| IAs
per the original schedule, the first batch of 12 IJTs called HJT-36 Sitara ordered
5 years ago was to have been delivered to the Air Force in 2005-06. Russia was
to deliver two AL-551 engines which were were to have been readied and tested
but need more hours and was expected to arrive at HAL's Aircraft Division here
for ground integration on the IJT last November, eventually flying the trainer
aircraft in July 2008. But it is yet to arrive. The other engine was to be tested
on a flying platform in Russia. Though the task of mounting the engine on the
Russian trainer aircraft, MiG-AT, had begun, the flying tests were yet to begin,
the sources said. HAL was s sanctioned by the government in 1999 with an initial
budget of Rs. 180 crore. IAF will need over 200 IJTs. NAVY
TO TAKE DELIVERY OF MIG-29K FIGHTERS IN MAY Russia
will start in May the delivery of MiG 29-K fighters to the Indian navy for deployment
on Gorshkov aircraft carrier much later after 5 years when she completes sea trials.
A team of Indian naval pilots will be in Russia for a five-month training programme,
CNS Mehta on 6 day visit said after visiting the MiG plant, which is assembling
the fighters for the deployment on Gorshkov after its induction as INS Vikramaditya
in 2012. Mehta, discussed vital issues of cooperation with his Russian counterpart
Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky and flew the MiG-29K fighter. He must have discussed
the AKULA delivery he spoke about at Navy day. Admiral Mehta visited Severodvinsk-based
Sevmash shipyard in Arctic Russia for the inspection of requirements of Gorshkov
up gradation, amid indications of New Delhi's readiness to revise the cost of
the deal, despite it being a fixed price contract. SEE STORY ON THIS SITE SUBMARINES
VS AIRCRAFT CARRIERS . HAL-IRKUT-ILYUSHIN
FUNDING DISPUTES OVER MILITARY TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT IN $ 350 MILL DEAL Russians
are now costing themselves out of the market for India. . As of August 2007, though,
HAL began looking for new Western partners following a dispute with Russian companies
over funding of the MTA. The 2002 deal stated that India and Russia both would
contribute 50% each creating a 50-50 joint venture, with a Russian consortium
- a coalition of Irkutsk Aviation and Industrial Association, Ilyushin Aviation
Complex and Rosoboronexport - contributing $300 million and HAL contributing the
remainder. Russian daily newspaper Vedomosti reported that Corporation now would
focus on the MS-21 medium-haul passenger airliner together with Sukhoi Civilian
Aircraft. Another Russian aviation giant, the Ilyushin Aviation Complex, which
developed the MTA plane, also decided to withdraw from the MS-21 project. Prime
contractor Hindustan Aeronautics, the Indian state-owned aerospace major, has
reportedly approached other Western companies with a view to possible collaboration
on the development and joint manufacture of 60t transport aircraft. HAL was to
design the front fuselage and wing and the Russian companies the rear and center
fuselage. HAL could also help in developing the avionics, while engines could
be supplied by Pratt & Whitney or Russian manufacturers. DEFENCE
SCIENTISTS ACHIEVE MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH AFTER UNDER WATER MISSILE GOES IN TO SERIES
PRODUCTION After
5 tests on the successful Sagarika Under Water missile reported by IDU with details
and on this site, Indian Defence scientists have achieved a major breakthrough
in missile technology by indigenously developing composite rocket motor casing
for missiles. "One meter diameter composite material rocket motor has been
developed and tested by DRDO", Defence Minister A K Antony disclosed and
he reads out what DRDO writes for him. IDU learns it is a Composite material rocket
motor that is lighter in weight and easier to fabricate". The update on the
Development of the Akash surface-to-air missile, all trial objectives of the missile
were "completely met" during recent series of trials undertaken at the
Interim test Range in Orissa and the Air Force was processing the case of procurement
of these missiles, Army had informed that it would take a final view after studying
the IAF user trials. COST
OF 6 C-130JS DISCLOSED The
Government has signed a Letter of Offer & Acceptance with the US Government
for the procurement of six C-130J-30 aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The estimated
value of the aircraft along with associated ground support equipment, ground handling
equipment and the role equipment is 962,454,677 USD. The delivery of these aircraft
is likely to be completed by December 2011. | 
