SP's Aviation June 2009

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EXCLUSIV MMRCA Q&A
EBACE ’09:
Report from
Switzerland
Paris Air Show ’09:
Curtain Raiser
‘REJUVENATE
COMBAT
SQUADRONS
RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199
Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik,

Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force
PAGE 12
’
G R E AT P E R F O R M A N C E S .
f ot o : A ER O N A UT IC A MI L ITA RE - “Troupe Azzurra”.
SMALL “ I T E M S ” .
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONIC DEFENCE SYSTEMS.

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Aviation
SP’s AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION
TABLE of CONTENTS News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India.
ISSUE 5 • 2009
CIVIL
24 Business Aviation
$ense & $urvival
ON RECORD
28 Business Aviation Economics
Cessna: Multiply the Benefits
32 Business Aviation
Gulfstream: Your Office
in the Sky
37 Lockheed Martin F-16IN
Experience It, First-Hand
SHOW PREVIEW
34 Paris Air Show ’09
All Eyes on Le Bourget
12
Past and present chiefs of the
Indian Air Force pose for the
shutterbugs following smooth SHOW REPORT
transition of power on May 31 43 EBACE ’09
Bruising Lap Ahead
HALL OF FAME
17
INDUSTRY
Elettronica S.p.A.
SP’s Exclusive 49 Amy Johnson
Swift & Silent
SERIES
23 OEM ‘REJUVENATE
50 Commercial Aviation
The Boeing Partnership in India COMBAT SQUADRONS’
Leaving on a Jet Plane
41 M-346 First Flight
A few days prior to taking
Master Formation over the reins of the IAF, CAS REGULAR DEPARTMENTS
Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik
MILITARY elaborated on the challenges 5 A Word from Editor
19 Aero Engines facing the force and his vision 6 NewsWithViews
The Hype & the Hyper on reinforcing its strengths. - RISAT-2: Spy in the Sky
39 MMRCA Q&A
• - Pyongyang Picks a Fight
8
Dr Vivek Lall
�� InFocus
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Vice-President and India ��

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Usher Pending Actions
Country Head, Boeing IDS
9 Forum
Stefan Billep Signalling a Hit Sequel
Head, Eurofighter Typhoon, India
52 NewsDigest
40 Book Review � 56
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An Icon Unveiled LastWord

China Unstoppable
41
SP's Avn 05 of 09 Cover.indd 8 6/5/09 6:34:57 PM
Equipment
Cover Photo:
Radar Resonance for Rafale
Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik is the 19th
42 Industry Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force. NEXT ISSUE:
Magnificent Yak-130 India’s Business Aviation Environment
for the Indian Air Force Photo Credit: Indian Air Force
2 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

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TABLE of CONTENTS
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A Word from Editor
Two key appointments—
one a triumphant return,
the other a promise of
fresh initiatives—grabbed
the headlines. Our best
wishes to Defence Minister
A.K.Antony and Air Chief
Marshal P.V. Naik.
C
ontinuity—the buzzword at the Centre—gave way bureaucratic resistance to acquisition programmes of the
to time-honoured custom for the Indian Air Force armed forces. InFocus and Forum deliberate on the possible
(IAF) when on May 31 Vayu Bhawan in Delhi wit- advantages of the continuity factor.
nessed the smooth transition of power with Chief Elsewhere, too, urgency and a palpable sense of thera-
of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major peutic optimism appeared to be the dominant sentiments.
handing over the baton to his successor and Vice Reporting in from the annual European Business Aviation
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal P.V. Naik. The momentous occa- Conference and Exhibition in Geneva, Alan Peaford lays bare
sion came close on the heels of yet another commemorative the unassailable confidence infusing the industry of flying
event: induction of the first of three Airborne Warning and through these tough times without suffering any irreparable
Control System into the IAF on May 28. A vigilant eye and ear damage—assuming the economy bounces back next year and
in the sky, the system’s stint with the IAF is sure to feature sales recover in 2012. Under the circumstances, should busi-
extensively in our forthcoming issues. For now, we pipped ness jet owners rush for the nearest exit and divest themselves
competition to bring you the forthright views of the new CAS, of their wings while they can? That is just one of the several
Air Chief Marshal Naik, who spoke exclusively to SP’s Aviation key concerns plaguing the sector that’s grappling tenaciously
barely days before taking over at the IAF helm. “The IAF’s with the economic implications of business jet ownership.
plan to rejuvenate depleted combat squadrons has been ad- Moving to the defence sector, a relentless drive has been
versely affected due to delay in procurement programmes,” he the development of jet engines. Today, practically all the front-
rued. “The procurement process has, unfortunately, not been line fighters of the world use turbofan jet engines. For tomor-
able to keep pace with phasing out of aircraft.” row, one concept fast gaining momentum is that of ‘Hyper-
Few would dispute his argument. Nevertheless, hopes sonic’ flight. For the latest in this enterprise, and lots more
are now riding high on the UPA’s return to power. The as- besides, turn to the pages inside.
tounding comeback has received resounding welcome from
every quarter, fuelling aspirations of the Manmohan Singh-
led political dispensation blowing away every roadblock and
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IN SERVICE TO THE NATION: SP’S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JAYANT BARANWAL

PRESENTS A COPY OF SP’S MILITARY YEARBOOK 2008-2009 TO THE Jayant Baranwal
FORMER CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, AIR CHIEF MARSHAL F.H. MAJOR
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 5

NewsWithViews
RISAT-2: SPY IN THE SKY

Delivering a big boost to its space-based surveillance capabilities, on April 20, India launched the RISAT-2, an all-weather surveillance satellite that will
help security agencies keep a vigil on the country’s borders. Indian Space Research Organisation’s workhorse, PSLV-C12 rocket, soared majestically into
a clear sky at 0645 hours from the Sriharikota space launch base and placed India’s first Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-2) and a co-traveller, micro
educational satellite ANUSAT, into orbit about 19 minutes later in a textbook launch. Jubilant ISRO Chairman G.M. Nair said, “The year 2009 has started
off well. The final moments of the launch were more thrilling than a cricket match as we hit a few boundaries and bowled some googlies.”
VIEWS
E
lated by the perfect lift-off of the PSLV rocket, ISRO’s lite RISAT-1 was kept on hold to give way to the more urgently
top man Madhavan Nair was as enthused as any required RISAT-2 as a payload for the April 20 PSLV launch. RI-
cricket buff after watching his team win. At the post- SAT-1 is also equipped with agile SAR with day and night plus
launch media brief, Nair pointed out that the perfor- all-weather imaging capabilities, except that its spatial resolu-
mance of the launch vehicle was “precise and on the dot. As in tion of 3 m to 50 m does not match the significantly better
the past, we declared the launch date and time, and we made sub-metre resolution of the Israeli SAR onboard the RISAT-2.
it happen”. The 15th successful flight of the PSLV bolstered its The latter capability is required to ensure meaningful surveil-
reputation as the ISRO’s workhorse that has so far put in space lance for defence related applications for the country to protect
a total of 30 satellites—14 for its borders against infiltration.
India and 16 for foreign coun- RISAT-1 is now in the queue for
tries—since 1993. launch in PSLV’s next flight.
Nair, however, had other RISAT-2 is much like the
reasons to be pleased. Along Israeli TecSAR or TechSAR spy
with a small 40 kg experimen- satellite which, incidentally,
tal educational satellite ANU- went into orbit aboard India’s
SAT, the PSLV put into orbit a PSLV-C10 on January 21 last
very precious and vital cargo, year. India is also all set to
the RISAT-2, India’s first radar launch another TecSAR of Is-
imaging satellite to give the rael in September this year. Is-
country much needed persis- rael has been launching its sat-
tent, all-weather and meaning- ellites of Eros, Ofek and Amos
ful surveillance capability from class into space using its own
above. Shocked by the terror- Shavit-I/II rockets. But owing to
ists’ 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, serious limitations of launching
this satellite was developed satellites from its own territory
on a war footing to plug the and for commercial reasons, it
holes in India’s surveillance chose to negotiate with ISRO’s
capabilities. India’s trusted business arm, Antrix Corpora-
and reliable defence partner tion, to launch its TecSAR sat-
Israel responded promptly, ellites. RISAT-2 illustrates the
enabling ISRO to develop the growing tie up in the field of
300 kg radar imaging satellite space between the two coun-
in record time with the help tries and will give surveillance
of Israeli Aerospace Industry capabilities to India which are
(IAI) defence firm. IAI provided similar to that of TecSAR.
substantial components for the Positioned in sun-synchro-
satellite, including the most nous circular orbit, 550 km
vital Synthetic Aperture Ra- above the Earth’s surface, RI-
dar (SAR). The SAR is the very SAT-2 will provide effective and
heart of the satellite, affording near real-time surveillance of
it all-weather capability with sub-metre resolution. Unlike land and maritime borders with India’s mischief monger west-
India’s other surveillance satellites which are highly handi- ern neighbour. Hopefully, the control of the satellite will not be
capped by bad weather conditions, the SAR payload can take frittered away but vested in India’s armed forces for optimum
ILLUSTRATION: MAMTA
images during day, night and all weather conditions, including use in safeguarding the country’s borders. This again brings to
upper cloud cover. In its secondary role, the satellite has good the fore, the long pending need for an Aerospace Command,
application in the area of disaster management and in manag- which, as rationality dictates, should be led by the Indian Air
ing cyclones, floods and agriculture-related activities. Force for overall control of space-based military assets. SP
Interestingly, ISRO’s fully indigenous radar imaging satel- — Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia

NewsWithViews
PYONGYANG PICKS A FIGHT

On May 25, North Korea successfully completed an underground nuclear test as the secretive regime persisted with efforts to bolster its nuclear capabilities after a
rocket test launch earlier in April. Defiant in the face of international condemnation of its latest nuclear test, North Korea also fired two short-range (130 km) mis-
siles—one surface-to-air and one surface-to-ship—off of its east coast. Pyongyang, meanwhile, also accused Washington of plotting against its government. A military
statement quoted by official media repeated Pyongyang’s position that Seoul’s decision to join the US-led Proliferation Security Initiative is tantamount to a declara-
tion of war. The statement said the US “imperialists and the traitor Lee Myung-Bak’s group have driven the situation on the Korean peninsula into a state of war.”
VIEWS
E
stimates of the size of the device exploded vary. Rus- of clandestine collaboration with Pakistan in the regime of
sia claims it is 20 kilo-tonne, while Vienna-based nuclear and missile technology ought to be a matter of serious
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organiza- concern not only for Washington but for Delhi as well. In this
tion maintains it is “only of marginally higher capac- context, India’s reaction is inexplicably mild and muted.
ity” than the one detonated in 2006. Whatever the size, the Declassified documents claim North Korea began dabbling
detonation, registered as 4.52 on the Richter scale, has sent with nuclear technology in the mid-1950s in pursuit of military
a ripple of dismay across the free world and Pyongyang is self-reliance against perceived threat from a possible America-
now sitting high in the foreign policy agenda of the US. Preoc- led alliance in the region, comprising the Republic of Korea
cupied with Iraq, Afghanistan, (ROK, or South Korea) and Ja-
Pakistan, Iran, the economic pan. China has been a staunch
crisis at home and repairing ally ever since the early 1950s,
damaged international rela- when it physically supported
tions, Washington appears to Pyongyang in the Korean War.
be at its wit’s end. Beyond mere With the emergence of the US
rhetoric and veiled threats of as the sole superpower, North
dire consequences through Korea’s efforts have been to es-
collective action by the world tablish with Washington a bal-
community, there has so far anced equation, based not on
been little indication of any co- submission or servility, but as
herent strategy to respond to equal partners with mutual rec-
the act conducted in brazen vi- ognition of each other’s status,
olation of UN Security Council rights and role in the comity
resolution 1718. Further, the of nations. However, given the
test has rendered the progress all round asymmetry between
made in the apparently de- the two nations, the very idea
funct six-party talks on North would seem rather impertinent
Korea irrelevant. and galling to the US.
One cannot rule out the North Korea’s explanation
possibility that periodic dis- for the May 25 test is that “it
play of North Korea’s nuclear will contribute to defending
capabilities are orchestrated the sovereignty of the nation
by China to further its stra- and ensure peace and secu-
tegic objectives in the region rity on the Korean peninsula
and keep the US perpetually and the region”. While North
on tenterhooks. North Korea Korea could feel threatened by
is dependent on China for the US-ROK-Japan alliance, its
economic, political, military agenda possibly extends well
and technological support and beyond the stated objectives.
China could well outsource The test could help redirect fo-
to her most dependable ally cus of the Obama administra-
some of her strategic responsibilities in the region. Armed tion on North Korea and make room for direct engagement
with veto-wielding powers, China is always ready to safe- through which Pyongyang could maximise benefits. Somewhat
guard North Korea’s interests in the UN. China’s opposition less aggressive, the Obama regime has embarked on a global
ILLUSTRATION: MAMTA
to the test, therefore, is mere diplomatic propriety and ought campaign to repair damaged relationships. For a weak and un-
not to be taken at face value. Through the May 25 episode, derdeveloped socialist economy heavily dependent on foreign
China may actually be goading the Barack Obama regime. assistance, nuclear sabre-rattling could prove to be an effective
While North Korea does not yet possess the capability to bargaining tool vis-à-vis the US and other western powers. SP
threaten the US directly, the communist country’s track record — Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey

POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
InFocus
Usher PendingActions
With the UPA
government back in
power without the earlier
political encumbrances,
it is hoped the acquisition
programmes of the armed
forces would gather
momentum, as would
the various initiatives
on homeland security
A
resounding thumbs-up from the market and the crystal gazers. The possibility of a third front emerging de-
feel-good attendant factor of continuity notwith- void of the two major parties was also bandied about. But
standing, the spotlight is now firmly on the impact in the end, it was the Indian voter who not only surprised
of the UPA’s return to power on the country’s exter- the cautious certitude of the psephologist or the less re-
nal and internal security scenario. After the initial euphoria strained TV anchor but also all the political parties by giv-
of election victory ebbs and the ministers take over their ing the ruling UPA government a near clear mandate to run
respective portfolios in earnest, the government will have the country’s affairs for another term.
to hit the ground running and provide necessary political Now, the focus shifts firmly to cross-border terrorism and
direction to the bureaucratic mandarins of the South Block internal security scenario. Will the continuity factor help in
ministries who were left minding the store during the gov- these areas, too? Shocked by the 26/11 Mumbai carnage
ernment’s poll hiatus. and stung by public outcry and political opposition, Dr Man-
With most of the South Asian region surrounding India mohan Singh’s government had taken a slew of measures
in a state of turmoil, the security and foreign policy agenda such as the creation of a National Investigation Agency, a
is heavily crowded and each of the complex issues need central Coastal Command and a Maritime Security Advisory
urgent attention. That the government means business is Board (MSAB). However, taken in haste, these steps lacked
evident from the fact that India’s special envoys are already clarity and their effectiveness would have been questionable.
in its southern neighbour’s capital discussing with the Sri While some corrective actions have been taken to stream-
Lankan President a Tamil rehabilitation programme in the line the issues, most are in the planning stages, with their
post-Prabhakaran and post-LTTE scenario with an initial full implementation nowhere on the horizon. For example,
package of Rs 500 crore ($100 million) as a starter. The for the Maritime Security Advisor, a serving Vice Admiral of
speed with which the proposal has been offered must have the Indian Navy is yet to be appointed, nor have any steps
surprised the Sri Lankans but the ‘continuity factor’ must been taken to establish the MSAB. Earlier, the Centre may
have been at the root of this accelerated response. have had the excuse of impending elections, but now that
Similarly, the UPA government is likely to be aided by the the same government is firmly in the saddle again, all the
advantage of continuity in tackling other smouldering foreign pending issues need to be progressed on fast track.
PHOTOGRAPH: WWW.PICASAWEB.GOOGLE.COM
policy issues concerning Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Creating infrastructure and establishment is just one is-
other countries such as Iran and China. The highly prestigious sue; what also need to be fast-tracked are the re-equipment
Indo-US nuclear deal might have to pass through patches of and modernisation plans of the armed forces. There are a
uncertainty with the new Obama administration in Washing- large number of projects which have either been already
ton, but then again, with Dr Manmohan Singh, the chief archi- contracted for or are on different rungs of the acquisition
tect of the deal from the Indian side, continuing as the Prime ladder. With the UPA government coming back to power
Minister of India, the deal would gain the required momentum without the earlier political encumbrances, it is hoped the
to reach its rightful conclusion. acquisition programmes of all wings of the armed forces
In the run up to 2009 15th Lok Sabha general elections, would gather momentum and that the continuity factor
an uneasy coalition with either the BJP or the Congress in would act as a catalyst for accelerated implementation. SP
the lead appeared inevitable to most political analysts and —Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia

Forum
Signalling a
Hit Sequel
Clearly, the UPA appreciates
the pressing need to
rejuvenate the armed forces.
Hence, one could reasonably
expect substantial funds
over the next five years for
defence procurement and
security enhancement.
W
ill the continuity factor work to the ad- pertain to the creation of a National Counter Terrorism Cen-
vantage of the Dr Manmohan Singh-led tre (NCTC), besides establishing joint commands with Cen-
UPA government to address internal tral and state representatives for Naxal-affected areas. The
security and defence issues with the MHA is working out the details for implementation before
required urgency? If initial reports and presenting it to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
feedbacks are to be believed, it appears If integral to the Prime Minister’s first-100-days-in-of-
that at least a beginning has been made to strengthen inter- fice achievement plan, the clock has already started ticking
nal security. Even before taking charge for a second term, for the NCTC to become fully operational by September-
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had his staff prepare end—a Herculean task, notwithstanding the recent state-
a roadmap to “overhaul and modernise” internal security ments of the reappointed Home Minister P. Chidambaram.
mechanisms. The document, titled “100-Day Internal Secu- It is highly unlikely that such a vast and intricately net-
rity Plan”, proposes creation of a National Network Secu- worked organisation can be instituted in so short a time.
rity Architecture to address a gamut of shortcomings. However, to trigger the process without further delay, CCS
Lack of coordinated response in countering the 26/11 approval must be obtained as soon as the new government
Mumbai terror attack was among the foremost laxities that starts functioning. But that is not all. The government will
drew scathing criticism. On the issue of prevention, the in- have to move on a war-footing to acquire intelligence gath-
ability to collate, sift, analyse and grade intelligence was ering and dissemination/sharing systems for the organisa-
cited as a crucial flaw, considering that there were specific tion to work. Also, if the plan requires the NCTC to carry
alerts on the Mumbai strikes. “26/11 is one of the greatest out counter-terrorism operations with the help of both
tragedies we faced. The government is making a constant Central and state forces, necessary provisions would have
effort to strengthen our forces. Coastal command is already to be made available.
functional, which is a combination of the Home Ministry In the immediate aftermath of the Mumbai 26/11 terror-
ILLUSTRATION: MAMTA
(MHA), navy, shipping industry, coast guards and state gov- ist attacks, the Centre had decided to set up four additional
ernments... national security and securing human lives are National Security Guard hubs to cover major metros in the
our top priorities,” A.K. Antony declared soon after assum- country. Designating the Indian Navy as the central author-
ing office for a second inning as India’s Defence Minister. ity responsible for the country’s overall maritime security,
Two key recommendations in the internal security report the government had approved an Rs 7,000-plus crore ($1.5

Forum
billion) plan for the acquisition of assorted equipment, such types of artillery guns, including Air Defence Artillery, the In-
as coastal radars including aerostats, high-speed intercep- dian Navy has an exhaustive list of surface ships, including
tor boats, additional ships, multi-role maritime aircraft and aircraft carriers with carrier borne aircraft and submarines.
coastal surveillance aircraft and helicopters for the navy The capital intensive Indian Air Force (IAF), in its much de-
and coast guard. Further, for overall operational capability, pleted state vis-à-vis combat squadrons, is working on a
all wings of the armed forces would have to be networked mega deal to acquire Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft
with the NCTC to create a seamless environment for quick which alone is worth more than Rs 47,070 crore ($10 bil-
and appropriate decision making, and prompt responses. lion). All three services are also starved of air defence sur-
Delivering his last address as the Chief of the Air Staff, face-to-air systems of medium and long range which need to
Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major observed: “Perhaps the big- be acquired expeditiously to fill the existing deficiencies.
gest inadequacy of the 26/11 Mumbai ter- The continuity factor, owing to the
ror attack was the lack of decision mak- same government coming back to pow-
ing at practically all levels.” Discussing the er—further strengthened by A.K. Antony
future course of action, including central- yet again heading the Ministry of Defence
state mechanisms, he favoured creation of (MoD)—should under normal circum-
an all-service expeditionary force which stances greatly help in accelerating the
could be deployed almost immediately modernisation process of the three ser-
to any part of the country/area of inter- vices. At least, it would help in clearing
est and equipped well enough to be able those cases which had already moved up
to tackle any contingency. But all this will the acquisition ladder and were awaiting
need a focused approach and sincere ap- the CCS nod at the time of the general
plication by the concerned governmental elections. It is estimated that cases worth
agencies, including time bound acquisi- more than Rs 4,000 crore ($800 million)
tions of equipment/systems and manpow- are pending for CCS approval for the IAF
er resources. Will tackling these daunting alone, including additional Aerostat and
challenges be made easier with the same “THE SECURITY Low-Level Transportable Radar systems
government coming to power again? SCENARIO AROUND and VIP helicopters. In addition, the lat-
That question also comes to mind INDIA IS GETTING est Rs 4,700 crore ($1 billion) Multi-Role
when considering the uphill task of bol- MORE AND MORE Transport Tanker deal is also likely to
stering the modernisation plans of all the CHALLENGING. come up for CCS approval soon.
wings of the armed forces. As a wake up What about the proposals stalled a few
DEVELOPMENTS
call in response to the Mumbai terror at- rungs down in the procurement chain?
tack, the government had announced a AROUND US IS A So far, the overall experience has been
Rs 1,41,703-crore ($30 billion) defence CAUSE FOR CONCERN. that there is no such thing as fast-track
budget for 2009-10—a whopping 34 per SO ETERNAL procurement of defence equipment, due
cent increase over the previous year—to VIGILANCE IS MUST mainly to the cumbersome, time-wast-
plug gaping holes in the country’s defence FOR US.” ing acquisition procedures, bureaucratic
preparedness. However, with the general —A.K. ANTONY, red-tape and apprehensions plaguing the
elections just round the corner, it was only decision makers over getting involved
an interim budget that came with a big INDIA’S DEFENCE in controversies. Adopting a stern stand
question mark on it being honoured by MINISTER against corruption in defence deals, Ant-
the new government. Now, with the UPA ony recently said the government would
back in power, at least the earlier appre- not hesitate to cancel contracts “if there is
hension can be put to rest and it would malpractice” in procurements. “At times,
not be unreasonable to hope that the defence budget will be we found certain manipulations and malpractices. We can-
passed suo motu in Parliament. not ignore that, so we ruthlessly cancelled big ticket items.
While it is common knowledge that a major chunk of In future, also, I cannot say we will take a lenient view if
the budget would go towards the new salaries and pensions there is malpractice,” he said on the sidelines of a defence
of the armed forces personnel, the good news is that the communications seminar in Delhi.
capital component of the budget used primarily for new ac- Ironically, the Finance Ministry’s machinations have en-
quisitions also stands at a healthy Rs 54,824 crore ($11 bil- sured that year after year large amounts of unutilised capital
lion). With Dr Singh’s government having appreciated the funds are surrendered by the MoD. In the last financial year
enormity of the task of rejuvenating the armed forces, it alone, Rs 7,000 crore ($1.4 billion) was surrendered due to
would be reasonable to expect that if the UPA government non-utilisation in capital expenditure. The cumulative surren-
completes its five-year term, as much as Rs 2,82,325 crore der of capital funds in the last five years amounts to well over
to Rs 3,29,490 crore ($60-70 billion) could be made avail- a staggering Rs 20,000 crore (over $4 billion)—inconceivable
able to the armed forces during the period to fund acquisi- benevolence if one were to consider the funding that would be
tion and modernisation plans. The wish lists of the services required to fuel the modernisation drives of the armed forces.
are already overflowing to the extent that even $100 billion The time is ripe to set in motion remedial measures. SP
(Rs 4,70,790 crore) would be insufficient for their collective — Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia,
requirements. While the Indian Army is clamouring for all with inputs from Sangeeta Saxena

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SP’s EXCLUSIVE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF
‘ Rejuvenate
COMBAT SQUADRONS ’
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik spoke
to SP’s Aviation a few days prior to taking over the reins
of the Indian Air Force. Clearly enthused to shoulder
his onerous responsibilities as the chief of the fourth
largest air force in the world,Air Chief Marshal Naik
PHOTOGRAPHS: SP GUIDE PUBNS
was forthcoming in his views on the challenges facing

the force and his vision on reinforcing its strengths.

especially during the time when

our country is faced with numerous
challenges. One cannot help think-
ing about the times when I started
off as a young, wide-eyed pilot offi-
cer, and to reach this position gives
both a sense of accomplishment and
a feeling of immense responsibility.
SP’s: How do you see your tasks

cut out in leading one of the
most remarkable air forces in
the world?
CAS: The IAF’s endeavour is to
make good all deficiencies, upgrade
the existing equipment and procure
state-of-the-art weapon systems,
like advanced combat aircraft,
network centric warfare systems,
enhanced airlift capability, and so
on. The IAF’s aim is to arrest force
depletion by suitable replacement
and carry out mid-life upgrades to
maintain operational relevance of
existing fleets and gradually build
up to requisite force levels in fight-
ers, transport and helicopters fleets
along with air defence (AD) systems,
force multipliers and weapons.
SP’s: What would be your vision

statement for the IAF at this
stage?
NEW FACE AT THE HELM: AIR CAS: The IAF has come a long way
CHIEF MARSHAL NAIK, THEN
VICE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, from its beginnings as a tactical force.
INTERACTS WITH IAF PILOTS AT We are on the threshold of transform-
THE 2008 US RED FLAG EXERCISE ing into a potent strategic force capa-
ble of effectively tackling the wide va-
riety of threats which have emerged
in the recent years.
SP’s: In the light of force deple-

tion in recent years, does the IAF still merit the sobri-
quet of the fourth largest air force in the world? How
do you propose to rectify the present shortcomings,
especially in quantitative terms?
CAS: The IAF’s plan to rejuvenate depleted combat squad-
rons has been adversely affected due to delay in procurement
programmes. The procurement process has, unfortunately,
not been able to keep pace with phasing out of aircraft. The
IAF has planned induction of additional Su-30 MKI, Medium
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
to arrest the dwindling combat squadrons’ strength. The de-
lay in the LCA induction has also contributed to the reduced
strength. We are hopeful that LCA programme moves for-
SP’s Aviation (SP’s): Heartiest congratulations on being ward at the requisite pace and we get the required numbers
elevated to the highest office of the Indian Air Force to make good the existing deficiencies.
(IAF). What was your reaction on hearing the news?
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): I accept your felicitations with SP’s: The IAF is reportedly on the threshold of meta-
all humility. I am conscious of the fact that it is a great morphic changes in terms of modern war fighting
honour to lead the fourth largest air force in the world, capabilities especially in the field of combat air

training and learning

value of a high order
as latest warfighting
concepts and equip-
ment were employed.
The participation show-
cased our ability to de-
ploy at a distance of ap-
proximately 19,000 km
from our shores and
sustain successful op-
erations for more than
a month. It provided
valuable exposure to
our combat crew to op-
erate in an extremely
technology intensive
war fighting scenario.
While returning to In-
dia, the IAF also partici-
pated in exercise Desert
Eagle at Al-Dhafra with
UAE from September 7
to 12, 2008. UAE par-
ticipated in the exercise
with F-16s and Mirage
2000 aircraft. The fact
that we not only inte-
KNOWN INITIATIVES: AIR CHIEF power, force-multipliers, grated into modern operational concepts but also ensured
MARSHAL NAIK, THEN VICE CHIEF space-based capabili- the highest mission accomplishment rates, earned us re-
OF THE AIR STAFF, AT NELLIS AIR
FORCE BASE IN NEVADA DURING
ties and network centric spect and praise from all other participants.
THE 2008 US RED FLAG EXERCISE warfare. What has been
your contribution to SP’s: The recent successful launch of the RISAT-2 satel-
this process and how do lite must have come as a shot in the arm for the armed
you propose to carry it forces. What are your views on India’s military space
forward? programmes and on the role of the IAF in acquiring
CAS: Modernisation is a continuous process due to rap- key space-based capabilities?
id advances in aviation technology and must be catered CAS: (a) India’s space programme is primarily civilian in
for in our procurement plan. With the new procurement nature. However, space capabilities are today vital for suc-
procedure in place, the IAF is progressing well as per its cessful military operations. It increases our strategic per-
modernisation plan. We have been constantly reviewing spective by providing a winning combination of informa-
our operational capability, equipment profile as well as our tion dominance and real time command & control. Space
organisational and training policies to meet our tasks and assets are force multipliers and tremendously enhance the
objectives in a comprehensive fashion. Necessary budget- operational capabilities of a fighting force.
ary support is available and, in the near future, I foresee (b) RISAT-2 is the first Radar Imaging Satellite launched
the IAF as a potent and capable combat force. by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for use
by India. Its primary mission is to support agriculture and
SP’s: Could you reflect on your major achievements/ex- disaster management applications. However, it could also
periences as the VCAS? What were your views on the be utilised for some defence applications due to it’s night
IAF’s participation in the international arena, espe- and day imaging capability as well as imaging in cloudy
cially the US Red Flag exercise? weather conditions. It is definitely a significant addition to
CAS: The IAF participated in Exercise Red Flag 08-4 at Nel- our space-based capability.
lis Air Force Base, Nevada in the US during August 2008 (c) The main thrust of the IAF is to leverage the space as-
with its top of the line Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, IL-78 mid- sets of the country in strengthening the existing terrestrial
air refuelling aircraft, IL-76 staging aircraft, a platoon of communication infrastructure, fulfill its navigational and
Garud Special Forces team, 91 officers and 157 Air War- imaging needs, as well as employ them for meteorological
riors. During the planning phase, it was ensured that the and Synthetic Aperture Radar applications. The required
USAF also uses comparative equipment and fields a robust Satellite Communication (SATCOM) bandwidth and neces-
participation. The foreign forces for the exercise included sary space assets are at present being hired commercially.
the F-15C, F-15E and F-16C/D aircraft of the USAF, Rafales Plans are afoot to have a dedicated SATCOM capability in
of France and F-15s of South Korea. This exercise offered consultation with ISRO.

SP’s: How do you view the events unfolding in Paki- an approximate cost of Rs 1,200 crore ($240 million). The
stan and the likely impact on India especially in view MAFI project is envisaged to be executed on a turnkey
of the fact that it possesses nuclear weapons? In what basis. Modernisation of airfields will make these compat-
way can the IAF contribute to the growing problem of ible to the requirement of the civil aviation. For the IAF, it
homeland security? will enhance our operational capabilities and flight safety.
CAS: These are two separate issues. The current events The project is at an advanced stage. Once the contract is
indicate increasing instability in Pakistan. Call it by what- finalised, the modernisation of first 30 airfields in Phase-I
ever name—fundamentalism, militancy, Talibanisation— would be completed in three-and-half years.
essentially it precipitates instability, unrest and alienation
of the public, which is undesirable. As neighbours, we SP’s: What has been the most memorable experience
need to ensure that there are no spill overs to the Indian of your illustrious service in the IAF spanning four
side. Should there be any role or requirement for the IAF decades?
in this context, we will meet the challenge resolutely. In- CAS: My most memorable experience is definitely the pe-
ternal security (what you call homeland security), is the riod when we were in our formative stage. Those gruelling
mandate of civil administration. The paramilitary forces long hours of training, that feeling of satisfaction and ac-
in the country are getting modernised and specialised in complishment after flying a good sortie with our mentors,
tackling conflict regimes that fall under this category. In enjoying hardships, friendships and camaraderie are all so
all such situations, the IAF has always provided timely memorable for me.
and all possible assistance to the civil administration.
SP’s: As you take over the reins of the IAF what mes-
SP’s: In the context of the boom in civil aviation in In- sage would you like to convey to the Air Warriors and
dia in the last five years, the civil-military rivalry over their families?
control of airspace has been escalating and has often CAS: During the last few years our service has evolved
entered public domain. What are your views? from a tactical air force to one with strategic capability in
CAS: I wonder why the media chooses “civil-military rival- consonance with our national aspirations. Our task is to
ry” as the phrase to describe differences in organisational protect the nation from threats arising from the medium
perceptions. With increase in density or air traffic, the ex- of air and space. It is a monumental task and we have to
clusive space available to operators has shrunk. Both the be prepared 24X7 to handle all type of scenarios. Each
civil and the military have their concerns, and these need and every one of us
to be addressed. The exponential increase in traffic has in the IAF, whether in
come about since there is an increasing demand. And that uniform or civil dress,
it is in the interest of the country is well understood. We The IAF must remember that
have to remember that guarding the Indian air space is we are Air Warriors
the IAF’s responsibility. Considering the size of our coun- has already first and always. Our
try, length of our borders and the geo-political situation
in the neighbourhood, the IAF’s operational and training
initiated the conduct and demean-
our, whether in or out
requirements are immense. Air space is a vital require- Modernisation of uniform, must be
ment for this. Therefore, it is a question of understanding
each other’s requirements. Innovative concepts, like flexi
of Airfield impeccable and serve
as an example to our
air space and Reduced Vertical Separation Minima, have Infrastructure countrymen. We have
been introduced to overcome the air space shortage. Most
importantly, we are constantly talking to each other to project… a collective commit-
ment to look after our
iron out the problem areas. Far from “civil-military rival-
ry”, we are, in fact, in a state of “civil-military synergy”.
thirty airfields cost intensive equip-
ment and preserve it
have been in the best manner
SP’s: There is a concerted drive to enlarge civil avia-
tion infrastructure in the country. Considering that
earmarked for possible, so that the
combat potential of
a large part of civil aviation activity is dependent on upgradation the IAF remains at the
aviation infrastructure under the control of the IAF,
what is the level of investment in monetary terms in the first highest level. Safety,
honour and welfare
visualised by the force for the upgrade of airfields and
Air Traffic Management system under its operational
phase at an of our Air Warriors
in air or on ground
control? approximate would be given the
CAS: The air force has already initiated the Modernisation
of Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) project. It includes instal-
cost of Rs 1,200 highest consider-
ation. My best wishes
lation of state-of-the-art Automated Air Traffic Manage- crore ($240 to all Air Warriors
ment System, ILS Cat-II, DVOR and DME, TACAN and RVR,
Cat-II Air Field Lighting System, and so on. All the air- million). and their families for
their wholehearted
fields of the IAF and other government agencies would be contribution towards
taken up for modernisation in two phases. Thirty airfields making the IAF a glo-
have been earmarked for upgradation in the first phase at rious force. SP

INDUSTRY ELETTRONICA S.p.A.
Swift& SILENT
POD EFA FONDO NERO
New lessons
from the latest
conflicts and
leading edge
technology
solutions
ALQ-703-ARTIC
R
ecent conflicts have irrevocably confirmed protection for the operation of slow moving aircraft (fixed and
the need for air supremacy to garner success. rotary wing) that ensure direct support to ground troops and
Air supremacy is not just about aircraft and pinpoint accuracy even with cheaper “dumb” weapons.
weapon performances—electronic warfare To cope with this situation, new tactics have been imple-
(EW) has largely contributed to it as well. In mented based on weapons that provide very little alert, like
fact, on well-established defence capabilities infrared (IR) missiles. It is well known that over 50 per cent
(as evident in the Balkans or in Iraq) the Integrated Air De- of aircraft losses were produced by passive weapons which
fence System has been neutralised through the electronic reduce the possibility of flying below the radar horizon,
warfare contribution, that is, through suppression of ene- thus posing serious problems to the “slow movers” whose
my Air Defence (AD) assets and dedicated EW assets, like major defence tactics hinge on zooming quietly over tree-
Prowlers and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). tops. Instances are the heavy losses suffered by the Rus-
PHOTOGRAPHS: ELETTRONICA
Knowledge of the complete air picture (through instanta- sians in Afghanistan and the downing of the Italian G222
neous interception of any radar transmission combined with transport by two IR missiles over Bosnia while performing
the adversary’s confused Situation Awareness due to radar a humanitarian mission.
jamming/suppression) coupled with the interception of com-
munication (with the accurate use of communication jamming) E-SOLUTIONS TO THE FORE
have jointly rendered Fourth Generation aircraft ineffective. A major consequence of the above facts, as has emerged
This overwhelming high altitude air supremacy has allowed from the latest conflicts, is that self-protection suites for

INDUSTRY ELETTRONICA S.p.A.
fixed and rotary wing aircraft are becoming more and more and SIGnals INTelligence, or SIGINT, in addition to the tra-
complex. While some years ago it was not unusual to see air- ditional radar warning function.
craft without any Electronic Support Measures (ESM), now High sensitivity ESMs are based on Digital Receiver tech-
the minimum aircraft equipment is the “pair”, Radar Warn- nology that ensures a very high accuracy in emitter param-
ing Receivers (RWR) and Missile Warning Systems (MWS), to eter measurement even within the single radar impulse. The
warn the crews of radar threats and missiles launches. solid-state technology associated with an advanced propri-
At the same time, Electronic Countermeasure systems etary Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) ensures the
are improving: radio frequency (RF) jammers are becoming requested power and high fidelity signal manipulation and
smarter and Infrared Countermeasures are evolving to meet replication to jam early warning and seduce tracking radars.
military requirements as flares are no longer capable of en- This kind of technology is already on board the Fourth-plus
suring survivability. At present, the most lethal threats are Generation fighters, like the Typhoon.
the Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS): these At this point, imagine how a pilot would manage all these
are present in all operations theatres and even when air- sensors and actuators, trying to get the best from the EW
craft perform in-country training missions. The proliferation suite. This means reading all monitors and indicators at the
of MANPADS is largely due to the relative ease with which same time to understand the situation even while ensuring
these weapons can be procured, ease in operation and the that no jammer blinds the on board ESM or flares seduce
possibility of concealment. own IR sensors. This indeed can be the worst nightmare.
But, which are the preferred preys? The answer is: Elettronica is engaged in the development of a System Man-
“slow mover” aircraft or aircraft in a predictable flight path. ager that can relieve the pilot workload in such a complex
Therefore, helicopters and propeller transport aircraft are multisensory/actuator environment by giving back to the
perpetually in danger of being homed in by MANPADS. The crew the essential role of “battle manager” with the clearest
threat extends to other aircraft as well, but in all likelihood Situation Awareness (needed information clearly displayed),
only during standard take-off and landing procedures. permitting to take proper decision and actions. This is pos-
sible by using a neural network technology that acts as a sys-
ENABLING STEALTH tem operator along the crew, unravelling a situation wherein
Infrared sensors and countermeasures are emerging as decisions have to be taken in a fraction of a second.
standard equipment for all aircraft. Elettronica S.p.A. offers
a range of solutions—from MWS to the ELT/572 DIRCM (Di- FOCUS ON THE UNMANNED & MANNED
rect Infrared Countermeasures). Since World War II, the disruption of AD capabilities,
Generically speaking, the electro/optical suite can be op- through such knowledge as the overall air picture and ear-
timised to customer needs and some evaluations appear nec- ly warning, has been the major task of EW systems. The
essary. Are there any cases in which flares are not fit for the task requires high power in a narrow selective beam and
purpose? Yes, the emblematic case being in-country training has been delegated to a dedicated jammer pod that grants
missions, where it is possible to drop flares only above cer- operational flexibility (no major changes in the platform).
tain areas and above certain altitudes. The same applies in Now, besides a pod, other candidates for this mission are
case of covert missions where the key criterion is to stay con- the UAVs that offer substantial benefits with unique attri-
cealed. In fact, when releasing flares, the aircraft is revealing butes like low detectability and long persistence over the
its presence. In such instances, the need for a laser-based area. Escort or stand-off jammer pods carried by UAVs
DIRCM is evident. ELT/572 is the solution to these problems. have the same requirements of high power in narrow
Indeed, with its high selectivity it can counter incoming IR beams. In this case, the advantages of the antenna arrays
missiles over populated areas and during covert missions. coupled with solid-state transmit and receive modules are
A possible solution to reduce exposure to ground IR evident: the objective is achieved with the advantage that
threats is to fly above the maximum altitude reachable by escorted or covered aircraft are unaffected by own jammer.
weapons. This will, however, expose the aircraft to all radar The consolidated experience and maturity of technology of
threats, from the Short Range to the very last generation Elettronica S.p.A. in these fields is the bases to build new
Low Observable weapon systems. Short range usually means payloads for these applications simply using existing sub-
high RF power reaching the aircraft, thereby necessitating units already in production.
the need to transmit high RF power to jam the tracker. Last Yet another hot topic is training. The old pilots’ saying
generation Low Observable weapon systems usually mean “train as you fight; fight as you train” is the ultimate driver
very long lethal range (hundreds of kilometres) and complex to get an excellent training output. This means that dur-
very low RF power signals reaching the platform, thus the ing exercises the display has to look as it looks in the real
need for high sensitivity RWR/ESM equipment. situation and respond to the action taken. The Elettronica
S.p.A. system can do this. Through training planning tools
DEFINING OUR STRENGTHS it is possible to stimulate, in a virtual mode, the sensors
The RF spectrum is the core business of Elettronica S.p.A.. to display realistic emitters or create a real exercise situa-
In this field, it is one of the few companies, together with tion, without degradation of sensors, reacting properly to
its American counterparts, that use high power wide band the action taken through the on board simulator option.
solid-state transmitting and receiving modules. Elettronica Last, but not least, Elettronica S.p.A. has the capability
S.p.A. can display a large spectrum of products ranging to develop new systems taking the lead in the design of
from simple RWR to very high sensitivity ESM that can per- the EW suite for a platform, side-by-side with the aircraft
form the dual tasks of ELectronic INTelligence, or ELINT, manufacturer. SP

MILITARY AERO ENGINES
The HYPE & THE HYPER

Today, practically all the frontline fighters of the world
use turbofan jet engines. For tomorrow, one concept fast gaining
momentum is that of ‘HYPERSONIC’ flight.
W
right brothers Orville and Wil- By Air Marshal (Retd) JET PIPS THE PISTON
bur are credited with making V.K. Bhatia, New Delhi By the middle of the 1950s, jet engines had
the first controlled, heavier- been propelled to centre stage as power
than-air flight. To power the plants of choice for all combat aircraft.
aircraft, they had specially commissioned Piston-engines were confined to power-
their bicycle workshop mechanic, Charlie ing transport, liaison and other special
Taylor, to build a matching low-weight en- duty aircraft. Even here, improvements in
gine, mostly of the light metal aluminum. the turboprop (jet engine with propeller)
On December 17, 1903, with the first flight pushed the piston out of the mainstream.
of Wright Flyer The speed advan-
1, they not only F135 tages of the jet
made aviation engines were so
history but also alluring that by
set the trend the next decade,
for designers all large civilian
and manufac- aircraft were also
turers of aero jet powered. But
engines to it was not till the
build products late 1970s, when,
in sync with the with the advent
requirements EJ200 TP400 of high bypass jet
of the aircraft. engines, fuel effi-
Sensibly, this ciency was so op-
trend has continued during the entire timised as to herald the era of fast, safe and
span of the rapidly changing aviation sce- economical travel for the general public.
nario, but most unfailingly, in the field of Meanwhile, eruption of Cold War resulted
military aviation. AE3007 ENGINE FOR in an unprecedented arms race, which also
Aero engines per force have to be ex- GLOBAL HAWK gave catalytic push to ever faster airplanes
tremely reliable, lightweight, powerful, flying at high speeds at the extremes of atmo-
fuel-efficient, easily maintainable and ca- spheric boundaries. Who can forget the high-
pable of operating at high altitudes as also at high speeds. ly complex Pratt & Whitney J58-P4. A pièce de résistance, the
Initially, automobile engines were suitably modified and used J58-P4 was especially designed to power the US spy plane, the
PHOTOGRAPHS: ROLLS ROYCE, PRATT & WHITNEY, SNECMA AND EUROJET
on aircraft, but soon a new breed of aero engine manufac- trisonic SR-71 Blackbird. Sharing the limelight was its coun-
turers sprang up to cater for the specific needs of designers terpart, the Tumansky R 15(B) engine extraordinaire, used to
and manufacturers of aircraft. Various types of piston-engines power the matching Russian MiG-25 Mach 3 high-altitude air-
with different cylinder positions, such as inline, rotary, radial craft for both interception and strategic reconnaissance roles.
and v-shaped, were tried out. But in their quest to fly fast-
er and higher, especially the fighter aircraft, designers hit a CUT TO THE PRESENT
dead end with the propeller-driven, piston-engined aircraft, While jet engines continued to evolve and were perfected as the
because with the propeller-tips reaching the speed of sound, mainstay for powering military combat aircraft, other engines
the aircraft speed had to remain in the vicinity of 500 mph. It were also being improved upon for use on various other types
was realised that if aircraft performance was ever to increase, of aerial platforms. Mach 3 fighters and their engines may have
a way would have to be found to improve the design of the pis- lost some relevance after the arrival of space-based and near
ton engine—or, alternatively, a wholly new type of power plant space platforms, but there are other fields where technological
would have to be developed. The latter proved to be an easier advancements offer capabilities to match emerging require-
option with the advent of the gas turbine engine, commonly ments. While advanced models of turbojets are being used for
called a ‘jet’ engine, which, as the events unfolded, ushered jet fighters, turboshafts are being further honed to power the
in a revolution in aviation almost as vital as the first heavier- new breed of helicopters. Similarly, while advanced technolo-
than-air flight by the Wright Brothers. gies are being used in the field of turboprop engines, predomi-

POWER PLANTS: A QUICK REFERENCE

Engine details of most of the modern jet fighters, including the ones in the race for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Multi-Role
Combat Aircraft deal and probable contenders to meet its attack helicopter requirements, as also other aerial platforms
AERIAL PLATFORMS ENGINE ENGINE(S) THRUST (POWER)

MANUFACTURER KN (LB ST)
JET FIGHTERS
Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor Pratt & Whitney 2 x F119-PW-100 Advanced technologies 155.6 (35,000)
turbofans with two dimensional thrust
vectoring, super-cruise
Lockheed Martin F-35 Pratt & Whitney 1 x F135 advanced technologies turbofan, 177.9 (40,000)
super-cruise
Su-30 MKI Saturn 2 x Lyulka AL-35F (AL-31FM) 122.6 (27,560)
Lockheed Martin F-16 Pratt & Whitney 1 X F100-PW-229 129.5 (29,100)

Or Or
General Electric 1 x F100-GE-129 129.0 (29,000)
Boeing F/A-18 E/F General Electric 2 x F414-GE 400 97.9 (22,000)
Saab JAS-39 Gripen General Electric / 1 x RM12 (F404-GE-400) Turbofan 80.5 kN (18,000 lb st)
Volvo Flygmotor Super-cruise demonstrated With afterburning
Eurofighter Eurojet 2 x EJ200 advanced technology turbofans 90.0 (20,250)
Dassault Rafale Snecma 2 x M-88-2E4 75.0 (16,872)
MiG-35 Klimov 2 x RD-33MK Turbofans 85.3 kN (18,180 lb st)

with afterburning
MILITARY TRANSPORTS
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Pratt & Whitney 4 x F117-PW-100 Turbofans (40,440 lb st) each
Antonov AN -70 Motor Sich/Salyut 4 x D-27 (13,800 Shp) each

Propfans with contra-relating propellers
(8 front, 6 rear) with composite blades
Airbus A400 M Europrop International 4 x TP400-DG With Eight-blade (13,000 Shp) each
(ITP, MTU, Rolls- propellers
Royce-Snecma)
ATTACK HELICOPTERS
Agusta Westland AW 129 LHTEC (Rolls Royce, 2x T800-LHT-800 Turboshafts 1,373 Shp each
Honeywell)
Bell AH- 1Z Super Cobra General Electric 2 x T700-GE-401 Turboshafts 1,723 Shp each
Boeing AH – 64 D Apache General Electric 2 x T700-GE-701C Turboshafts 1,800 Shp each

Longbow
Eurocopter Tiger EC 665 Rolls-Royce / Turbomeca 2 x MTR 890 Modular Turboshafts 1,285 Shp each
Kamov Ka-50 Klimov 2 x TV3-117 VMA Turboshafts 2,190 Shp each
Mi-28NE Klimov 2 x TV3-117 VMA Turboshafts 2,190 Shp each
UAVs
GA-AS MQ-9 Reaper Honeywell 1 x TP331-10T (950 Shp) (950 Shp)
MQ-1 Predator Rotax 1 x Rotax 914F turbocharged piston Engine (115 hp)
IAI Searcher II Limbach 1 x Limbach L550 Piston-engine (47 hp)
IAI Heron Rotax 1 x Rotax 914 Piston-engine (115 hp)
Northrop Grumman Allison Rolls-Royce 1 x AE-3007H Turbofan 31.4 kn (7,050 lb st)

RQ-4 Global hawk

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nantly for military transports; piston-engines are shaping up was used to extract energy from the engine itself to drive the
for special platforms such as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. compressor. Frank Whittle is credited with the invention of
Practically all the frontline fighters of the world use turbo- the first ‘jet’ engine who, as a cadet in the RAF College, Cran-
fan jet engines, fitted with a combination package of fan plus well in 1928, formally submitted his ideas for a turbojet. While
axial-flow compressors in varying numbers. All have after- Whittle may be credited as the first to invent the jet engine, its
burners for augmented thrust. Most are leaning towards vec- practical application in powering an aircraft came from Ger-
tored thrust to be able to impart much greater manoeuvrabil- man scientist Hans von Ohain. Under the patronage of aircraft
ity to the combat platforms. In this category come the engines industrialist Ernst Heinkel, Ohain developed the HeS 3 (5kN)
fitted on the Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor (F119-PW-100), jet engine which was fitted to Heinkel’s He 178—the world’s
the Russian Su-30 MKI (AL-35F), being operated by the Indian first jet plane—and flown on August 27, 1939.
Air Force (IAF) and the RD-33 MK thrust-vectoring engines One of the earliest commercially mass-produced, ‘straight
being proposed for the MiG-35. A few are also incorporating through’ version of the centrifugal-flow jet engine soon after
super-cruise capability (see table). the Second World War ended was the de Havilland Goblin
which powered the twin-boomed Vampire fighter. A large
NOVEL DESIGNS number of these aircraft were also acquired by the then fledg-
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning-II: A somewhat novel ling IAF. One niggling problem with the early centrifugal-flow
engine design technology has been incorporated in power- engines was that due to the technological constraints of the
ing the under development US Fifth Generation stealth F-35 time, the thrust generated could not go beyond certain limits.
JSF (Joint Strike Fighter). Two different engines are being But this problem was soon addressed with the introduction
developed for the F-35: the Pratt & Whitney F135 and the of the axial-flow compressor. Interestingly, Germany was the
General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 with stealth and super- first to sufficiently master the technique and began to pro-
cruise capabilities. In addition, the Short Take-off & Verti- duce the resulting engine named Jumo 004 towards the end
cal Landing (STOVL) version uses the innovative LiftSys- of the Second World War as a power plant for the world’s first
tem, patented by Lockheed Martin and built by Rolls-Royce. jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262 (and later the world’s
Different from the preceding generation of STOVL designs first jet bomber aircraft, the Arado Ar 234).
(such as the Harrier), the LiftSystem is composed of a lift
fan, driveshaft, clutch, two roll posts and a three Bearing CRYSTAL GAZING
Swivel Module. The latter is a thrust vectoring nozzle which Whichever way technology determines the military engines
allows the main engine exhaust to be deflected downwards of tomorrow, one thing is certain: the trend started by the
at the tail of the aircraft. The lift fan near the front of the Wright Brothers of matching the power plants to meet the
aircraft provides the counter-balancing thrust. Roll control requirements of aerial vehicles will persist. There will ob-
during slow flight is achieved by diverting pressurised air viously be varying demands to suit different platforms but
through wing-mounted thrust nozzles called Roll Posts. certain attributes may converge. For example, the emerg-
Airbus A400M Military Transport: After lengthy delibera- ing trends would have one believe that future jet engines
tions and intense competition, Airbus selected the somewhat for military aircraft would have all or most of the attributes
unique engine TP400-D6 from EuroProp International (ITP, such as greater power with vectored thrust and super-cruise
MTU, Rolls-Royce and Snecma) for it’s under development capabilities. In addition, stealth will grab centre stage of de-
four-engined A400M Future Large Aircraft programme. sign features which, apart from placement of engines on air-
Each engine provides (13,000 shp) thermodynamic power craft, will also have an impact on the air intake and exhaust
de-rated to (11,000 shp) for take-off. Engine has a three- designs. A case in point is the already discussed F-35 JSF,
shaft configuration, an offset gearbox and dual-channel Full whose engine will not only have prominent stealth but at
Authority Digital Engine Control with propeller control. Each over 40,000 lb st, it would be the most powerful jet engine
engine sports an eight-blade FH386 composite curved pro- ever fitted on a fighter aircraft.
peller, capable of full reversal of pitch enabling the aircraft The quest for ever faster response capabilities are pushing
to back up at MTOW (2 deg/1 deg slope on concrete/soft the technological frontiers of engine designs further and fur-
surface). The uniqueness lies in the fact that the engines are ther in the field of military and related space applications. One
‘handed’, with one of each wing pair rotating in opposite di- concept fast gaining momentum is that of ‘Hypersonic’ flight. At
rection to the other, offering reduction in torque and elimina- present, the US military and NASA have formulated a National
tion of asymmetric airflow over wing. This ‘down between’ Hypersonics Strategy to investigate a range of options. There
engine configuration also improves asymmetric handling in is a convergence of interests from different US organisations
the event of one of the engines becoming inoperative. in accepting hypersonic flight as a common goal. For example,
the US Army desires hypersonic missiles that can attack mo-
EVOLUTION EXPLAINED bile missile launchers quickly. The USAF is interested in a wide
Jet engines evolved on Newton’s third law of motion: “To every range of hypersonic systems, from air-launched cruise mis-
action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. In jet engines, siles to orbital space planes, all but with one aim—to narrow
the speed of exhaust gases emanating from the tailpipes im- as much as possible the time gap between sensor and shooter.
parts forward thrust to the aircraft. Earlier attempts at jet en- Should the recent successes usher in hypersonic flight capable
gines gave birth to hybrid designs in which an external power hybrid Scramjets as the military engines of tomorrow’s aerial
source was used to first compress the air, which was then platforms, these too shall conform to the trend of matching the
mixed with fuel and burned to produce the gases. However, corresponding engine—as was initiated by the Wright brothers
the key to a practical jet engine was the gas turbine, which more than a century ago. SP

INDUSTRY OEM
Boeing
By
Dr Vivek Lall,
Vice President
and
India Country
The
Head,
Boeing IDS PARTNERSHIPinINDIA
I
WOULD LIKE, FIRST, TO EX- space companies in boasting
TEND A WARM WELCOME a rich 60-year legacy in India,
TO AIR CHIEF MARSHAL through decades of commer-
PRADEEP VASANT NAIK as cial passenger jet sales to air-
he steps into the role of Chief of the lines in India.
Air Staff, Indian Air Force (IAF). In 2004, Boeing Inte-
Reaching the position of Chief is a grated Defense Systems (IDS)
prestigious honor to those called joined Boeing Commercial
upon to lead one of the world’s Aircraft in the Indian mar-
great air forces. Air Chief Marshal ket and jointly undertook a
Naik’s appointment caps an illus- two-pronged business strat-
trious career on the one hand, and egy. Developed at the highest
on the other, marks the transition levels of our company, the
of immense responsibility from the Boeing hopes to prove strategy aimed to identify im-
trusted and very capable hands of itself and its products mediate sales opportunities,
Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major.
The Boeing Company congratulates worthy to win a share of and then to seek out prom-
ising Indian companies for
both these dedicated and respected the country’s enormous long-term “win-win” indus-
officers and wishes them well.
There is, and has been for sev-
market trial partnerships, beneficial
to both India and Boeing. We
eral years now, much talk in the sa- are continuing to follow that
lons of Delhi of the state of the Indo- strategy, because Boeing’s
US bilateral relationship. In fact, I was given the opportunity to goal and ambition is to be ranked India’s aerospace and
meet with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh last fall after defence partner. I have said before that my company sees a
his return from a visit to the US. We discussed many things potential of $31 billion (Rs 1,46,890 crore) in potential de-
together, but mostly our interest centered on the Prime Min- fence business in India in the next five to 10 years. This is an
ister’s warm reception in Washington and the progress made enormous market, and Boeing hopes to prove itself and its
in the Indo-US bilateral relationship symbolised by the civilian products worthy to win a share of it.
nuclear deal nearing final stages of approval. Boeing’s P-8I has just won the confidence of the Indian
When they meet, Prime Ministers and Presidents receive Navy with the sale of eight of these advanced maritime patrol
great attention because of the opportunity to read, through aircraft. Currently, Boeing is competing with five other compa-
their personal bonding, the temperature of the ties between nies to offer new multi-role combat fighters to the IAF to help
their respective countries. On both counts, the Indo-US rela- fill the growing vacuum in IAF squadron strength. Boeing’s
tionship is healthy, vibrant and growing. Less visible a role in fighter offer is the proven and robust F/A-18IN Super Hor-
that relationship, but no less important, is the work Indian and net—the most advanced combat fighter in production today.
American companies continue to do in weaving business deals If India initiates competitions for heavy lift and attack helicop-
that form many of the threads in this ever-expanding tapestry ters, Boeing stands ready to offer two of the most formidable
of ties between the two nations. and capable rotorcraft flying today—the CH-47F Chinook and
This March, Boeing announced the opening of the com- the AH-64D Apache, respectively. We also believe Boeing’s C-
pany’s new Research & Technology-India centre in Bangalore 17 Globemaster III can bring long-range strategic military and
to help sustain the company’s competitive technological edge humanitarian airlift capability to support India’s growing re-
while enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities. The previous gional and world role.
month, Boeing and Bharat Electronics Limited announced Since IDS entered the Indian defence market, we have al-
plans for the joint development of an analysis and experimen- ways pointed out that the Boeing defence portfolio neatly aligns
tation centre in Bangalore to assist India in modernising its de- with India’s immediate and long-term defence needs. And the
fence forces. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems has also inked list above offers clear evidence of the potential Boeing can offer
PHOTOGRAPHS: BOEING
a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics India in the years ahead. We believe Boeing and India can form
Limited to bring more than $1 billion (Rs 4,745 crore) of new an aerospace defence partnership that will bring great value to
aerospace manufacturing work to India. Such concrete steps India and stand the test of time. After all, in a country as cultur-
are consolidating Boeing’s industrial and defence footprint in ally rich and historic as India, even Boeing’s first 60 years can
India. The Boeing Company stands almost alone among aero- only be considered a good start. SP

CIVIL BUSINESS AVIATION
TAILOR-MADE: COMPANIES
LIKE CESSNA (SEEN HERE
IS THE CITATION CJ2) HAVE
BEEN OFFERING CUSTOMISED
SOLUTIONS FOR CORPORATE
HOUSES IN KEEPING WITH
THEIR BUSINESS GOALS
S
$
ENSE
PHOTOGRAPHS: CESSNA, EMBRAER, DASSAULT & GULFSTREAM
&
URVIVAL
Should business jet owners rush for the exit

and divest themselves of their wings while they can?
It would be wiser, perhaps, to
HANG ON AND WEATHER THE STORM.
T
HERE IS NO GREATER GRATIFICA- By Group Captain (Retd)
TION THAN WHIPPING A SCAPE- Joseph Noronha, Goa
GOAT. With the world embroiled
in the most severe economic crisis
since the Great Depression, business
jets have emerged the scapegoats of
choice. Scores of people, right up to the Presi-
jets than North America, a trend that seems set to persist.
dent of the US, have virtuously jumped onto the
Business jets, also known as corporate jets, executive jets or
jet-bashing bandwagon. Stung by the ferocity of private jets, have become the choice of corporate travel.
the criticism, many Fortune 500 companies are
dumping their jets, a move that immediately BUYERS MAKE HAY, SELLERS GET SINGED
Had Charles Dickens been asked to pronounce on the current
boosts the balance sheet and erases the embar- business jet ownership scene he might have said: “It is the best
rassing icon of ‘corporate excess’. “We have an of times; it is the worst of times.” Buyers have never had it so
unprecedented situation where there is a stigma good because prices of used as well as new aircraft are plum-
attached to flying a corporate jet,” laments Credit meting. However, very few deals are being closed because fi-
nance has virtually dried up. From the point of view of sellers,
Suisse aerospace analyst Robert Spingarn. an increase in inventory of pre-owned aircraft and expected
Private ownership of aircraft has a history dating back to decline in flight activity for some more months has resulted in
the 1920s when wealthy businessmen bought their own planes. a significant slowing in demand, especially of new jets.
Perhaps the first aircraft to be fitted out luxuriously were Beech In the US, according to UBS Securities, business jet usage
Staggerwings—bi-planes upholstered in leather and mohair. dropped 30 per cent during the first quarter of this year. Most
The most notable debut into the private jet segment was that of manufacturers have an-
the Learjet in 1963, making the ‘Lear’ almost synonymous with nounced dramatic pro-
premium, executive travel. For decades, such jets were objects duction cuts—20 to 30
of admiration and envy. However, few could afford one. per cent—and production MAGNIFICENT MACHINES:
Since then, progress has been rapid. The business jet fleet could plunge by about 40 EMBRAER’S PHENOM LENDS
today numbers perhaps 16,000 worldwide. Historically, the per cent from last year’s STEAM TO THE FAST EMERGING
VLJ CONCEPT; DASSAULT’S FALCON
American market has vastly outstripped all others. But for the peak. Since prices are 2000LX (RIGHT) COMBINES
first time in 2007 the rest of the world bought more business quoted in dollars, any re- COMFORT WITH SPEED

vival of international demand would be tempered by a dollar BUSINESS JETS BY SIZE

that is now 20 per cent higher than a year ago. Who would
like to be seen acquiring a private jet at this time anyway? • Light: Cessna Citation CJ1+, CJ2+ and CJ3 and the Hawker
The ‘taint’ is likely to mar the industry for some time and even 400 XP are some examples.
when businesses recover, they are likely to be afraid to re-enter • Medium: For example, the Bombardier LR40XR, Gulfstream
the corporate jet market. G150 and Hawker 750, 850XP and 900XP.
For the valiant, however, a slew of jets are currently on offer, • Super-Mid Size: Models like the Bombardier CL300, Cessna
ranging from four-seater Very Light Jets (VLJs) to large, convert- Citation X and Hawker 4000.
ed airliners. Competition and an increased number of manufac- • Heavy: Bombardier CL605; Dassault Falcon 2000DX, 2000EX.
turers have resulted in slashed prices and made business jets
• Long Range: Bombardier Global 5000; Gulfstream 500 and 550.
more accessible to a wider clientele. A variety of plans is also
available, ranging from full ownership to a single fare costing a
tad more than business class on a scheduled commercial airline.
Consequently, there has been explosive growth in business jet On the other hand, heavy taxes impede growth. Take last
travel not just in terms of total hours flown but more impor- year’s dispute over ‘evasion’ of customs duty on import of
tantly, in the number of aircraft owners and users. private aircraft into India. The Union Budget for 2007-2008
imposed duties of around 25 per cent on all aircraft imports.
A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE However, feverish lobbying succeeded in obtaining complete
Between 2000 and 2007, the number of private jets in the exemption for aircraft imported under Non-Scheduled Op-
US rose 30 per cent to cross 12,000. Comparable growth erator Permits. A year ago, customs authorities began prob-
was experienced in some other parts of the world for obvi- ing allegations that companies and individuals were posing
ous reasons. As economies grew, the number of companies as non-scheduled operators to purchase aircraft for personal
willing to buy business jets surged. Correspondingly, the cy- use without paying taxes. While some aircraft were seized and
clical downturn of the last couple of years has seen a waning heavy fines imposed, other cases are still under investigation.
of interest. Government regulations and taxes also play a Having been penalised, it is not clear whether the owners can
part in helping or hindering expansion. Favourable depre- now legally offer non-scheduled services on such aircraft.
ciation rules can provide significant tax savings on business At present there are five major manufacturers of business
jets and, thereby, act as a strong incentive to buy. jets: Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Gulfstream and Hawker

Beechcraft. These offer a wide variety of

over 30 models that can be conveniently
categorised by size. In addition, there are
VLJs like the Embraer Phenom 100 and
the Eclipse 500. At the other end of the
spectrum, converted Boeing 737s, 777s,
787s and even 747-8s are marketed un-
der the family name ‘Boeing Business
Jets’ while converted Airbus A319s are
called ‘Airbus Corporate Jets’. Aerion, a
supersonic business jet, is likely to take
to the skies by 2014 and promises an unmatched experience
of speed and comfort. While the cheapest of the light category
can be acquired for around $4.5 million (Rs 21 crore), buyers
aspiring to own a long range jet should be prepared to shell
out as much as $50 million (Rs 240 crore).
ONLY IF IT MAKES TRAVEL$ENSE

Why would a thrifty company on a tight budget choose to buy
such expensive assets? Managing far-flung interests requires the
flexible mobility that only business jets can provide. Most busi- COMFORT WORTH
ness jets can use smaller airstrips, where commercial planes are just 126 airports and scheduled air- THE COST:
GULFSTREAM
cannot venture. For instance, in the US, air charter and leas- lines operate to perhaps no more than 550’S (INSET)
ing companies utilise over 5,000 airports against the 500 or so two thirds of them. Contrast this with PLUSH INTERIORS
touched by scheduled airlines. Around 30 American towns have AirNetz, which claims it can fly ‘on-de- AND STATE-OF-
THE-ART COMFORT
already lost their scheduled airline connections since the current mand to over 400 destinations across ELEMENTS ENSURE
recession began and an additional 70 have suffered big cuts in India’. Although many of these locations VALUE FOR MONEY
service. Only business aviation can fill this gap. In India, there are probably accessible only by helicop-
Continued on page 31
ECONOMY OF
SCALES

CIVIL BUSINESS AVIATION ECONOMICS
Cessna
OnRecord
Multiply the
BENEFITS GOODWILL MANTRA: POST
DELIVERY OF THE AIRCRAFT,
CESSNA CAN OFFER SEVERAL
“POWER BY THE HOUR”
PROGRAMMES
By
Trevor Esling,
Vice President,
International Sales,
Cessna
The owner’s benefit

of ownership starts
with a well-designed
and easily maintainable
product
O
ne of the main themes running through with a well-designed and easily maintainable product. If at
Cessna Aircraft Co’s ethos for selling its inception the engineers make the right choice for simple yet
business jets throughout the world has effective systems with reliability and easy maintainability in
been the importance of service to our cus- mind, then cost of operation will be low and, consequently,
PHOTOGRAPHS: CESSNA
tomers. In fact, over the last few years, cost of ownership and maintainability will also be low even as
respected surveys have consistently rated reliability soars. As our product line has rapidly evolved in the
Cessna either Number 1 or 2 in customer last decade, this importance of design-at-inception has been a
service along with Gulfstream Aerospace. strong influencer on us.
In many respects, the owner’s benefit of ownership starts The Citation Mustang is the latest product to benefit from

that thinking. We feel this reflects strongly in Cessna’s reputa- Brazil (TAM) offering the largest service centre outside the
tion in the market for designing, testing and certifying aircraft US, although this will soon be matched by a 100,000 square
that are the cheapest to own and the easiest to operate whilst foot service centre in Bremen, Germany (Atlas Air Service).
delivering strong value to the customer in terms of cabin size, Wherever we establish a market presence, a service centre
field performance and range at a competitive price. is not far away.
All Cessna’s facilities, be they Cessna owned or autho-
UNMATCHED SERVICE NETWORK rised, have to meet a certain standard of personnel, training,
Cessna initially built a large service network in the US with facilities and spare parts. In general, every $1 invested in an
some nine factory-owned service stations, giving us a cover- aircraft is worthwhile, certainly when it comes to the time of
age in the continental US that is unmatched by any of our resale a Cessna or Cessna approved service history certainly
competitors. This philosophy subsequently spread to outside adds to the resale value.
the US, including Paris Le Bourget, with plans well underway
to add a further Cessna-owned facility in Valencia, Spain. In MSU, GO TEAMS & ART
addition Cessna has a further 12 authorised facilities in Eu- Once the owner has taken delivery of the new aircraft, Cess-
rope (six alone in Germany) to support a 1,000-plus Citation na can offer a significant number of “power by the hour”
fleet in the European Union. Authorised facilities are main- programmes that cover everything, from the engines, avion-
tained in the Middle East, South Africa, India, Singapore and ics and systems parts, consumables (brakes and tires), APU
Australia as well as several countries in Latin America, with and even the maintenance labour expended on the aircraft.
SERVICE AT YOUR DOORSTEP
YOU CAN JUDGE AN AIRCRAFT BY neers oversee the activity in their specific regions. They are there as
THE BEAUTY OF ITS SERVICE DEPARTMENT resources for you and the people working on your aircraft, making
sure every question is answered, every problem is solved, and that
U
nfortunately, far too many buyers find themselves in a black you are completely satisfied at every visit.
hole of customer support after they’ve made their purchase— Getting down to specifics, the Citation Service network offers
when it’s too late. At Cessna’s Citation Service Centers, things you an even finer service focus by aligning customers with subject
are different. The two factors that repeat buyers cite for choosing an- matter experts. Each subject matter expert is responsible for devel-
other Citation are the quality of the aircraft, and just as importantly, oping expertise in just one particular Citation model, so whenever
the on-going support they receive in keeping their Citation flying. necessary, you’ll have a “specialist” operating on your aircraft.
That support comes in a variety of services and programmes,
including an extensive service and parts network, aviation’s most CESCOM
comprehensive group of cost management programmes, 24/7 hot A computerised aircraft maintenance tracking service, CESCOM
lines, Field Service Engineers, Personal Service Representatives, provides the necessary information to maintain the performance,
and, of course, the most tenured crew of mechanics in all of aviation. safety, and value of your Citation. You’ll have immediate access to
Choose a Citation, and the people of the Citation Service Network Service Bulletins, Maintenance Manual updates, as well as the status
sign-on as your flight crew—not just for the sales “honeymoon”, but of the aircraft’s major inspections. Supported by all domestic Cess-
for the long haul. na-operated Citation Service Centers and recognised for accuracy by
Turns out avoiding the buyer’s remorse of aircraft acquisition is regulatory agencies worldwide, CESCOM electronically stores Main-
really pretty simple: buy a Citation. tenance Transaction Report forms submitted online for redundancy
and safety. The reports are always available to you to receive and
Citation Service Centers print at your convenience.
Ten Citation Service Centers and 24 Authorized Citation Service Cen- CESCOM tracking and verification adds value now as you main-
ters worldwide focus their attention, training, and tools exclusively tain your Citation, and documents the aircraft’s integrity at resale.
on the maintenance and repair of Citations. The promise made to And enrollment the first year is free with the purchase of you’re
customers is simple: we will serve and support you with a level of aircraft.
service that surpasses that of any other centre. Because that’s ex-
actly what you as a Citation owner deserve. ProAdvantage Programmes
During service visits, one Customer Service Representative will ProAdvantage enables you to level and even reduce the costs of
be dedicated to: guide you through status updates, clarify financial maintaining a Citation, precisely, and predictably. With the Cita-
questions, and even assist with lodging and meals. And if you can’t tion ProAdvantage Programmes, accurate budget forecasting is as
get to a Citation Service Center, the centre will come to you. Citation’s simple as averaging your accrual of flight hours. Programme ex-
new Mobile Service Unit brings the tools and equipment of a brick- penses are based on that one figure, providing you a fixed monthly
and-mortar center right to your hangar (Taneja Aerospace at Hosur, cost, which covers your aircraft from nose to tail. ProAdvantage lets
near Bangalore is our India-based service provider). you plan for and budget maintenance expenditures months or even
years in advance.
Customer Service Included under the ProAdvantage umbrella are:
Responsible to the customer, Cessna’s aim is to service Citations, an- • ProParts and ProNav coverage for the aircraft
swer queries, issue alerts of updates and bulletins, maintain invest- • PowerAdvantage, PowerAdvantage Plus, and ProIgnition cov-
ment and protect valuable time. The company’s Hot Line is staffed erage for the aircraft’s engine
24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by people who • AuxAdvantage coverage for the aircraft’s APU
are aviation-smart and customer-responsive. • ProTech coverage for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance
Bringing solutions closer to home, Citation Field Service Engi- costs •

In Cessna’s vernacular these are PowerAdvantage, ProParts,

AuxAdvantage and Protech, respectively. In that way our
owners can accurately budget costs throughout the life of
the aircraft. In the case of ProParts, we offer a percentage
“cash back” facility at the end of the contract period (an “ef-
ficiency bonus”) if spare parts cost less over the 5 year pe-
riod than actually paid in. This is one small way in which we
add to the ownership experience.
In May 2007 Cessna launched a new concept unique to
the main OEMs in business aviation. In the US, we have now
equipped several Mobile Service Units (MSUs) that will travel
to a customer’s location to carry out service in situ. The MSU
carries everything you would expect to see in a permanent fa-
cility—enough for small and medium scheduled maintenance.
FAQs on MSU
In addition, Cessna has its “Go teams” to support AOG issues,
as well as (in the US) an Air Response Team (ART) with a dedi-
cated aircraft to fly spare parts and/or maintenance techni-
A new concept in aviation customer service, Citation Service

Centers’ Mobile Service Units (MSU) are medium duty trucks
stocked with tools, parts and manuals for on-site, in-hangar
I AM VERY IMPRESSED BY THE (CESSNA) MOBILE SERVICE inspections, overhauls and repair
UNIT; IT’S A GREAT RESOURCE FOR SMALL OPERATORS
LIKE US WHO RELY ON LOCAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE.
FOR SPECIALIZED CARE THAT ONLY THE MANUFACTURER Q: What are the charges for and built to accomplish a
CAN PROVIDE, THE MSU IS A COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO using the MSU? wide range of services. It is
BRING THE SERVICE CENTRE TO THE AIRPLANE RATHER A: Mileage is charged for service equipped with the tools nec-
THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND. at locations more than twenty essary for small and medium
—MATT NASH, miles from the MSUs base of scheduled maintenance (Phase
WESTAIR CORPORATION
operation. For scheduled mainte- 4 & below.) Each MSU carries
nance, there is a daily setup fee its own ground power unit and
of $100 (Rs 4,760). Typically, two compressor, Universal hydrau-
technicians accompany the unit. lic mule, complete sets of
Maintenance scheduled jacks for every Citation model,
cians for urgent requirements. The MSU, Go teams and ART through a Citation Service Cen- rear-mounted Tommy Lift, and
are all part of a refinement of our service capabilities. ter, by Friday of the week prior a hoist capable of removing a
For our international customers, in addition to the service to when the work is to occur, is Citation X engine. The MSU is
centre network and related Field Service Engineers, Cessna referred to as “scheduled main- not available for major inspec-
is also looking at ways to improve distribution of spare parts. tenance”. When the MSU is de- tions that would tie up the Unit
Recently it was decided to add a facility (to be shared with ployed in this scenario, standard for long periods of time.
Bell helicopter) in Schipol Airport to promote rapid deploy- scheduled maintenance labor
ment of spare parts in the EU. A similar option is being con- charges apply. Q: How large an area will
sidered for Asia as our fleet continues to grow. In addition For maintenance sched- each MSU serve?
we are also looking at establishing a Satellite Inventory Sys- uled the same week the work A: The MSU is available for ser-
tem (a system already in place in the US) with our European is to occur (known as unsched- vice on all Citations within one
service partners to improve parts readiness and interchange uled maintenance,) a travel day drive of its home base. In
between the various facilities. In addition it is probable that shop rate will be charged. lieu of the MSU, customers
Europe will also see the roll out of MSUs over time. may opt to have a technician
In short, Cessna has followed four simple guidelines: one, Q: Is the MSU available for travel from the home base Ci-
get the aircraft design right the first time and “build in” reli- warranty work? tation Service Center.
ability and ease of service to keep ownership costs down; A: Yes. The MSU technicians
two, build a strong factory-owned service capability, and in- can perform warranty work Q: Where will additional MSUs
ternationally augment that with strong affiliates; three, pro- and for AOG service, the mile- be based in the future?
vide the owners with all options to lock down the fixed costs age and setup charges are A: To select an MSU base of
of maintaining a Citation in an efficient and cost effective covered by either standard or operation, Citation looks for cit-
way, and thereby enhance the residual value of a Citation; policy warranty. ies that are not already home
and four, refine the customer support product offerings with to a Citation Service Center,
novel enhancements like the MSU. We feel our approach has Q: What are the capabilities are frequent destinations, and
been a strong differentiator in providing service to our cus- of the MSU? have a high concentration of
tomers, as well as providing a sound reason to buy a new or A: The MSU was designed based aircraft.
used Citation in the first instance. SP

$ense & $urvival Continued from page 27
ter, it does paint a rosy picture of vastly expanded reach. For a variety of reasons, it appears that owning a business
Is the cost of ownership irrelevant then? Business jets are jet is passé and charter or jet card plans are swiftly becoming
effective time savers and time is a vital business resource. It is the methods of choice. Chartering a plane is as simple as book-
not that costs don’t signify. In fact, cost sensitivity is the basis ing a taxi. For example, Virgin Charter allows clients to submit
of the various models offering alternative access to business a trip request online, receive real-time pricing, compare offers
aviation: full aircraft ownership, joint ownership, co-owner- from top charter operators, select the best offer and buy it
ship, fractional ownership, interchange agreements, leasing, online. Card plans are the most flexible because they require
charter, and time-sharing. Cost-effectiveness is an essential no upfront purchase or commitment beyond the price of the
parameter of the decision matrix. number of hours on the card, yet card holders are treated like
For instance, Travel$ense is a simple computer programme fractional owners. Bombardier Skyjet pioneered online book-
that helps determine whether using the airline or a business ing of private jets and introduced the Skyjet Card. Skyjet Card,
jet is more logical. If journeys to multiple cities are involved with its simple debit-card format, offers guaranteed availabil-
especially those with limited scheduled service, the business ity with advance reservation. There is no further capital cost,
jet wins hands down. Some may be tempted to do a straight monthly maintenance, positioning charges or obligations.
price comparison with scheduled business class travel. In re- To own or not to own? Several factors determine the type of
ality, the price gap is often smaller than expected especially ownership best suited to a particular enterprise. These include
for larger groups. Factoring in savings on night halts, hotel the approximate number of hours required per year and the
accommodation, meals and contingent expenses presents a number of people typically on board. If travel requirements are
more compelling picture. Consider also the savings in salaries light there is nothing like a simple charter. Projected require-
for the wasted days and the opportunity cost of tying up key ments of close to 25 hours per year are best met by purchasing
personnel for so long and business jets become a pretty good a jet card. However, beyond 25 hours of travel and certainly be-
option. The bottom line is that business aviation is the right tween 50 and 200 hours, fractional ownership is the most sen-
choice when time is of essence and frequently makes all the sible. It is only the big companies likely to need over 400 flight-
difference between an opportunity seized or lost. hours per year that need to think about buying their own jets.
TO OWN OR NOT TO OWN STING OFF THE PRICE TAG

A company that wishes to exploit business jets has several op- A key aim of business aviation is to reduce costs and make
tions. The traditional ownership model guarantees availability it comparable with scheduled commercial service. However,
but implies very heavy costs per hour if at least 300, prefer- few private jet owners can utilise the 400 hours or so essential
ably 400 or more flight-hours per year per jet cannot be used. for it to be a cost-effective asset. If they are financially secure
Besides, ownership has problems such as the need for man- and don’t lose sleep over this, it is just as well. Owners who
agement attention, the lack of ability to optimize the aircraft assume that charter revenues would help defray costs of un-
selected for a particular trip as also the possible shortfall of derutilised aircraft will probably be disappointed. The large
asset utilisation leading to prohibitive per hour costs. initial investment is unlikely to be compensated for even if the
Some ownership issues are sorted out by programmes like aircraft is chartered out around 100 hours a year.
XO Jet lease. As XO Jet’s David Siegel claims, “What we offer is The ability of professionally run companies to achieve
the ability to have a much lower capital commitment, and we’ll economies of scale from managing scores of aircraft allows
sell you a product that is much more flexible. Our costs are them to pass on much of the cost savings to customers who
lower because we’re buying an aircraft type in large volume need only limited flying time. Consequently, both stand to ben-
and financing it in large volume, and we have the economy of efit and the life-changing personal benefits of aircraft ‘owner-
scale in our operations. Our business model is more efficient, ship’ become affordable to more and more people. A host of
which lowers our costs and we pass that on to the customer.” alternative plans now provide approximately the same cost
Then there is fractional ownership, the brainchild of Rich- per flight-hour as traditional ownership with 400 hours of
ard Santulli, who formed NetJets in the mid-1980s. It is gener- use. Leasing, charter, or card programmes avoid the complex-
ally available in increments from one-sixteenth of a share up ity of maintaining and operating a business jet including the
to half a share. It entails lower upfront costs, generally lower need to hire additional personnel. These enable companies to
hourly costs and fewer management demands. However, vari- access quality business jet service without the investment and
ations from a programme’s contractual terms can be expen- management costs associated with ownership, and without
sive. Also, the jet has to be shared with other fractional owners entering the somewhat volatile used-jet market.
who may need it on the same day, resulting in longer request Business aviation is grappling with enormous challenges
periods or limited access during ‘peak days’. Good fractional that are likely to intensify in future. One of the stated goals of
ownership programmes unconditionally guarantee that either the new American government is to seek ‘sustainable’ alterna-
the same jet or a comparable one will be available whenever tives to air travel. That could include some curbs on private
required. Usually residual value—the amount of money one jets. Should owners rush for the exits and divest themselves of
would expect to recoup on the initial aircraft investment if the their jets while they can? It would be wiser, perhaps, to hang
jet were sold at the end of the contractual period at the fair on and weather the storm. Business jets are too effective to be
market value—cannot be counted on. However, Cessna, which ditched. A Cessna ad puts it succinctly, “One thing is certain:
leads the light jet market with its Citation models, now guar- true visionaries will continue to fly.” As surely as night follows
antees buyers the repurchase of their used Cessna Citations. day, business jets will be back in vogue. SP

CIVIL
CIVIL BUSINESS
BUSINESSAVIATION
AVIATION
OnRecord
WE VALUE YOUR TIME: GULFSTREAM PLANES HAVE

ETCHED AN INDELIBLE MARK IN BUSINESS AVIATION
(SEEN HERE IS THE G150 INTERIOR)
Gulfstream
Office
Your
A Gulfstream
business jet cabin is
in the Sky
as functional as
any office or boardroom
F
OR MORE THAN THREE DECADES, business
jets have proven themselves to be an essential
operating tool for companies of every size. That is
By especially true of Gulfstream aircraft. Gulfstream
PHOTOGRAPHS: GULFSTREAM
Roger Sperry, jets can take off and land at approximately 5,000
Division Vice airports across the US. Commercial airlines, on
the other hand, are limited to approximately 500 airports.
President,
This accessibility is a must for industrialists and corpo-
International rates. Gulfstream aircraft have another advantage: these
Sales, can be flown at higher altitudes than commercial airlines,
Gulfstream which essentially translates to avoiding air-traffic conges-

tion and adverse weather. Product support is crucial to op-

No need to show up 90 minutes erators of Gulfstream aircraft. Not
BOOST TO BUSINESS: GULFSTREAM
before a flight departs; no lost bag- PLANS TO FLY THE G650 (INSET)
only does Gulfstream have the larg-
gage; no misplaced documents. You OFFERING INCREDIBLE SETUP est company-owned product support
have everything with you when network in business aviation—3,000
you take off and land. As they say, employees—but no other business-
“Time is money.” Business jets are essentially time machines jet manufacturer offers a wider range of services, enhance-
that increase productivity, thereby generating greater finan- ments, spares, support functions and technical publications.
cial returns for a company. Despite the one-two punch of a turbulent economy and ac-
To expound on that efficiency, Gulfstream takes the “of- companying media hyperbole of corporate extravagance, the
fice in the sky” model for business aviation to a new level. industry is still standing—and fighting back. For those of you
With technology such as Broad Band Multi-Link, a Gulf- who think The Sudden Demise of Business Aviation will be
stream business jet cabin is as functional as any office or among the course offerings at business schools next year, here
boardroom. Employees can use their BlackBerry, laptop and are some figures to ponder on: more than 10,000 companies
cellphone; conduct phone and/or video conferences; and across the US, about 85 per cent of which are small or midsize,
print or fax content to their shareholders. Not to be over- use business jets. Simply put, business aviation is here to stay.
looked is the privacy in which an employee can do business. Gulfstream planes have etched an indelible mark in busi-
Client or employee meetings can be held without the risk of ness aviation because of their range and speed. The popular
being overheard; proprietary information can be shared. Gulfstream G550 has a range of 6,750 nautical miles, which
Jet lag is not a problem for those flying Gulfstream air- means it can easily link Sydney with Delhi; London with
craft. Gulfstream cabins use 100 per cent fresh air, that com- Mumbai; and Paris with Bangalore. Speed is not sacrificed.
bats fatigue and illness. They are also quiet, comfortable and The G550 can fly 6,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.80 and has
come with panoramic windows, which allow in more light. a high-speed cruise capability of Mach 0.87.
The bottom line: when an employee gets off the plane, he or In an effort that’s sure to raise the bar, Gulfstream plans
she is ready to hit the ground running. to fly its state-of-the-art G650 by the end of the year. The
Gulfstream aircraft are also renowned for inherent safe- G650 is poised to be the ultimate in purpose-built business
ty features. Many planes are equipped with technology such jets. Not only does it offer the largest and quietest cabin in
as PlaneView, the most advanced flight deck in existence; its class, it has the longest range, fastest speed and the most
PlaneBook, a preloaded tablet computer that provides pi- technologically advanced aircraft systems. Business travel
lots with immediate access to critical flight information; will never be the same again.
and PlaneConnect, a data link that automatically transmits For 50 years, Gulfstream Aerospace has held a promi-
aircraft maintenance information from airborne-PlaneView- nent place in the industry, and its commitment and ingenuity
equipped jets to ground-based operations centres. ensures that it will be there another 50 years. SP

Eyes
SHOW PREVIEW PARIS AIR SHOW ’09
ALL
On LE BOURGET
This year, the

event will mark
100 years of
technological
By Sangeeta Saxena,
innovation in
Chief Special Correspondent, aeronautics and
New Delhi
space conquest
J
PHOTOGRAPHS: SP GUIDE PUBNS/ ESA
une 15, 2009. A landmark day for global aviation (GIFAS), the event serves as a platform to demonstrate mili-
industry when all roads lead to Le Bourget, Paris. tary and civilian aircraft to potential customers.
More than 150 aircraft showcased by 2,000 exhibi- With almost 400,000 admissions in seven days, Le
tors draw government delegations from every na- Bourget hosts an event not to be missed. One of the largest
tion that matters, media the world over and an au- aircraft shows in the world, the Paris Air Show has been
dience of thousands to the International Paris Air held biannually for the last 100 years. In 2007, there were
Show. Organised by the French aerospace industry’s Groupe- over 142 aircraft on display and 1,996 exhibitors from
ment des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales 42 countries represented. This year, the show will mark a

SHOW PREVIEW PARIS AIR SHOW ’09
and institutional contractors. Ini-

tiated in 2007, these interactions
have generated 6,000 individual
and pre-organised appointments.
PAST FORWARD
Paris Air Show traces its history
back to the first decade of the 20th
century. In 1908, there was a sec-
tion of the Paris Automobile Show
dedicated to aircraft, and from 1909
there was an air show, held at the
Grand Palais. There were four fur-
ther shows before the First World
War. The show re-started in 1919,
and from 1924 it was held every two
years. Interrupted by the Second
World War, the shows re-started in
1946. Since 1949, the event is held
in every odd-numbered year.
The air shows continued to be
held at the Grand Palais, and from
1949 flying demonstrations were
staged at Orly Airport. In 1953,
the show was relocated from
the Grand Palais to Le Bourget.
During the late 1960s and early
1970s, the show emerged as a
hundred years of technologi- GOING STRONG: PARIS AIR powerful international rival to the Farnborough Air Show.
SHOW CONTINUES TO LAY
cal innovation in aeronautics CLAIM TO THE DISTINCTION OF
The 1971 show featured a full scale mock-up of an Airbus
and space conquest. BEING THE WORLD’S LEADING 300 and the 1973 show the new DC-10 and Lockheed Tri-
Le Bourget attracts exhibi- AEROSPACE EXPOSITION star. The show suffered its worst accident in 1973 when a
tors and participants repre- Tupolev Tu-144 (Russian equivalent of the Anglo-French
senting companies ranging Concorde) crashed, killing the six crew and eight people
from small manufacturers to on the ground.
large multinational corporations. These participants come Besides displaying all that is new in the aviation indus-
from all sectors of the aerospace industry, including aircraft try, the Paris Air Show showcases the key historic achieve-
manufacture, assembly, government/administrations, armed ments in the field. Open initially to trade, the show welcomes
forces, air transport, subcontractors (mechanical engineering the public during the closing weekend. Attractions include
and composite materials), aircraft interiors, airborne equip- impressive flying displays and exhibitions showcasing the
ment and systems, maintenance, product support and spares, latest cutting-edge technologies in the aircraft industry. The
propulsion system manufacturers, services such as training, French Air Force contributes a large number of military air-
finance and aviation publications. craft to the flying displays and also puts on a show of their
own. The Air and Space Museum’s permanent collections are
B2B MEETINGS & INTERACTIONS open throughout the show. This popular event attracts about
June 16 to 18, entrepreneurs from the aerospace sector make 500,000 people each year.
the most of the opportunity to meet and interact with the in-
dustry’s most influential players through customised, targeted INDIAN PRESENCE
B2B meetings. Companies converge to identify new business Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
partners, meet suppliers and buyers and also find technology (FICCI) spokesperson Vinay Mathur confirmed that a joint del-
partners for joint R&D projects or technology transfers. egation of officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI
Organisers emphasise the goal of such meetings is to op- would be attending the Paris air show. He stressed that the
timise and save time at the show with planned meetings, visit is primarily for supporting the aviation sector in India and
spot companies among the 2,000 exhibitors, with profiles for promoting India Aviation 2010. As per Amit Kumar Singh,
responding to specific needs and applications, request meet- spokesperson of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) there
ings with potential partners, identify new contacts for estab- will be a representation on the part of their members.
lishing fresh ties and technological cooperation, and lead On the other hand, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
a workshop and to present individual purchase strategy to and other public sector companies of the aviation indus-
suppliers. Individuals or companies implementing projects try plan to send their representations to the show even as
related to aerospace sector, and managers and directors for the vastly spread private sector will be out in full strength
procurement, technical matters, R&D, production, quality to represent India Inc.. SP

MILITARY LOCKHEED MARTIN F-16IN
Experienceit,
OnRecord
FIRST-HAND
A
strike fighter is a fighter reviewed. Now it is time to go attack
aircraft that is capable and destroy the target!
of attacking both air and Pre-flight preparation of the F-16IN
surface targets. It differs Super Viper is rapidly accomplished,
from an attack aircraft in even though your strike fighter is config-
that the strike fighter is also a capa- ured with two precision guided stand-off
ble air combat fighter. The Indian Air weapons, a full set of close-in and beyond
Force’s (IAF) tender for the Medium line-of-sight air-to-air missiles for self-de-
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) fence, and a full set of external tanks. All
programme calls for a strike fighter to weapons and pre-flight gauges are easy to
replace aged aircraft and improve the see and there is no need for maintenance
combat effectiveness of the IAF fighter ladders or stands. The mission planning
force structure. The F-16IN Super Vi-
By Orville Prins data you have prepared is automatically
per meets or exceeds the challenging Vice President, loaded into the advanced mission com-
strike fighter requirements, delivered Business Development, puter via the cockpit receptacle.
within a timely, low-risk programme Lockheed Martin, India
tuned for India’s defence industry. INSIDE THE COCKPIT
The Super Viper is the ultimate Fourth Control of the agile F-16IN Super Viper
Generation fighter, melding advanced
Fifth Generation capabilities with the Delineating the fighter is with your right hand on the
side-stick controller. There is no cumber-
F-16’s combat-proven performance,
reliability and maintainability.
STRIKE ROLE some “stick” in the middle of the cock-
pit blocking your view of the displays.
SIMULATING A FIGHT CAPABILITIES Powering up the cockpit, you have an

unobstructed view of the fully integrated
Imagine yourself as a Wing Command-
er preparing to lead a strike fighter
of the F-16IN cockpit displays. Each of the three main
12.7 x 17.8 cm full colour displays is fully
mission. Your target: a weapons depot Super Viper programmable, reflecting selections you
deep inside enemy territory. The ability made during your mission planning. For
to reach the full set of enemy target ar- every system, weapon, and sensor there
eas is crucial to success of any air cam- is a preset mode of your choosing. Vital
paign. The F-16IN meets and exceeds all MMRCA radius of for today’s attack is the “all-in-one” Tactical Situation Display
action and loiter time requirements, ensuring that you can (TSD) you have configured on the centre display.
put any enemy target “at risk”. Learning that the target is After take-off, you settle into the seat optimised for fight-
guarded by modern surface and air threats, you commence er combat and concentrate on the mission. This mission will
PHOTOGRAPHS: LOCKHEED MARTIN/ SP GUIDE PUBNS
preparations at your computer-based Mission Planning Sys- be flown at low altitude—too low for aerial refueling—but
tem with the confidence that the F-16IN Super Viper—cus- the high fuel-to-weight ratio of the F-16IN design provides
tom designed for the IAF and its missions—is the fighter plenty of range to fly your pre-planned mission route and
for any challenge. All the data is there at your fingertips to navigate through any unforeseen diversions. As you pen-
optimise this mission. etrate enemy airspace, you are flying at 30 m altitude, on
Using a predicted Electronic Order of Battle (EOB), auto-pilot, using radar terrain following backed up with a
digital maps of the terrain, and key intelligence data, you passive digital terrain database. Nap of the Earth flight at
quickly determine the flight route to and from the target. 480 knots—nearly 900 km/hour!
Your mission data is shared across a network with your The field-proven Active Electronically Scanned Array
squadron mates and soon all routes for the multiple fight- (AESA) radar scans the flight corridor in front of you to detect
ers in the strike “package” are optimised and coordinated. terrain and obstacles like radio masts that may not have been
Synthetic imagery and maps, predicting what each pilot in your pre-mission database. While conducting terrain follow-
expects to encounter during the mission, are created and ing, the AESA radar is also scanning the sky for threat fighters.

MILITARY LOCKHEED MARTIN F-16IN
Only a few airborne contacts so far, over 100 km out. Viewing Weapon release! You take control of the fighter and turn
your TSD, you see that these contacts appear to be orbiting away from the enemy bogies. Your sensors show the enemy
overhead an enemy air base. An exchange of data link symbols fighters are bearing down on you at Mach 1.4. Two new
lets you confirm the other fighters in your strike mission have SAM radars have popped up. The TSD on that center display
also detected the contacts. is your best friend now. Everything is displayed together; it
is the ultimate fusion of data into a presentation for the pilot
FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE ENEMY to quickly read and understand.
Soon you encounter the first of the enemy air defence con- You use the situation awareness fusion of the F-16IN Su-
centrations. You visualise the pre-mission threat locations per Viper to manoeuvre your way around the new threats,
on the TSD in yellow, with rings indicated their lethal range. the terrain following and avoidance systems to reduce your
Your planned flight route weaves in, around, and through exposure, the missile warning system to guide your evasion
them. Your digital integrated electronic warfare system manoeuvres. The enemy fighters have turned away from you
(EWS) is listening for any enemy radar or laser emissions, and you climb now to gain more real time situation aware-
programmed especially for this mission and these threats. ness with your passive and active sensors.
The noise in your headset alerts you. A surface-to-air Your data link now shows that two of your squadron mates
missile battery has activated its radar, attempting to lock-on are engaging the enemy bogies while evading ground threats.
to your strike fighter. The radar cross section of your F-16IN You see the bogies turn to defeat the engagement and with a
Super Viper is small, and its single high-bypass turbofan en- glance at the TSD you instantly visualise that you now have the
gine produces less heat than a twin-engine fighter. Hence, best firing solution on these targets. With a few simple switch
it is extremely difficult for the threat to track your strike movements, you have detailed tracking data on the bogies;
fighter deftly and safely flying this low and “in the clutter”. your long-range missiles are ready. The TSD provides that final
The EWS detects and identifies a new threat and locates its step before firing; it gives you all the data needed to confirm
position. It is not in any of the pre-mission locations and you meet the vital rules of target engagement.
your planned route of flight is taking you toward the newly The AESA radar is providing track quality data even
detected threat. Using your hands-on-throttle-and-stick con- while maintaining the search mode you commanded to en-
trols, you alter your route of flight by selecting the nearest sure no other bandits pop up. Your missiles are away now
steerpoint of your navigation route and “drag” the point out and you have clear indications of their status and times to
of the lethality ring of this new threat. impact. The symbology data linked into the cockpits of your
Satisfied that your mission route now goes around the pop- squadron mates informs them of your engagement with the
up threat, you accept the new point and it is computed into the enemy and they move in to support you. The bogies are soon
overall mission flight plan. You feel the fighter accelerate as the “splashed”; they ventured too fast and too deep into your
auto-throttle voluntarily adjusts groundspeed to maintain your strike formation and the shared situation awareness of the
pre-mission time on target. You designate the new steerpoint Super Vipers sealed their fate.
for transmission via datalink so that other members of the
strike package will know your route has been modified. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, GET SET FOR THE NEXT
The EWS is not jamming the threat, there is no need now, As you land back at the base, having flown over 1,000 km
but you have deployed your towed decoy just in case there is at low altitude without aerial refueling, the next mission for
no warning the next time a threat pops-up. Flying this low the your strike fighter is already being planned. Turn around
threat rings on the display are showing a lot of terrain mask- time for an F-16IN Super Viper is incredibly fast. The supe-
ing, and as you approach the target area the masking of your rior reliability and ease of maintainability has been demon-
path from threat radars is the best it can be. But you lose that strated in over 400,000 combat flight hours.
masking for a short while as you start a quick climb to gain Grabbing your mission data cartridge, you debrief, confi-
line of sight to the target and obtain a synthetic aperture radar dent that everything vital that occurred during the mission was
(SAR) map. The threat radars reach out to find you. recorded: the emission parameters and locations of those pop-
You take evasive action and dive back down “in the up air defense radars and fighters, the SAR maps you generat-
weeds”. You are grateful for the easy handling Super Viper, ed, the weapon launch parameters; the intelligence is captured
even with this heavy external load (the F-16IN can carry and disseminated on the network. The next strike aircrews
over 60 per cent more external load than the MMRCA re- transiting that threat arena will be even better prepared based
quirement) it responds as a fighter should. You examine the upon your success.
ultra high resolution SAR map you obtained during your All this capability is just a small part of what the F-16IN
pop-up manoeuvre. Your aimpoints stand out clearly. Super Viper can do. This extraordinary weapon system de-
livers a capability the IAF can rely upon today and for de-
TARGET IN SIGHT, WEAPON AT HAND cades to come. SP
Your internal digital jammer is requesting consent to go ac-
tive now. With a flick of a finger it starts jamming multiple The author is a graduate of the Naval Fighter Weapons
threats with deceptive techniques. You pass the initial point School (Topgun) and the USAF Adversary Tactics Instruc-
of the target attack and the autopilot has commanded an ac- tor School, and has flown more than 3,000 hours in 14 dif-
celeration to weapon release speed. The EWS is displaying ferent tactical aircraft. In addition to corporate experience,
threat indications all around you now. Your radar and in- his military assignments include Project Test Pilot, Opera-
fra-red systems tell you those enemy fighters are no longer tions, Weapons and Air Combat Training, Logistics and Ad-
orbiting but headed toward you and your squadron mates. ministration, Quality Assurance and Maintenance.

MILITARY MMRCA
Q&A Q&A
Dr Vivek Lall, Stefan Billep,

Vice-President and India Head,
Country Head, Boeing IDS Eurofighter Typhoon, India
‘Boeing ready to share RFP

specified technologies’
SP’s Aviation (SP’s): With the technical evaluation over, what are your
chances of clinching the deal?
Dr Vivek Lall (Dr Lall): We hope to be invited to the field trials in order to demon-
strate the F/A-18IN Super Hornet’s outstanding strengths and capabilities.
‘Typhoon comes with twin
SP’s: How is the F/A-18IN better than the fighter aircraft offered by your
competitors?
Dr Lall: The F/A-18IN Super Hornet offers India the most advanced see-all, do-all
engine, very good payload’
combat fighter in production today, capable of defending the nation from the Hima-
layas to the Indian Ocean with unmatched lethality, pilot safety and the promise of SP’s Aviation (SP’s): How is your product better than your competitors’?
30-plus years of US Navy-funded upgrades. Further, the Super Hornet’s Life Cycle Stefan Billep (Billep): It has the advantage of a twin engine aircraft with the
Cost will meet India’s expressed need for low total ownership cost based on demon- powerful EJ200 engine and a very good payload. Its manoeuvrability, agil-
strated high reliability, ease of maintenance and minimal support infrastructure. ity and adaptability is outstanding. Eurofighter Typhoon represents a cost
versus design ratio which should be the best of all. The level of survivability
SP’s: How is it suitable for India’s military requirements? and the technology we have used is second to none. Eurofighter is without
Dr Lall: The Boeing proposal, offering the F/A-18IN Super Hornet, we believe exaggeration the most modern aircraft available on the world market and
meets or exceeds many of the requirements set out on the request for proposal will be state-of-the-art for at least the next forty years.
(RFP). The Super Hornet will provide the Indian Air Force with a tactically superior
and combat proven multi-role combat capability. The Super Hornet’s exceptional SP’s: Is it more suitable to the Indian Air Force’s requirement and how?
warfighting capability is further enhanced by its renowned reliability, ease of main- Billep: We are absolutely convinced that we can achieve all requirements of the
tenance, and exceptional operational availability—all of which contribute to its IAF. Eurofighter Typhoon will be the most powerful combat aircraft for hot and high
low Life Cycle Cost. The Super Hornet includes the latest generation of military altitude operations, which we feel is a major requirement of the IAF. Our proposal
technologies. Key technologies, such as its advanced Active Electronically Scanned to the MoD is most appealing and offers India enormous political, industrial and
Array Radar, are operational with the USN, which will result in lower programme operational benefits.
development and schedule risks than other competing aircraft. The aircraft is pro-
jected to be in service with the USN beyond 2035, thereby ensuring the IAF avail- SP’s: Explain your stand on the offset clause and transfer of technology?
PHOTOGRAPHS: SHARAD SAXENA - SP GUIDE PUBNS
ability of spares and repairables for long-term support. Billep: Of course, we will respect the offset clause. We have delivered a
very attractive technology package which is fully compliant with the offset
SP’s: Any comments on the offset clause and transfer of technology (ToT)? clause. As far as Transfer of Technology (ToT) is concerned, it is a challenge
Dr Lall: While we acknowledge the complexities and challenges of India’s offset for all competitors. In our view, ToT will happen in an incremental way rang-
requirements, Boeing views it as an opportunity to bring long-term mutually ben- ing from support to build up a final assembly line in India to full transfer
eficial business and industrial benefits to India and to Boeing. To date, Boeing has of technology and license production. In between, we have sold Eurofighter
successfully met or exceeded more than $29 billion (Rs 1,44,655 crore) in offsets Typhoon to Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy as well as to Saudi
in more than 40 countries, and we’re anxious to bring that same experience and Arabia and Austria. These countries can be asked for our professionalism
the same results to India. and customer support.
SP’s: Is Boeing ready to share all technologies with India? SP’s: So there are no plans to set aside these two clauses in the event
Dr Lall: Boeing is prepared, in conformance with US law and regulations, to share of being awarded the contract?
all technologies called for by the Government of India in the MMRCA RFP. Billep: Not at all. We are fully committed to fulfill all requirements of the RFP.
— Sangeeta Saxena — Sangeeta Saxena

MILITARY BOOK REVIEW
An ICON UNVEILED
A
village boy’s fascination for flying transported him Arjan Singh’s career witnessed a meteoric rise, culminating
not only to the pinnacle of his profession as an In- in his appointment as the CAS just a few months before the
dian Air Force (IAF) pilot, but also bequeathed him 1965 war with Pakistan.
the title of a living legend. The Icon, however, captures Later, Pakistan claimed it had won the air war, a view
not just the journey of a man who has, literally, been ‘the the official Indian history partly endorses. The book, how-
icon’ of the air force, but also the history of a family called ever, categorically debunks this well-entrenched myth
the IAF. Brilliantly written by Air Commodore (Retd) Jasjit with hard facts and figures to show that the IAF outper-
Singh in his now trademark fluent style, The Icon is an formed the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in all vital param-
authorised biography of Arjan Singh who joined the IAF eters of warfare. The sore point was lack of joint planning,
as a teenager, at the time of World War II, and rose to including lack of timely sharing of information which may
be the sole Marshal of the Indian Air Force—the highest have also resulted in inadequate awareness/sub-optimal
military rank attainable which prior to him only two Indi- preparedness in some of the field areas. If the IAF had not
an Army Chiefs, K.M. Cariappa and incurred more than half of its total
Sam Manekshaw, had achieved. losses in aircraft on the ground (35
The Icon also helps put the records out of the total of 59), attributable
straight in matters pertaining to the partly to lack of early warning but
1962 and 1965 wars India fought mostly due to inadequate dispersal
with China and Pakistan, respective- and deception, besides carelessness
ly. Arjan Singh participated in all the and complacency at some of the air
wars fought by the Royal Indian Air bases, the story would have been
Force (later IAF), from Waziristan in vastly different. Air Commodore
NWFP, all through to the 1965 Indo- (Retd) Singh is emphatic is his as-
Pak War, which he led from the top sertion that after the initial reversals
as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). Show- due to aircraft losses on the ground,
casing his exceptional professional, the Indians turned the tide of the air
leadership and humane qualities, war with the PAF losing aircraft at
one of the numerous instances docu- nearly three times the rate of the IAF
mented in the book reads: “A classic during the later stages of the war.
example was of retrieving Ghulam Honoured with the Padma Vib-
Ali—the tail gunner of his disabled hushan, Arjan Singh also became
aircraft which he had crash-landed The Icon—An the first Indian to be promoted to the
on a river bed in NWFP after being rank of Air Chief Marshal. After re-
hit by the tribal’s bullets—and who, Authorised Biography tirement from the IAF when he was
in a state of post crash disorientation barely 50 years old, he continued to
was running in the opposite direc-
of Marshal of the be called upon to render his services
tion towards the hostile tribals. Even Indian Air Force to the nation, both in the diplomatic
though injured himself, the athletic and political arena. On January 26,
young flier was quickly able to catch Arjan Singh, DFC; 2002, he was conferred the ultimate
up with Ali and bring him back to the
safety of own troops.”
by Air Commodore distinction—Marshal of the Indian
Air Force.
A fearless pilot and bold com- Jasjit Singh AVSM,VrC, Air Commodore (Retd) Singh,
mander, Arjan Singh’s exploits as the himself a Padma Bhushan awardee
Commanding Officer of No. 1 Squad- VM (Retd); published for a life-time contribution to na-
ron in the defence of Imphal in 1944
against the Japanese were bestowed
by KW Publishers Pvt tional defence and security, was rac-
ing against time for the release of
unprecedented recognition by Lord Ltd in association with the book precisely on the Marshal’s
Mountbatton, Supreme Commander 90th birthday. Unputdownable, the
South East Asia and later the Vice- Centre for Air Power book is a must read not only for all
roy, who personally pinned the Dis- Studies (New Delhi); practitioners of the profession of
tinguished Flying Cross (DFC) on the arms, but also bureaucrats and their
young commander’s chest on the tar- price: Rs 880/$25 political masters. SP
mac of Imphal airfield when it was
still under siege. Post Independence, —Air Marshal (Retd) V.K. Bhatia

MILITARY EQUIPMENT
Radar Resonance
for RAFALE
Dassault Aviation opts for the RBE2 AESA from Thales for its omni role fighter aircraft
By Our Special Correspondent
R
ecording a hat-trick for Thales Aerospace Solutions, agency, DGA, are over. At the demonstration, three prototype
Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and now France radars were flown progressively on a Dassault Falcon20 busi-
have confirmed the procurement of RBE2 Active Elec- ness jet, a modified Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter and the Ra-
tronically Scanned Array radars manufactured by the French fale. The active phased array, which replaces the passive array
company. Key beneficiary to this technology in France would in the RBE2 currently operating on the Rafale has a range ex-
be Rafale, the omni role fighter aircraft manufactured by Das- tended by over 50 per cent, for future compatibility with new
sault Aviation. The radars will be installed in the aircraft in weapon systems like meteor. It also has a higher module for re-
2011 for delivery to the French Air Force early in 2012. duced cost of ownership, as no array overhaul will be required
With Dassault’s Rafale back in the race for India’s Medium for 10 years. The waveform agility for high resolution synthetic
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal and the French operational aperture imagery in air-to-ground mode and better resistance
requirements set at 294 of the fighter aircraft, Thales seems to jamming is a feature specific to Rafale.
to be on a successful market penetration drive. The French Air Total cost of the Rafale programme, including development,
Force has ordered 82 Rafales while the French Navy is eyeing pre-production, production and integrated logistical support,
38 Rafale Ms—garnering a total of 120 production aircraft for amounts to €33,273 million in 2004—an increase of just 4.18
both the services. Dassault has announced that the manufac- per cent over the projected cost in 1988. The Rafale will even-
turing of the aircraft will continue till 2023. tually replace all the existing types of fighter aircraft in the in-
Joint tests by Thales and French defence procurement ventory of the French Air Force and Navy. SP
Master
INDUSTRY M-346 FIRST FLIGHT
Formation
The 60-minute flight comprising three aircraft was made by the two
prototypes of Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master and LRIP00,
while the M-311 aircraft acted as camera ship
By Our Special Correspondent
PHOTOGRAPHS: THALES / ALENIA AERMACCHI
T
he Alenia Aermacchi M-346 “MASTER” has accom- can be increased in case of specific needs.
plished its first three-aircraft formation flight. Thanks to the extremely advanced and automated in-
The 60-minute flight was made by the two proto- dustrialization process, Alenia Aermacchi will be able to
types and LRIP00, representative of the series production con- address effectively the market demand for trainers aimed
figuration, while the M-311 aircraft acted as camera ship. at pilots of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft. At pres-
Alenia Aermacchi is proceeding with the last M-346 devel- ent, the M-346 “MASTER” has been chosen for a total of
opment activities and is fitting out the new hangar dedicated more than 60 aircraft and there are going to be other com-
to the automated build-up and structural assembly lines for mercial opportunities through the participation to impor-
series production at a rate of 18-24 aircraft annually, which tant international bids. SP

MILITARY INDUSTRY
Magnificent Yak-130 for

Indian Air Force
V
arious experts have been highly naissance and jamming devices.
estimating the latest Russian com- By Rajiv Kumar The glass cockpit concept has been fully
bat training aircraft – Yak-130. implemented to the Yak-130. Each cockpit
The aircraft has been selected as sports liquid crystal multifunctional color
a main vehicle for basic and advanced Rus- displays while the front cockpit also features
sian Air Force pilots’ training. Various nations – Russia’s tra- an additional head-up display. The aircraft is also equipped
ditional partners in military-technical cooperation - have al- with helmet-mounted aiming system. Neither hand indexes
ready stressed their strong interest to this aircraft. The reason nor electromechanical devices have been used.
is obvious as according to a lot of specialists the aircraft has The clear design and improved reliability of the air-
no match in its class. frame, power plant and on-
In fact Yak-130 is a mod- board system provide longer
ern airplane for efficient pilots service life and total aircraft
training for modern and fu- self-efficiency. High opera-
ture Russian and non-Russian tional and technological ef-
aircraft including high speed fectiveness, teamed with low
maneuverable combat train- life-cycle cost and outstand-
ing under strong overloads and ing flight performance ensure
large angles of attack, under top-class flight training in the
any weather conditions. The short term.
air-intake screens and chassis According to the interna-
design as well as take-off and tional experts the Russian-
landing characteristics allow to made Yak-130 has brilliant
use the aircraft from the non- capabilities for various pilots
paved airstrips. The aircraft life training. The aircraft can be
cycle is over 10,000 flight hours equipped with any system
with an airframe life cycle over according to the specific cus-
30 years without overhaul. The tomers’ requirements. Suc-
Yak-130 enormous flight safety cessful airframe design, high
has been provided with two re- aerodynamics characteristics
liable engines as well as all the and modern onboard equip-
main systems multiple duplica- ment allow to use the Yak-
tion. This is a crucial factor for 130 as a basis for the aircraft
the young pilots training to as- family including light attack,
sure them with the aircraft ul- reconnaissance, jammer, as
timate reliability. The Yak-130 well as shipborne combat
has been also equipped with trainer. Not a small row, one
the fly-by-wire control system should admit. SP
to provide variation in stability and controllability parameters
appropriate to different aircraft. The Yak-130 combat trainer is exported by the Russian State
The specialized onboard imitation system provides air Corporation Rosoboronexport.
combat simulation of a wide range of scenarios including Rosoboronexport is the sole state company in Russia au-
maneuverable and jamming air targets interception, as well thorized to export the full range of defense–related and dual-
as cooperation with other friendly aircraft group, aerial and use products, technologies and services. The official status of
ground command posts. Rosoboronexport secures the guaranteed state support in all
export operations.
PHOTOGRAPHS: ROSOBORONEXPORT
Apart of high-efficient combat training Yak-130 can be

also used as a light combat aircraft (against armed groups Rosoboronexport is ranked among the major companies on
the global arms market and accounts for over 80% of Russia’s
for example). To fulfill various combat missions Yak-130 has
annual arms sales. Russia maintains military-technical coopera-
9 suspension points to carry up to 3,000 kg payload of weap- tion with over 70 countries worldwide.
onry including high-efficient guided missiles, unguided rock- Rosoboronexport aims to develop new lines and forms of
ets, guided and conventional air bombs. The aircraft has been military-technical cooperation and invites its current and fu-
also equipped with a gun mount. Apart of the weaponry the ture customers to establish long-term, mutually beneficial rela-
suspension points are intended for the extra-fuel tanks as well tions that will guarantee successful solutions to defense and
as containers for various means of weaponry guidance, recon- security problems. •

Bruising
SHOW REPORT EBACE ’09
Lap AHEAD
At the annual European
Business Aviation
Conference and
Exhibition in Geneva,
one prediction was that
corporate aircraft deliveries
would take three years
to recover to 2008 levels,
assuming the economy
bounces back next year and
sales recover in 2012
By Alan Peaford,
Geneva, Switzerland
PHOTOGRAPHS: NBAA, ALAN PEAFORD, DASSAULT & CESSNA
C
rashing global economy, the US government’s
attack on business aviation and the worst sud-
den downturn in the industry’s history—all
that notwithstanding, the annual European
Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition
(EBACE) held in Geneva put forth a display of THE RAMP
optimism and hope for the beleaguered sec- AT GENEVA: NO
tor. While some of the stars of previous busi- NEW SURPRISES
BUT PLENTY TO SEE
ness aviation shows had fallen by the wayside in the period
between the NBAA event in October 2008 and this year’s
EBACE on May 12-14—Very Light Jets, like the Eclipse and

SPOT THE SILVER LINING: NEW MARKETS ON THE
CESSNA’S JACK PELTON RADAR: BOMBARDIER’S RAY
IS CONVINCED THE FUTURE JONES LAYS STRESS ON
IS SOUND EMERGING ECONOMIES
Adam, being the main this is not killing off the

victims—those that are programme. It will hap-
surviving say they can pen,” he says.
already sense the green Even as some pro-
shoots of recovery. grammes were dropping
Ray Jones, Head of off the radar screens,
International Sales from “RATHER THAN FOCUS “BUSINESS AVIATION new ideas emerged at
Bombardier was one of ON WHAT WE AREN’T EXISTS FOR A REASON. the show. European tur-
the first to toss the coin IF IT MADE SENSE FOR boprop manufacturer
PRODUCING, CESSNA
for optimism. “Business ATR announced it is
HAS CHOSEN TO FOCUS A COMPANY TO USE AN
aviation exists for a rea- entering the business
son,” he says. “If it made ON WHAT WE ARE AIRCRAFT TO MEET ITS aviation market with
sense for a company to PRODUCING… WE WILL BUSINESS NEEDS BEFORE the ATR Corporate. “We
use an aircraft to meet SPEND ABOUT THE THE GLOBAL DOWNTURN, are working internally
its business needs be- SAME PERCENTAGE OF THEN IT MAKES SENSE on a nickname for the
fore the global down- REVENUE IN 2009 ON NOW… IF WE LOOK AT aircraft, but we want-
turn, then it makes THE GROWING EMERGING ed to come to EBACE
sense now. There are a NEW PRODUCT AND NEW to promote the idea of
host of reasons why the FEATURE DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIES, SUCH AS comfort, performance
market has depressed AND WE WILL SPEND IT ON CHINA AND INDIA, THERE and efficient travel on a
in the United States, but SATISFYING CUSTOMER IS GREAT DEMAND.” platform that is proven,”
if we look at the growing REQUIREMENTS FOR —RAY JONES, says ATR Sales Director
emerging economies, EXISTING PRODUCTS IN HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL Milco Rappuoli.
such as China and India, SALES, BOMBARDIER Several airlines
EXISTING MARKETS.”
there is great demand. have used the best-sell-
“Infrastructure and —JACK PELTON, ing regional turboprop
air management remain CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT in a quick-turnaround
an issue but the busi- AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, convertible from VIP to
ness case is compelling. CESSNA shuttle or medevac, but last year ATR took an order from a
Busy people need to get customer in Azerbaijan to deliver a fully equipped VIP air-
to places efficiently and craft. “It really worked,” says Rappuoli. “In a VIP configura-
business aviation is a tion, the aircraft has a range of 1,640 nm (3,034 km). In ad-
proven means by which dition, the short-field performance—we only need a 2,950 ft
to do that.” Cessna Chairman, President and Chief Executive strip—means we can reach 25 per cent more airports com-
Jack Pelton agreed. The current meltdown in business avia- pared to a corporate jet.”
tion activity, while the most profound in many years, is best The joint venture between EADS and Alenia has won
kept in perspective when discussing the global role of busi- an order from the Thai air force as a head-of-state aircraft.
ness aviation and of Cessna, he stresses. The basic corporate variant is priced at $17 million (Rs 80
crore) and can be configured with a forward VIP lounge of
FOCUS ON THE EXISTING & ENDURING eight seats and a number of different seating options at the
“Rather than focus on what we aren’t producing, Cessna has rear. ATR is confident there will be good take-up. “It makes
chosen to focus on what we are producing. It is true that we economic sense,” says Rappuoli. “Because of the airframe it
will not produce at the levels anticipated a year ago, but we can be converted back to a passenger or cargo aircraft for
are going to deliver about 300 Citations in 2009, slightly few- relatively little cost to meet the particular needs of the cus-
er than in 2010, and these are numbers that in years past tomer, so the asset value remains high.” The ATR has proven
would have been cause for celebration,” Pelton says. “We will capability on unpaved strips and can be configured to allow
spend about the same percentage of revenue in 2009 on new flexible space as well as VIP passengers. “We see good op-
product and new feature development, and we will spend it portunities for India or the Middle East,” he adds.
on satisfying customer requirements for existing products in
existing markets. We will continue to improve our global cus- ZEROING IN ON OTHER POSSIBILITIES
tomer service network—already second to none in the indus- Other regional or short haul aircraft could also be seen in the
try—and make it even more responsive to the customer.” skies of Asia if the Dubai-based Project Phoenix team have
Pelton had previously announced the suspension of the their way. The company is planning to extend its business
Columbus programme, the super-mid-size jet that would be model for branded personalised conversions of Bombardier
the flagship of the company’s product offering. “Be clear, CJ200 regional jets by adding Boeing 737s and competing

with Boeing Business Jets.

The first flight of the Phoe-
nix CRJ in Toronto is due
immediately after EBACE,
followed by delivery to its
launch customer in Macao
early in June.
Company Founder and
President Mike Cappuccitti
is looking to the future.
“What we have done with
the CRJ is taken a very
good airplane and made
it even better,” Cappuccitti
says. “It took us a lot lon-
ger than we had planned
to deliver the first aircraft
due to changes in the STC
for the tanks on the con-
version. But we are now
looking at other possibili- SURPASSING ITS OWN
ties. The Boeing 737-300 MILESTONES: DASSAULT
UNVEILED THE NEW
and 737-500 are ideal ve- CLASSIC INTERIORS OF
hicles. There are plenty of FALCON 7X EVEN WHILE
them around and provided we can get the STCs sorted out, MAKING A GRAVE MENTION “There is a lot of interest
OF THE TOUGH TIMES
we believe there will be demand for the quality that we are IT IS GOING THROUGH in what we are doing,” says
delivering on the Phoenix CJ200. Cappuccitti. “This is very dif-
QUICK TAKES | CESSNA

Citation CJ4 on track for FAA certification become the sixth Citation X to be based in the tract for a location at the Valencia Airport.
Cessna Aircraft Company announced it is on Middle East. Based in Riyadh and Dubai, Wallan
track to receive Federal Aviation Administration Aviation is Cessna’s Authorized Sales Represen- Cessna to use Bell’s European parts centre
type certification on the Citation CJ4 by the end tative and Authorized Citation Service Center Cessna has reached an agreement with sister
of the year. “Structural certification is well under- for the Middle East. With a maximum speed of company Bell Helicopter to use the latter’s Euro-
way including the completion of five lifetimes on Mach .92, the Citation X is the world’s fastest pean parts distribution facility at Amsterdam Air-
the fatigue test article. Development testing has civil aircraft. Since launch, Cessna has delivered port Schipol to further enhance parts distribution
been progressing on schedule, and we expect to more than 45 Citation Xs to the EMEA region (Eu- to Citation operators in Europe, the Middle East
begin certification testing later this month,” said and Africa. “This announcement is a continua-
CJ4 Program Manager Norm Baker. tion of the process begun more than a year ago
to increase Citation parts availability in Europe,
Citation Mustang fleet grows to 200 and will greatly decrease our response time for
Cessna has delivered the 200th Citation Mustang, AOG situations,” said Mark Paolucci, Cessna Se-
with the aircraft going to Maritime Air Charters. nior Vice President, Customer Service. AOG, or
The event was marked on May 4 with a brief cer- Aircraft on Ground, means the aircraft needs a
emony at Cessna’s Independence, Kansas, facility. part to operate and is the most serious of any
“The Mustang has become a game-changer, start- aircraft service requirement.
ing with its certification as the first aircraft in a
new line of entry level business jets and its first Pact with StandardAero enhances Citation
delivery two years ago,” said Roger Whyte, Cess- engine support
na’s Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Cessna has signed an agreement with Standar-
dAero that will enhance support for Mustang and
Delivery of first Ukrainian-registered Citation Citation X around the globe. The agreement in-
Cessna announced it would in May deliver to volves support of the Pratt and Whitney Canada
ACR Aero-Charter Airlines the first Ukrainian- PW615F on the Cessna Mustang and the Rolls-
registered Citation business jet, a CJ3. This is Royce AE3007C/C1 on the Citation X.
the first of four Citations ordered by ACR, with a
second CJ3 joining its fleet in July, and a further First European deliveries of XLS+
go to Lufthansa
CJ3 and an XLS+ scheduled for delivery in 2010. Cessna has delivered two Citation XLS+ busi-
Based in Kiev, ACR is one of Ukraine’s leading air rope, Middle East and Africa) and more than 300 ness jets to Lufthansa, the first deliveries of
charter businesses. Cessna’s authorised sales Citation Xs worldwide. the model to a European customer. The aircraft
representative Jet-Alliance worked closely with have entered service alongside two Citation
the Ukrainian authorities to secure certification,
while Cessna Finance Corporation provided fi- New Citation service center in Spain CJ3s and one CJ1+ in the Lufthansa Private Jet
Cessna announced plans to build its new Europe- fleet, which provides point-to-point flights among
nancing for the fleet order. 1,000 destinations in Europe and Russia. The
an Citation Service Center at Valencia Airport in
Middle East’s latest Citation X Spain. After two years of research and negotia- Private Jet service also offers customers of Luf-
delivered to Wallan tions with Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación thansa and SWISS International Air Lines long-
Cessna in May delivered a Citation X to Saad Aérea (AENA), Spain’s aviation administrative of- haul flights exclusive, seamless travel to onward
Wallan, Chairman of Wallan Aviation. This will fice, Cessna and AENA signed a land grant con- regional airports. •

DEFY THE ODDS: ferent from other the 2015 certification date to be achieved.
AIRBUS’ FRANCOIS
CHAZELLE IS conversion projects. Aerion, which has patented supersonic
UPBEAT ABOUT We are building a natural laminar flow technology for the air-
THE MARKET brand. We don’t buy craft, is partnering Pratt & Whitney to adapt
AS COMPANY
IMPROVES
the used aircraft on its venerable JT8D engine. The company’s
PAYLOAD spec; we do it when order book stands at “around 50”, roughly
we know what the the same figure as this time last year.
customer needs. Gulfstream, meanwhile, has trade-
When we get the marked the name “Whisper” with US au-
aircraft, the engines are sent back for a thorities, a title the application says de-
complete overhaul, we take out the gear scribes an “aircraft featuring a design that
and send that back, and then we work on reduces boom intensities during superson-
“OF COURSE WE HAVE the interior. The interior design and finish ic flight”. Help from the US government
SEEN A SLOWDOWN LIKE is of a different quality. It will only be a could possibly take the form of funding for
EVERYONE ELSE, AND WE Phoenix if it meets that quality standard. a demonstrator to prove out sonic boom
“We have the approach of an OEM. We quieting technologies. The Federal Avia-
HAVE SEEN PEOPLE TAKE stick with the customer after the sale. We tion Administration is testing the waters in
OPPORTUNITIES LIKE have power-by-the-hour with Lufthansa advance of such a development. The agen-
BUYING A SMALLER JET Technik-supported eJet programme; we cy recently held two public workshops
SUCH AS A GULFSTREAM give the Medaire training for crew and where regulators and airframers, includ-
G550 OR A GLOBAL have special rates with CAE. The real dif- ing Aerion, Boeing and Gulfstream, dis-
EXPRESS BECAUSE OF ference is quality and our CRJs are more cussed potential new aircraft programmes
akin to a Global than a Challenger.”
DISCOUNTS—WHILE THEY
The current downturn has led to more
WAIT FOR DELIVERY interest, but Cappuccitti says the underly-
OF THE ACJ.” ing business model of getting an aircraft
—FRANCOIS CHAZELLE, delivered in 12 months is still attractive.
VICE-PRESIDENT, “That’s why we think we can succeed with
EXECUTIVE AND PRIVATE other models,” he says. “The 737 is an
AVIATION, AIRBUS ideal platform and we are also looking at
the BAe-146. The Phoenix rebirth of great
airplanes is certainly drawing attention in
Asia and the Middle East in particular.”
LURE OF THE SUPERSONIC

Another sector that will attract lots of in-
terest when the market recovers is the
race for supersonic
business jets. Gulf-
POSITIVE VIBES: stream used EBACE
CHALLENGING THE
ATR’S MILCO to officially acknowl- TIMES: THE FIRST OF
RAPPUOLI IS edge that it is con- with novel sonic
THE PHENOM 100 ENTRY
DELIGHTED WITH
THE INTEREST IN tinuing its supersonic LEVEL JETS MADE ITS boom mitiga-
research, but the com- DEBUT AT EBACE tion techniques.
THEIR OFFER
pany says it will not From a global
“WE ARE WORKING launch a programme perspective, the
INTERNALLY ON A until regulators in International
NICKNAME FOR the US and Europe relax long-standing Civil Aviation Organisation has established
rules prohibiting supersonic flight over a supersonic technical group to investigate
THE AIRCRAFT (ATR land. The other main contender, Aerion, is establishing noise and noise testing crite-
CORPORATE), BUT WE sticking to its 2015 target for putting its ria for supersonic aircraft, including sonic
WANTED TO COME TO supersonic business jet into service, even boom shaping and the impact on people
EBACE TO PROMOTE though it has not yet sealed the necessary and structures on the ground.
THE IDEA OF COMFORT, partnership deal with an OEM to produce At the show, Dassault Chairman and
PERFORMANCE AND the aircraft. The start-up’s Chairman and Chief Executive Charles Edelstenne ap-
backer Robert Bass said at EBACE that peared to dismiss his company’s poten-
EFFICIENT TRAVEL
Aerion is in advanced discussions with tial involvement in any supersonic pro-
ON A PLATFORM “more than one manufacturer”, but is gramme. “It may be something for the
THAT IS PROVEN.” bound by confidentiality agreements. The future, but not now,” he says. Dassault did,
—MILCO RAPPUOLI, aircraft is likely to have to be formally however, unveil a new interior for its flag-
SALES DIRECTOR, ATR launched within the next 18 months for ship 7X at the show, developed in conjunc-

PROMISES GALORE: THE BBJ

AT EBACE PROMISES NEW
OPTIONS AND RANGE;
(LEFT) THE 747-800 IN ITS
VIP CONFIGURATION AFFORDS
ROOM FOR ADDITIONAL BERTHS
tion with BMW DesignworksUSA. The new interior features a tion estimates for midsize and large-cabin jets by 20 per cent
clean design, innovative lighting and ergonomic functions as to 97 aircraft, down from the 126 expected last year. Despite
is available as an option from the first quarter of 2011. the softening, the company continues to maintain a healthy
backlog of more than $20 billion (Rs 94,250 crore), down by
ON A BRIGHT NOTE around $2 billion (Rs 9,425 crore) from the end of 2008.
Gulfstream also had some positive updates. The company Progress on the $24 million (Rs 110 crore) G250, being
says highlights this year will include first flights of the new co-developed with Israeli Aerospace Industries as a replace-
G250 super-midsize and G650 long-range jets. According to ment for the G200, includes completion of the first fuselage
President Joe Lombardo, reduced demand has required the by IAI and first wing assembly by Spirit AeroSystems. In ad-
airframer based in Savannah, Georgia to cut its 2009 produc- dition to landing gear drop tests, the development team has
QUICK TAKES | DASSAULT

ambient lights as well as “The Falcon 2000LX offers the lowest operating
light strips. The combina- costs of any airplane in the large cabin class and
tion of new lighting and is an ideal solution for today’s challenging eco-
more contrast between nomic times,” said John Rosanvallon, President
the carpet, the side walls and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “It’s the most fuel
and headliners emphasise efficient airplane in the large cabin class.” The
openness, spaciousness 4,000 nm range 2000LX offers the same spa-
and comfort. The final re- cious, quiet interior as the 2000EX EASy but the
sult is elegant and styled capability to serve a more extensive city pairs.
cabin fused with function. The 2000LX will be able to connect New York to
Moscow; Paris to Mumbai; Dubai to London and
Reno Service Center Hong Kong to Brisbane, non-stop.
inaugurated
Dassault Falcon has opened All is not gloom and doom: Charles Edelstenne
a new Dassault Aircraft Ser- Commenting on the current economic turmoil
vices facility at the Reno in the course of his May 11 speech at EBACE,
Tahoe International Airport Charles Edelstenne, Chairman and CEO of Das-
(RNO). The new facility is sault Aviation, candidly observed that the “cri-
a full service Falcon Main- sis is clearly much deeper than any other we’ve
tenance, Repair and Over- seen, but it cannot be bottomless”. Emphasis-
haul location, and offers ing the need to take the challenges head-on,
comprehensive avionics, Edelstenne said, “The long term growth of our
New interiors for Falcon 7X engine and aircraft support industry will only depend on our capacity to
Dassault Falcon unveiled a new cabin interior services, including an AOG ‘Go Team’. Early April, provide efficient solutions satisfying the very
design for the 5,950 nm Falcon 7X—result of Dassault Aircraft Services (DAS), Reno received specific transportation needs of our custom-
a collaborative effort between Dassault and certification from the FAA to perform mainte- ers. That is why innovation and investments are
DesignworksUSA, a subsidiary of BMW Group. nance on the Falcon 50, Falcon 2000, Falcon needed more than ever.” Outlining the compa-
Special attention was given to enhancing its 900 and Falcon 7X family of aircraft. The nearly ny’s commitment to its customers, the Dassault
cabin comfort for flights lasting up to 13 hours. 40,000 square foot facility will eventually be chief was optimistic that “all is not doom and
Since its entry into service in 2007, the 7X cab- staffed by over 40 highly skilled Dassault Falcon gloom. We start to see some signs of change.
in has set a new standard for business jets. The personnel. First, the pre-owned market seems to stabilise
new Falcon 7X cabin introduces subtle curves both in terms of number of aircraft for sale,
throughout the interior with 28 windows which Falcon 2000LX awarded EASA, FAA certification and in market price. It will take some time
are 10 per cent bigger than previous Falcons. Newest member of the Falcon family of busi- before the trend reverses, but this is the first
Curved bulkheads visually expand the main ness jets, the 4,000 nm Falcon 2000LX, has positive sign that we have all been expecting
cabin volume while subtle curves in the galley received certification from the FAA on April 30 for the past few months. We also meet more
and main cabin create better flow. Cabin light- while EASA certification was granted on April prospects and customers willing to discuss and
ing techniques feature up-wash and down-wash 23. The first delivery took place in early May. prepare plans for their future operations”. •

also accomplished first power-on of the aircraft and static Chazelle said the Airbus range of corporate jets from the
test articles of the major assemblies have been fabricated for A318 Elite right through to the A380 Flying Palace are still in
the certification programme. Entry into service is expected demand. “Of course we have seen a slowdown like everyone
in 2011. The G250 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7250G else, and we have seen people take opportunities like buying a
turbofans and has Rockwell Collins’ new Pro Line Fusion smaller jet such as a Gulfstream G550 or a Global Express be-
integrated avionics suite in the cockpit. cause of discounts—while they wait for delivery of the ACJ.”
For the $60 million (Rs 280 crore) G650, also set for first
flight this year, Lombardo says the first Gulfstream-built fu- OF PERFORMANCE & FORECASTS
selage is assembled as well as the first Spirit-built wing. Ad- Bombardier Aerospace was another manufacturer to intro-
ditionally, the first Rolls-Royce BR725 turbofan engines have duce extended range options at the show. The company an-
been podded, says Lombardo. Progress on the aircraft’s sys- nounced performance updates for its Learjet 40XR and Glob-
tems, including its Honeywell PlaneView II avionics as well al 5000 business jets. A 268 nm (496 km) range extension
as engine development, gives the company confidence in a is available on all new Learjet 40XR orders and on aircraft
first flight this year. Incentive to achieve first flight this year previously ordered and scheduled for delivery in the third
is significant as the first 50 customers will be required to quarter of the current fiscal year. The range extension is the
submit additional deposit money at that point. Entry into result of a 687 lb (312 kg) increase in fuel tank capacity.
service is expected in 2012. Meanwhile, the first installation of a service bulletin extend-
ing the Global 5000’s range by 8 per cent (400 nm/740 km) has
GIANTS RAISE THE BAR been completed at Bombardier’s Fort Lauderdale Service Cen-
Boeing was also in the headlines. The Seattle company out- ter in Florida. At a typical cruise speed of Mach 0.85, the Global
lined a partnership with Greenpoint Technologies to offer 5000 now has a range of 5,194 nm (9,620 km).
sleeper berths and lounges for 747-8 VIP operators, while an- Development work continues on the new Global Vision
nouncing orders to outfit four aircraft. The Overhead Space flight deck, which will be available for the Global 5000 and
Utilisation kit spans across 807 sq ft, with room for as many Global Express XRS. The cockpit, which incorporates Rock-
as 16 sleeper berths or two lounge modules, set above the well Collins’ Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, completed its
main cabin in the crown of the aircraft between doors three power-on test and is “on target” for its first flight, on a Glob-
and five. Each of the private 747-8 VIP berths will offer a lie- al Express XRS later this summer.
flat 90x200 cm mattress, equivalent to a standard twin bed, The first of the industry forecasts for the year were also an-
as well as a privacy curtain, removable decorative panels and nounced at the show. Brazilian manufacturer Embraer is pre-
a passenger service unit for calling a flight attendant. First dicting that business aircraft deliveries will take three years to
deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2011 and run to 2013. recover to 2008’s rates, assuming the economy bounces back
Boeing holds a cumulative total of 10 747 VIP aircraft next year and sales recover in 2012. Once the delivery re-
(three -400; seven -8I), the first of which will be delivered in bound happens, Luis Carlos Affonso, Embraer Executive Vice-
the fourth quarter of 2011, following a two-aircraft flight-test President for Executive Aviation, says, the increase in output
programme to certificate the world’s longest business jet. The every year will climb more slowly for 10 years compared with
company also outlined plans to deliver a 2 per cent improve- its mercurial year-over-year rise from 2005 to 2008.
ment in fuel burn on its Boeing Business Jet product line
through a combination of aerodynamic improvements and CUT TO SIZE FOR SUSTENANCE
engine technology changes, set to be rolled out in mid-2011. Affonso admits to wearing rose-coloured glasses when look-
The CFM56-7B Evolution engine, which accounts for ing forward at the NBAA show last October. “We thought
roughly 1 per cent of the improvement, will feature reshaped backlogs would sustain deliveries,” he says. “This was prov-
blades and vanes of the high- and low-pressure turbines en wrong.” Instead, owners cancelled or delayed their or-
to increase airflow through the engine and reduce overall ders as the economy and flight hours plunged. The compa-
temperature. Boeing and CFM will introduce changes to the ny’s revised forecast now calls for 11,000 business jets to be
engine nozzle and plug, and remove about 9 per cent of en- delivered over the next 10 years, compared with the 13,000
gine aerofoils from the high- and low-pressure turbines, to it had predicted at NBAA. Growth will be focused on emerg-
reduce maintenance costs by up to 4 per cent. Aerodynamic ing markets in Asia and elsewhere, with the US and Europe
changes to the aircraft include a reshaped anti-collision growth rates contracting slightly year over year.
light, refined wing control surfaces, revised main landing- However, Embraer’s mantra from 2005—to be a major
gear wheel-well fairing and a modulation of the environ- player in the business aviation market by 2015—continues
mental control system inlet and exhaust. to steer the airframer’s course. Although much has changed
Airbus also announced that its Airbus Corporate Jetlin- since NBAA, Affonso says Embraer is continuing its new
er (ACJ) has improved performance with a new maximum aircraft development as before, keeping entry into service
take-off weight of 76.5t certificated by the European Avia- dates for the Phenom 300 (this year), the Legacy 500 (2012)
tion Safety Agency. Vice-President, Executive and Private and Legacy 450 (2013) in place.
Aviation, Francois Chazelle said the MTOW increase of 1t Unlike previous shows, there were few orders to back-
could increase payload or improve range by 170 nm (300 up industry optimism. Only Hawker Beechcraft came to light
km) to achieve the 5,993 nm (11,100 km) target. The gain with the sale of the first Beechcraft Premier II to Jordanian
was made possible by a new load alleviation function that operator RayaJet. The Premier II is an upgrade of the Premier
will now be offered as an option on all new-build aircraft IA programme with more range and increased payload and is
and will be available for retrofit on existing models. on track for certification in the second quarter of 2010. SP

Hall of Fame
A
MY JOHNSON WAS ENG- an altimeter, an indicator for turn- Finally, after dodging the monsoon
LAND’S answer to Ameri- ing and banking, and a compass. over South East Asia, Amy safely
ca’s pride Amelia Earhart. Throughout the journey she had to landed in Australia, to great acclaim
Focused and determined, regularly pump petrol from the aux- there and in Britain—she had flown
Johnson overcame innu- iliary containers to the main fuel almost 14,000 km in 19 days. Though
merable obstacles to notch up some tanks, and the fumes made her sick. she did not succeed in breaking the
impressive aviation records. record, she was the first woman
Born on July 1, 1903, in Hull, UK, to fly solo from Britain to Aus-
she had her first taste of flying tralia, making her a worldwide
in September 1928. It was not a celebrity. Amy was barely 27 and
happy experience. “I was scared had been flying for less than two
stiff of my instructor who never years. Prior to this trip, she had
seemed to lose his first idea that never flown a distance greater
I was a born idiot,” she later re- than that between London and
called. The tutor attempted to Hull, approximately 250 km.
dissuade her from continuing, The expedition to Australia
predicting that she would never was Johnson’s best-known feat,
make it. Fortunately, another although she later made other re-
instructor proved more patient. cord breaking flights. In spite of
Even so, Amy didn’t take natu- her fame, she found it almost im-
rally to flying. She handled the possible to earn a regular living
controls with a heavy hand, and
her landings were awkward. Per-
AMY JOHNSON as a commercial pilot. For a time
there was a lull, since long-dis-
sisting valiantly in her attempts,
she finally earned her ‘A’ Licence
(1903 – 1941) tance stunt flying was becoming
commonplace and most obsta-
in July 1929. However, the law cles had already been conquered.
firm where she was employed Amy Johnson was barely Then, in 1940, flying once again
gave her an ultimatum—quit fly- 27 and had been flying for dominated Johnson’s life when
ing or quit the job. she took up a job with the Air
Some soul-searching later, less than two years when she Transport Auxiliary (ATA)—fer-
Amy decided she wanted a pro-
fessional aviation career more
undertook her epic solo flight rying military aircraft from fac-
tories to air bases. However, her
than anything else. Her enthu- from Britain to Australia on happiness was short-lived. On
siasm for aircraft was so great January 5, 1941, Amy took off on
that flying itself was not enough. May 5, 1930—covering almost a ferry. The weather was freez-
She began to learn aircraft me-
chanics and, in December 1929,
14,000 km in 19 days. Prior to ing, cloudy and murky. She was
not seen again until nearly four
became the first woman to earn this trip, she had never flown hours later when she parachuted
a ground engineer’s licence. out of her aircraft over the frigid
That was when she decided to a distance greater than that waters of the Thames estuary,
fly solo to Australia and attempt
to break the existing record of
between London and Hull, more than 70 miles off course. A
rescuer dived in to try and save
15-and-half days for the jour- approximately 250 km. her but she perished. Her body
ney. After much pleading with was never found and she was
potential wealthy backers she eventually declared dead.
succeeded in scraping together What did Amy Johnson, pio-
enough money to buy a two- neer aviator, accomplish? Ad-
year-old de Havilland Moth already A dust storm approaching Baghdad equately summing it up are these
fitted with extra fuel tanks for £600. nearly brought her adventure to a di- words inscribed on a memorial to
Suffering no illusions about the grim sastrous end. She lost control of the her: “She made record flights from
dangers she would face on her long aircraft, the plane stalled twice, the England, in 1930, to Australia (solo
journey, Johnson carried a revolv- engine choked and quit before she 19 days) and India (solo 6 days); in
er against bandits, a letter offering managed to restart it and put the ma- 1931, to Japan (11 days) and Cape
ransom should she be kidnapped, a chine down. Later, she confessed, “I Town (solo 4 days); in 1933, to USA;
stove and a spare propeller. Yielding had never been so frightened in my in 1934, to India; in 1936, to Cape
to her mother’s persuasions she took life!” When the storm subsided she Town and back. She died on active
a parachute, though she rued the ex- resumed her journey. She got lost sev- service 5th January, 1941. May her
tra weight. eral times, made some crash landings fame live on.” It does. SP
Johnson’s epic flight began on and needed many emergency repairs. —Group Captain (Retd)
May 5, 1930. The only instruments Her knowledge of mechanics came Joseph Noronha,
she had were an airspeed indicator, in handy, as did the spare propeller. Goa

C A
Leaving
OMMERCIAL VIATION
SERIES
On A
Jet Plane
Mid-1970s, attracted by the speed and comfort of the new jetliners,
passengers responded enthusiastically and numbers soared
D
uring the By Group Captain (Retd) er planes, but how much faster? While the
first half-cen- Joseph Noronha, Goa most famous propeller airliner of the time,
tury of aviation, the Dakota DC-3, had a cruising speed of
the air buzzed approximately 290 km/hour, the turbo-
with the whirr prop Vickers Viscount cruised at around
of propellers 440 km/hour. The Comet increased this to
powered by piston engines. Early 770 km/hour. It could also climb faster and fly higher. Airlines
passenger aircraft were hard put to compete with the speed and passengers were greatly relieved to be able to soar above
of the railroad. Gradually, airliners became much faster than the turbulence and storms of lower altitudes, transforming an
trains. However, manufacturers always came up against the airliner from a skittish, stomach-churning contraption into a
inherent limitation of propellers—their tips could not safely stable and elegant “lounge in the sky”. However, like the celes-
rotate faster than the speed of sound. This limited the thrust tial object after which it was rather unfortunately named, the
they could produce. Consequently, the airliners of yore were Comet 1 faded into oblivion a couple of years after its introduc-
puny and painfully slow in comparison with today’s power- tion following two back-to-back fatal accidents. The airliners’
packed behemoths. A strong impetus was needed and it was fuselage burst during flight—the result of metal fatigue caused
provided by the invention of the turbojet engine. by repeated pressurisation cycles.
THE INVENTIVE BRITISH AMERICA RACES AHEAD

Jet propulsion, based on Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Mo- In the meantime, thanks to Juan Trippe, Pan American’s leg-
PHOTOGRAPHS: BRITISH AIRWAYS MUSEUM, PINETREELINE.ORG, DIC.ACADEMIC.RU & FLICKR.COM
tion, remained just a theory until Frank Whittle, a British endary CEO, the American airline industry was persuaded
pilot, designed the first turbojet engine in 1930. Whittle’s en- to embrace jet engines. Boeing’s 367-80 of 1954 introduced
gine was untested for several years. The Germans were the the now ubiquitous configuration of the jetliner—podded en-
first to actually produce a jet aircraft. Based on a design by gines and low, swept wings.
Hans von Ohain, the Heinkel He 178 first flew on August 27, Though other types would
1939. The outbreak of World War II, however, ensured that appear, such as aft-mount- ENTER THE JET AGE:
JETS REVOLUTIONISED COMMERCIAL
this revolutionary technology remained confined to the mili- ed engines and T-tails, the AVIATION. PASSENGERS ENJOYED
tary domain for a decade or more. basic configuration of the MORE COMFORT, LESS NOISE AND,
Early jet engines were excruciatingly noisy. They guzzled jetliner was set by this MOST IMPORTANT, LESS TRAVEL TIME.
fuel, which drove up costs and limited range. They also had
much higher operating temperatures that required very ex-
pensive metal alloy components. It was predicted that while
jetliners might be fast they would probably not be commer-
cially viable. As a result, US airlines were somewhat reluctant
to embrace this risky, unproven technology. The British had
no such inhibitions. On July 29, 1950, a British European Air-
ways (BEA) Vickers Viscount operated the world’s first turbo-
prop scheduled service from London to Paris. Meanwhile, de
Havilland built the world’s first commercial jetliner, the Comet
1—a milestone of British aeronautical design. On May 2, 1952,
the British Overseas Aircraft Corporation (BOAC) flew a Comet
from London to Johannesburg—marking the world’s first com-
mercial jet service. Jetliners were undoubtedly faster than oth-

SERIES COMMERCIAL AVIATION
remarkable design. It also en- Attracted by the speed and comfort of the new jetliners, pas-
sured that the US commercial sengers responded enthusiastically and numbers soared. Juan
aircraft industry would domi- Trippe expected that this trend would continue, as did Wil-
nate the global marketplace for liam Allen, president of Boeing. Both men were visionaries and
another quarter-century, until dreamt of a huge, new airliner which eventually took shape as
challenged by the rise of Air- the Boeing 747. On January 22, 1970, the first Boeing 747 took
bus. On October 26, 1958, Pan off from New York bound for London. The 747, dubbed “jumbo
Am flew its first transatlantic jet jet”, doubled the capacity offered by existing airliners to over
flight from New York to Paris, 450 passengers. It was the world’s first wide-body jetliner, and
a Boeing 707-120. It had 111 remains the best selling. The fascination with wide-body jets
passengers—the largest num- produced two other notable examples—the Lockheed L-1011
“This is the ber to board a single, regularly TriStar (August 1971) and the Douglas DC-10 (April 1972)—
most important scheduled flight till then. Within each capable of carrying about 300 passengers.
aviation a year, the 707-320 was adopt-
development since ed by a dozen airlines. Not all FASTER, EVER FASTER
Lindbergh’s flight. airlines pinned their hopes on It was not all smooth sailing, however. Despite widespread
In one fell swoop, the Boeing 707, though. Doug- hopes for a vibrant market, the air freight industry did not
we have shrunken las had unmatched experience grow as expected. Air freight, in fact, remained a very small
the Earth.” in building the best piston en- part of total air traffic, nowhere near the heights attained by
gine airliners in the world and, air mail. Many who tried to break into the air freight business
—Juan Trippe, from September 1959 onwards, did not survive their heavy losses. The proliferation of jetliners
Founder of Pan Am many airlines chose the jet-pow- also brought practical problems. Airways needed radar and
on the introduction ered Douglas DC-8. The Soviet electronic aids to navigation, which were in short supply. In
of jet aircraft national airline Aeroflot held June 1956, a DC-7 and a Super Constellation collided over the
the distinction of operating the Grand Canyon, killing 128 people. Again, in December 1960,
world’s first regularly scheduled a DC-8 and a Super Constellation collided over Brooklyn, New
and sustained passenger jet ser- York, claiming 138 lives. These disasters vividly demonstrated
vice with its Tupolev Tu-104 aircraft from Moscow to Irkutsk the point that the air routes were unsafe and led to the intro-
(in the Soviet far east) in September 1956. Air France introduction of new safety measures.
duced the graceful Caravelle, built by Sud-Aviation, in 1959. In 1947, the International Civil Aviation Organization
In 1960, excluding US-owned airlines, the top airlines (ICAO), an affiliate of the United Nations, with headquarters
of the world were Aeroflot, Air France and BOAC. Most Eu- in Montréal, was established to handle the problems of large-
ropean airlines were state-owned. The German airline Luf- scale international air travel and establish worldwide stan-
thansa was among the fastest growing airlines in Europe dards for safety and other vital concerns. Working in close
and rapidly expanded its services and fleet through the late cooperation with ICAO, the International Air Transport Asso-
1950s and 1960s. Like most of the major airlines of the ciation (IATA) was founded in 1945, also in Montréal, to enable
world, including Air India, it entered the jet era in 1960 with airlines worldwide to seek jointly to tackle problems from an
the Boeing 707. 1960 was also the year when USA was con- industry perspective.
nected to India by an Indian airliner. Jets revolutionised commercial aviation. The airlines were
All misapprehensions about the commercial viability of jet- forced to establish much higher standards of maintenance that
liners were soon resolved. Jet engines were simpler and more required better facilities on the ground and highly trained em-
reliable than piston engines, since they had far less moving ployees. Passengers got more comfort, less noise and, most
parts. They burned refined kerosene, which cost half as much important, less travel time. Airports needed much longer run-
as the high octane gasoline used by piston engines. They pro- ways with thicker concrete to support heavier planes. Because
duced less vibration, putting less stress on the airframe. They of the constant roar of jet engines, newer airports were located
had lower maintenance costs. Seeing the writing on the wall, farther from city centres, thereby boosting economic growth in
airlines worldwide switched to the new jets with amazing ra- suburban areas. In the jet age, air travel increasingly became
pidity. The piston engine airliners of the 1950s were quickly more democratic and less elite. American students flew to
made obsolete by the Boeing 707 and DC-8 and, during the Europe for summer holidays, and European families winged
1960s; short-haul jets practically eliminated large turboprops it to the Bahamas or the South of France for a single week-
such as the Vickers Vanguard and Lockheed Electra. The ef- end. Songs were penned, like John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet
ficiency savings offered by turboprop airliners was ignored— Plane” and Steve Miller’s “Jet Airliner”. Glamour was estab-
speed was the order of the day. lished as a practically inseparable ingredient of the airlines.
Taking a cue from the design of the Caravelle, Boeing A new phrase—“jet lag”—was coined to describe the body’s
built the 727, a larger and faster jetliner with three engines, inability to cope with swiftly-changing time zones.
and perfect for both medium and short-distances. By 1970, End 1960s, it seemed that the airline industry was hooked
the 727, one of the most versatile aircraft of the jet era, be- on speed. But even the fastest jetliners were limited to the high
came the fastest-selling commercial jet airliner in the world. subsonic range. Military jets had long exceeded the sound bar-
It was the first to pass the 1,000 sales mark and, by the rier so there was only one direction for the commercial airline
mid-1970s, as many as 60 airlines worldwide were flying it. industry to venture towards—supersonic flight. SP
It was eventually surpassed by the Boeing 737. (To be continued.)

NEWS Digest
MILITARY Americas INDUSTRY QuickRoundUp
Asia-Pacific C-130J delivery fuels USAF Asia-Pacific
airlift modernisation drive ALCATEL-LUCENT
Marshal of the IAF visits Lockheed Martin has com- Air Works receives DGCA nod
Western Air Command pleted delivery of the 13th of for Boeing 737 maintenance • Alcatel-Lucent and Dassault
On May 8, Marshal of the Indi- 16 C-130J Super Hercules to India’s premier MRO company Aviation have announced that they
an Air Force (IAF) Arjan Singh, Little Rock Air Force Base in has received the approval of have completed the acquisition by
DFC, the longest serving erst- Arkansas. The aircraft will the Director General of Civil Dassault Aviation of Alcatel-Lucent’s
while Air Officer Commanding be assigned to the 41st Airlift Aviation (DGCA) for mainte- approximately 41.2 million shares. The
of Operational Command that Squadron, the first active-duty nance of the Boeing 737 NG transaction is based on a price of €38
was later christened Western combat C-130J squadron in Series (-600/ -700/ -800/ -900/ (Rs 2,500) per share, representing a
Air Command (WAC), revisited the US Air Force. This latest -900ER) fitted with CFM 56-7 total value of about €1.57 billion (Rs
its headquarters at Subroto C-130J Super Hercules was Series Engines. Air Works’ 10,465 crore).
Park in Delhi. He twice led accepted by General Arthur J. servicing capabilities include
the Command, first as an Air Lichte, commander, Air Mobil- line maintenance, base main- AGUSTAWESTLAND
Commodore, from 1949 to ity Command, Scott Air Force tenance up to and including ‘C’
1952, and again as an Air Vice Base, Illinois. C-130Js from the checks, and Aircraft on Ground • AgustaWestland’s senior test pilot
Marshal, from 1957 to 1962. 41st Airlift Squadron, Black support. Air Works also holds Tim Peake has been selected by
Air Officer Commanding-in- Cats, are engaged in high- DGCA approval for ATR 42/72 the European Space Agency as the
Chief of WAC, Air Marshal P.K. tempo operations in multiple line and base maintenance up first British astronaut to join the
Barbora received the Marshal combat theatres. The C-130J is to and including ‘C’ checks. European Astronaut Corps. The Corps
of the Indian Air Force, who a proven airlifter that has been currently consists of eight members
addressed the officers, shared selected by 11 countries, with Americas from Germany, France, Italy, Belgium,
his experiences and advised 173 of the ordered 263 deliv- the Netherlands and Sweden. The
all air warriors to keep the IAF ered to date. Worldwide, the Embraer bags Austral Lineas European Space Agency commenced a
flag flying high at all times. C-130J fleet has accumulated Aereas contract for E-190s search for four new astronauts in May
over 500,000 flight hours. Embraer has signed a deal 2008 to conduct future missions to
IAF pilots brave bullets to with Argentina’s Austral the International Space Station, and
facilitate battle of the ballot Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Lineas Aereas for the sale one day to the moon and beyond.
Two IL-76, four AN-32 trans- Advanced Hawkeye records of 20 Embraer 190 jets. The
port aircraft, 25 medium-lift 1,000 hours of flight testing contract is expected to go into AUSTRALIA
helicopters and four Chetak effect within two months, after
helicopters of the IAF were fulfilling certain requirements. • The recent Defence White Paper
pressed into service during the Delivery is expected to begin included a surprise announcement of a
recently concluded elections. in the first semester of 2010. new Australian-owned satellite surveil-
While flying over most areas The contract signing ceremo- lance capability. The Policy Analysis,
for poll-related duties may ny was held in Argentina’s authored by Andrew Davies, describes
seem routine, sorties over the Presidential Palace, attended the potential benefits of such a system
naxal affected regions for some by Argentina’s President Cris- and explains how the choice of orbit
pilots proved anything but tina Fernández de Kirchner could provide a better-value solution for
that. On April 16, the Mi-17 and Brazil’s Ambassador to Australia’s surveillance requirements.
crew of Squadron Leader R. Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Argentina Mauro Vieira. Em-
Dhobhal and Flying Officer K. Advanced Hawkeye System braer was represented by its BOEING
Prakash, facilitating the battle Development and Demon- Executive Vice President, Air-
of the ballot, found themselves stration programme aircraft line Market, Mauro Kern and • Boeing has completed the first engine
also dodging bullets fired by recently reached its 1,000th Vice President, Contracts–Air- runs on the all-new 787 Dreamliner. The
naxalites at Binagonda in hour of flight testing. The line Market, Eduardo Munhós occasion marks the first all-electric start
Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli dis- aircraft, currently in flight test- de Campos. The airplanes of a commercial jetliner engine. The
trict bordering Chhattisgarh. “I ing at Northrop Grumman’s will be the Advanced Range engine run test began with the Auxiliary
heard the burst of fire through East Coast Manufacturing and model, which allows flights of Power System providing power to start
the din of the rotating rotors,” Flight Test Centre, continues to up to 4,400 km, and will have the two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines
recalls Dhobhal, a veteran successfully meet, or exceed, a comfortable dual-class 96- which were then operated at various
of two UN missions. “Get- all major programme and seat configuration. power settings to ensure all systems
ting away quickly for safety performance milestones. While perform as expected.
of the crew, passengers and externally the E-2D is similar New maintenance training
the aircraft was all that was to the E-2C, the systems and drive by Hawker Beechcraft • Boeing has announced that it
on my mind. In less than 15 capabilities contained in the Hawker Beechcraft Corpo- has received a follow-on contract
seconds we were clear of the E-2D have been completely ration has announced an to provide the US Air Force with 46
helipad.” Later, closer inspec- redesigned. Developed and innovative maintenance train- additional Combat Track II airborne
tion revealed a hole made by a fielded for the US Navy, the ing programme designed to satellite communication systems which
7.62 mm calibre bullet in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will develop a new class of highly provide airborne intelligence for cargo
tail boom of the helicopter. The provide maritime domain skilled and knowledgeable and bomber aircraft that enhance
aircraft was repaired and fer- awareness. At the heart of the aircraft technicians for its situational awareness, increase aircrew
ried back to Nagpur. Last year new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye product lines. In partnership survivability and improve airframe
on November 14, the IAF lost is the more powerful radar, with FlightSafety Internation- effectiveness.
an aircrew when Maoist rebels the AN/APY-9. Designed and al, the new MxPro programme
fired at an Mi-8 helicopter dur- built by Lockheed Martin, it incorporates both academic • The Boeing Company has received a
ing a similar poll-related task represents a two-generational and hands-on methods of contract from the US Navy for develop-
in Chhattisgarh. leap in radar technology. training, leveraging classroom

NEWS Digest
MAJOR UNDERLINES KEY CHALLENGES, HANDS OVER IAF BATON TO NAIK QuickRoundUp
T
he Indian Air Force (IAF) is capability-
based and not threat-centric,” Chief of ment and testing of a Distributed
the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal F.H. Targeting system for the F/A-18E/F
Major said, addressing a joint media confer-
Super Hornet strike fighter. This new
targeting capability is part of the
ence with the CAS designate Air Marshal P.V.
Navy’s F/A-18E/F Network Centric
Naik in Delhi on May 25. “Threat and intent are Warfare Upgrades programme and
two different things. We have capability to deal F/A-18E/F Flight Plan, a technology-
with conflict situation in its entire spectrum,” insertion programme that ensures
he assured, emphasising that the situation was the Block II Super Hornet will stay
perfectly normal on the international border ahead of known and emerging threats
and Line of Control. through 2025 and beyond.
In his last interaction with the media prior
to remitting office on May 31, Air Chief Mar- • Boeing has achieved another
shal Major expressed his gratitude to the gov- milestone for the first 747-8 Freighter
ernments of the past and present for their tre- by completing assembly of the
mendous support in the allocation and release airplane’s forward fuselage. The 89-
of funds to the IAF, keeping the best interests CHANGE OF GUARD: MAJOR (LEFT) GREETS HIS foot, 2-inch fuselage section, featuring
of national security in mind. Asked how the SUCCESSOR AIR CHIEF MARSHAL P.V. NAIK AFTER the airplane’s signature upper deck,
HANDING OVER CHARGE ON MAY 31 was moved from the final assembly
IAF was placed vis-à-vis China in terms of its
fleet and equipment, the CAS replied: “We are installation tool for sealing and testing
placed very well. We are taking more measures mission in certain branches. This is just a be- before beginning systems installa-
to further improve our combat efficiency and ginning. There could be a possibility of increas- tion. The 747-8 features a stretched
proficiency.” ing permanent commission to other branches
fuselage compared to that of the
However, he was not very forthcoming on 747-400. It is 18 ft, 4 inches longer
also”. The CAS designate added that 42 women
the contents of the discussion between the gov-
than its predecessor.
cadets undergoing training at the Air Force
ernment and the armed forces, as also National Academy since January could avail the option CPI AEROSTRUCTURES
Security Guard commandos and senior Maha- of permanent commission after completing the
rashtra police officers, in the wake of the Mum- five-year short service commission. • CPI Aerostructures, Inc. has an-
bai terror attacks. “India had various options The CAS was confident that when India’s nounced that the Boeing Integrated
vis-à-vis Pakistan following the 26/11 Mumbai first manned mission to space takes off, pos- Defense Systems has expanded the
attacks and the force had enough intelligence to sibly in 2017, it will have IAF personnel on scope of work that CPI Aero will per-
do what it wanted.” board. “Let me promise you one thing: if there form under its previously announced
Stressing that the future of women was is an Indian man on moon it will be from the long-term requirements contract to
extremely bright in the IAF, Major pointed out Indian Air Force.” • support Boeing’s A-10 Wing Replace-
that “very recently there has been a government ment Programme. In June 2007,
approval for granting women permanent com- —By Sangeeta Saxena Boeing received a contract to produce
up to 242 enhanced wings for the US
Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt attack jet.
environments with situational Embraer Original Equipment DEFENSE SECURITY

learning. MxPro’s advanced Manufacturer aircraft parts. COOPERATION AGENCY
maintenance training curricu- Based in Boca Raton, Florida,
lum draws on Hawker Beech- Volvo Aero Services will • The Defense Security Cooperation
craft’s intimate knowledge of promote and sell spare parts Agency has notified Congress of a
its aircraft and FlightSafety’s as an additional Embraer possible Foreign Military Sale to
world-class training. The pro- outlet. The agreement covers the government of Morocco of one
gramme immerses Hawker materials deemed surplus by Gulfstream G-550, related services
Beechcraft technicians into Embraer. Volvo Aero Services and spare parts. The Royal Moroccan
a learning environment spe- managed on behalf of the own- will manage and promote this Air Force will use the new aircraft to
cifically designed to replicate er by Prestige Jet, also of Abu inventory, under Embraer’s transport its Head of State.
real-life service issues and Dhabi. The maximum range control, according to estab-
events. Aircraft are used to of the Lineage 1000, originally lished sales goals. DRDO, INDIA
reinforce classroom material projected to be 7,778 km with
with an interactive computer eight passengers, or 8,056 km Europe • Agni–2 was flight tested by Strategic
3D model for in-depth opera- with four passengers, has been Forces Team at Wheeler Island, near
tional and maintenance tasks, extended to 8,149 km with Petroleum Air Services Dhamra, off Orissa Coast. The launch
further enhancing the training eight passengers, or 8,344 km orders two AW139 copters was witnessed by senior officers of
experience. with four passengers. AgustaWestland, a Finmec- the DRDO and armed forces. Flight
canica company, has signed test was conducted as part of training
First Lineage 1000 delivered Embraer expands spare a contract with Petroleum exercise of the Indian Army.
On May 7, Embraer delivered parts distribution channel Air Services (PAS) of Egypt
the first Lineage 1000 execu- Embraer has established a for the sale of two AW139 LOCKHEED MARTIN
tive jet in São José dos Cam- four-year partnership with medium, twin-engine heli-
pos, Brazil, to HE Aamer Abdul Volvo Aero Services Corp. in copters plus two optional • Lockheed Martin has been awarded
Jalil Al Fahim, of Abu Dhabi, the US, naming the company aircraft. These helicopters a contract by the Boeing Company for
UAE. The aircraft will be official distribution centre for will be used for offshore oil

NEWS Digest
APPOINTMENTS Vision Assurance System
(EVAS), finalised an agreement
QuickRoundUp
INDIAN AIR FORCE with Dassault Falcon Jet Corp.
With the elevation of Air to equip all of Dassault Falcon the technology development phase
Marshal P.V. Naik to the IAF’s Jet’s demonstration aircraft of the F/A-18E/F Infrared Search and
top post as the Chief of the with EVAS. Dassault Falcon Track (IRST) programme. The technol-
Air Staff (CAS), movements of Jet currently offers EVAS as ogy development contract follows a
a large number of air officers optional equipment on all new two-year pre-system design and devel-
has been necessitated. The aircraft. The Emergency Vision opment programme in which Lockheed
new postings effective from and gas support operations Assurance System is the only Martin was down-selected as the sole
June 1 are as follows: by PAS. This order marks the cockpit smoke displacement source provider. The F/A-18E/F IRST
• Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS): entrance of the best selling system that is approved and is a passive, infrared sensor system
Air Marshal P.K. Barbora AW139 helicopter into the certified by the FAA, EASA and that enables long-range detection
• Air Officer Commanding-in- Egyptian market and further Transport Canada to effectively and weapons-quality track of enemy
Chief, Western Air Command strengthens its presence in defend against heavy and con- targets under normal and electronic
(AOC-in-C, WAC): Air Marshal the Mediterranean area. tinuous smoke emergencies in attack environments.
N.A.K. Browne the cockpit and cabin.
• Deputy Chief of Air Staff Turkish Airlines inks deal • Lockheed Martin, along with team-
(DCAS): Air Marshal N.V. Tyagi with Boeing for 777-300ERs AgustaWestland launches mates ITT, Clifton, and General Dynam-
• Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Turkish Airlines and the copter tactics training project ics of Gilbert, Ariz., have completed a
South Western Air Command Boeing Company have signed comprehensive spacecraft segment
(SASO, HQ SWAC): Air Mar- a deal for the sale of five Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of
shal D.C. Kumaria Boeing 777-300ER (Extended US Air Force’s next-generation Global
• Director General Air (Op- Range) airplanes. This is the Positioning System (GPS) spacecraft,
erations), Air HQ: Air Marshal first time Turkish Airlines has known as GPS III. The PDR represented
A.K. Gogoi purchased new 777s directly the culmination of 70 subsystem and
from Boeing. The airline cur- assembly PDRs, executed over the past
NEW SALES & BUSINESS rently operates a fleet of 65 six months.
DEVELOPMENT Boeing airplanes including
DIRECTOR FOR MBDA Next-Generation 737s and MTU AERO ENGINES
Antonio Perfetti has been leased 777-300ERs. AgustaWestland, a Finmecca-
appointed Executive Group nica company, announced at • It had been at a record-setting
Director Sales and Business Airbus alters A380 delivery the ITEC 2009 exhibition the pace that MTU Aero Engines set up
Development by MBDA. In this schedule for 2009-2010 launch of a Helicopter Tactics its new affiliate in Poland’s Rzeszów
role, Antonio is replacing Fab- Due to the current economic Training Programme for mili- which took a mere nine months
rizio Giulianini. Antonio also and aviation crisis, and follow- tary helicopter crews to help from groundbreaking to startup of
replaces Fabrizio as Managing ing specific customer requests them prepare for deployed operations in April this year. MTU
Director of MBDA Italy. for deferrals, Airbus is adapt- multi-national operations, Aero Engines Polska was officially
ing its A380 aircraft delivery especially in conflict zones inaugurated in a ceremony attended
EUROFIGHTER schedule for 2009/2010. where risks can be signifi- by high-¬ranking representatives from
Bernhard Gerwert is the new According to the new plan, cantly reduced by pre-deploy- business, politics and culture includ-
Chairman of the Eurofighter Airbus expects to deliver 14 ment tactics training. The ing Polish Vice Prime Minister and
Supervisory Board, while Enzo double-decker aircraft in 2009 AgustaWestland Helicopter Minister of the Economy Waldemar
Casolini is the new CEO of and more than 20 aircraft Tactics Training Programme Pawlak. MTU Aero Engines Polska has
Eurofighter GmbH. in 2010. Onward produc- is designed to train crews in been set up near Rzeszów Airport.
tion rates and deliveries are how to best deal with threats
THALES ANNOUNCES NEW dependent on airline demand present in current operational NORTHROP GRUMMAN
CEO, BOARD OF DIRECTORS and availability of customer theatres and conflict zones,
With effect from May 19, Luc financing. Airbus will take and improving the ability of • Northrop Grumman Corporation has
Vigneron has been appointed mitigating actions against the crews to achieve their mis- announced that the company’s Techni-
Chairman and Chief Ex- negative effects of the new sions while reducing risk to cal Services along with TIMCO Aviation
ecutive Officer of Thales. The A380 plan on free cash-flow of aircraft and personnel. The Services Inc., AAR, Chromalloy Gas
composition of the new Board the company. There will be no training programme builds on Turbine LLC, and MTU Maintenance
of Directors is as follows: significant impact on EBIT. initial work already carried have entered in the competition for
• Bruno Bézard In addition, Airbus has out for the European Defence the US Air Force’s KC/KDC-10 Extender
• Marie-Paule Delpierre confirmed its intention to re- Agency. contractor logistics support contract.
• Charles Edelstenne duce the A320 family produc- Northrop Grumman Technical Services
• Yannick d’Escatha tion rate from 36 to 34 aircraft Thales’s new RealitySeven is a logistics support, sustainment and
• Dominique Floch per month from October 2009. simulator for Turkish Airlines technical services powerhouse for the
• Roger Freeman Production of the A330/340 Thales has won a significant corporation and its customers.
• Stève Gentili family runs currently at a rate contract to supply two of its
• Philippe Lepinay of 8.5 aircraft per month. The new RealitySeven Full Flight ORBITAL SCIENCES
• Didier Lombard A350XWB development pro- Simulators (FFS) to Turkish CORPORATION
• Pierre Mutz cess continues with full speed. Airlines. This brings to 14 the
• Bruno Parent total number of RealitySeven • Orbital Sciences Corporation
• Loïk Segalen Dassault Falcon Jet to equip FFS sold to date, including has announced that its Minotaur-I
• Amaury de Sèze demo aircraft with EVAS Airbus’ decision to acquire rocket has successfully launched
• Eric Trappier EVASWordwide of Mahwah six of the new simulators for the Tactical Satellite-3 for the US Air
• TSA, represented by NJ, the dedicated international its facilities in France and in Force. The mission originated from
Bernard Rétat distributor of the Emergency the US. Thales’s new Reality-

NEWS Digest
SHOW CALENDAR AWACS: AN EYE IN THE SKY FOR THE IAF
QuickRoundUp
9 June – 10 June
PRECISION STRIKE the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport
ARMAMENTS TECHNOLOGY launch facility at NASA’s Wallops
FIRE-POWER FORUM Flight Facility on Wallops Island. This
Hanover Marriott, Whippany, was the 16th successful mission for
New Jersey, USA the Minotaur programme since its
URL: www.precisionstrike.org inception in 2000.
9 June – 11 June SAAB & SWISS UAV

INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE
LOGISTICS 2009 • Saab and Swiss UAV have signed
Hotel Le Plaza, a strategic business agreement to
Brussels, Belgium HERE, AT LAST: THE AWACS LOOMS OVER THE GATHERING DURING increase technology superiority within
URL: www.wbresearch.com ITS INDUCTION CEREMONY IN DELHI ON MAY 28 the Unmanned Airborne System (UAS)
area. The agreement seeks to develop
D
12 June – 14 June ogged by delays, a long-standing operational requirement a family of cost-efficient vertical take
AEROEXPO LONDON of the armed forces was finally fulfilled with the induction off and landing UAS platforms and
Wycombe Airpark, of the first of three Airborne Warning and Control System
services, to meet a variety of user
Buckinghamshire, UK needs. This agreement is of strategic
(AWACS) into the Indian Air Force on May 28. Serving as a vigilant
URL: www.expo.aero importance for Saab and a milestone
eye and ear in the sky, the AWACS will detect intruding enemy air-
in UAS development. Saab has been
15 June – 21 June craft and listen in on aerial communications. “The AWACS will en- involved in UAS development for more
PARIS AIR SHOW hance our offensive and defensive preparedness,” Defence Minister then a decade.
Le Bourget Airport, Paris A.K. Antony said at the event attended by the Ambassadors Kon-
URL: www.paris-air-show.com stantin Vasikiev and Mark Soffer of Russia and Israel, respectively, UK
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major and CAS
17 June – 18 June designate Air Marshal P.V. Naik, besides a host of other dignitaries. • RAF pilots will train alongside British
WARSHIP 2009: AIR “In an era of network centric warfare, the Uzbek made, Rus- Army forward air controllers and
POWER AT SEA sia modified and Israel installed AWACS has the first 360 degree artillery personnel prior to deployment
New Connaught Rooms, phased array radar with the largest and heaviest dome. The un- to the front line due to a contract
London, blinking three antennas, can assess long distance targets and awarded by the UK’s MOD for the
United Kingdom eavesdrop on the enemy,” Air Chief Marshal Major explained. With Distributed Synthetic Air Land Training
URL: www.rina.org.uk/war- this induction, India joins an elite club of six other nations—the contract over the next four years.
ship2009 US, Russia, UK, Japan, Australia and Turkey—to operate such a Under the contract, QinetiQ (as the
sophisticated system. • project lead) and Boeing will provide
24 June —By Sangeeta Saxena around 44-weeks access to specialist
NBAA BUSINESS AVIATION synthetic training facilities each year.
REGIONAL FORUM By working together they will safely
Signature Flight Support, experience the complexities of control-
St. Paul Downtown Airport, Seven FFS is based on a ling aircraft, artillery and other assets,
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA modular design, with a com- all in fast-moving situations.
URL: www.nbaa.org mon core element indepen-
dent of the aircraft type. Dif- US
30 June – 1 July ferent aircraft modules can
AVIATION OUTLOOK effectively be “swapped” out, • US Defense Secretary Robert Gates
INDIA 2009 as a customer’s fleet or train- has confirmed during an appearance
Hyatt Regency, Mumbai, India ing business needs change, before a House of Representatives
URL: www.terrapinn.com without the entire simulator committee, that Iran has tested a
needing to be replaced and in Austria, and NIKI plans to medium range ballistic missile that
27 July – 29 July without the need for further debut the E-Jet on new intra- can reach Israel, southeastern Europe
IDGA’S HR FOR DEFENSE investment. European routes. The deal and US bases in the Middle East. A
SUMMIT was announced in July 2008, Pentagon spokesman says the test “is
TBA, Washington, DC, USA during the UK’s Farnborough consistent” with US concerns about
URL: www.idga.org/us/hr CIVIL AVIATION Air Show, and includes firm Iran’s effort to develop ballistic mis-
orders for five E-190s, plus siles and its nuclear programme.
27 July – 2 August Europe five purchase rights. Benefit-
EAA AIRVENTURE ing from the unparalleled • The US Army has awarded DynCorp
Wittman Regional Airport, Austria’s Niki receives first efficient operating costs of International a task order under the
Oshkosh, Wisconsin Embraer 190 Jet the E-Jets, as well as low fuel Contract Field Teams to provide the-
URL: www.airventure.org On May 14, Embraer deliv- burn and emissions levels, the ater aviation maintenance support in
ered the first Embraer 190 low-cost carrier will become Europe. The task order is for one base
13 August – 15 August jet to Austria’s NIKI Luftfahrt the first in Europe to combine year and one option year. Under the
LATIN AMERICAN GmbH at the company’s the 100-seat EMBRAER 190, task order, DynCorp International will
BUSINESS AVIATION headquarters in São José dos optimised for mid-density provide field level and limited depot
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE Campos, Brazil. The aircraft routes, with conventional level maintenance, aircraft modifica-
& EXHIBITION will serve the airline’s Euro- 150 to 210-seat narrow-body tions, and support for aviation reset
São Paulo, Brazil pean network, operating from aircraft, optimised for high- operations for Army rotary wing aircraft.
www.labace.aero Vienna and Innsbruck, density routes. •

LAST Word
CHINA
UNSTOPPABLE
H
istory was made on May 18, when the first Airbus 7 per cent. Aggressive
A320 aircraft assembled outside Europe success- approach, coupled with
fully completed its maiden test flight at the Tianjin ingenious foresight, has
Binhai International Airport in China. The event ensured that its market
came amid fears of large scale layoffs by the company in share today stands at ap-
the wake of cancellation of orders, reducing its backlog of proximately 40 per cent.
3,600 aircraft substantially. Despite assurances about job In four years time, Airbus The Tianjin facility has
security, the impact of recession has compelled Airbus to hopes to raise this figure
cut production from 36 to 34 aircraft per month. With only to 50 per cent. Dialogue produced an A320—
around 30 confirmed orders for A320 so far in the current between the partners is the first Airbus aircraft
year, deferred deliveries of the A380 and a dull business jet in progress to establish
market, prospects for the French civil aviation industry for another plant to assemble to be assembled outside
2009 appear least inspiring.
The A320 facility at Tianjin near Beijing is a collaborative
the A350 XWB. A deal has
also been signed by China
Europe—signalling
effort between Airbus and China Aviation Industry Corpora- with Bombardier to man- BEIJING’S
tion, the largest manufacturer of aircraft in China, in which
the former holds 51 per cent stake. The facility took just un-
ufacture the centre-fuse-
lage of the new Bombar-
AMBITIONS TO
der eight months to assemble the first A320 from largely im- dier C-Series aircraft. TAKE ON THE
ported components. However, the facility will progressively While the China-as-
build up the capability of manufacturing two A320 aircraft sembled Airbus aircraft GIANTS of the global
per month by December 2009 and hopes to double produc-
tion capacity in two years time.
will have a distinct com-
petitive edge both in re-
aviation industry
Driven by a rapidly growing economy and rising levels spect of quality and price,
of prosperity over the last decade and a half, China is now the Chinese agenda goes
emerging as the second largest aviation market in the world well beyond mere joint
next only to the US. Airbus already has orders in excess of ventures. To start with,
700 aircraft from airlines in China. The prevailing global the experience and expertise acquired through such collab-
economic turmoil would undoubtedly adversely impact the orative efforts would be used by Beijing as a launch pad
growth of the aviation sector in China as everywhere else in to graduate to higher levels within the country’s indigenous
the world, but the slowdown may only be temporary. With aviation industry prior to subsequently making forays into
the revival of the global economy, passenger and cargo traffic the global arena. A distinct step in this direction is the estab-
are expected to grow fairly rapidly and estimates are that the lishment of a new company, the Commercial Aircraft Corpo-
country would have a potential market to absorb on an aver- ration of China, to develop new 150 seat and 100-tonne ca-
age around 150 airliners every year over the next two de- pacity airliners that will ultimately compete, in perhaps five
cades—during which period, Airbus hopes to sell as many as years time, with the global giants. The irony is hard to miss.
180 A380 Super Jumbos and 130 cargo planes to China. The Should such a scenario come to pass, Airbus and Boeing,
total outlay for all types of airliners sold in China is estimated however galling, would have to compete with the very entity
to be in the region of $350 billion (Rs 16,55,250 crore). with whom they are at present collaborating. China already
Not surprising, therefore, that attention of the two giant has the experience of building MD-80s under licence and
OEMs must turn to the enormous potential of the Chinese mar- has successfully designed and developed the ARJ21, a twin-
ket, drawing them into a fierce rivalry to capture market share. engine, 70 to 100-seat regional jet.
The decision to establish a facility to assemble the A320 family Working largely on their own, the Chinese have demon-
of aircraft in China at a relatively lower cost primarily for the strated daunting capabilities in space technology and given
huge domestic and possibly the regional market is undoubt- the tenacity with which they confront challenges, they could
edly a smart move by Airbus. Designed to at least partially well replicate in the aviation industry their successes in
ILLUSTRATION: MAMTA
neutralise the adverse effects of the sluggish demand in the space exploration. In the final analysis, it is abundantly clear
US and Europe, it is also an audacious manoeuvre to wrench China is destined to play a major role in the global aviation
market share from its rival Boeing that has been the dominant industry—irrespective of any assistance from global aero-
player on the scene for a long time. In 1995, Airbus was strug- space majors. SP
gling to retain a foothold with a market share of a miniscule — Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey

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Aviation

News Flies. We Gather Intelligence. Every Month. From India.

Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik,

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONIC DEFENCE SYSTEMS.

Vice-President and India �������������������

An Icon Unveiled LastWord

2 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

PLUS... PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DESIGN & LAYOUT

SENIOR TECHNICAL GROUP EDITORS © SP Guide Publications, 2009

39 MMRCA Q&A CHIEF SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

USA & CANADA Tel: +91 (11) 24644693,

4 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

IN SERVICE TO THE NATION: SP’S EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JAYANT BARANWAL

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 5

RISAT-2: SPY IN THE SKY

6 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

PYONGYANG PICKS A FIGHT

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 7

8 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 9

10 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

was forthcoming in his views on the challenges facing

12 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

especially during the time when

SP’s: How do you see your tasks

SP’s: What would be your vision

SP’s: In the light of force deple-

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 13

training and learning

14 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

16 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 17

18 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

The HYPE & THE HYPER

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 19

POWER PLANTS: A QUICK REFERENCE

AERIAL PLATFORMS ENGINE ENGINE(S) THRUST (POWER)

Su-30 MKI Saturn 2 x Lyulka AL-35F (AL-31FM) 122.6 (27,560)

Lockheed Martin F-16 Pratt & Whitney 1 X F100-PW-229 129.5 (29,100)

Boeing F/A-18 E/F General Electric 2 x F414-GE 400 97.9 (22,000)

Eurofighter Eurojet 2 x EJ200 advanced technology turbofans 90.0 (20,250)

Dassault Rafale Snecma 2 x M-88-2E4 75.0 (16,872)

MiG-35 Klimov 2 x RD-33MK Turbofans 85.3 kN (18,180 lb st)

Antonov AN -70 Motor Sich/Salyut 4 x D-27 (13,800 Shp) each

Boeing AH – 64 D Apache General Electric 2 x T700-GE-701C Turboshafts 1,800 Shp each

Kamov Ka-50 Klimov 2 x TV3-117 VMA Turboshafts 2,190 Shp each

Mi-28NE Klimov 2 x TV3-117 VMA Turboshafts 2,190 Shp each

GA-AS MQ-9 Reaper Honeywell 1 x TP331-10T (950 Shp) (950 Shp)

IAI Searcher II Limbach 1 x Limbach L550 Piston-engine (47 hp)

IAI Heron Rotax 1 x Rotax 914 Piston-engine (115 hp)

Northrop Grumman Allison Rolls-Royce 1 x AE-3007H Turbofan 31.4 kn (7,050 lb st)

20 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

22 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 23

Should business jet owners rush for the exit

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 25

vival of international demand would be tempered by a dollar BUSINESS JETS BY SIZE

26 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

Beechcraft. These offer a wide variety of

ONLY IF IT MAKES TRAVEL$ENSE

Issue 5 • 2009 SP’S AVIATION 27

The owner’s beneﬁt

28 SP’S AVIATION Issue 5 • 2009 www.spsaviation.net

SERVICE AT YOUR DOORSTEP

SP's Aviation June 2009

SP's Aviation June 2009

Vice-President and India ��