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The HTT 40, a project that was funded by HAL through its own internal funds after the IAF had initially refused to take part, is now seen by the force as a game changer. The successful implementation of the project in record time is a big relief for the IAF.

The IAF pilots go through three stages of training using three different kinds of aircraft before they move on to fighters. The new aircraft will be part of the first stage of training for the IAF pilots – basic training – and will eventually replace the Swiss-made Pilatus aircraft bought in 2012.

The all-metal aircraft, which is powered by Honeywell engines, has about 55 per cent indigenous content. The actual cost is less than Rs 50 crore a piece but at a price tag of Rs 90 crores, the extra cost is towards the spares, training and infrastructure costs besides other expenses.

The HTT-40 has features like running changeover of pilots, hot-refueling, zero-zero ejection seats, multi-function displays, night flying capabilities and a range of 1,000 km with a top speed of 450 kmph.

All the tests required for certification were completed in six years from the first flight that took place in May 2016. In November 2019, former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria had flown in the HTT-40 during which he reviewed its flying characteristics including the six-spin routine.

The Pilatus Saga

Till the IAF decided to go in for the Pilatus aircraft, a deal which is mired in controversy over allegations of kickbacks, the IAF pilots used to do their first stage of training on board HAL manufactured Hindustan Piston Trainer-32 (HPT-32).

The aircraft was grounded in 2009 following several crashes and engine failures. That is when the IAF went in for the Pilatus deal for 75 aircraft.

In its 2019 report, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) was critical of the Rs 2,895.63 crore deal, saying that incorrect price calculations had worked in the firm’s favour.

The audit report said that the Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft got the deal despite failing to commit to transfer of technology for maintenance, and was allowed to tweak its offer at a later stage for an advantage over competitors. The firm also did not offer a seamless supply of spares, it added.

The 2012 deal has been under the scanner of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) since it was flagged by the defence ministry while it was under Manohar Parrikar. However, in January 2016, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of 38 PC-7 Mk-II trainers from the Swiss company after a strong pitch from the IAF.

The government then cancelled the proposed deal for additional Pilatus aircraft in 2019, after the HTT-40 cleared crucial trials. However, suspension of business with Pilatus affected the maintenance of the existing fleet since spare parts were unavailable.

Next up – Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT)

The next step for the IAF is the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) which will replace the ageing Kiran aircraft used for Stage 2 of training. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of training last for six months each before the pilots move onto the next stage which is for about one year on board the Hawk jets.

Because of the depleting number of trainers, the IAF was forced to use limited numbers of Kiran and even Pilatus for Stage 2 of training.

It was in January 2022 that the IAF pilots successfully demonstrated the IJT’s capability to carry out six turn spins to the Left Hand and Right Hand sides.

Though the IJT had completed demonstration of its capabilities in terms of altitude and speed envelope, load factor, satisfactory stall characteristics and limited armament capability as required by the IAF much earlier, successful spin test was pending.

During spin testing in 2016, the aircraft departed from controlled flight which brought the programme to a temporary halt. HAL then decided to proceed further using its internal resources to complete the critical spin testing.

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Importance

Deesa air base, the fifth in Gujarat, will be the firewall between Pakistani aircraft taking off from Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Shahbaz F-16 airbase in Jacobabad. Gujarat’s more than a trillion dollar industrial complex in and around Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Vadodara is a target for Pakistan in the worst-case scenario.

While Modi said the Deesa airbase will provide faster offensive capability to the IAF in this sector, the new airfield will also plug a crucial tactical gap between forward air bases at Naliya, Bhuj in Gujarat, and Phalodi in Rajasthan.

Deesa will also make Pakistani cities of Hyderabad, Karachi, and Sukkur vulnerable with its deep penetration strike aircraft.

The airbase can also be used to retaliate against Pakistan in case of a major terror strike in Gujarat or along the south-western sector apart from giving support to any land offensive in future. Indian fighters can cross over the international border in mere two minutes at Mach 2.0 speed if the red flag goes up.

Background

Although the land for Deesa airbase was allotted an in-principle approval given to IAF by the Vajpayee government way back in 2000, the project was put on a back burner by the UPA government for the next 14 years. The project was revived when Narendra Modi took over as prime minister. It was the 2017 massive floods in Banaskantha that really kick-started the project.

When prime minister Modi and then defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked IAF to provide flood relief, the Air HQ, then headed by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, found it very difficult to provide a relief air bridge to the affected areas due to bad weather and no nearby airfield as Deesa was still lying in files. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman got the airbase approved by the government along with the Rs 1,000 crore funding.

Operational Status

Since Deesa is a forward airbase, the IAF has no intentions to deploy its frontline Rafale or Su-30 MKI fighters on this airfield. Instead, it will station air defence fighters like MiG-29 and Tejas so that enemy fighters are intercepted and their ability to target Gujarat’s industrial complex gets neutered.

Spread over an area of 4,519 acres and 130 km from the Indo-Pak border, Deesa is a greenfield air base. It is expected to be operational by 2024. The airbase, which currently only has a 22-kilometer boundary wall and 20 watchtowers, will be developed in two phases.

Phase 1 of the project will see the construction of the main runway, the taxi tracks, and the fighter squadron dispersal area. Phase 2 will take care of the technical infrastructure and accommodation, according to a report by India Today.

The Deesa airbase will come under the South Western Air Command. It will also help in improving surveillance in and around the region. Gujarat has four operational air bases in Vadodara, Jamnagar, Bhuj and Naliya in the Kutch district.

One of the primary reasons for constructing the Deesa air base is to protect the Jamnagar oil refinery owned by Reliance Industries Limited, which is also the world’s largest oil refinery.

Deesa will also endanger the Pakistani cities of Hyderabad, Karachi, and Sukkur with the IAF’s deep penetration strike aircraft.

Overall, the Deesa air base will provide the IAF with a faster offensive capability.

The new airbase will also close a tactical gap between the IAF’s forward air bases at Naliya, Bhuj in Gujarat, and Phalodi in Rajasthan.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a contract, on 31 August, to buy 24 phased out Mirages of the French Air Force, to improve the spares and airframe capability to help improve the serviceability of the around 50 Mirage-2000s in the Indian fleet. None of these aircraft would be used for flying. A squadron of the French Mirage jets had been phased out some time ago.

The cost of the contract has been put at 27 million euros. Out of 24, eight are in ready-to-fly condition. 13 are in complete condition with engine and airframe intact, while the remaining 11 are partially complete but with fuel tanks and ejection seats. These aircraft, which costed 1.125 million euros each, will soon be shipped to India in containers. IAF will also secure parts for its two existing squadrons of the aircraft.

As a multi-role platform, Mirage-2000 is possibly the most versatile machine in its class. Most French Air Force Mirage-2000s are no longer operationally deployed. Most of the 24 aircraft will be used as ‘spares’. IAF has already adopted the same process by buying Jaguar airframes and other spares from France.

This is the second such agreement that the Indian Air Force has signed for buying okayed airframes that will help one of the most potent aircraft fleets to continue for longer in service. They have helped in significantly improving operational availability.
India had acquired Mirage-2000 aircraft from France in the 1980s and they have been one of the most potent fleets of aircraft despite being over three decades old. The aircraft had taken part in the Balakot airstrikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and destroyed a camp there. The aircraft had fired their Spice-2000 bombs accurately to take out targets deep inside Pakistan territory.

The Mirage fleet is undergoing a mid-life upgrade. The aircraft is becoming obsolete in France and is in immediate need of 300 critical spares.

The maintenance contract of the 50 fourth-generation Mirage 2000 C and B fighters purchased in 1985 expired in 2005, following which IAF signed another contract in 2015-2016 with the French original equipment manufacturer.

Mirage 2000 is a multi-role combat fighter, which has both single-seat and two-seat variants. The fighter platform is currently in use by the French Air Force, UAE Air Force, and the Republic of China Air Force apart from the IAF.

The Mirage 2000 can cruise at Mach 2.2 speeds, reach an approach speed of 140 knots and a maximum climbing 60,000 feet per minute. It takes about five minutes for the Mirage to climb up to altitudes of 36,000 feet.

The fighter jet has an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet and a service ceiling of 17,060m. It has a ferry range of 3,335 kilometers and an operational range of 1,550km. The rate of climb on the aircraft is 285 meters per second.

The aircraft is armed with 2 X 30-millimeter guns, air-to-air missiles MBDA MICA IR/RF, Matra R550 Magic-II, Matra Super 530D. Its air-to-surface missiles include AM.39 Exocet, AS-30L laser-guided missiles, and ASMP tactical nuclear cruise missile. The fighter jet also carries mk82 bombs.

The Mirage 2000’s VEH 3020 Head-Up Display has been designed by Thales Avionics and its Laser Designation Pod is a product of Thales Optronics

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Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Vivek Ram Chaudhari assumed office as Chief of Air Staff on 30 September 2021 facing a wide spectrum of challenges, including the reorganisation of India’s military into new theatre commands, the reservations expressed by the IAF about its “support” role and the visible depletion in operational air assets due to obsolescence and lack of new platforms, readiness for future war, the threat from China and the geopolitical flux that includes the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the setback in Galwan apropos China which continues to fester.

The Threat From China

China has gone in for a major upgrade of its airbases facing India, with hardened shelters and other infrastructure to increase deployment of fighters and bombers, but its air force incurs “a huge penalty” in operating from such high-altitude areas, said the IAF chief.

“The capability of the PLAAF (Chinese air force) to launch multiple missions is limited. That is a weak area for them. We are fully prepared to deal with any situation and challenge in the region,” he added, at his maiden press conference as IAF Chief, on 5 October, ahead of IAF Day on October 8.

The high-altitude and rarefied air at Chinese air bases, like Hotan, Ngari Gunsa and Shigatse, severely limits the weapon and fuel-carrying capacity of fighters. IAF, however, can deploy fully-loaded Rafale and Sukhoi-30MKI fighters from bases like Bareilly, Hasimara, Tezpur and Chabua for strike missions across the frontier.

ACM Chaudhari said there is “nothing to fear about” the collusive threat from China and Pakistan. “Be assured, we are well-prepared to handle a two-front contingency,” he said, though he did flag concerns over the possibility of “western technologies” reaching China from Pakistan.

Two-front War

The IAF chief also said his force is fully prepared to deal with any security challenge in eastern Ladakh, and noted that new infrastructure created by the Chinese side in the region will not affect India’s combat capabilities.

ACM Chaudhari said the Chinese Air Force is still present on three air bases on their side of the Line of Actual Control but China’s capability to launch multiple high altitude missions would remain weak.

He added India is fully ready to deal with a “two-front” war scenario involving China and Pakistan. He said the only worry is Western technology passing from Pakistan to China.

“The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh was a testament to the Indian Air Force’s combat readiness,” he said.

Future War

At the press conference, the Air Chief highlighted the paradigm change in future warfare including the non-kinetic, non-lethal challenges. He said IAF has its own strategy in place to have directed energy weapons, unmanned wingmen among other futuristic technologies. Indian Airforce is enhancing the offensive strike capability that has become even more potent with the induction of cutting edge weapons.

According to Air Chief, the Air Force have hardened its networks to avoid cyber attacks for which adequate safeguards are being taken to protect the critical infrastructure of the country.

On China’s capability to launch multiple high altitude missions, Air Chief Marshal said it would remain weak. ACM VR Chaudhari also said that PLAAF is still present along the LAC but this is not going to affect the IAF air operations.

In response to a question on threats faced by India, he said, “I can assure you that we are fully aware of the threats that we face, and our acquisitions, training, and tactics developed to counter such a threat”.

The IAF chief also said that the ability to “seamlessly integrate” new weapons, new data, into the network and train its personnel to operate them, and keep them “future-ready” was the way forward.

“I can say with some degree of confidence that the way we go about analysing the threat perception, carrying out global scan of the political situation, of the acquisitions and modernisation of the adversaries, and to counter that we plan are our own acquisition for air force, and linked to that is training, and development of new tactics,” he said.

“Every time you find there is an imbalance in technology and pure numbers, we counter it with better tactics and better training,” the IAF chief added.

Asked about the delivery of the S-400 air defence systems by Russia, the Air Chief said the first batch is expected to arrive within this year.

On the deployment of anti-drone technology, he said efforts are underway to enhance indigenous capabilities.

Decline in Squadron Strength

The decline in platforms is stark and from a strength of 42 combat squadrons in 2002, the IAF now operates barely 30. ACM Chaudhari noted that this shortfall in numbers would remain through this decade. “Even with planned inductions, the squadrons will remain around 35. The target of 42 will not be possible for 10-15 years,” said the IAF chief.

The existing four MiG-21 squadrons will be retired in the next three to four years. Moreover, Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 squadrons will also begin to be phased out towards the end of this decade.

The planned inductions of 73 Tejas Mark-1A jets and 10 trainers in the 2024-2028 timeframe under the Rs 46,898 crore deal inked with defence Hindustan Aeronautics in February 2021 will provide a fillip even as the sturdy MIGs are finally phased out.

A more optimistic scenario is envisaged for the next decade, when the IAF hopes to induct the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) — a new platform that would be built in India with a foreign entity, the “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM), and thereby move up to 35 squadrons.

The AMCA is “under design” and India’s track record in the design and manufacture of indigenous fighter aircraft is cost- and time-intensive. IAF plans to induct seven AMCA squadrons. “The DRDO has set aggressive timelines for the AMCA project, with deliveries slated to begin from the early years of the next decade. We are fully committed to the project,” said the IAF chief.

IAF also plans to get the “acceptance of necessity” next year for its long-pending mega “Make in India” project for 114 new fighters for over Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The request for information for 114 jets has just been issued. Rafale will obviously be the frontrunner in this, with India having already bought 36 of them under the Rs 59,000 crore deal inked with France in September 2016. The other six contenders are F/A-18 and F-21 (US), Gripen-E (Sweden), Sukhoi-35 and MiG-35 (Russia) and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

“Support Arm”

Asked about the recent remarks of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat that the IAF was a “support arm”, ACM Chaudhari said that in any conflict in the world, the air force has had multiple roles.

He said the roles vary from offensive strike and air transportation to supporting the army and maritime forces.

“There are various roles for air forces and it is true for the Indian Air Force. Capability of our training and equipment caters to multiple roles,” he said.

ACM Chaudhari underlined that no one service can go alone into any battle, and would “need the support of the other two services. It is true for all services. It is not that just that the IAF only is the support arm, the Army also at times has to support the IAF in its air operations”.

Theatrisation and Joint Commands

The CDS has been focussing on bringing convergence among the three services and restructuring military commands to effectively deal with future security challenges.

There has been a growing perception that the Indian Air Force has some reservations about the theaterisation programme.
ACM Chaudhari, strongly pitched for joint planning and operations among the three Services, but made it clear that structures and processes of theaterisation will have to take into account individual strengths and doctrines of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

“We are fully committed to integration and jointmanship. There is no doubt,” ACM Chaudhari said at the press conference on 5 October.

ACM Chaudhari supported his predecessor ACM RKS Bhadauria’s focus on the need for structures and processes to cater for future warfare. “That is the key element of restructuring into theatres. The strengths of each service need to be taken into account and need to be synchronised for the net combat capability of the nation,” he said.

The IAF chief also underlined that the doctrines of each service also need to be kept in mind while designing the structures, and added that his force’s concerns have been considered and deliberations and discussions are on.

Accidents

On being asked about a large number of accidents, IAF Chief said, the fact that we have had a large number of accidents on the MiG-21 fleet is not deniable. But data also shows that there has been a reduction in the no. of accidents in this fleet. Let me assure you that every aircraft that flies goes through all checks rigorously.

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The cost of the procurement is expected to be in the range of Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000 crore. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company. A large number of detail parts, sub-assemblies and major component assemblies of aero structure are scheduled to be manufactured in India. All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous electronic warfare suite.

The project will give a boost to the aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in the manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. The programme will act as a catalyst in employment generation in the aerospace ecosystem of the country and is expected to generate 600 highly skilled jobs directly, over 3000 indirect jobs and an additional 3000 medium skill employment opportunities with more than 42.5 lakh man-hours of work within the aerospace and defence sector.

Road to Acquisition

The IAF got approvals for its requirement to replace the existing fleet of Avros with a modern cargo aircraft in 2012. After tendering, in 2014, the project got stuck due to a single-vendor situation, a no-go under the then Defence Procurement Procedure, as only Airbus had responded in partnership with the Tata Group, offering its C-295.

Several global aviation companies such as the American Lockheed Martin, Ukraninan Ilyushin, Brazilian Embraer, Italian Alenia Aeronautica and Swedish Saab AB reportedly did not respond.

The defence ministry cleared the single-vendor offer in 2015 during a Defence Acquisition Council meeting, as no other viable proposal were coming for building the required aircraft of 5-tonne to 10-tonne category, following which negotiations for the contract began between the Airbus-Tata consortium and the ministry-air force officials.

The IAF has been pressing for years for the acquisition of medium transport aircraft (5-10-tonne lift capacity) to replace its 56 ageing Avro HS-748. The IAF already operates a large fleet of transport aircraft. These include over 100 AN-32s (being upgraded), ageing Russian IL-76s, and two new US aircraft – C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III. However, the IAF believes it requires additional utility and transport aircraft, for tactical use and for disaster relief and emergencies.

The reactivation of advanced landing grounds (ALGs) along the Sino-Indian border would create a requirement of rugged aircraft like the C-295 to operate off them, including for the UDAN programme.

About the C-295

The C-295MW aircraft is a transport plane of 5-10 tonne capacity powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines that are part of the PW100 family, that will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF.

The C-295 is a transporter that performs almost like a fighter. It requires just 700 metres of runway to lift off and climbs rapidly to mission altitude. It has multiple mission capability: transporting 71 persons, lifting 7.25 tonnes of cargo or monitoring the sea for 11 hours non-stop, using sophisticated radar and infra-red scanners. It requires just 350 metres to land.

The C-295 has a rear ramp door for quick loading and unloading and for para dropping of troops and cargo.

Comments

Airbus has waited on the sidelines for nearly 60 years for at least one defence contract to be in its kitty, even as India had selected the company’s products as the lowest bidder in more than two tenders that got scrapped. These failed bids for Airbus include the light utility helicopters to replace the Chetaks and Cheetahs and for the midair refuellers to enhance the endurance of several IAF aircraft.

During the process of manufacturing in India, it is expected that all the suppliers of TATA Consortium who will be involved in special processes will gain and maintain globally recognized National Aerospace and Defence Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) accreditation.

The programme will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ (self-reliant India initiative) as it offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology-intensive and highly competitive aviation Industry. The project will augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports.

Before completion of the deliveries, a servicing facility for C-295MW aircraft is scheduled to be set up in India. It is expected that this facility will act as a regional MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) hub for various variants of C-295 aircraft.

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HAL has successfully developed BTA HTT-40 prototypes and certification process was underway. Initially post certification 70 Basic Trainer Aircraft will be procured and the balance 36 after operationalisation of HTT-40 fleet in IAF.

Spin Tests

This trainer has been designed and developed by HAL and is a basic fixed-wing aircraft. It will be equipped with Honeywell turboprop engine TPE-331-12B. In a span of five years, the HTT-40 has so far completed all the major spin tests.

In flight-testing, on 7 September 2019, in Bengaluru, HAL’s test pilots threw the HTT-40 into multiple spins and, each time, the trainer returned to level flight smoothly. In so doing, the HTT-40 cleared the so-called “six-turn spin test”, regarded as the ultimate and most difficult test for a trainer aircraft.

The HTT-40 has already met and, in many aspects of flight performance, surpassed the so-called “Air Staff Qualitative Requirements” (ASQRs), which lists out the flight performance — speed, turn, ceiling, etc. — that the IAF demands from an aircraft.

In November 2019, the chief of the IAF Air Chief Mshl RKS Bhadauria had taken the second prototype of HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft (TSR002) for a spin. In the flight which had lasted for almost one hour, the chief, who was accompanied by the HAL’s chief test pilot Gp Capt (Retd) KK Venugopal had assessed not only the stall and spin but also other flying characteristics of the aircraft.

ALSO READ IAF MODERNISATION: Tata Power SED to Modernise 37 Airfields

Earlier Opposition

Since 2012, the IAF had consistently opposed the HTT-40, first pressuring the MoD into importing 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mark II basic trainers from Switzerland, and then demanding more imports because HAL would allegedly never be able to steer the HTT-40 through all its tests.

“There is no need for [the HTT-40 trainer]”, then IAF boss, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, had dismissively stated at the Aero India show in 2013. “We have the Pilatus PC-7. It’s a proven aircraft. The project HAL plans is from scratch. Our indications are that the cost will be too high. There is no need for all this.” Each successive IAF chief followed the same line, criticizing the HTT-40, while demanding more Pilatus imports.

Successive HAL chiefs backed the HTT-40, committing Rs 350 crore of internal HAL funds to the project.

Pilatus Barred

The defence ministry in July 2019 suspended business dealings with Swiss plane maker Pilatus Aircraft Limited for one year for violation of a pre-contract integrity pact in a Rs 2,900-crore contract for 75 basic trainers, and also factoring in Indian investigations against the plane maker for alleged corruption and irregularities. The contract with Pilatus included a clause for follow-on purchase of 38 more planes.

Training Stages

Rookie pilots in IAF go through a three-stage training involving the Pilatus PC-7 MkII planes, Kiran trainers and finally the Hawk advanced jet trainers before they can fly fighter jets. As the Kirans are approaching the end of their service life, some amount of Stage 2 training is being done on the PC-7.

ALSO READ IAF MODERNISATION: Arming to be Ready

About HTT-40

HTT-40 is a new basic training aircraft being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The new aircraft will replace the ageing fleet of HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers that are in service with the IAF.

The aircraft will be primarily used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights, whereas its secondary roles will include navigation and night-flying.

The first prototype of HTT-40 Trainer was rolled out from the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) hangar, in February 2016.

The HTT-40 trainer made its first flight in May 2016.

The HTT-40 is a fixed-wing aircraft incorporating an all-metal airframe design. It features a bubble canopy, T-tail configuration and a retractable tricycle landing gear system with a steerable nose wheel.

The HTT-40 project was conceptualised by HAL to fulfil the IAF’s requirement of 181 trainer aircraft. Due to the HTT-40’s development delays, the air force placed an order in May 2012 for 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II turboprop trainers to meet its urgent operational requirements.

The MoD chose to procure 38 Pilatus trainers to replace its old trainer aircraft fleet in February 2015, while the remaining 68 aircraft will be sourced from HAL.

HAL completed works on ground test air-frame and also produced several air-frame structures for the first aircraft by mid-2015. The aircraft is projected to enter production by 2018. The serial production will start at HAL’s transport aircraft division (TAD) in Kanpur, India.

The air-conditioned, glass cockpit accommodates two crew, including an instructor and trainee in tandem seating configuration with zero-zero ejection seats. It integrates multi-function displays, and modern navigation and communication systems.

In June 2015, Honeywell was selected by HAL to supply the TPE331-12B turboprop engines for the high-performance HTT-40 military trainer aircraft. The TPE331-12B turboprop engine, equipped with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, develops a maximum power output of 950 shaft horsepower (shp).

It is one of the most widely-employed turboprop power-plants in operation. It enables the HTT-40 to offer users quick acceleration, low-fuel consumption, high-reliability and the flexibility to conduct a range of training missions. The reliable turboprop engine also allows HAL to develop a range of variants that will deliver increased levels of performance.

Honeywell has delivered more than 13,000 TPE331 engines to both military and civil operators worldwide. The fleet of TPE331 engines accumulated more than 122 million flight hours to date. The engines power a range of aircraft, including light aircraft and advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The HTT-40 trainer offers the best-in-class fuel economy and power rating. It takes-off from a short distance and has a high rate of climb. It has a maximum speed of 450km/h and can reach a maximum distance of 1,000km. The stall speed with flaps down is 135km/h.

The certified operational ceiling of the trainer is 6,000m, the ‘G’ limits are +6/-3 and airborne endurance is three hours.

Comments

While it’s a thumbs-up for the design and development of the HTT-40, HAL has to rise to the occasion now and produce them to a time schedule that the IAF wants.

The HTT-40 aircraft has undergone a string of elaborate tests at HAL to demonstrate that it is safe for rookie pilots and meets the IAF’s exacting standards for trainer planes. HAL could begin the production of the trainers by early next year.

HAL has manufactured the IAF’s fleet of Hawk advanced jet trainers (AJT), with technology from BAE Systems. With the HTT-40 poised for final clearance, a breakthrough on the IJT could mean that the IAF’s entire training aircraft fleet comprises of HAL-built aircraft.

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India received the fully loaded Rafale fighter aircrafts, on 29 July, with the long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles (AAM) and Hammer air-to-surface missiles (ASM), amid the ongoing border disputes with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The Rafale fighter jets are ready for combat earlier than expected as the French diverted an initial lot of cutting edge missiles meant for its own air force to India. On the other hand, the Chengdu J-20, is a single-seat, twinjet, all-weather, stealth, fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). J-20 officially entered service in September 2017 making China the second country in the world-after the United States-and the first in Asia to field an operational fifth-generation stealth aircraft. The PLAAF began inducting J-20s into combat units in February 2018 replacing some of the Su-30MKK fighters in some squadrons.

 On 27 August 2019, the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) approved the J-20 as the PLA Navy’s future primary fighter, beating out the FC-31. Arguments for the J-20 stated that the plane was far more advanced, longer ranged and carried a heavier payload than the FC-31, while those supporting the FC-31 argued that it was cheaper, lighter and far more maneuverable than the J-20. The length of the J-20 means that it has to be shortened to be considered operable on an aircraft carrier.

J20 Specifications

The J20 is popularly believed to be derived from MIG 1.42 program. The fuselage has unusually long length of 20.3-20.5 metres. Its wingspan is 12.88-13.50 metres. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is 34,000-37,000 kg. The fighter’s range is about 2000 kms , which can be increased up to 4,000 kms with external fuel tanks. The large size of the fuselage is primarily for carrying large quantity of fuel.

The J20 is a single-seat, multi-role stealth fighter for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat roles. Currently, the PLAAF has deployed it in the Eastern Theatre Command. Russian AL-31 engines are currently employed to propel the machine. However, there are reports that WS15 with afterburner is under development. There are unconfirmed reports of development of 3D thrust vectoring for future J20 variants. Currently not having a super cruise with the existing propulsion system does not fully qualify it for as a 5th-generation aircraft.

The airframe has two lateral bays with four hard-points on the wing. It is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar along with an infrared/electro-optic search and track sensor on the front of the fuselage.

The designers also claim that the J-20 has a passive electro-optical detection system, which gives the pilot 360° coverage. The fighter, which has a glass cockpit with a bubble-shaped canopy, can access real-time data from Chinese military satellites, Divine Eagle anti-stealth Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and other airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.

Rafale Specifications

The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft. The Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions.

The Rafale is fitted with two Snecma M88 engines, each capable of providing up to 50 kN (11,250 lbf) of dry thrust and 75 kN (16,900 lbf) with afterburners. The M88 enables the Rafale to supercruise while carrying four missiles and one drop tank.

Inspite of the aircraft being 4.5-Generation, the designers have craftfully considered the radar cross section (RCS) aspects. The air intakes are a primary example of the same. Several analyst also believe that certain structures have been coated with RAS (Radar Absorbing Structures) to reduce signatures.

ALSO READ India to boost Rafale capabilities with HAMMER missiles – Indian Military Review

The avionics systems employ integrated modular avionics (IMA), called MDPU (modular data processing unit.

The Rafale features an integrated defensive-aids system named SPECTRA, which protects the aircraft against airborne and ground threats. The avionics, radar and electronic warfare (EW) suites make this a advanced fighter. It is reported that these account for 30 per cent of the aircraft’s price.

Dassault Rafale vs Chengdu J-20

In case of a confrontation, the PLAAF can deploy the J20s from the bases in Eastern Theatre command due to the combat range. The lateral and main weapon bays are capable to house air-to-air missiles like P15 ,PL21 (200-km range), etc.

Being a stealth fighter carrying any kind of weapons on the hard-points will light the Indian radars. The J20 is reported to have high RCS in non-frontal measurements making it susceptible to be detected by Indian ground radars. This severely handicaps the aircraft’s ability to perform deep penetration strikes in Indian territory. The reported non-availability of a canon also makes it more inferior in any dog fight scenarios.

Dassault has invested around 30 per cent of the cost of the entire Rafale aircraft on the radar and self-protection equipment, which would make it extremely difficult to detect and shoot-down.

ALSO READ China downgrades its Chengdu J-20 ‘stealth’ fighter to 4th Generation

In addition, Rafale can carry most powerful missiles like MBDA Meteor and MICA, which are very difficult to evade by the J20s.The state-of-the-art targeting pods further add muscle to the aircraft.

Rafale, most importantly, has proven war capabilities and has tried and tested weaponry and radars. It has the potential to completely surprise the enemy. Given the track record of Chinese electronics and stealth technology, it is very unlikely that J20 may meet the requirements of a 5th-generation fighter.

How Does the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Fare

IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, a twin-seater multirole fighter aircraft, (21.9 metres long, MTOW 38,800 kg, powered by two Al-31FP turbojet engines, max speed 2120 kilometres per hour (Mach 1.9)) has a fly-by-wire flight control system and a range of 3,000 kilometres without refuelling. Its combat range increases to 8,000 kilometres with in-flight refuelling system.

The two pilots sitting in tandem in a glass cockpit with integrated avionics suite, head-up display (HUD), seven active-matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCD) also have multifunction displays (MFD) while the rear cockpit has a monochromatic display screen for air-to-ground missile guidance.

At present, the Su-30 MKIs have an N011M PESA radar which will soon be replaced with the more advance Zhuk AESA radar. The aircraft also has OLS-30 laser-optical locator system and Litening target designation pod to guide air-to-surface missile and laser-guided munitions.

The Su-30 MKI is one of the most heavily armed fighters in the world today. The IAF has modified 40 Su-30 MKIs to carry the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile. The fighter has a 30mm Gsh-30-1 cannon and 12 hard-points capable of carrying missiles and bombs. The plane also has Tarang radar warning receiver and jammers for electronic warfare.

Unverified claims say that the Su-30 MKI has been able to detect the Chengdu J-20 flying over Tibet, despite the latter using stealth technology.

The final outcome will depend upon the strategy, tactics, training and logistics. The best of 5th-generation fighters manned by rookie pilots will always be at a disadvantage than a 4.5 gen fighter flown by a seasoned pilot.

The post IAF and PLAAF: Where Do J20, Rafale and Su-30MKI Stand? appeared first on IMR.

India and China have had a violent confrontation after 1967 in Galwan Valley in June 2020. This has led to both the Indian Airforce (IAF) and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to marshal their fleets. It is clearly important to understand  the PLAAF’s capabilities and limitations and estimate their threats to the IAF in the Ladakh and Tibet theatre of operations.

Peoples Liberation Army Air Force

The PLAAF is an aerial service branch of the Army. The PLAAF was officially established on 11 November 1949, it is composed of five branches – aviation, anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles, radar and Airborne Corps. 

The rusted, derailed, oversized PLAAF in 1960/1970 started its modernization journey under Deng Xiaoping’s ‘Four Modernizations’, in consequence to the US Air Force’s assault on Iraq in 1991 brought out the importance of having an advanced air force for modern-day wars. Currently, the PLAAF is divided into five major theatre commands, viz,

•             Eastern Theater Command – Nanjing

•             Southern Theater Command – Guangzhou

•             Western Theater Command –  Chengdu

•             Northern Theater Command – Shenyang

•             Central Theater Command – Beijing 

The PLAAF has largely banked on the Russian aerospace technologies to modernize its fleet. It is believed that J-11 programme has been ‘reverse engineered” from the Soviet Su-27 aircraft. The Israelis have passed on the technology of the ‘Lavi’ programme to China for the J10. Apart from such external support, China’s industrial policy has also been a catalyst in producing the PLAAF’s versatile fleet.

ALSO READ India closely monitoring seven Chinese military airbases

Dissecting the  Western Command 

The Western Theatre Command is spread over Sichuan, Tibet, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang and Chongqing. The location of the command makes it the first strike force of the PLAAF. China has been predominantly focused on strengthening its eastern and central commands. It is only in the past few years that there has been a thrust to develop the Western Theatre Command.

Airfields. The strategic  airfields in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) are Hotan,  Lhasa/Gonggar, Ngari-Gunsa and Xigaze. These are the nearest facilities to Indian targets in Kashmir, northern India, and northeast India. Ngari-Gunsa and Xigaze reportedly have no hardened shelters or blast pens for their aircraft.

Lhasa/Gonggar is reported to have recently developed hardened shelters able to protect up to 36 aircraft, while Hotan reportedly hosts “two aircraft shelters” of unknown capacity. The distances of various PLAAF airfields from Indian bases are as follows.

Airfield to Airfield            Distance
Srinagar to Kashgar         625 Km
Leh to Kashgar                615km
Leh to Khotan        384 Km
Leh to Shiquanhe            324 km
Ambala to Shiquanhe     363 Km
Hashimara to Gonggar 324 hm
Tezpur id Nynqchi            324 Km
Chabua to Nyngchi          217 Km
Chabua to Golmud          991 Km
Chabua to Bangda          393 Km

Source: Google Earth

High Altitude Operations. In the design of aircraft “Hot & High” has always been the worst case scenario considered by aerospace engineers.  The high altitude operations are a function of the engine thrust. The average air density at 4500m is 0.19kg/m3 as compared to 1.22 kg/m3 at sea level. The engine thrust produced at an altitude is directly proportional to the density. The lower air density also effects the air-fuel mixture ratio which means more fuel needed to make the rich ratio to generate thrust.

ALSO READ China downgrades its Chengdu J-20 ‘stealth’ fighter to 4th Generation

A review of the PLAAF fleet shows that most of the aircrafts use the derivate of AL31 engine, since the alternate  indigenously developed powerplant is not fully operational. Also, the Chinese media has also reported several air accidents in TAR region.

The longer runways (see Table top right) also indicate that the altitude does effect the Max Take-off Weight (MTOW), range and the climb rate. Altitude has large effect on the manoeuvrability and range due to reduced lift and powerplant complications. To summarise, the TAR terrain partially curtails the PLAAF from spreading its wings.

Western Theatre Command Assessment

The Western Theatre Command (WTC) is dominated by the indigenously developed Su 27, which is also positioned at few other locations. The Table above gives details of the deployment of this aircraft in the WTC. To counter 157 fighters of the PLAAF in WTC, the IAF has reportedly 270+ fighters deployed to deliver a massive power blow when called for. Also, most of the Indian fighters have been periodically upgraded  with advanced avionics and electronic warfare suits.

The J10 and J11, like any other Chinese developed aircrafts, are reported to be haunted by propulsion problems. The jets trail far behind in comparison to the MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and Jaguars operated by the IAF. The PLAAF advanced multirole fighter Su30MKK falls short as thrust-vectoring, advanced radar and avionics are absent.

Chengdu J20 is  claimed to be the 5th-generation advanced aircraft of the PLAAF. The fighter is propelled with 2×WS-10B or AL-31FM2 , which makes it slightly underpowered and affects the supercruise performance. A closer inspection of the airframe and inlet also indicates the same. The wide fuselage width is to accommodate the large fuel to meet the operational range of 6000km.

The assessment of the aircraft design features and weapons payload indicates that the aircraft has been deployed for early strike. Its current deployment in the Eastern Theatre Command (ETC) is to check the USAF’s operations by F22s and F35s. USAF  would largely rely on the mid-air refuelling and AWA&CS to operate its stealth fighters on the Chinese front. J20 is intended to fly undetected and launch the first strike against strategic air-targets. The use of J20 for offensive against IAF will be an interesting air operation.

The IAF Su30 MKI radar is reported to have picked up the J20 during its sorties  in TAR. This clearly questions the PLAAF’s claim of J20 being a stealthy aircraft. A closer look of the airframe profile indicates higher radar cross section (RCS) in the side and rear sections of the aircraft. The traditional power-plant of the aircraft also may not meet the required thermal signatures.

Transport Aircrafts

This arm of the PLAAF has the highest asymmetry as compared to the IAF. The large airlift is only dependent on IL76, Il78 and Y7. The induction of Xian Y20 has been an attempt to match the Indian strategic lift capability. The IAF’s demonstration of operating the C130J Hercules and C17 Globemaster at forward bases is an open challenge to the PLAAF. Recently inducted Chinook helicopters enable quick movement of troops and weapon systems.

Bombers

The PLAAF primary bomber is the H6 which is a license-produced copy of the Tu16 aircraft. The improved H6 has variants for nuclear, conventional bombing, reconnaissance and anti-ship missions. The prominent H6K variant has a combat radius of the 3500km. This range enables the aircraft to take off from eastern theatre and launch K/AKD-20/ CJ-20 or DH20 cruise missiles. These long distance cruise missiles (>2,000 km) can be launched well within the Chinese territory to eliminate strategic ground targets. However, with the Soviet Era design any upgrade would been only a temporary solution. This would eventually be phased out  on induction of Next generation bombers.

Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles

The highly industrious Chinese policy has boosted the development of large variety of unmanned platforms. The WTC predominantly operates the undermentioned drones.

•             WJ-1: The first land attack version of Chengdu Pterodactyl I (Wing Loong), which is a weapon platform without the reconnaissance/targeting pod under the chin. 

•             GJ-1: Another land attack version of Pterodactyl I that combines the capabilities of both Pterodactyl I and WJ-1 so that it can identify and engage targets on its own. GJ-1 can be distinguished from both Pterodactyl I and WJ-1 in that GJ-1 has both the reconnaissance/targeting pod under the chin as well as hardpoints to carry weapons. 

The PLAAF’s UAVs in WTC mostly carry precision guided munitions (Smart Bombs). The delivery of these bombs would need to fly them in proximity to the targets, thus, making them prone to Indian surface-to-air missiles (SAM). The mountainous terrain also poses great challenges like all-weather capability, secured data links and control from command centres.

Satellites, AWACS, Electronic Warfare and Information Warfare

Satellites. China had over 130 military satellites in 2015 and had doubled its launch rate during the period 2009-2014 as compared to the period 2003-2008. This large constellation has an edge to monitor enemy deployments and troops movements. It empowers the  deployment of satellite guided missiles and UAVs.

AWACS. It is estimated that China could possibly have over 20 AWACS and AEW&C aircraft in service to boost PLAAF operations. These include the Kong Jing-2000 (KJ-2000), four KJ-200 and two KJ-500 in the PLAAF fleet.

Electronic Warfare. Electromagnetic spectrum management is “planning, coordinating, and managing joint use of the spectrum through operational, engineering, and administrative procedures to enable EMS-dependent capabilities and systems to perform their functions in the intended environment without causing or suffering unacceptable interference.

PLA has a dedicated wing namely People Republic Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF). This wing, apart from ESM also carries out roles of cyber, space and electronic attacks.

Mid-Air Refuelling

To overcome the effects of high altitudes and the restrictions that are posed on MTOW from PLAAF bases in TAR, the use of refuelling tankers is required for offensive missions. However, PLAAF operates only 17 refuelling aircraft (IL78 and Xian H6) which may not give them much strategic advantage against India.

ALSO READ Chinese Force Levels in Aksai Chin – Indian Military Review

Air Defence

PLAAF integrated Air Defence has been regarded as one of the best by several Western defence analysts. It comprises the newly acquired Russian S400 (250-300km), the older S300 and its improved and reverse-engineered version named the HQ9. IAF would be particularly concerned about them and the shorter-range Hq12 air defence systems. IAF’s offensive operations would be highly contested due to China’s robust air defence cover. China, not being a part of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) cannot expand the range of S400 to 300km. The Indian version of S400 (in procurement phase) has full strike capability of 400+ Km also reported to house several features of S500. The recently inducted IAI’s Harop Loitering munition of the IAF would give the air defence a tough battle in Ladakh.

Training

The PLAAF predominantly exercises its air force within the country or along with F16 fighters in Pakistan. Recent PLAAF exercises with unscripted scenarios have found that pilots are excessively reliant upon ground control for tactical direction. In unanticipated combat scenarios, this dependence on explicit control tower guidance becomes extreme, while “ground commands” are simultaneously often unable to keep up with the complex and changeable air situation.

War Scenarios and Conclusion

•             The geography of TAR is the biggest operational drawback for PLAAF aircrafts.

•             The lack of proven Chinese power plants limits/trims the capability of its fighters to a large extent.

•             The initial damages to the front line Chinese airbases will handicap the Chinese PLAAF offensive.

•             The large rail and roads to TAR facilities eases reinforcements to the forward bases.

•             IAF performs regular exercises with USAF, RAF, French and Russian Air Forces, which has helped gain proficiency and understand its platform limitations.

•             The wars of 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 along with the recent surgical airstrikes have forged the IAF as compared to inexperienced PLAAF.

•             The distribution of airbases in TAR would increase the dependency of  the air defence units to protect the runways and airstrips.

•             Accuracy of ballistic missiles of the PLA will play a crucial role in PLAAF operations.

•             The lack of blast pens in TAR is a major shortage as it would hamper the moving of detachments to forward bases.

•             PLASSF can choke the IAF operations along the LAC.

•             Unlike Indian forward airbases there are no supporting airstrips in proximity to the LAC in TAR.

•             The use of Pakistani airbases to launch an offensive against India cannot be ruled out. A two front war will stretch IAF’s resources due to shrinking squadrons.

•             The networked PLAAF air defence like S400, S300, H9 and H12 poses a serious challenge to the IAF.

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