is it in such a scenario that you have positive sentiments? Rajeev: The business aviation market in general has remained stagnant in the past decade mirroring the general economic scenario of the country. However, the recent times are seeing a turnaround in the flight activity levels. Though the average annual aircraft utilisation is between 300 and 400 hours compared to 800 to 1,000 hours by European and US charter companies, government initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘Smart Cities’ and campaigns like ‘Start-up India’ are seeing rising investor confidence amongst the Indian business community. An online platform like BookMyCharters is gaining considerable visibility. On an average, more than 150 unique customers visit the platform on a daily basis. Analysis of the data show that the portal is not only getting pan-India patronage but is also attracting unique visitors from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia. Considering the uniqueness and the niche market it addresses, the platform is getting sufficient traction. The users are fairly new, thus giving hopes of new markets in the industry. BookMyCharters is the marketplace for owners to promote their aircraft directly to the end-users. It is an industry platform that has the capacity to convert at least 40 to 50 red balance sheets of the operators green, largely because we will add new customers, improve performance and help optimise operators’ costs. As a partner, the aircraft owners can not only leverage on the superior patented technology, but are also risk free of payment defaults as BookMyCharters guarantees the payment prior to the execution of all the flight. BookMyCharters is also focused on enhancing aircraft utilisation, which will positively impact the bottom line of all the partner aircraft operators. SP’s: What has been the most challenging aspect in this kind of business? Rajeev: In the current off-line scenario, the customer waits for hours to get relevant aircraft options and their cost. This is due to numerous complexities and logistical issues involved with manual processes. With the launch of BookMyCharters, the customer wait has been reduced to merely 15 seconds. However, customers are used to off-line bookings and migrating them on the platform would take time. Our patented technology at BookMyCharters takes into consideration all operational issues, checks real-time availability, calculates instant quotes and assists the customer to book online. This simplifies the work of operators but to facilitate online bookings,

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thumbs up: rajeev wadhwa is quite bullish on the success of charter business in view of anticipated demand in india

it is important for us to get real-time updates on aircraft availability and acceptance from operator for automation of quotes by the system. So far we have received appreciable support from all our partner operators. The challenge, however, has been marketing the service to the end-users. At BookMyCharters, we believe only 6 per cent of our potential customers in metro cities use charter services. Interestingly, this need for quick and pleasurable travelling is not restricted to only the metros. Several people in Tier-II or Tier-III cities like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Varanasi and Kochi are willing to pay for speedily reaching cities like Udaipur or Jodhpur or Kota which do not have daily scheduled airline connectivity. With our customer awareness programmes and strategic initiatives to reach out to non-metro city customers, our endeavour is not only to migrate existing charter users on the platform but also bring new customers to charter market. SP’s: What needs to be done to prop up the business aviation sector in the country? Rajeev: Between 2001 and 2007 was considered as the golden period for general aviation. Later, due to imposition of an unexplained tax regime and the economic slowdown the scenario changed. The lack of infrastructure is another impediment. Unlike mature markets, India does not have dedicated general aviation airports. Therefore, charter firms are finding it difficult to acquire hangar space and parking in metro cities. Mumbai once boasted a parking base of 48 aircraft. Over the years a number of private owned aircraft have shifted to AAI airports like Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Aurangabad because of their relatively low parking charges. Should the government come out with public-private partnership programme for general aviation airports, 70 per cent of problems for this sector will get resolved. This will also boost the sales of private jets and helicopters in the country. About 72 per cent of Indian operators own single aircraft and heavily depend on brokers to sell charters for them. The Indian fleet annual utilisation is between 300 and 400 hours compared to 800 to 1,000 hours by European and US charter companies. Continued on page 32...

ISSUE 6 • 2016

FACT FILE

G650

Speed, Style and Comfort The G650 performance is unmatched, backed by solid innovation and therefore it is considered the world’s most advanced business aircraft

Photographs: Gulfstream

BY R. Chandrakanth

Since 1958 when the Gulfstream I, the world’s first purposebuilt business aircraft made its debut, Gulfstream Aerospace has come a long way and it has led the evolution of business and personal aviation. In the nearly six decades, Gulfstream has grown from strength to strength and it now produces the world’s most advanced business aircraft, with innovations from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip, offering unmatched global product support and service. Now from the Gulfstream stable comes the Gulfstream G650, to deliver the world’s finest aviation experience.

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Fly-by-wire precision The business jet flies at over 92 per cent of the speed of sound for thousands of miles with fly-by-wire precision and a quieter, roomier, more adaptable cabin teeming with advanced technology. At a long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, the Gulfstream G650 flies 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km) non-stop with eight passengers. Los Angeles to London is over 30 minutes faster and New York to Tokyo almost an hour closer compared to other large-cabin aircraft. Covering such distances with ease,

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FACT FILE G650

G650 Specifications Performance Maximum Range

7,000 nm (12,964 km)

Long-range

Mach 0.85 (488 ktas) (904 kmph)

Maximum Operating Mach Number

Mach 0.925

Maximum Cruise Altitude

51,000 ft (15,545 m)

Weight Maximum Take-off

99,600 lb (45,178 kg) 2

Maximum Payload

6,500 lb (2,948 kg)

Interior Cabin Length (excluding baggage)

46 ft 10 in (14.27 m)

Cabin Height

6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)

Cabin Width

8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)

Baggage Compartment Usable Volume

195 cu ft (5.52 cu m)

Design Standards Avionics

Gulfstream PlaneViewTM II

Engines

Two Rolls-Royce BR725 A1-12

Rated Take-off Thrust (each)

16,900 lb (75.20 kN)

Passengers

up to 19

Source: Gulfstream

the G650 makes once-distant cities all part of a day’s work, and with the lowest pressurised cabin altitude of any business aircraft, passengers are as fresh as morning dew. The G650 with a computer-controlled, highly redundant fly-by-wire flight system, which, working in concert with the pilot or on full automatic, provides measured, minute adjustments that create smoother flights and increase passenger comfort. Wider and Brighter With comfort and ambience key essentials, Gulfstream has created a cabin which is 8 foot 6 inch (2.59 metre-wide). This is the largest in its class and it can accommodate 18 passengers comfortably. And with big windows there is abundant sunlight in the aircraft. The 16 windows are each sized 28 by 20.5 inches (71 by 52 cm) and they are positioned higher on the fuselage to get the maximum viewing experience. The business jet with such comfortable interiors has a choice of 12 floor-plans, offering options of meetings, entertaining and relaxing and they all can be tailor-made. Climb High, Breathe Easy One of the highpoints of the G650 is that it has the lowest cabin altitude of any business jet and replenishes 100 per cent fresh air every two minutes. At a cruise altitude of 41,000 feet (12,497 metres), the cabin is pressurised to a comfortable 3,000 ft (914 m). Compared to a commercial airlines, this altitude is more than twice as low and significantly better than any other business jet in this class. The benefit of a lower cabin altitude is that it reduces fatigue and ensures that the passengers are fresh, as at this altitude the heart and lungs don’t work as hard to oxygenate the blood, thus reducing fatigue levels.

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964 Office in the sky It is an office up in the sky with all the office paraphernalia. It gives executives various ways to stay connected. The Gulfstream broadband multi-link high-speed data system, two multichannel satellite communications systems or a wireless local network that provides onboard printing, additional Internet access and phone service are all features that go to make an efficient office. Dual media servers, high-definition video source equipment and a cabin audio system also keep business on track, even at Mach 0.925. Comfort and more comfort The G650 interior is top class, providing class and comfort. The Gulfstream Cabin Management System (GCMS) synchronises with Apple iOS or select Google Android smart phones and tablets to provide touch-screen control for temperature, lighting, window shades and entertainment options. Apple iPod touches or Google Android devices are provided as cabin controls, but GCMS also can be saved to a free mobile application on a passenger’s iPhone, iPad or Android device, which allows a passenger to save and recall preferences for a subsequent flight. The Gulfstream-designed CabinView lets passengers track flight progress, displays points of interest and provides passenger briefings. Pristine wings One other highlight of the G650 is its wings. The engineers at Savannah have redefined how the wings interact with the atmosphere, which significantly reduces drag and increases speed and range. There is no vortex generators to disrupt the natural airflow over the wing, no leading-edge devices required by other aircraft to improve slow-speed handling qualities and no exposed flap hinges and flap tracks that cause drag. Added to this is the higher thrust Rolls-Royce BR725 engines which is performance at its best. The jet reaches a maximum Mach operating (MMO) speed of 0.925 and handles superbly at low speeds. Making things easy for pilots Flying at high speeds, the pilot has to process all the data efficiently and the PlaneView II cockpit provides layers of cuttingedge technology in streamlined displays. This helps pilots to think faster than they fly. The pilots have data at their fingertips, thanks to the Gulfstream-designed Cursor Control Devices (CCDs). The side-mounted cursor controls allow pilots to select and scroll through data on the multifunction flight displays, giving them improved information ownership and increased situational awareness. 3D images of terrain Safety on a business jet is critical. Gulfstream has put a nosemounted infrared camera, part of the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System (EVS) II, that allows pilots to see what the human eye cannot by providing more detailed images of airports and surrounding terrain at night and in low-visibility conditions. EVS images also can be routed to a head-up display (HUD) for the pilots to review data from a transparent screen in the pilot’s forward field of vision. Synthetic Vision blends threedimensional colour images of terrain, obstacles and runways with instrument readings on the pilot’s Primary Flight Display, a combination that creates a more easily visualised landing approach for pilots, The G650 performance is unmatched, backed by solid innovation, and not for nothing it is considered the world’s most advanced business aircraft. SP

ISSUE 6 • 2016

Civil

regional Aviation

One Million Happy Flyers: air costa achieved the milestone of flying one million passengers after 20 months of operations

is Enough Marketing done? At the moment, they are just content with a promotion here and a promotion there, nothing substantive to attract first time flyers among the rising middle class at large

Photograph: Anoop kamath / Sp guide pubns

BY R. Chandrakanth

There are four regional airlines in India – Air India Regional (earlier known as Alliance Air); Vijayawada-based Air Costa; Bengaluru-based Air Pegasus and Hyderabad-based Trujet. The next big wave they say is going to be regional airlines, but the question is are they doing enough to attract passengers or are they just content connecting under-served and un-served destinations? It appears at the moment, they are not doing anything radical or totally different to get more passengers on their planes. The last we heard was that of the defunct low cost carrier Air Deccan which offered some tickets at `One and Captain Gopinath instantly became the ‘father of low cost airline in India’. But the present crop of regional airlines has not done anything of that sort, to grab the attention of the growing middle class of India.

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They are just content with a promotion here and a promotion there, nothing substantive to attract first time flyers among the rising middle class at large. Some of the promotions/schemes do not even get publicised properly, making them fail at the hustings. First, they need to get more and more passengers on their flights and two they need to monetise through various activities. It calls for ingenious ways of marketing and promotions. Trujet offer to film fraternity The youngest regional airline from Hyderabad – Trujet is trying something new by offering amazing discounts to students, senior citizens, members of South Indian Movie Association, Movie Artists Association, members of the media and Armed Forces personnel. As regards attracting the film fraternity, it

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Civil regional Aviation was to happen as Telugu film actor Ram Charan (Chiranjeevi’s son) is one of the promoters of the airline. The guess is that this move has a bearing on the passenger load factor considering that the film fraternity travels quite a bit on work and leisure. The Managing Director of Trujet, Vankayalapati Umesh had told this writer recently that the airline was experiencing good load factors and the airline would soon be adding another 15 turboprop ATR aircraft in the near future. Trujet is expanding its network and has strategically started connecting temple destinations – Tirupati and Aurangabad (Shirdi). It has three daily flights to Tirupati from Hyderabad, while it provides free airconditioned coach service from Aurangabad to Shirdi and back. Complimentary snacks are provided on these flights. Umesh said “Geographically, India is a huge country with a lot of potential. Last 10 years of aviation growth has been just the scratching of surface. Real unravelling of potential begins now! We believe that there is a lot of underserved and/or unserved markets in India. And a quality airline with warmth, care and efficient service is still missing fromthe Indian skies. That is where we believe Trujet fills the gap with its state-of-theart, efficient aircraft and friendly service.” We worked relentlessly to bring this airline to life and launched operations on Jul 12, 2015. We are currently flying to Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cuddapah, Goa, Nagpur, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, and Vijayawada. Our schedule is focused on your convenience, and pricing is light on the wallet.” Be it a wedding, a corporate event, or any other special occasion, Trujet states that it caters to the client’s personalized charter needs. Alongwith its sister concern Turbo Aviation, Trujet offers a variety of aircraft for large movements. And for groups of 10 or more people the airline has a dedicated team to assist them with their travel needs. The airline recently added three destinations. VijayawadaHyderabad-Vijayawada service started on April 22 and Vijayawada-Cuddapah-Vijayawada service on May 3. The Vijayawada-Hyderabad and Hyderabad-Vijayawada flights are the last flights of the day on this route and provide the missing late evening connectivity on this sector. Apart from providing same plane Goa-Vijayawada (via Hyderabad) connectivity, it is also providing connections to Vijayawada from Bengaluru, and Aurangabad. “These sectors fit into our strategy of connecting under-served and unserved routes and we are proud to expand our footprint in Andhra Pradesh.” Trujet is promoted by Turbo Megha Airways Pvt. Ltd and in December 2015 celebrated its one lakh passenger milestone. The airline, as part of the celebrations, gave `1,00,000 to winners of a contest. The first week’s winner was S. Suresh from Bengaluru who flew flight 2T104 Hyderabad-Bangalore on December 15. In the second week, the lucky winner was one Kavitha Avuthapalli from Hyderabad who flew on flight 2T104 Hyderabad-Bangalore on December 26. The draw was conducted at Trujet corporate office in presence of public and media. Umesh said “We congratulate Kavitha who has won `1,00,000 in luck draw. We are humbled by response to our one lakh passenger milestone celebrations, and look forward to our future journey with our esteemed passengers to cross many more such milestones in near future.” Air Pegasus, wings of change Bengaluru-based Air Pegasus has a promotion running called ‘Pegasus Picks’, an initiative to provide hotel, flight and flight + hotel services to passengers. The whole objective is to cover the growing demand of people who looks for hotels and flight + hotel services during their travel, particularly in small towns. Pegasus Picks has hotel rooms in Bengaluru, Madurai, Chennai,

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964 Mangalore, Hubli and Thiruvananthapuram. These rooms are equipped with the modern amenities such as air conditioning, wifi, banquet hall, conference room, dining area, geyser, heater, in room safe, bar, parking, pool and other modern facilities, and the user can select the amenities according to his or her choice. Pegasus Picks hotel rooms are rated to be good among the users. Some of the hotel rooms are located near the Airports in the cities considering the travel time to the airport. Other than that, Air Pegasus has not tried anything different. Air Pegasus is part of Decor Aviation which has ground handling operations in 11 major airports in India. Air Pegasus commenced operations on April 12, 2015, with its inaugural flight between Bangalore and Hubli. As of April 2016, Air Pegasus serves seven airports across South India from its main hub at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with a fleet of ATR 72-500 aircraft.Air Pegasus took delivery of its first ATR 72 aircraft in September 2014. It received its Air Operators Permit (AOP) on March 24, 2015, and subsequently commenced operations from April 12, 2015, with its inaugural flight from Bengaluru to Hubli. Air Costa, Happy Flying Vijayawada-based regional carrier Air Costa has networked quite effectively some of the non-metro cities, however, it has not had any noteworthy promotions to attract passengers. The last we heard was that it gave a flat discount of `1,000 on economy and economy plus class tickets booked over five days to celebrate its one millionth passenger mark which it achieved last year. The offer was valid across its nine destinations. The official spokesperson Pramod Mitta said: “We presently target both business and leisure travellers. We have identified the profitable business routes and have planned day-return flights for them. Our business travellers are very happy with our product and offerings. Due to the strategic fit between our aircraft (E190s with 110-seater) and the routes, we are able to offer competitive fares to our guests. However, we plan to be rational with our pricing strategy and not get emotional. We have introduced our corporate travel programme in the market which has been received very well by the target group. “As a regional carrier, we are flashing five to seven discounted offers (average basis) per quarter connecting topical dates and festivals to make our guests get more benefits out of those connections and also considering to fill our forward loads. We run regular promotions and marketing activities”. Air India Regional, low-profile Air India’s subsidiary – Air India Regional (earlier known as Alliance Air) started operations on April 15, 1996. It operates services with a leased fleet of three CRJ (70 seater), four ATR 42-320 (48 seater) and five ATR 72-600 (70 seater) type of aircraft. Ithas its base stations at Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Flights are operated mostly to Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities, or those which link these cities to the metro hubs. The flight schedules of Air India Regional are structured in a manner which enables easy connections to/from smaller cities via the hubs of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. It operates flights to 29 (including Car Nicobar charter) destinations in India. However, the airline has not made any major promotional effort to notify to the passengers that it is operating a regional service. As all bookings are done on the Air India website, passengers are not aware of any benefit, specifically offered for regional destinations. It is for the regional airlines to make some noise but many a times such marketing/ promotion efforts require deep pockets and ingenuity and these airlines seemingly are strapped for funds. SP

ISSUE 6 • 2016

Civil

regional Aviation

E190-E2 Completes Maiden Flight Ahead of Schedule Since the E-Jets E2s were launched in June 2013, the programme has logged 640 commitments from airlines and leasing companies: 267 are firm orders and 373 are options and purchase rights

Photograph: Embraer

The E-Jets E2 programme reached another important milestone on May 23 with the completion of the maiden flight of the E190-E2. The flight was originally scheduled to take place during the second half of this year. The aircraft took off at 1:06 p.m., local time from Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos and flew for three hours and 20 minutes. The flight occurred just three months after the E190-E2 made its public début at a rollout ceremony at the factory in late February. The inaugural flight marks the beginning of the certification campaign for the E190-E2, the first of three new second-generation E-Jet models. The E190-E2 is scheduled to enter commercial service in 2018. “A first flight is always an emotional occasion, no matter how many you witness over the years. In this particular case, we are not only keeping our promises to the market, we are going beyond by being a few months ahead of schedule. I want to thank each and every Embraer employee who is participating in this project,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. “What a first flight! Today, all of us at Embraer should be proud and thrilled of this remarkable achievement. Watching the first E190-E2 take to the skies means we are paving the way for a bright future in commercial aviation. I’m certain that the market will show even greater interest not only for E190-E2, but also for the other E2s as well,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. Embraer Captain Mozart Louzada commanded the aircraft along with First Officer Gerson de Oliveira Mendes, and Flight Test Engineers Alexandre Figueiredo and Carlos Silveira. The flight evaluated aircraft handling and performance characteristics with the crew analysing a significant number of flight parameters, including speed, altitude and landing gear retraction. This was made possible by the high level of maturity that the E2 reached during programme development through the extensive use of digital modeling simulations and ground and static tests that employed rigs and an iron bird. “There are always a lot of expectations with a first flight and today’s was no exception. The flight was very smooth. We were able to significantly open the flight envelope by flying at Mach 0.82, climbing to 41,000 feet and retracting the landing gear and flaps, and engaging the fly-by-wire in normal mode. All of these

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demonstrate that the E190-E2 project is very mature and robust, and exceed all performance targets” said Captain Louzada. The aircraft that flew was the first of four prototypes that will be used in the E190-E2 certification programme. Two additional aircraft will be assigned for the E195-E2 certification process that will lead to entry into service in 2019. Three more aircraft will be used to certify the E175-E2 which is scheduled to enter service in 2020. The E190-E2 has the same number of seats as the currentgeneration E190 and can be configured with 97 seats in dual class or 106 seats in a single-class layout. It has 400 nautical miles more range than the current-generation E190 and gives operators the ability to fly the aircraft up to 2,800 nautical miles. Since the E-Jets E2s were launched in June 2013, the programme has logged 640 commitments from airlines and leasing companies: 267 are firm orders and 373 are options and purchase rights. The E-Jets family of aircraft is the leader in the up to 130-seat aircraft category with more than 50 per cent worldwide market share. Embraer E-Jets are currently in service with some 70 customers from 50 countries. E-Jets E2s represent the best of new technology in a proven platform. The application of advanced technologies for engines, wings, and avionics sets the E2s apart by providing airlines with the most efficient airplanes in the category yet maintaining commonality with current-generation E-Jets. Enhancements include new aerodynamically-advanced high-aspect ratio distinctively-shaped wings, improved systems and avionics, fourth-generation full fly-by-wire flight controls, and Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared Turbofan high bypass ratio engines (PW1700G on the E175-E2, PW1900G on the E190-E2 and E195-E2). These combine to generate double-digit reductions in fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and maintenance costs, as well greater productivity though less scheduled maintenance downtime. E-Jets E2s will achieve similar costs per seat as larger re-engined narrow-body aircraft but with significantly lower costs per trip. Those savings will create new opportunities for lower-risk development of new markets and fleet right-sizing. SP

—By R. Chandrakanth

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Civil

regional aviation

Photographs: Embraer

Embraer E190 breakthrough in Japan The E190, configured by JAL in dual class with genuine leather seat offering, is the third Embraer E-Jet aircraft type that is operating in Japan, in addition to the E170 and E175 that already operate in the country BY R. Chandrakanth

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ISSUE 6 • 2016

Civil regional aviation

The first Brazilian Embraer aircraft that flew in Japan was the EMB 110 Banderante in 1987. Almost three decades later, the Embraer family of aircraft has grown in size in Japan and reportedly there are 28 Embraer E-Jets criss-crossing the nation. The latest family of E-Jet to make its Japan debut is the E190 which entered service with Japan Airlines subsidiary J-Air on May 10. The E190 aircraft took off on a revenue flight between Osaka (Itami airport) and Kagoshima and with this the Brazilian aerospace major has 28 E-Jets flying in Japan with all the E-Jet family aircraft in. “The E-Jets have proven their ability to help airlines maximise yield, and sustainably enter new markets, as in the case of Japan Airlines,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “The E190 configured with 95 seats complements J-Air’s E170 operations. The extra capacity offered also reflects the steady growth of the domestic market. We are confident that our E-Jets will continue to add strong value to J-Air’s operations, and we are grateful to Japan Airlines for their trust and for the partnership we continue to enjoy.”

“We are honoured to receive the first E190 in Japan. The combination of the existing E170s and new E190s in our fleet will give us greater flexibility to match our products and services to customer needs. We are confident that the E190, with our new cabin interior and the addition of Class J service, will deliver a refreshing and comfortable in-flight experience to customers.” —Tetsuya Onuki, President of J-Air Corporation

Class J service, refreshing change “We are honoured to receive the first E190 in Japan,” said Tetsuya Onuki, President of J-Air Corporation. “The combination of the existing E170s and new E190s in our fleet will give us greater flexibility to match our products and services to customer needs. We are confident that the E190, with our new cabin interior and the addition of Class J service, will deliver a refreshing and comfortable in-flight experience to customers.” The E190, configured by JAL in dual class with genuine leather seat offering, is the third Embraer E-Jet aircraft type that is operating in Japan, in addition to the E170 and E175 that already operate in the country. J-AIR currently operates a total of 17 E170s and Fuji Dream Airlines operates three E170s and seven E175s. The E190 is operated by 50 customers around the world. Embraer is the only manufacturer to develop a modern family of four airplanes specifically targeted for the 70- to 130-

seat segment. Since the formal launch of the programme in 1999, Embraer has logged nearly 1,700 orders and over 1,200 deliveries, with the E-Jets redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications, with some 70 customers from 50 countries. The first E-Jet entered revenue service in 2004. Collectively, the E-Jets have accumulated more than 15 million flight hours. E190 has been delivered since 2005 and it is one of the best-selling jets. Some 44 airlines worldwide purchased and 523 aircraft have been delivered (as of 31 December, 2015).

Expanding routes J-Air is a 100 per cent owned regional airline subsidiary of Japan Airlines. J-Air has announced that it would be expanding the route of E190 progressively on Itami-Sendai route and ItamiFukuoka routes. Additionally, wellreceived ‘Class J’ service on domestic flights will be offered in JAL’s E190 fleet. Of the 95 seats, Economy will comprise 80 seats and ‘Class J’ service will offer 15 seats. J-Air is the first Japanese airline to introduce E190 fleet. Under the banner ‘Embrace New Challenges’, JAL will further enhance on-time performance service, and strengthen its regional network, in order to deliver more convenience to customers with innovative products and high-quality services. In 2014, JAL Group had signed a firm order with Embraer for a total of 15 E-Jets comprising the E170 and the E190 jets models, as well as for an additional 12 E-Jets family options. E-Jets are designed from a double-bubble fuselage concept, which provide customers with more in-flight space than the other same-size jet. Additionally, E-Jets powered with the reliable GE CF34 engines that produce less noise and offer high level of operational efficiency. Introduction of E-Jets will enable JAL to match capacity with demand on each route, as well as achieve improved ontime performance and reliability. The airline is looking forward to expanding its regional network more efficiently and strives to provide customers with better convenience. SP

...continued from page 25 Indian charter prices are 30 per cent less than Europe and 80 per cent of Indian air charter companies run negative profit balance sheets. About 70 per cent customers prefer to book charters through their brokers and land up paying 15 per cent more than operator price. Around 78 per cent charter users don’t book charters directly and depend on their support staff. Indian charter service standards are below par when compared to mature markets. Another factor that we should consider is the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Ironically, an ATF-surplus country like India exports this commodity at international prices but provides the same to its own civil aviation industry at exorbitant price. There

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are also the issues of customs duty which have been raised so many times but still have not been addressed. A number of domestic airlines continue to send their aircraft to MROs abroad, resulting in India losing out a lot of business and foreign exchange. Even though MRO manpower cost is almost 60 per cent cheaper in comparison to the West, stringent government policies have hindered the viability of MRO business in India for 50 years. However, the recent policy change will boost the aviation sector converting constraints into opportunity. This needs to be applied to many other constraints where government policies can make a difference. SP

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Civil

Transport

Have token, will travel It is not difficult to see why airports and airlines would embrace Single Token Travel so enthusiastically

the emergence of ‘single token travel’ over the next few years is probably the most exciting development for passengers hoping to fast-track through the airport. By capturing passengers’ biometrics and travel information into a single digital record, travellers will soon be able to use this token as identification at each step along their journey. It also will provide the ability to combine some travel steps into a single interaction, vastly speeding up the time needed to complete these formalities.

Illustration: Anoop Kamath

Walkthrough experience “This is the future of air travel where we can really begin to provide a walkthrough experience, from check-in to the aircraft door,” says Matthys Serfontein, VP Airports Solutions at SITA. The technology allows a passenger’s biometric details to be captured through a facial scan at the first touch point in the journey. The biometric record is checked against the passenger’s travel documents and a secure single token is created. Then, at every additional step in the journey – whether it is during self-bag drop, at border control or aircraft boarding – passengers simply complete a facial scan without having to provide their passport or boarding card. “The key to single token travel is gathering and verifying data as early in the process as possible in order to establish a robust token. This includes both biometric and biographic information. And then if necessary to update it with more detailed information at various steps in the journey,” says Serfontein. Proof of Concept Numerous products using single biometric tokens are being trialed and tested around the globe. This includes SITA Smart Path™ which is being trialed at a major airport hub in the Middle East – one of the world’s fastest growing airports. At this airport, the system captures passengers’ biometrics at automated access gates at the transfer security checkpoint. When the passenger goes to board their connecting flight, the biometric information is cross-referenced with the government systems, providing a clear and accurate entry and exit record. A mobile system will also capture biometric details from e-passports using a hand-held smart device, allowing checks to be conducted anywhere in the airport by roving immigration agents. With more than 75 per cent of all travellers connecting to another flight at this airport, the use of a single token helps dramatically improve security oversight by providing a verified exit check for transfer passengers.

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“This is ground-breaking work at a major airport and the first time that SITA Smart Path has been incorporated into the passenger journey; a single travel token that can connect across airline, airport and border management systems. Next we will work with a similar-sized major international airport, also in the Middle East, to use the single token across the entire journey from check-in to boarding,” says Serfontein. Integrated solution A key advantage of the new technology is the ability to use and integrate with existing airport infrastructure – including industry standard common-use, self-service equipment such as SITA’s Airport Self-Service Gates and Automated Border Control (ABC) Gates – making rapid deployment easy and cost-effective. Smart Path is also integrates with government systems and databases, providing a full picture of each passenger. “SITA has a strong record of introducing new self-service products across the entire passenger journey as well as a strong border management system in our iBorders solution. SITA Smart Path™ allows us to build on these systems to create a single, self-service process using existing common-use infrastructure to simplify passenger processing for all airport stakeholders,” says Serfontein. Clear benefits It is not difficult to see why airports and airlines would embrace this technology so enthusiastically. It will improve security oversight and elevate the passenger’s travel experience while speeding up passenger processing and reducing the resources needed to manage the travel journey. Looking further into the future, Renaud Irminger, Director of SITA Lab, sees this technology developing even further. “For us the ultimate goal is to have the single identity token permanently and securely stored on your phone and you simply swipe your device at each step of the way at any airport in the world,” says Irminger. “There is still a lot of work to be done in agreeing the global standards and security protocols needed to use the mobile application across all airports but clearly this is the next step.” While the full potential of single token travel will continue to evolve over the next few years, SITA Smart Path™ puts a truly walkthrough experience within reach of airports sooner than expected. SP

—By Maneesh Jaikrishna, Vice President, India & Subcontinent, SITA

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SHOW PREVIEW

ILA BERLIN

Focal Point of Aerospace

Photograph: Messe Berlin GmbH

ILA Berlin is synonymous with tradition and innovation and claims to be the longeststanding and most firmly established air show in the world

BY R. Chandrakanth

The ILA Berlin Air Show (Internationale Luft-und Raumfahrtausstellung – or simply ILA) claims to be the world’s oldest air show, said to have started in 1909. Similar to the air shows in Le Bourget (Paris) and Farnborough (London), the Berlin Air Show is a major trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries with a public air show. ILA is synonymous with tradition and innovation and claims to be the longest-standing and most firmly established air show in the world. The history of the ILA began with the International Airship Exhibition, which took place from July 10 to October 17, in Frankfurt/Main. Over a period of 100 days 500 exhibitors displayed airships, aeroplanes and balloons which fascinated 1.5 million visitors. Following its successful debut in 1909, in 1912 and 1928 the ILA was held in Berlin.

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Historic Past After 1945, when the Allied Control Council banned Germany from developing and producing aircraft, ten years elapsed before the country was able to regain control of its own airspace. On April 1, 1955, following the company’s relaunch, Lufthansa took to the skies again. The foundations had now been laid for the civil and military aviation industry to be rebuilt. On May 5, 1955, the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) came into being. It was at this time that the era of space travel began. In the mid-1950s, parallel with these industrial developments, ILA experienced a revival. It was subsequently held for more than 30 years at Langenhagen Airport in Hannover. In 1992, 64 years after it last took place in Berlin, the ILA Aerospace Exhibition returned to its original venue. Since then

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SHOW PREVIEW ILA BERLIN it has been held biannually in Berlin/Brandenburg. In 2012 the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport was inaugurated. This is where, 25 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the ILA will be taking place from June 1 to 4, 2016. The ILA is co-organised by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Messe Berlin GmbH. Growing numbers In the previous edition, 1,203 exhibitors from 40 countries displayed the industry’s entire range of current high-tech products and research and development projects. Exhibitor numbers were the second highest in the 105-year history of the ILA. Some 2,27,000 trade visitors and members of the public flocked to the 2,50,000 square metre venue, Berlin Expo Center Airport. This year not only the numbers are going to be impressive but the programmes and one of them is the Startup Day. First ILA Startup Day For the first time ILA includes a Startup Day that will give founders of new companies the chance to network with key aerospace industry players. More than 140 startups have applied to take part. These will be represented with their products in the ILA Startup Area in Hall 6 and cover every area of the industry, including unmanned flight, the Internet of things, social network platforms as well as new business ideas. The Aerospace Accelerator Airbus Bizlab will be offering visitors a look at its activities and will be represented with startups such as Teraki and Synergeticon, for example. Other startups, including ArtiMinds Robotics, eightyLEO, M2MGO and many others, promise B2B solutions capable of promoting disruptive trends. The programme The focus is on three individual themes: Industry, space technology and communication, as well as new business models in the aerospace industry. The ILA Startup Day is co-organised by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) and Messe Berlin, with the support of industry startups. The premium partner is Airbus Bizlab. Other partners include An-wenderzentrum Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO), Bitkom, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Starburst Accelerator. The segment military aviation, security and defence demonstrates a variety of presentations on the ground and in the air. It is not only a core brand of ILA but also offers significant technologies and solutions for security challenges of today and tomorrow. Core areas are new technologies, in particular the future field of unmanned aviation, and helicopters European platform for the international helicopter industry The ILA Berlin Air Show is one of Europe’s most important trade fairs for the entire helicopter industry, which will be exhibiting its latest products and forward-looking technology. The focus of the helicopter displays will be on civilian and border duties, i.e. offshore operations, commuter flights, air rescue, aerial work, border patrol and police operations, as well as key military areas of transport and combat search and rescue (CSAR). A special highlight will be an event under the heading of ’New types of eco-efficient technology in helicopter construction and flight operations’, featuring leading speakers. Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, Germany, and member of the presidium of BDLI, said, “This year’s ILA is a major event for the helicopter industry. A visit to the fair is a must for everyone involved in helicopter design, construction and operations as well as new technologies. There will be

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964 impressive displays of innovative products on the ground and in the air, including the Bluecopter, which represents a new technology platform. The conference on June 3, will be devoted to new types of eco-efficient technology in helicopter construction and flight operations and areas of civilian and military use. For the first time, lectures and discussions will address the latest helicopter-related topics at the HeliLounge, which will provide an outstanding platform for dialogue and information.” Leading helicopter manufacturers at the show are Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. One of the technology highlights at ILA will be the presentation of the Bluecopter by Airbus Helicopters. With its combination of innovative, eco-efficient technology and a new helicopter design, the Bluecopter paves the way for a lower-noise and more fuel-efficient helicopter generation of the future. The US Air Force and Royal Air Force will be exhibiting a CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache respectively in Berlin. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. It is used mainly as a troop, vehicle, armament and equipment carrier. The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engined attack helicopter, designed by Hughes Aircraft (USA) and currently manufactured by Boeing. In Hall 2 on Stand 232 Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (USA) will be exhibiting a mock-up of its latest single-engined Bell 505 JRX (Jet Ranger X). Aircraft Display The following commercial aircraft will be on display at the show – Airbus family of A319; A320neo; A310 MRTT; A350900; A380; A400M, A400M MSN4; Antonov 178; Boeing 747-8; Boeing C17; C295; Dornier 228-212; Lockheed Martin’s P-3C Orion among others. In the military and training aircraft, the ones that will be at the show are Aero Vodochody L159; Boeing B-52; Douglas A4-N Skyhawk; Eurofighter Typhoon; Mikojan-Gurewitsch MiG-29; Northrop F-5E Tiger II; Panavia Tornado; Saab JAS-39 Gripen among others. Supply Chain Today, more than ever, aerospace supply chain suppliers require a business platform with access to the global market. That is why the International Suppliers Center (ISC) was created: As a marketplace for the supplier industry of all aerospace market product groups. Unlike every other comparable supplier fair, the ISC exhibitors benefit from the integration into the ILA Berlin Air Show, and thus from the proximity to the market leaders exhibiting here, and over 1,25,000 trade visitors. When it comes to conference, the organisers have lined up seminars in almost all the broad categories – civil aviation; space; unmanned aerial vehicles; supply chain; human resources, etc. One of the highpoints of the conferences will be that to do with Additive Manufacturing and Sustainable Aviation wherein renowned experts from science, industry and politics will present and discuss trends, challenges and developments. Germany’s largest aerospace employment exchange During the public days at the ILA 2016 on June 3 and 4, Hall 1 is the starting place for careers in aviation and the space sector. With an attractive range of events and services, in recent years the ILA CareerCenter has become Germany’s largest employment exchange for the aerospace industry. In a clear and informative way it presents the many different professions, training paths, courses and career opportunities in the aviation and space industries, as well as discussions with highly qualified partners. SP

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hall of fame Mary Bailey was not in the least attracted by the life of staid domesticity that her aristocratic roots foretold. She was born Mary Westenra, daughter of the fifth Baron Rossmore, in Rossmore Castle, Ireland, on December 1, 1890. She was sporadically home schooled and raised to be ‘proper’; but she rebelled and even tried running away from home at the age of 16. Her childhood was happiest when she was out hunting, shooting and fishing. Later, she apparently purchased a motorcycle to satisfy her need for speed and then raced around in a car. In 1911, she was married to Sir Abraham ‘Abe’ Bailey, a wealthy South African mining magnate of British descent who was more than twice her age. They had five children over a span of eight years. When World War I began in 1914, Mary volunteered to be an aviation technician and was stationed in Britain and France with units of the Royal Flying Corps. After the War, aviation began to spread all over the world and many in Britain decided to take to the air. Mary Bailey’s humdrum family life again began to vex her and she signed up for flying lessons in secret as a means “to get away from prams” as she put it. To his credit, Abe Bailey never tried to discourage his wife and instead footed the bills for her many adventures. She gained her pilot’s licence in 1927 and soon embarked on a record-breaking career. She was the first woman to fly across the Irish Sea. On July 5, 1927, she set a Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) world height record of 5,268 metres in a light aircraft category. But her hour of glory was still to come. In 1928, she decided to leave her children in the care of nannies and fly solo from London to Cape Town, at the Southern tip of her adopted country. It was less than a year after Charles Lindbergh’s first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic. On March 9, 1928, Mary Bailey departed from Stag Lane Aerodrome, the main base of the de Havilland Aircraft Company Limited. She was flying a standard de Havilland DH.60X Moth that she had bought directly from its designer Captain Geoffrey de Havilland. It was a light plane, weighing just 417 kg when empty. It was powered by a single air-cooled Cirrus Mark II inline

four-cylinder engine. It cruised at 135 kmph and could remain airborne almost four hours and cover a distance of about 510 km. However, Mary had an extra tank fitted in the front cockpit so she could count on remaining airborne for 10½ hours at a stretch. Her luggage was in two suitcases and she was her own engineer. Mary Bailey’s troubles began on the very first leg. Crossing the English Channel, she encountered bad weather, gale force winds and then fog. The weather deteriorated into a snowstorm that dogged her transit through much

MARY BAILEY (1890-1960) Mary Bailey twice won the Harmon Trophy as the world’s outstanding aviatrix in 1927 and 1928, the first two occasions on which it was awarded

of France. In Cairo she was detained for several days because the authorities refused to let her proceed without a male escort. She was equally adamant that she didn’t need a chaperon. Finally, a British officer who was flying to Cairo agreed to accompany her and they took off. Since the plane had no radio, she often had to land simply to ask for directions to the next landmark. Bad weather continued to trouble her including sand-

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storms with high winds, poor visibility and stifling heat. When she tried landing at Tabora, Tanganyika, in rather challenging conditions, the plane flipped over and was wrecked. Luckily Mary was unhurt. What next? Her millionaire husband came to the rescue, purchasing another de Havilland Moth and arranging for it to be flown to her. After receiving her new plane, she pressed on, fell ill with severe influenza, recovered and finally reached Cape Town on April 30 after a journey of over 12,800 km. It was a record for the longest solo flight and the longest flight by a woman. “Anybody who can drive an auto could do it. My flight was long but uneventful and not extraordinarily difficult,” she said modestly. After a break of four months she started the return journey across Belgian Congo, along the Southern edge of the Sahara and up along the West coast of Africa. Then she disappeared in the Sahara desert. Her daughter later recalled the trauma of being summoned from class and told that her mother was missing. After four days Mary was found and decided to continue. She flew through Spain and France and returned to London on January 16, 1929, having flown a distance of about 28,800 km. In February 1931, Mary Bailey put her flying abilities to good use in the service of archaeology. She flew over some important archaeological sites and took aerial photographs to facilitate excavation and reveal other promising sites. In just two weeks, her team was able to build a comprehensive picture of a large excavation site in the Kharga Oasis, the largest and most populated oasis in Egypt, about 200 km to the west of the Nile Valley. It may have taken months to complete the same task on foot. Mary Bailey twice won the Harmon Trophy as the world’s outstanding aviatrix in 1927 and 1928, the first two occasions on which it was awarded. She was one of the finest women pilots of her time. She died on July 29, 1960, at the age of 69. She has been called one of the most remarkable Irishwomen of the 20th century. Isn’t that quite an achievement for one who started out as something of a rebel? SP — Joseph Noronha

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

News Digest Military Asia-Pacific Carrier-Borne Fighters: Indian Navy

The illustrious and unique Sea Harriers of the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS 300) were given a befitting farewell in a function organised at INS Hansa, Goa. The function was attended by Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command, serving and retired officers and men of the Indian Navy and all personnel who have served in the INAS 300. Speaking on the occasion Admiral Dhowan lauded the stellar role played by the squadron in the defence of the country and acknowledged the professionalism of the pilots and all those personnel associated with flying and maintaining the aircraft in peak efficiency during their service. He said that the rich legacy would continue as the baton is being passed on to the proud young crew of the MiG-29K squadron who have been successful in seamlessly integrating the fighters with INS Vikramaditya in the shortest possible time. In appreciation of the faithful service to the nation by INAS 300 ‘White Tigers’, an impressive ceremony was held on May 11, 2016, which saw the Sea Harriers fly for the last time with the MiG-29K flanking their outgoing cousins and ceremoniously taking their place. A first day cover was also released by Admiral Dhowan to mark the occasion. After 33 years of sterling service, Sea Harriers were being deinducted from the Indian Navy.

Weapons Trials for Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on May 10, 2016, the Minister of State for Defence, Rao Inderjit Singh, stated that the weapon trials for LCH are planned to be conducted in July-August 2016. The capability of the LCH to fire 70mm rockets was successfully demonstrated during Exercise Iron Fist held in March 2016. The flight trials were also successful with respect to system integration, structural integrity, noise and vibration, functionality

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of system and safe separation of rockets. The development flights carried out earlier at Bengaluru, Chennai (sea level), Leh (cold weather), Jodhpur (hot weather) and Leh in summer (high temperature and high altitude) as well as confirmatory firing trials of rockets integrated on LCH during Exercise Iron Fist in March 2016 have given adequate confidence for carrying out certification firing trials. These trials which will include integration of mission sensors such as electro-optical system, helmet pointing system with weapon systems, airto-air missiles, turret gun and rockets, are planned during July-August 2016.

Russian S-400 Triumf Missile

QuickRoundUp

Antonov Airlines

On May 10, 2016, the world’s largest transport aircraft, the An−225 Mriya of Antonov Airlines, flew from Kyiv-Antonov airport to Prague. There a generator with supporting equipment with a total weight of 130 tonnes was loaded and delivered to Perth, Australia. The distance from Kyiv to Perth is over 15,580 km.

BAE

BAE’s test pilot Peter ‘Wizzer’ Wilson has completed the 1,000th vertical landing in an F-35 Lightning II as part of ongoing flight testing of the jet. The milestone was crossed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, USA.

BIRD Aerosystems

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on May 10, 2016, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stated that the Defence Acquisition Council had in its meeting held on December 17, 2015, accorded approval for purchase of S-400 Triumf LRSAM system along with associated equipment from Russia. A contract has also been signed for the supply of five Full Mission Simulators for Su-30MKI aircraft with a Russian firm during 2015-16. The S-400 Triumf LRSAM has better performance parameters compared to S-300 on account of maximum and minimum target engagement range, minimum target engagement altitude, maximum speed of target engaged, number of targets engaged simultaneously, maximum radar cross-section of targets engaged, and deployment time. The five firing units of S-400 Triumf LRSAM system are planned for induction into the Indian Air Force in the 13th plan period (2017-22).

Indigenous Production of Defence Equipment

A press release on May10, 2016, by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the steps being taken for indigenous production of defence equipment. It stated that capital procurement of defence equipment/weapons is carried out as per the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). During the last three years, 56 contracts have been signed with foreign vendors with cumulative value of `53,684.32 crore

BIRD Aerosystems specialises in developing and deploying of two main product lines: Airborne Missile Protection Systems and Airborne Surveillance, Information and Observation (ASIO) solutions and they will showcase the ASIO Special Mission System that will be installed on the Kazakhstan Armed Forces EC-145 helicopter with Kazakhstan Aviation Industry at KADEX Defence Expo.

Chilean Air Force

A scheduled to be retired KC-130R Hercules has been transferred to the Chilean Air Force. The plane was delivered on May 2, 2016, after being sold to Chile via the FMS route. Prior to its transfer, the plane was part of the Test and Evaluation Squadron 20, at Maryland as a test evaluation/range support platform.

China

China’s Yaogan-30 remote sensing satellite was launched into space on May 15, 2016, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert in north-western China. The satellite will be used for experiments, land surveys, crop yield estimates and disaster relief. Yaogan-30 was carried by a Long March-2D rocket, the 227th mission for the Long March rocket family.

Echodyne Corporation

Echodyne Corporation has announced the development of MESA-DAA, an Airborne Detect and Avoid (DAA) radar for small to medium-sized unmanned aircraft systems. The small, lightweight and low power DAA radar will operate on K-band and will be capable of rapidly scanning a broad field of view in azimuth and elevation at ranges up to three km.

Indian Air Force

Funding for Indian Air Force aircraft procurement for the year will see a number of big-ticket items shelved until next year, such as new engines for the Jaguar and the much needed Ka-226 helicopters. Meanwhile, the IAF will have enough money to procure just two Phalcon AEW&C aircraft plus one C-130J to replace one which crashed. Other items approved by lawmakers include 14 Akash antiaircraft missile units, upgrades for medium helicopters,

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News Digest QuickRoundUp

precision-guided munitions and reconnaissance pods for Su-30 fighters.

Iran

According to the country’s Defence Minister, Iran has taken delivery of its first Russian-developed S-300 airdefence system and has deployed it at Khatam al-Anbia air defence base.

Kamov

The present holding of helicopters in Army Aviation Corps is 73 per cent of the authorised strength. An Inter Government Agreement has been signed in 2015 with Russian Government for procurement of 200 Kamov helicopters for replacing Chetak/Cheetah fleet.

MBDA

It has been reported that missile manufacturer MBDA is set to win a £411-million contract from the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) to develop the Spear 3. The Spear 3 is described as the sister missile to the Brimstone which is currently in use. It is also reported that the Spear 3 is expected to come into service with the UK’s new F-35B Lightning II stealth aircraft in 2025.

(about $8.13 billion) for Capital procurement of Defence equipment for the armed forces such as aircraft, UAVs, helicopters and ammunition. Another 94 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors with cumulative value of `82,979.70 crore (about $12.5 billion), for capital procurement of defence equipment such as aircraft, helicopters, tanks, missiles, radars, frigates and simulators. A number of measures have already been taken to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production by harnessing the capabilities of the public and private sectors. These measures include according priority and preference to procurement from Indian vendors, liberalisation of the licensing regime and providing access to modern and state-ofthe-art technology to Indian industry by raising the cap on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the defence sector. DPP 2016 has been promulgated for capital procurements and has come into effect from April 1, 2016. DPP 2016 gives strong support to ‘Make in India’ by according the highest priority to buy Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured.

Show Calendar

Naval Tejas–an Update

14–18 September Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) AFB Waterkloof, Centurion, City of Tshwane, South Africa www.aadexpo.co.za

Magellan Aerospace

Magellan Aerospace has announced an agreement between Magellan Aerospace (UK) Ltd and GKN Aerospace for a contract extension to deliver precision aluminium and titanium components and assemblies to GKN Aerospace’s Filton facility where complex wing structures are manufactured and assembled for the A320, A330 and A380 aircraft programmes.

North American Surveillance Systems

North American Surveillance Systems has been awarded a $3,99,83,647 firm-fixed-price, undefinitised contract for providing modification and integration of ISR capabilities into Cessna 208B aircraft, training and field service representative support. Work is expected to be completed by September 30, 2019. This contract involves pseudo FMS to Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Philippines.

Paveway II

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Raytheon Missile System, have been awarded a combined notto-exceed $64,97,30,000 modification for Paveway II production. This modification provided a five-year contract extension. Work is expected to be completed by July 27, 2023.

Paramount Group

Paramount Group, the African-based global defence and aerospace company, announced the launch of Mwari, a military variant of its Advanced High Performance Light Aircraft that comes with a South African designed, developed

Naval Tejas will operate from the Vikrant’s successor, an indigenous aircraft carrier that is scheduled to be commissioned in 2018. Capability of taking off and landing from a 200-metre deck has been fully established. So has ‘hot-refuelling’, topping up the aircraft after a sortie with the engine running and the pilot in the cockpit. For the Indian Navy, it is vital to ready the Tejas for the INS Vikrant and, subsequently, INS Vishal. The MiG29K will be the medium fighter on INS Vikrant as it already is on INS Vikramaditya. The Tejas is crucial for filling in the lightweight fighter slot. The flight trials were carried out in Goa between March 27 and April 25, 2016 in which two Naval Tejas prototypes flew 33 sorties from a Shore Based Test Facility.

Americas US Air Force Demonstrates Key Rocket Engine Technologies The US Air Force Research Laboratory and contractor AerojetRocketdyne have

ISSUE 6 • 2016

1–4 June ILA Berlin Air Show Berlin ExpoCenter Airport, Berlin www.ila-berlin.com/ila2016/home/ index_e.cfm 3–4 June The Elite London RizonJet-London Biggin Hill Airport, UK www.theeliteevents.com 1–3 July AeroExpo UK Sywell Aerodrome, UK www.aeroexpo.co.uk 11–17 July Farnborough Airshow FIVE, London, UK www.farnboroughinternational.org 25–27 July Military Helicopters 2016 Enterprise, Alabama, USA www.militaryhelicoptersusa.com

21–22 September Military Flight Training Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, London, UK www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/uk/conference/military-flight-training 27–29 September MRO Asia-Pacific Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore http://mroasia.aviationweek.com/ as16/Public/Enter.aspx achieved a major milestone under the Hydrocarbon Boost (HCB) programme which is advancing domestic rocket engine technologies in support of next generation launch systems. The HCB programme completed full power, full duration tests of the oxygen-rich staged combustion sub-scale pre-burner. Testing was conducted at the historic rocket Test Stand 2A at Edwards Air Force Base. The facility was first utilised to test the F-1 engine used to power Saturn V rockets in the Apollo programme to reach the moon.

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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964

News Digest appointments

AIR HEADQUARTERS

Air Marshal P.P. Khandekar assumed the charge of Air Officer-inCharge Maintenance at Air HQ, New Delhi, on May 2, 2016

INDIGO

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, or IndiGo Airlines, has announced the appointment of Rohit Philip as Chief Financial Officer effective July 18, 2016.

JET AVIATION BASEL, SWITZERLAND

Jet Aviation Basel has appointed

Conversion of KC-130J FRA into Gunships

An ambitious plan is being proposed by the US Marine Corps (USMC) to convert all of its 79 KC-130J flight refuelling aircraft (FRA) into gunships, equipped with the Harvest Hawk weapons system. The package will also be added to the USMC’s MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor fleets and will allow both aircraft multi-mission capabilities. For the V-22, the most obvious ‘Osprey Hawk’ benefit is the much-improved strike capability, while the C-130J, would become a multi-mission craft, with a sensor ball allowing for route reconnaissance missions when needed.

Airborne Systems’ MicroFly II

Airborne Systems North America has displayed Microfly II as the latest addition to their inventory of Guided Precision Aerial Delivery Systems (GPADS). The GPADS are capable of delivering food, equipment, survival kits, troop resupply equipment, and much more to a war zone to support troops or for humanitarian relief. They can deliver loads ranging from 45 to 19,051 kg and have glide ratios of up to 4:1, providing unmatched stand-off capabilities. The MicroFly II is a GPADS

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QuickRoundUp

David Peterson as Director of Completions Sales.

RUAG

RUAG Aviation announced the appointment of David Ricklin as new General Manager at the company’s business aviation maintenance and FBO facility in Geneva, Switzerland, effective May 1, 2016.

and tested advanced mission system. A high-wing, two-seat aircraft, Mwari is designed to incorporate advanced ISR capabilities and weapons systems.

Pratt & Whitney

The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1400G-JM engine to power Irkut’s MC-21 aircraft. With this milestone, Pratt & Whitney now has three certified PurePower Geared Turbofan engine variants.

ROCKWELL COLLINS

On May 11, 2016, Rockwell Collins announced that Brad Haselhorst has been promoted to Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for the company’s Government Systems Business.

Raytheon

that emphasises ease of use, flexibility and low cost. By incorporating proven technology with innovative design, Airborne Systems has created a safe and reliable cargo delivery system that meets the needs of the modern war-fighter. Once released from an aircraft, it has the ability to fly itself using a Ram Air parachute to a designated point on the ground after being dropped from altitudes up to 24,500 feet above mean sea level.

Industry

Raytheon Missile Systems has been awarded a $10,45,75,981 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile programme. Work is expected to be completed by February 28, 2017. This contract involves FMS to Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Romania.

Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters has been given the green light to develop a new helicopter to replace the iconic Kamov Ka-27 naval helicopter. The announcement was made by the company’s Deputy CEO for Production and Innovations, Andrey Shibitov on May 12, 2016. The Ka-27 has been operational since the 1980s and is capable of detecting underwater and surface targets, communicating their precise location to ship and shore establishments or attacking them with airborne weapons.

UAE

Americas Cubic and Industry Partners Awarded $200 Million

Cubic Global Defense (CGD) has announced on May 9, 2016, that it is part of the War-fighter Readiness Research Division Contractor Team that has been awarded a five-year, cost-plus-fixed-fee $200-million contract by the US Air Force Research Laboratory for research and evaluation of war-fighter readiness and training. The team, led by L-3 Communications Corporation’s Simulation and Training Division, consists of CGD, Ball Aerospace and Leidos. Under the contract, CGD and other defence industry experts will develop technology to create widespectrum readiness capabilities that are architecture, network and domain agnostic. The team will also create and validate an interoperable, secure training toolset to increase training fidelity, enable comprehensive cross-mission, performance-based debriefs and reduce training/exercise overheads for the US Air Force. 

The UAE has been cleared to purchase 4,000 AGM-114 R/K Hellfire missiles after the sale was cleared by the US State Department. US Congress was notified of the potential $476-million deal on May 11, 2016, which will be delivered by Lockheed Martin over the next three years in increments of 1,000 to 1,500 missiles.

United States

During a press conference at the Air Force Academy, the US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has come out against the idea of restarting the F-22 Raptor production line. Warning that restarting production would take away from other defence programmes, Carter said: “We’re busy upgrading them and making sure that their avionics and so forth are state-of-the-art. But we don’t need to restart the F-22 line.” Testing of the F-35A joint strike fighter’s (JSF) tail hook has commenced at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The JSF Integrated Test Force has been undertaking the tests, with stress tests being conducted on aircraft AF-04 at speeds up to 180 knots. On Air Force planes, tail hooks are only used to help the jet stop when landing distance is insufficient or if the jet has a brake malfunction or directional control issue. They are designed as a one-time use device, whereas Navy tail hooks like on the F-35C, can deploy, retract and stow.

ISSUE 6 • 2016

Last word

Illustration: Anoop Kamath

enabling steps needed, now There appears to be a sense of unease and anxiety evident and these fighter planes have enhanced the Pakistani military’s in not only the political, bureaucratic and military hierarchy precision-strike capabilities.” This move by the US has left India wondering whether the of the nation but also in the media ever since the US Government made known its decision in the latter part of 2015 to sell so-called strategic partnership between India and the US is eight of the latest version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon combat headed in the right direction and whether it continues to be of jets to Pakistan. The sale of the aircraft that is estimated to cost any relevance. In fact, one could begin to wonder whether the around $700 million is proposed to be funded by the US Gov- Indo-US nuclear deal signed in 2005, which is regarded as the ernment out of financial aid earmarked for their long-term ally. harbinger of a strategic partnership between the two nation’s In other words, this batch of eight fighter aircraft would actu- has really helped propel the relationship between the largest ally tantamount to ‘military aid’ that Pakistan has been enjoying and the oldest democratic nations in the world. But the fact of the matter is that the move by the US to continue military since the early 1960s. The move of the US Government was opposed by the aid to Pakistan is a manifestation of the weak foundations of some sections of the US Congress. In fact Congressman Matt Indo-US relationship. Despite the steps by the Modi-led governSalmon, Chairman of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee of ment since coming to power to strengthen Indo-US relationship, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote a letter to Presi- much more remains to be done. In the emerging global security scenario, India ought to be dent Barack Obama and stated, “As several other members of Congress and numerous independent experts have argued, far more important for the US than Pakistan is. Although an ally providing such a significant upgrade to Pakistan’s offensive of the US for several decades, Pakistan has slowly and surely military capabilities is extremely problematic in light of the slipped into China’s grip considerably weakening its ties with the Pakistani military’s widely alleged complicity in terrorist vio- US. On the other hand, the strategic and national security interlence, as well as the potential for the Pakistani military to use ests of India and the US are congruent in a number of areas. First these F-16s to deliver nuclear weapons in conflict scenario and foremost is the growing military stature of China, the conwith India. I strongly urge the Administration to reconsider tainment of which is in the interest of both the nations. Both India the sale.” Congressman Brad Sherman questioned the US Gov- and the US view with great concern China’s aggressive posture ernment on whether the F-16 fighter aircraft being supplied in the South China Sea and implications for maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region. There is to Pakistan constitute the an urgent need for India to take least expensive and the most steps to strengthen the partnerefficient way for the Pakistani ship in defence and propel it to Air Force to address the proba new level through facilitation lem of terrorism in the counof greater American investtry and whether this weapon ment in the Indian defence system was the least disrupmanufacturing sector. This will tive to the balance of power help provide impetus to Prime between India and Pakistan. Minister Narendra Modi’s The move to sell F-16 ‘Make in India’ programme combat jets to Pakistan was and speed up the modernisaalso opposed by the Governtion of the Indian armed forces. ment of India. The Ministry This process has been through of External Affairs summoned frustrating stagnation in the the US Ambassador to India last decade-and-a-half. Richard Verma and lodged a Unless India takes conformal protest. Unfortunately, crete steps and quickly, to to India’s dismay, the Obama make it easy for the US aeroAdministration has disrespace and defence industry to garded objections from not make a meaningful contribuonly India but from its own tion for the modernisation of lawmakers and has moved the Indian armed forces, the ahead with its plan to sell the strategic partnership between eight F-16 combat jets to Pakithe two nations will continue stan. The US Government has There is an urgent need for India to strengthen to remain a pipe dream! SP defended its decision on the the partnership in defence and propel it to a grounds that “Pakistan has new level through greater American investment been using its fleet of F-16 —By Air Marshal in the Indian defence manufacturing sector effectively against terrorists B.K. Pandey (Retd)

ISSUE 6 • 2016

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E190-E2 ROLLOUT – FEB 25, 2016.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING.

The hangar doors opened wide. The wheels turned. And our brand new E190-E2 rolled out to a standing ovation. For those in attendance, it was a moment both joyful and historic. Because it marked the world’s first glimpse of the second generation of E-Jets — a highly evolved new family of airliners that builds on the historic success of our first generation. Now, we truly are on a roll. And ready for E-Jets to make history. Again.