Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
IAF Relief Operation at Earthquake Affected Areas in North Sikkim.
IAF Relief Operation at Earthquake affected areas of Northern Sikkim.
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| Aerial Photo of Landslide affected area. |
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| Unloading of relief materials from An-32 Aircraft. |
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| Casuality Evacuation |
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| Loading of Relief Materials on the Mi-17 Helicopter. |
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| Unloading of Relief Materials. |
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
IAF Helicopters airdrop food at Earthquake Affected areas.
Indian authorities have begun air-dropping relief supplies to survivors of an earthquake that killed at least 63 people in northeastern India and neighboring countries.
Authorities said Monday Indian Air Force helicopters made several food drops to villagers in the mountainous state of Sikkim, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the region a day earlier.
On the ground, rescue workers cleared a path for vehicles to reach the state capital, Gangtok, by removing debris from landslides that blocked a major highway. Authorities also restored power to the city. But villages in the north of the state remained largely cut off. Heavy rain hampered efforts to reach them.
An Indian border police force official says it evacuated 400 quake survivors to temporary shelters.
Indian authorities say the quake killed at least 35 people in Sikkim and injured more than 100 others. The quake also caused 13 deaths in the Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal. Many of the victims were killed by collapsing buildings and mudslides.
The earthquake also rattled Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet, which border Sikkim. Nepalese authorities reported eight quake-related deaths, including three people killed by the collapse of a perimeter wall at the British embassy in Kathmandu. China's official Xinhua news agency says at least seven people were killed in southern Tibet.
Two strong aftershocks followed Sunday's quake and experts warned that more could follow. Many residents of Gangtok spent Sunday night and Monday morning in the streets, too afraid to stay in their homes.
(Source:VOA)
Authorities said Monday Indian Air Force helicopters made several food drops to villagers in the mountainous state of Sikkim, the epicenter of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the region a day earlier.
On the ground, rescue workers cleared a path for vehicles to reach the state capital, Gangtok, by removing debris from landslides that blocked a major highway. Authorities also restored power to the city. But villages in the north of the state remained largely cut off. Heavy rain hampered efforts to reach them.
An Indian border police force official says it evacuated 400 quake survivors to temporary shelters.
Indian authorities say the quake killed at least 35 people in Sikkim and injured more than 100 others. The quake also caused 13 deaths in the Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal. Many of the victims were killed by collapsing buildings and mudslides.
The earthquake also rattled Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet, which border Sikkim. Nepalese authorities reported eight quake-related deaths, including three people killed by the collapse of a perimeter wall at the British embassy in Kathmandu. China's official Xinhua news agency says at least seven people were killed in southern Tibet.
Two strong aftershocks followed Sunday's quake and experts warned that more could follow. Many residents of Gangtok spent Sunday night and Monday morning in the streets, too afraid to stay in their homes.
(Source:VOA)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Golden Arrows Complete 60 Years of Glorious Service to the Nation
The celebrations to mark 60 years of glorious service to the nation are being held in the traditional Air Force way at its parent base, along the Western border. The Commodore Commandant of the Squadron Air Vice Marshal BS Dhanoa YSM VM, Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore Vishwas Gaur VM and the Commanding Officer Wing Commander Rajesh Nandedkar placed the wreath at the War Memorial.
The other celebrations during the event included a Barakhana and a special drill display by the Air Warrior Drill Team and thrilling Skydiving display by ‘Akash Ganga’ team.. The Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Rajesh Nandedkar described this as a “momentous occasion” for the squadron and said that he was proud and honoured to be Commanding the Squadron at this time. He added that the presence of the Commodore Commandant, Air Vice Marshal BS Dhanoa YSM VM, on this historic occasion who was the Commanding Officer of the squadron during Kargil conflict, made these celebrations significant. The then Wing Commander BS Dhanoa was awarded Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) for his sterling leadership during the conflict as the glorious phase in the history of the Golden Arrows, when one Vir Chakra, one Yudh Seva Medal, two Vayu Sena Medals and two Mention-in-Dispatches were awarded for the operations. The squadron played a key role in filming the enemy positions which facilitated their subsequent targeting during the conflict.
Speaking of the occasion, Air Vice Marshal BS Dhanoa credited the achievements of the squadrons to the strong lineage of Commanding Officer, who built such strong foundations and carried forward the highest traditions of the IAF. Many of them rose to the highest rung of the IAF echelons including Air Chief Marshal LM Katre PVSM AVSM and Bar, the Chief of the Air Staff from 04 Sep 1984 to 01 Jul 1985. The other illustrious Commanding Officer of the yesteryears include Air Commodore Jasjit Singh, Air Marshal Janak Kapoor, Air Marshal R Bhasin and Air Marshal MSD Wollen. The squadron was stationed in the Eastern theatre for a considerable period including 1971 Indo-Pak war. It mounted continuous Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions during the war to keep the enemy air at bay.
Rich tributes were paid to the Martyrs on the occasion, who in the highest traditions of the service made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. It is these spirited men, who charted the course of history and set standards for successive generations to follow. In his message to the Squadron the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal DC Kumaria stated; “These traditions are the treasure troves of all fighting arms”.
(Article source:PIB)
Lakshya test-flight successful
The defence personnel on Friday successfully flight tested the advanced version of Pilot-less Target Aircraft (PTA), Lakshya, for the second time in a week. Earlier, on Monday they had tested a digital version of Lakshya.
The micro-light aircraft was test flown by the Indian Air Force personnel from the launching complex-II of the Integrated Test Range at about 12 noon. The officials of Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), which has developed the aircraft, were present during the test. Defence sources said the flight test of Lakshya was successfully conducted at very low altitudes. Earlier, the users had indicated their requirement of flying the PTA at 15 to 25 metres above sea level to simulate trajectory of low-level cruise missiles.“The flight test was of nearly 35-40 minutes duration controlled by Ground Control Station and the low altitude flight was proved over 10 km range,” said an official. The flight was stable and well controlled. Mobile launcher to launch the PTA from anywhere and GPS to locate for recovery were used successfully, sources added. The pilot-less aircraft also demonstrated its manoeuvring capability simultaneously simulating manoeuvring attacking aircrafts.The system has been designed so that two targets can be flown and controlled by the Common Ground Control Station (CGCS).
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Super Sukhoi on the way with 5G features
With Russia's help, Indian Air Force is set to transform Su-30MKI fighter jets into the near invincible 'Super Sukhoi' in a joint venture.
The Su-30MKI fighters, deployed by the Indian Air Force, will be upgraded with certain fifth generation aircraft characteristics to convert it into a “Super Sukhoi”, Alexy Fedorov, President of Irkut Corporation of Russia announced during the MAKS 2011 international aviation show held in Moscow recently. The IAF currently deploys about 100 Su-30MKI fighters, with plans to increase their number to 230 aircrafts. Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) holds a production certificate for manufacturing the fighters and will be in-charge of upgrading the SU-30MKIs to 5G Super Sukhoi jets. The modernisation will embrace the aircraft in IAF’s military bases, fighters waiting for delivery to India and the jets that HAL will be manufacturing. The United Aircraft Corporation and HAL have signed a deal on creating substantially upgraded prototypes. Fedorov did not specify the cost of the modernisation, highlighting that the companies were still negotiating. Su-30MKI jets are a part of two major modernisation programmes, one of which aims to adapt the Su-30MKI to BrahMos supersonic missiles, while the other seeks ways to achieve a dramatic improvement in the fighter’s performance.
India will see its fighters modernised within the framework of the so-called Super programme, which involves introduction of an upgraded pilot cockpit, new radar and several structural elements enhancing the jet’s stealth features that make it less visible to the enemy. The upgrade will cover all aircraft employed by IAF, increasing the Su-30MKI’s weapons load and list.
The modernised Su-30MKI is reported to be able to carry under its body one BrahMos missile, which is expected to weigh less than its land-based and naval counterparts. The Russia-India joint venture Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited, Sukhoi Holding and HAL are jointly engaged in developing the airborne version of the missile. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO of the joint venture, said he hoped to see BrahMos missiles launched from the aircraft in late 2012.
According to reports, the IAF plans to upgrade 44 Su-30MKI fighters to equip them with BrahMos missiles. Ruslan Pukhov, director at the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, believes that mounting BrahMos missiles on Su-30s will add export value to both the weapon and its carrier. As various modifications of Su-30 jets are in service with many armed forces all over the globe, transforming these highly-manoeuvrable air fighters into fully-fledged missile carriers appears promising – an idea that Dr Pillai supports to the hilt.
The Super Sukhoi project, therefore, will allow the latter to transition swiftly to fully capable 5th generation fighter jets. The cost of the modernisation remains uncertain but the price tag could be around $1 billion.
The HAL is optimistic about its participation in the development of technology for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). The prototype of this aircraft, the T-50 PAK FA, was exhibited at the MAKS 2011 air show. India will be one of three countries in the world, alongside the US and Russia, to have fifth-generation fighters.
HAL chairman Ashok Nayak, who visited MAKS 2011, confirmed that his company’s participation in the design of the FGFA was “the right thing to do”. In December 2010, Russia and India signed an agreement on preliminary designing of the aircraft, estimating the project at $295 million. The initial design will take approximately 18 months. The Indian model’s main difference will be a two-man crew. “HAL hopes to complete the initial design and move further,” Nayak said, adding that the use of Indian components would be determined later. The IAF will be the first foreign customer to buy the new jet. India has announced plans to buy 250-300 fighters of this type, with the first deliveries expected in 2016-2017. The cost of the project is likely to exceed $35 billion. Russia will buy approximately the same number of the aircraft.
Su-30MKI jet will be armed with BrahMos missiles by 2012.
The Su-30MKI fighters, deployed by the Indian Air Force, will be upgraded with certain fifth generation aircraft characteristics to convert it into a “Super Sukhoi”, Alexy Fedorov, President of Irkut Corporation of Russia announced during the MAKS 2011 international aviation show held in Moscow recently. The IAF currently deploys about 100 Su-30MKI fighters, with plans to increase their number to 230 aircrafts. Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) holds a production certificate for manufacturing the fighters and will be in-charge of upgrading the SU-30MKIs to 5G Super Sukhoi jets. The modernisation will embrace the aircraft in IAF’s military bases, fighters waiting for delivery to India and the jets that HAL will be manufacturing. The United Aircraft Corporation and HAL have signed a deal on creating substantially upgraded prototypes. Fedorov did not specify the cost of the modernisation, highlighting that the companies were still negotiating. Su-30MKI jets are a part of two major modernisation programmes, one of which aims to adapt the Su-30MKI to BrahMos supersonic missiles, while the other seeks ways to achieve a dramatic improvement in the fighter’s performance.
India will see its fighters modernised within the framework of the so-called Super programme, which involves introduction of an upgraded pilot cockpit, new radar and several structural elements enhancing the jet’s stealth features that make it less visible to the enemy. The upgrade will cover all aircraft employed by IAF, increasing the Su-30MKI’s weapons load and list.
The modernised Su-30MKI is reported to be able to carry under its body one BrahMos missile, which is expected to weigh less than its land-based and naval counterparts. The Russia-India joint venture Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited, Sukhoi Holding and HAL are jointly engaged in developing the airborne version of the missile. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO of the joint venture, said he hoped to see BrahMos missiles launched from the aircraft in late 2012.
According to reports, the IAF plans to upgrade 44 Su-30MKI fighters to equip them with BrahMos missiles. Ruslan Pukhov, director at the Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, believes that mounting BrahMos missiles on Su-30s will add export value to both the weapon and its carrier. As various modifications of Su-30 jets are in service with many armed forces all over the globe, transforming these highly-manoeuvrable air fighters into fully-fledged missile carriers appears promising – an idea that Dr Pillai supports to the hilt.
The Super Sukhoi project, therefore, will allow the latter to transition swiftly to fully capable 5th generation fighter jets. The cost of the modernisation remains uncertain but the price tag could be around $1 billion.
The HAL is optimistic about its participation in the development of technology for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). The prototype of this aircraft, the T-50 PAK FA, was exhibited at the MAKS 2011 air show. India will be one of three countries in the world, alongside the US and Russia, to have fifth-generation fighters.
HAL chairman Ashok Nayak, who visited MAKS 2011, confirmed that his company’s participation in the design of the FGFA was “the right thing to do”. In December 2010, Russia and India signed an agreement on preliminary designing of the aircraft, estimating the project at $295 million. The initial design will take approximately 18 months. The Indian model’s main difference will be a two-man crew. “HAL hopes to complete the initial design and move further,” Nayak said, adding that the use of Indian components would be determined later. The IAF will be the first foreign customer to buy the new jet. India has announced plans to buy 250-300 fighters of this type, with the first deliveries expected in 2016-2017. The cost of the project is likely to exceed $35 billion. Russia will buy approximately the same number of the aircraft.
Su-30MKI jet will be armed with BrahMos missiles by 2012.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
IAF objection pushes movie Mausam release to Sept 23.
The release of Shahid Kapoor-starrer Mausam, where the actor plays a fighter pilot, has been postponed by a week due to issues raised by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
"The film has been postponed to September 23 from September 16 due to two reasons - we had received only a conditional NOC from the IAF and Censor board had given U-certificate but they wanted to review the movie once again," the film's director Pankaj Kapoor told reporters in Mumbai.
"It was the question of IAF security, which was very important. We could not refuse as it was a matter of national security.
"They (IAF) wanted to make a correction in a 30-second sequence. The scene has not changed. It is only the tiny details that have been changed," he said, while praising IAF for their continuous support during the making of the movie.
IAF had raised objection to an action scene in the film and had held back the NoC until the changes were made.
"The scene had computer graphics and was not ready, hence we could not show it to IAF before. We got the clearance from IAF and censor board yesterday.
"Since the corrected print was not ready and we could not send it to our distributors abroad we have pushed the release of the film ahead. We wanted to release the movie world-wide on the same date," said Pankaj, who is making his directorial debut with the film. Meanwhile, Shahid said he was happy that he had one week more to promote the film.
"We have got one more week to promote the movie abroad which we could not do earlier. We are looking at having a premier in London three days before release and also in Mumbai a day before the release," he said.
On whether he was frustrated with the postponement of the film, Shahid said, "I am anxious and excited but not frustrated. Everyone wants to see the movie on the date of release. It's an unfortunate incident."
"I am happy that no major release is lined-up. We are having a solo release. Every one would like to release their movie individually. It is a sensible thing," said Shahid, who was last seen in the much delayed Milenge Milenge.
Actress Sonam Kapoor too echoed Shahid's views.
"I am happy that we have got one more week to promote the movie. It is okay... we have waited for long and it is just seven days more," she said.
"The film has been postponed to September 23 from September 16 due to two reasons - we had received only a conditional NOC from the IAF and Censor board had given U-certificate but they wanted to review the movie once again," the film's director Pankaj Kapoor told reporters in Mumbai.
"It was the question of IAF security, which was very important. We could not refuse as it was a matter of national security.
"They (IAF) wanted to make a correction in a 30-second sequence. The scene has not changed. It is only the tiny details that have been changed," he said, while praising IAF for their continuous support during the making of the movie.
IAF had raised objection to an action scene in the film and had held back the NoC until the changes were made.
"The scene had computer graphics and was not ready, hence we could not show it to IAF before. We got the clearance from IAF and censor board yesterday.
"Since the corrected print was not ready and we could not send it to our distributors abroad we have pushed the release of the film ahead. We wanted to release the movie world-wide on the same date," said Pankaj, who is making his directorial debut with the film. Meanwhile, Shahid said he was happy that he had one week more to promote the film.
"We have got one more week to promote the movie abroad which we could not do earlier. We are looking at having a premier in London three days before release and also in Mumbai a day before the release," he said.
On whether he was frustrated with the postponement of the film, Shahid said, "I am anxious and excited but not frustrated. Everyone wants to see the movie on the date of release. It's an unfortunate incident."
"I am happy that no major release is lined-up. We are having a solo release. Every one would like to release their movie individually. It is a sensible thing," said Shahid, who was last seen in the much delayed Milenge Milenge.
Actress Sonam Kapoor too echoed Shahid's views.
"I am happy that we have got one more week to promote the movie. It is okay... we have waited for long and it is just seven days more," she said.
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