Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #aeroindia2019

Most recents (19)

This thread is not a contrarian view point, merely a clarification. The Kaveri core engine has been adopted for use on the Ghatak UCAV. A new three stage fan has been developed with 3.4:1 pressure ratio and 78 kg/s mass flow for use with serpentine air intake of the Ghatak 1/4
During #AeroIndia2019, GTRE displayed a mode of the serpentine air intake compatible Kaveri engine. GTRE is banking on the Ghatak UCAV project for further flight testing of the engine rather than the LCA or a IL-76 testbed at Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI), Russia. 2/4
A failure of the engine on the unmanned Ghatak would be much easier to absorb than a failure on the LCA. Once dry performance & reliability of Kaveri core are proven on the Ghatak, GTRE will immediately embark on reheat development. 3/4
Read 4 tweets
Very interesting report with inaccuracies typical of Indian media. The presence of a chase aircraft suggests the test was of a new missile - RVV-SD or RVV-MD - improved Russian variants of the missiles in use with RuAF. (Ukraine inherited older variants) newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/…
There was a report earlier that the RVV-MD would be adopted for launch from Mirage 2000 and even Rafale, besides MiG-29. If true, it would appear that the missile is the @IAF_MCC 's preferred CCM. Abhinandan's PAF F-16 kill probably sealed the choice. Image
Factoring in the unreliability of our media, it might well be that ASRAAM trials on Su-30MKI are being misreported as Russian missile trials. The @IAF_MCC had earlier stated that the MBDA missile would be integrated with entire Su-30MKI fleet & trials using 2 Su-30MKIs were due!
Read 5 tweets
At #AeroIndia2019, the Russian pitch for MMRCA follow-up contender Su-35 was, as for the MiG-35, muted and confined to a single scale model and a specification chart. However, in terms of both performance & technology, the Su-35 is *the* leading contender. ImageImage
Just before the current govt. signed the Rafale deal with France, in 2015 the Russians pitched the Su-35S variant of the aircraft which they claimed would be a 5th generation aircraft. Were the Russians talking through their collective hats?
Not really. They do have a Su-35 variant in the making that would be both stealthy and stealth busting. I will tweet more on the subject as part of this thread. In the meantime you can peruse sites.google.com/site/idpsentin…
Read 7 tweets
The next @isro PSLV flight , PSLV C-46, is scheduled for May to launch RISAT-2B, a radar imaging (SAR) satellite capable of seeing through clouds day and night.
RISAT-2B, like its predecessor RISAT-2, is a customized variant of the Israel Tecsar which was displayed during #AeroIndia2019. Most likely, the IAF used Tecsar imagery (Israeli or Indian) post Balakot strike to confirm the accuracy of its bombing. Image
ISRO has launched Tecsar satellite for Israel in the past and reportedly has access to the Israeli Tecsar imagery. For details of the Indian military satellite constellation please visit sites.google.com/site/idpsentin…
Read 3 tweets
One of the largely ignored (but very significant for the IAF) exhibit at #AeroIndia2019 was the latest incarnation of the Nebo-M system from Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Research Institute of Radio Engineering (NNIIRT) - a multi-band counter stealth mobile radar system. Image
The system comprises of the RLM-ME VHF band AESA radar that is capable of detecting & tracking fighters, including stealth fighters, at 10-km height to a distance of 380-km & at 500m height to a distance of 90-km Image
The networked RLM-DE UHF L band AESA radar that can track all fighters, including LO fighters, using tracking information from the RLM-ME. A track seen by RLM-ME & not seen by RLM-DE establishes the target as LO. Image
Read 12 tweets
Indian Airforce used Netra AEW&CS for the February 26th air strikes on the JeM terrorist camps near Balakot.

KW3555, callsign 'SONA' flying in a pattern parallel to the IB, with its side-looking (240-degree cov) radar facing the many PAF air bases across.

Morning Status : Image
Just few days before the same aircraft participated in Aero India.

#aeroindia2019 ImageImage
The fact that the IAF put the Netra on station instead of the workhorse Israeli EL/W-2090 Phalcon exhibits the confidence the operator has in the platform.

strategicfront.org/forums/threads…

@Parthu_Potluri
Read 3 tweets
Just about every Rudra on display at #aeroindia2019, whether in Army or Air Force livery, had Mistral ATAM launchers slung on the outside stub wing pylons. ImageImage
None of them had the missiles on the launcher though. But inside, @byMBDA had the Mistral ATAM on display snug in launch tube fitted on the launcher. Image
Also on display at the @byMBDA pavilion was the MANPAD version of the Mistral. Could that mean that whether or not the Russian Igla-S has aced the VSHORAD procurement process, Mistral is still in the running? Image
Read 4 tweets
HAL maybe inclined to retain the venerable 1946 vintage Rolls Royce Dart turboprop as the preferred power-plant for upgraded IAF Avro 748 aircraft. Existing IAF Avros have a lot of residual airframe hrs but fleet serviceability is mired by obsolescence of Dart spares.
HAL has recently released a RFI for development, manufacture and certification of critical Dart spares such as Torque Pressure Transmitter (TPT), Oil Pressure Transmitter (OPT) and Low Oil Pressure (LOP) Warning Switch of Dart Engine. Details at sites.google.com/site/idpsentin…
Through its Avro upgrade program, public sector @HALHQBLR is attempting to scuttle procurement of Airbus C295 from the private sector JV between @AirbusDefence and #TASL setup to assemble C295 locally. HAL has the backing of Rolls-Royce for the upgrade project. #aeroindia2019 Image
Read 4 tweets
A scale model of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyer displayed at #aeroindia2019 by MDL. For warship photo pixel peepers, the weapon and sensor fit of the ship are detailed at the link sites.google.com/site/idpsentin… Image
All 4 ships of the class are now under fitment or construction. Construction of the 4th destroyer of the class started on July 19, 2018 in the South Yard Production Shop of Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.
INS Imphal, the 3rd Project 15B destroyer, was launched on April 20, 2019 with a launch weight of 3037
Read 4 tweets
A model of MMRCA-2 contender MiG-35 on display at #AeroIndia2019 shown armed with, (inner to outer pylon) Kh-31 ASM, Kh-35 ASM, RVV-AE AAM, R-73 AAM. All weapons are in IAF inventory. Image
MiG-35 Specs as displayed at #AeroIndia2019 A brief write up on how the aircraft differs from the MiG-29 and MiG-29K is available at sites.google.com/site/idpsentin… Image
MiG-35 to feature Loyal Wingman pairing. UAV concept under development. #PAS19 sites.google.com/site/idpsentin…
Read 3 tweets
During #AeroIndia2019 @HALHQBLR for the first time displayed a DARIN-3 upgrade Jaguar (without AESA radar). External changes include reconfigured laser ranging & target acquisition window, more bulbous nose with two dorsal sensors/antennas, and more fin sensors/antennas. Image
Briefly the upgrade includes
1. Higher capacity alternators.
2. Auto Pilot
3. Near Glass cockpit with two smart multi function displays.
4. DARIN-3 navigation and attack avionics suite integrating EW and weapon delivery system with INGPS using primary and reversionary modes.
5. HOTAS controls and improved wide angle HUD.
6. Helmet mounted Display.
7. An Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) co-developed by DRDO’s DARE and Cassidian which includes DRDO's Tarang radar warning receiver (RWR).
Read 4 tweets
Is this the Ghatak UCAV? The Ghatak is @DRDO_India 's worst kept secret. Yes officially, the project is secret! So DRDO won't confirm or deny that this artwork, plugging DRDO's simulation capabilities displayed at #AeroIndia2019 represents the Ghatak Image
Assuming this is the Ghatak, it is indeed an impressive design representing advanced aerodynamics and signature reduction that would need to be backed up with equally advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.
IDP Sentinel members can read more about the Ghatak project at sites.google.com/site/idpsentin…
Read 6 tweets
The Jaguar MAX (Mothership for Augmented Xploitation) concept unveiled at #AeroIndia2019 is a post DARIN-3 upgrade proposal that stretches credulity considering that HAL recently acquired 31 Christmas Tree Jaguars from France to maintain the current IAF Jaguar fleet! Image
Considering also that HAL has made no headway with augmenting Jaguar engine thrust by fitting the @Honeywell_Aero engine. The MAX concept is not based on threat perceptions, rather it's based on imagined HAL capabilities a la a school science project! Image
My skepticism aside, there's some thrill in reading what HAL imagines the MAX would wield. Remember, it would also wield HAL's Unmanned Wingman concept that I tweeted about earlier, the design of which is a blatant copy of the Kratos Valkyrie XQ-58A Low Cost Attritable Aircraft Image
Read 4 tweets
Now it's the Popeye stand-off missile! Not SPICE 2000 glide bomb kit! #IndiaStrikeBack The 1,360 kg solid rocket motor powered missile has a 360 kg penetrating warhead. tribuneindia.com/news/nation/-d…
I tweeted about the Popeye missile earlier in the context of the Rocks weapon displayed at #AeroIndia2019
IDP Sentinel members can read about the Popeye missile at sites.google.com/site/idpsentin…
Read 6 tweets
1. @HALHQBLR embarked upon development of two engines about 5yrs ago. #HTFE25 and #HTSE1200. HAL's philosophy has been to master the Aero engine design and Dev with a smaller engine and then to transition to Kaveri class engine. Plus HAL has own products which need these engines
2. So it made sense for HAL to go for one engine for its Helicopters and one for the Trainer class aircrafts that its making. And the development costs are within the limited autonomy that the Navaratna Status offers HAL. Thus the class of the two engines are chosen to suite
3. HAL's product line up, their technical capability and their financial autonomy. A very pragmatic strategy IMO.

#HTFE25 was the first one to kick start, perhaps because HAL wanted it to be ready for IJT Sitara. The Engine went from concept to Prototype in mere 3yrs.
Read 19 tweets
Updates on LCA from #AeroIndia2019

-- FOC achieved
-- LCA Mk2 rechristened as Medium Weight Fighter (MWF)
-- LCA Mk2 design now has canards and a MTOW of 17.5 ton
-- LCA Mk1A & Mk2 first flight scheduled for 2022 & 2023 resp
-- LCA Navy Mk2 design updated with tailplanes
LCA MK2 (Medium Weight Fighter)

#AeroIndia2019 #indianairforce Image
Read 3 tweets
Tragic news coming in from #AeroIndia2019
Two aircraft of the @Suryakiran_IAF involved in a crash. One fatality reported.
Confirmation on the demise of one Surya Kiran #SKAT @Suryakiran_IAF pilot in the crash earlier today.
UPDATE #SuryaKiran crash:
Wg Cdr Sahil Gandhi, #SKAT 7 lost his life in the crash earlier today.
Wg Cdr Vijay Shelke and Sqn Ldr Tejeshwar Singh injured, and are recovering at the Command Hospital, Bengaluru.
#AeroIndia2019
Read 3 tweets
With a month to go for #AeroIndia2019, we at DDR commence a photo journey of what to expect this year, from some of the sights and sounds of Aero India 2017.
The #MadeInIndia LCA Tejas and LCA Navy of @HALHQBLR Image
We are Thirty Days away from #AeroIndia2019 -

Here is the #MadeInIndia Light Combat Helicopter of @HALHQBLR
Watch out for this bird in the sky and on static display. Image
We are Twenty Nine Days away from #AeroIndia2019 -

Sharing another image of the Light Combat Helicopter by @HALHQBLR, with recent successful test of the Mistral Air to Air missile by the LCH, the future looks bright for this #MadeInIndia attack helicopter. Image
Read 29 tweets
Hi @dhruv_rathee, love your channel :) but that's a Typhoon you've got there in your graphic, not a Rafale. Image
Hi @dhruv_rathee, it’s Eurofighter ‘Typhoon’, not Tycoon. Image
Hi @INCIndia & @INCRajasthan, that aircraft on your kites is a Sukhoi Su-27, not a Rafale. Image
Read 150 tweets

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