Re: Indian Naval Aviation - Air Arm & its Carriers Quote:
While the Indian Army and Air Force have inducted later versions of ALH (Mk-III utility, and weaponized Mk-IV “Rudra”) in large numbers, the IN and ICG have thus far operated only older Mk-I variant with conventional cockpit and Turbomeca (now Safran Helicopter Engines) TM 333 2B2 turboshaft engines.
The customized Mk-III under delivery features a full glass cockpit with HAL’s Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful “Shakti” (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engines, and a host of new systems integrated by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWRDC). Two “green” helicopters were handed over to RWRDC by HAL’s Helicopter Division in June 2018 for system integration. The work was completed briskly by HAL in under two years before Covid-19 lockdowns put the brakes on field trials. These helicopters (yet to be christened with a unique Indian name) come with latest-generation avionics and role equipment. The helicopters are primarily meant for use in a shore-based role. However, HAL is confident that the rotors will be ready to embark ships should the need arise
The selection of systems and customization was done primarily in consultation with ICG. For its coastal security role, the aircraft has a nose-mounted surveillance radar with 270-degree coverage that can detect, classify and track multiple marine targets; it has synthetic-aperture radar, inverse synthetic-aperture radar, and moving target indication classification functions, including weather mode. There is also a multi-spectral electro-optic (EO) pod for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and range finding with stowable control grip on copilot side.
Other features include a removable medical intensive care unit for the air ambulance role; high-intensity searchlight, loudhailer, 12.7-mm cabin-mounted machine gun (with provisions on the left side), traffic alert and collision avoidance system, V/UHF communication system with data modem, IFF Mk-XII with Mode S transponder, automatic identification system, automatic deployable emergency location transmitter, solid state digital video recorder, pressure refueling system, 360-degree search-and-rescue homer with coverage from 110-410 MHz, electrical rescue winch with rescue basket for double-lift (250 kilograms/550 pounds), control grip (winchman mini-stick) in cabin for air-sea rescue, and upgraded IADS and automatic flight control system software. Such an array of systems was hitherto seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy. For instance, no light helicopter in the IN’s inventory ever featured a glass cockpit, surveillance radar or EO pod. The helicopter bears a “fully loaded” look. The maximum certificated all-up weight has been revised to 5,750 kg (12,675 lb.) from the earlier Mk-I variant of IN and ICG that weighed in at 5,500 kg (12,125 lb.).
Folded dimensions, a cumbersome blade-folding procedure, performance and maintainability issues plagued afloat exploitation of the eight limited-series production ALH Mk-I in naval inventory since their induction in 2003. The ICG holds four ALH Mk-I in its inventory, again with no integral ship flight.
Six of the 16 naval Mk-III ALH are to be equipped with an indigenous low frequency dunking sonar (LFDS) developed by Kochi-based Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory. The sonar’s units are being produced by state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited with a host of sub-vendors downstream. Earlier this decade, the navy had offered a Mk-I naval ALH as test bed for developmental trials of the LFDS (this author was fortunate to participate in ground and flight trials of the LFDS).
Sources indicate that the IN views the coastal security ALH and Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) programs differently. Seamless deck interface and a seagoing, light multi-role helicopter under 4.5 tonnes drives the navy’s flagship NUH program, sought to be delivered through a strategic partnership between an Indian OEM and foreign partner under the “Make in India” initiative.
HAL hopes to deliver five coastal security ALH Dhruv Mk-III helicopters by the end of November 2020, another nine by March 2021, and the balance 18 helicopters by September 2021 — a tough task given HAL’s order book and the changed situation post-Covid. | Source
I am really amazed at the versatility of the ALH platform (similar to the Sikorsky S-70 albeit a smaller). This seems like an overarching multi-role helicopter with a mix of abilities - I'm assuming SAR + ASW + AEW + Surface Ship tracking. So, according to this article, this helicopter get its own name (like the HAL Rudra is differentiated from the Dhruv).
As much as we like to bash HAL (and other allied PSUs), they really deserve a pat on the back for the ALH platform, it really gives the Indian military a lot of autonomy in specifying helicopters to their needs from the ground up. Quote:
Originally Posted by ads11 I've said it before and I'll say it again, if the USAF is steering clear of the KC-46, We should avoid it. If India can get US concessions to allow the Israeli's to sell refurbed airframes as boom equipped tankers, it would be far more sensible. And like you said, the A330 MRTT has been the sensible elephant in the room,
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Agree with you. It seems the Indian military establishment finally came to their senses that when you can't afford new, better buy used or lease rather than not have the capability at all. Quote:
Coming back to the Predator drones, there's an interesting reason why the US and more specifically General Dynamics are so keen to sell. Essentially General Dynamics complete their Pentagon orderbook for their drones within the next year or two IIRC. That's a twenty year gravy train coming to a close for General Dynamics
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Agree and I believe the replacement for the Reapers - the Avenger drones (Predator-C) hasn't been signed off for purchase by the Americans yet though there was a lot of chatter than the IAF was considering purchasing upto 100 of these (tough call given the current economic conditions). Perhaps an Indian order could solidify that program (like the P-8i which was inducted at the same time as the P-8A) Quote:
I Am intrigued by these new leasing agreements and how they pan out for defence acquisitions. Is this the first practical or big ticket instance of it being applied since being implemented?
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IIRC there weren't many instances of leases by the Indian military in recent times (offcourse, my knowledge is limited to the past decade given my age). The only instance I know of, was the lease of INS Chakra from the Russians for which we have no idea what the terms of the arrangement were. For example, can it be used in combat? Or is it just for training? Keep in mind that its a Nuclear attack sub, not a ballistic missile sub, so its not just meant to lurch around in the seven-seas.
Last edited by dragracer567 : 26th November 2020 at 18:30.
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