Kamorta class corvette ASW

                                       Kamorta class Corvettes are the Indian Navy’s next-generation anti submarine warfare platform, built under Project 28. They are being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The first corvette is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2012. All the four corvettes are planned to be handed over to the Indian Navy by the year 2014.

Project 28 is the primary project for driving indigenisation and developing the warship construction industry in India. The aim with this project is to stipulate unprecedented standards while providing opportunities to Indian vendors to develop expertise with the technology. The project, driven by the Navy’s Directorate of Indigenisation, has been delayed by two years with a cost overrun from the originally estimated INR 28 Billion to INR 70 Billion, primarily to meet this goal.

The order for the first four corvettes was placed in 2003, with construction commencing on August 12, 2005.

Design

The basic design for Project 28 was specified by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, with the detailed design by GRSE. The design includes many stealth features, including reductions in noise and vibration of the vessels.

Displacing around 3000 tons and a length of around 110 metres, these vessels will have a very high percentage of Indian made equipment – either designed indigenuously or built under license through technology transfer agreements.

The DMR 249A hull steel is produced locally by SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited). The main machinery is raft mounted to reduce acoustic and vibration signatures. Each gear unit and the associated engines will be mounted on a common raft. The vessel will feature automated control and battle damage systems. The Project 28 vessels use diesel engines built by Pielstick of France. DCNS supplied the noise-suppressing raft-mounted gearbox for CODAD propulsion. Wärtsilä India will deliver the low-vibration diesel alternators to power the on-board electronics. Other signature management control features are built in to combat the ship’s infrared, radar-cross signature, noise and magnetic outputs. Two independent interconnected switchboards optimize redundancy and reliability.

It was announced on 21 December 2006 that GRSE awarded France’s DCNS a contract to provide a comprehensive engineering package of raft mounted Propulsion Power Transmission Systems (PPTS) for the four corvettes. Under the contract, DCNS will deliver four propulsion packages (consisting of eight reduction gear units on cradles and either thrust blocks) to GRSE. The company will also provide support to GRSE for the mechanical integration of the propulsion plant. DCNS is partnering with Walchandnagar Industries Limited, to provide the raft mounts and other components, including thrust blocks and systems auxiliaries. The first propulsion package was delivered in 2008, with the remaining three to follow at the rate of one per year until 2011.

Armament is to include a license-built Otobreda 76 mm Super Rapid gun in a stealth mount and the usual assortment of weapons similar to what is found on the Talwar class frigates and Shivalik class frigates including a Klub-N missile system in vertical launchers, two Larsen & Toubro built derivatives of the RBU-6000 anti-submarine rocket launcher, as well as Larsen & Toubro torpedo launchers. Revati, the naval variant of the DRDO-made Central Acquisition Radar (CAR), is a confirmed sensor aboard the vessel. Hangar and aviation facilities will also be standard features.

 

overview
Name:	Kamorta class corvette
Builders:	GRSE
Operators:	Indian Navy
Preceded by:	Kora class
Succeeded by:	P-28A ASW Corvette
Cost:	INR 28-70 Billion
Built:	2005-
In service:	2012-
Building:	4
Planned:	4 + 8 (project 28a)
Major characteristics
Class and type:	Project 28
Type:	ASW Corvette
Displacement:	2,500 tons
Length:	109.1 m
Beam:	13.7 m
Propulsion:	4 x Pielstick 12 PA6 STC Diesel engines CODAD, DCNS raft mounted gearbox
Speed:	32 knots
Sensors and processing systems:	Revati Central Acquisition Radar EL/M-2221 STGR fire-control radar BEL Shikari BEL RAWL02 (Signaal LW08) antenna communication grid – Gigabit Ethernet-based integrated ship borne data network, with a fiber optic cable backbone running through the vessel HUMSA (Hull Mounted Sonar Array) Bomber Electronic warfare (EW) suites – BEL Ajanta
Electronic warfare and decoys:	DESEAVER MK
Armament:	1 X 76.2 mm Oto SRGM 2 x AK-630M CIWS 8 x 3M54 Klub 2 X RBU-6000 (IRL) anti-submarine rocket launcher 16x Barak SAM 2×3 Torpedo tubes
Aircraft carried:	1 Westland Sea King Mk.42B

C-17 Globemaster Strategic Air-lift Aircraft

Role	Strategic/tactical airlifter
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
First flight	15 September 1991
Introduction	14 July 1993
Status	In production, in service
Primary users	United States Air Force Royal Air Force Royal Australian Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force
Number built	241 as of March 2012
Unit cost	US$218 million
Developed from	McDonnell Douglas YC-15

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas; the company later merged with Boeing. The C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout the world. It can also perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions. The C-17 carries the name of two previous, but unrelated piston-engine, U.S. military cargo aircraft, theDouglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II.

In addition to the U.S. Air Force, the C-17 is operated by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and NATOHeavy Airlift Wing. Additionally, India has ordered the C-17s.

Design

The C-17 is 174 feet (53 m) long and has a wingspan of about 170 feet (52 m). It can airlift cargo fairly close to a battle area. The size and weight of U.S. mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in recent decades from increased air mobility requirements, particularly for large or heavy non-palletized outsize cargo.

The C-17 is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, which are based on the commercial Pratt and Whitney PW2040 used on the Boeing 757. Each engine is fully reversible and rated at 40,400 lb_f (180 kN) of thrust. The thrust reversers direct engine exhaust air upwards and forward, reducing the chances of foreign object damage by ingestion of runway debris, and providing enough reverse thrust to back the aircraft up on the ground while taxiing. The thrust reversers can also be used in flight at idle-reverse for added drag in maximum-rate descents.

The aircraft requires a crew of three (pilot, copilot, and loadmaster) for cargo operations. Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates rolling stock, such as a 69-ton (63-metric ton) M1 Abrams main battle tank, other armored vehicles, trucks, and trailers, along with palletized cargo. The cargo compartment is 88 feet (26.82 m) long by 18 feet (5.49 m) wide by 12 feet 4 inches (3.76 m) high. The cargo floor has rollers for palletized cargo that can be flipped to provide a flat floor suitable for vehicles and other rolling stock.

Maximum payload of the C-17 is 170,900 lb (77,500 kg), and its Maximum Takeoff Weight is 585,000 lb (265,350 kg). With a payload of 160,000 lb (72,600 kg) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 ft (8,500 m), the C-17 has an unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km) on the first 71 aircraft, and 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km) on all subsequent extended-range models that include sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank. Boeing informally calls these aircraft, the C-17 ER. The C-17’s cruise speed is about 450 knots (833 km/h) (Mach 0.74). It is designed to airdrop 102 paratroopers and their equipment. The U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle is to be transported by the C-17.

The C-17 is designed to operate from runways as short as 3,500 ft (1,064 m) and as narrow as 90 ft (27 m). In addition, the C-17 can operate from unpaved, unimproved runways (although with greater chance of damage to the aircraft). The thrust reversers can be used to back the aircraft and reverse direction on narrow taxiways using a three- (or more) point turn.

• Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster
• Capacity:
  • 134 troops with palletized seats or
  • 102 troops with standard centerline seats or
  • 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients or
  • Cargo, such as an M1 Abrams tank, three Strykers, or 6 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles
• Payload: 170,900 lb (77,519 kg) of cargo distributed at max over 18 463L master pallets or a mix of palletized cargo and vehicles.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Indian airforce has ordered 10 c-17 globemaster III with a further carry over order for 6 more of these aircrafts. this aircrafts would add to indias strategic air lift capabilities and enhance power projection also.

ADVANCED MEDIUM COMBAT AIRCRAFT

ADVANCED MEDIUM COMBAT AIRCRAFT
Role	Stealth air superiority and multirole fighter
National origin	India
Manufacturer	Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Designer	Aeronautical Development Agency
First flight	2015
Introduction	2018
Status	Under development
users	Indian Air Force Indian Navy

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), formerly known as the Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA), is a single-seat, twin-enginefifth-generation stealth multirole fighter being developed by India. It will complement the HAL Tejas, the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale, which emerged as the lowest bidder in the MMRCA tender of the Indian Air Force. Unofficial design work on the AMCA has been started. A naval version is confirmed as Indian Navy also contributed to the funding.

In August 2006, India’s then defence minister Pranab Mukherjee announced in Parliament that the government is evaluating experiences gained from the Tejas programme for the MCA.

Development

In October 2008, the Indian Air Force asked the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to prepare a detailed project report on the development of a Medium Combat Aircraft (MCA) incorporating stealth features.

In February 2009, ADA director P.S Subramanyam said at a Aero-India 2009 seminar, that they are working closely with Indian Air Forceto develop a Medium Combat Aircraft. He added that according to the specification provided by the Indian Air Force, it would likely be a twenty ton aircraft powered by two GTX Kaveri engines.

In April 2010, the Indian Air Force issued the Air Staff requirements (ASR) for the AMCA which placed the aircraft in the twenty five ton category.

Design

The AMCA will be designed with a very small radar cross-section and will also feature serpentine shaped air-intakes, internal weapons and the use of composites and other materials.

It will be a twin-engined design using the GTX Kaveri engine with thrust vectoring with the possibility of giving the aircraft supercruise capabilities. A wind-tunnel testing model of the MCA airframe was seen at Aero-India 2009.

As well as advanced sensors the aircraft will be equipped with missiles like DRDO Astra and other advanced missiles, stand-off weapons and precision weapons. The aircraft will have the capability to deploy Precision Guided Munitions. The aircraft will feature extended detection range and targeting range with the ability to release weapons at supersonic speeds. The aircraft’s avionics suite will include AESA radar, IRST and appropriate electronic warfare systems and all aspect missile warning suite.

As of August 2011, the aircraft is in its preliminary design phase. The final design is expected to be shown to the air force by 2012, after which full scale development on the aircraft may start.

DRDO AEW&CS :- emb-145i

DRDO AEW&CS
Role	Airborne early warning and control
Manufacturer	Embraer (platform) DRDO’s Bangalore-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) (radar)
First flight	December 6, 2011
Introduction	2014-2015
Status	Under development
Primary user	Indian Air Force
Developed from	Embraer ERJ 145

The Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEWACS) is a project of India’s Defence Research & Development                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Organization to develop an AWACS system for the Indian Air Force.

Program details

In 2003, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out a joint study of the system-level requirements and feasibility of development for an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWAC) system. The government then approved the project for the development of the AEWAC system by DRDO.

Primary responsibility for the project was with DRDO’s Bangalore-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), which led the design, system integration and testing of the system. LRDE was responsible for the design of the radar array. Defence Electronics Application Laboratory, based in Dehradun, was responsible for the Data Link and Communication Systems for AEW&CS.

The DRDO AEWACS program aims to deliver three radar-equipped surveillance aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The aircraft platform selected was the Embraer ERJ 145. Three ERJ 145 were procured from Embraer at a cost of US $ 300 Million, including the contracted modifications to the airframe. The project goal was to deploy these AEW&C aircraft by 2013.

India’s sole previous effort to develop an AEWAC system was the Airborne Surveillance Platform, but the program, codenamed Airavat, was ended after the only testbed crashed.

The AEW&C project aimed to supplement the larger and more capable EL/W-2090 AWACS acquired by the IAF from Israel. Three EL/W-2090 systems have been ordered, with follow-on orders of 3 more expected in 2010.

Apart from providing the IAF with a cheaper and hence, more flexible AEW&C platform as a backup to its more capable EL/W-2090 class systems, the DRDO AEW&C project aimed to develop the domestic ability to design and operationalize airborne surveillance platforms.

The delivery of six additional systems ordered in October 2010 is to begin from 2015. In June 2010, it was reported that the Indian Air Force is said to be looking at acquiring up to 20 additional systems, in addition to the existing systems on order.

STATUS:-

The first fully modified EMB-145i Aircraft with the antenna and its electronic payload made its maiden flight on December 6, 2011 at Embraer facilities at Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil with about 1000 Mission System Components provided by CABS, DRDO. These included the critical item – AESA (Active Electronic Scanning Antenna) Radar Antenna developed by DRDO and certified from ANAC, International FAR Certification Agency. at Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil. Some of the sensitive advanced systems were replaced with dummy equipment of equivalent size and weight. These were to be integrated later in India following flight certification. A two year certification period is expected. DRDO is expected to receive the next two aircraft platforms to start integration by mid-2012.

“The flight is a major milestone towards realizing the dream of Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System, which will put India into a Select Club of Countries” said SA to RM congratulating DRDO Scientists and M/s Embraer Engineers on this achievement.

Maiden flight of the second fully modified aircraft for the indigenously developed Indian Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) was held at 1930 IST on 4th April 2012 at the San Jose dos Campos in Brazil. The necessary Mission systems & components including the dummy AAAU (Active Antena Array Unit) are successfully fitted onboard Embraer EMB 145I aircraft.

Capabilities

The AEWACS aircraft will have a locally developed AESA primary radar with IFF. The system will also have ESM (Electronic Support Measures) and CSM (Communications Support Measures) ability. Datalinks to network the AEWACS with fighters, and ground based control systems will also be provided, as will be the SATCOM (Satellite Communication System). The aircraft will also have a comprehensive self defence suite. The avionics suite will be linked via a datahandling system, controlled by Mission computers.

DRDO’s public overview of the AEWACS aircraft stated:

• The Radar will have an extended range mode against fighter aircraft, and will consist of two back to back AESA arrays, with an additional dedicated IFF array.
• The ESM system will be able to track sources with a directional accuracy of 2 deg. RMS and a frequency accuracy of 1 MHz.
• The ESM system will have complete 360 degree coverage in azimuth and have a database of up to 3000 emitters against which threats will be scanned.
• Communication Support Measure system will analyse and record intercepted communications both inflight and post flight.
• Self Protection Suite will have a passive Missile Approach Warning System, a Radar Warning Receiver and countermeasures dispensers. The SPS will be integrated with the ESM & CSM suite.
• The aircraft will support Inflight refuelling.
• The aircraft will have SATCOM, and datalinks to pass on ESM, CSM and radar data to ground stations and datalinks to pass on target information to fighters. More than 40 other aircraft will be datalinked together by the AEW&C aircraft.                                                                               courtesy : wikipedia.org

Kolkata Class guided missile destroyers- P-15 A

• TypeGuided missile destroyers
• BuilderMazagon Dock Limited (MDL)
• OperatorIndian Navy
• Service Entry2012
• Length163m
• Beam17.4m
• Anti-Ship Missiles16 x BrahMos

 The Kolkata Class guided missile destroyers are the new stealth destroyers being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy, under Project 15A. The service entry of the first ship is expected in 2012. The destroyers are preceded by Type 15 Delhi Class destroyers and succeeded by the Project 15B destroyers.

“The Kolkata Class guided missile destroyers are the new stealth destroyers being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).”

The Indian Government approved the construction of three Kolkata Class destroyers in May 2000. First steel was cut for the lead ship in class, INS Kolkata, in March 2003. Her keel was laid in September 2003.

The ship was launched in March 2006 at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai. It is expected to be commissioned in March 2012.

The keel of INS Kochi was laid in October 2005. It was launched in September 2009 and is scheduled to be commissioned in March 2013.

The last vessel in the class, INS Chennai, was laid in February 2006. It was launched in April 2010 and is due for commissioning in March 2014. The project was delayed due to complex warship building process.

In January 2011, the MDL was awarded a follow on order for the construction of four P-15B destroyers. The P-15B ship will retain the hull form of Kolkata Class and will feature a stealthier flush deck and advanced weapon systems.

Design and features of the Kolkata Class

Conceptualised by the Indian Navy, the detailed design phase for the class was completed by MDL. Kolkata class is a follow-on model of the Delhi class and is fitted with modern weapons and sensor systems. The propulsion system of Delhi Class was also retained with minor upgrades. Most of the systems integrated in the ships are designed and built in India.

The destroyers are also equipped with action information system and atmospheric control system. The modern stealth destroyers will demonstrate superior anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. The vessel has an overall length of 163m, a beam of 17.4m and a draft of 6.5m. The full load displacement of the ship is 6,800t.

Kolkata Class missile systems

The 16-cell universal vertical launcher module (UVLM) fitted on the ship can launch BrahMos missiles.

There are two vertical launching systems (VLS) for Barak SAM (surface-to-air missile).

BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia based NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).

BrahMos missile has a top speed of Mach 2.5 to 2.8 and a maximum range of 290km.

Naval gun systems onboard the Indian destroyers

The main gun fitted forward is a 130mm gun. Four AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) are being provided for close-in air defence. The AK-630 CIWS can defend the ship from incoming anti-ship missiles and other guided weapons. It has a rate of fire of 5,000 rounds a minute.

Anti-submarine warfare

The anti-submarine warfare is provided by twin-tube torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 smerch-2 ASW rocket launchers. The rockets can be launched against submarines within a range of 6km.

Sensors / radar systems on the Kolkata Class guided missile destroyers

Kolkata Class is equipped with Thales LW-08 long range volume search radar, EL/M-2248 MF-STAR multimission radar and EL/M-2238 L-band STAR surveillance radar from Israel Aerospace Industries.

“The Kolkata Class has a flight deck and enclosed hangar to embark up to two medium-lift helicopters.”

Sonar systems include HUMSA-NG (hull mounted sonar array – new generation) and Nagin active towed array sonar.

The Kolkata Class has a flight deck and enclosed hangar to embark up to two medium-lift helicopters such as HAL Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) and AgustaWestland Sea King helicopter.

The ship is equipped with Elbit Systems Deseaver MK II decoy control and launching system. Deseaver can launch decoys against anti-ship missiles coming from different directions.

Kolkata Class propulsion, power and speed

The combined gas and gas (COGAG) propulsion system integrates twin Zorya M36E gas turbine plant. Four DT-59 reversible gas turbines drive the two propellers via two RG-54 gearboxes.

The two KVM diesel motors are provided by Bergen and Garden Reach. Four Wartsila WCM-1000 generators and Kirloskar AC generators supply onboard electricity. The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of more than 30kt.

 

 

COURTESY:-http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kolkata-class-guided-missile-destroyers/

Arihant class submarines :- ATV

Type:	Ballistic missile submarine
Displacement:	6,000 tons
Length:	112 m (367 ft)
Beam:	15 m (49 ft) (Est.)
Draft:	10 m (33 ft) (Est.)
Propulsion:	83MW PWR using 40% enricheduranium fuel; 1 turbine (47,000hp/70MW); 1 shaft; 1 7-bladed, high-skew propeller
Speed:	12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) (surfaced); 24 knots (44 km/h) (submerged)
Range:	unlimited except by food supplies
Test depth:	300 m (980 ft) (est)
Complement:	95
Sensors and processing systems:	USHUS Sonar
Armament:	Torpedoes: 6 x 21″ (533mm) torpedo tubes – est. 30 charges (torpedoes, missiles or mines) 4 launch tubes (2.4 meter dia each) 12 x K15 SLBM (3 in each launch tube) or 4 x K-4 SLBM (Under development)

The Arihant class submarines (Sanskrit: अरिहंत:, meaning “Slayer of Enemies”) are nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines under development by the Indian Navy. The lead vessel of the class, INS Arihant, is expected to complete its harbour acceptance trials in February 2012. Four vessels of the class are under development and expected to be in commission by 2015.

The Arihant class vessels are India’s first indigenously designed and built nuclear submarine. They were developed under the US$2.9 billion Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project to design and build nuclear-powered submarines.

The Indian Navy’s Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Project to design and construct a nuclear submarine took shape in the 1990s. First confirmation of the project came in 1998 from then Defence Minister, George Fernandes. The initial intent of the project was to design nuclear-powered fast attack submarines, though following Pokhran-II and Indian pledge of no first use, the project was re-aligned towards the design of a ballistic missile submarine in order to complete India’s nuclear triad.

The ATV project overcame many challenges, the primary one being the design and miniaturization of the nuclear reactor. The lead vessel was first floated from its dry dock at a symbolic launch ceremony on 26 July 2009.

The Arihant class submarines are powered by an 83 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) with highly enriched uranium fuel. The miniaturized naval-version of the reactor was designed and built by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam. A land-based prototype of the marine PWR was first built at Kalpakkam. It included a 42-meter section of the submarine’s pressure hull containing the shielding tank with water and the reactor, a control room, as well as an auxiliary control room for monitoring safety parameters. The prototype reactor became critical on 11 November 2003 and was declared operational on 22 September 2006. Successful operation of the prototype for three years yielded the data and the confidence that enabled the production version of the reactor for Arihant.

Separately, infrastructure for testing the reactor subsystems was setup at the Machinery Test Centre in Visakhapatnam. Facilities for loading and replacing the fuel cores of the naval reactors in berthed submarines were also established at the Ship Building Centre.

The hulls for this class were built by Larsen and Toubro at their Hazira shipbuilding facility. Tata Power SED built the control systems for the submarine. The steam turbines and associated systems integrated with the PWR were supplied by Walchandnagar Industries.

The lead vessel underwent a long and extensive process of testing after its “launch” in July 2009. Every sub-system of the propulsion and power systems on board the submarine was repeatedly tested with high-pressure steam trials of all pipelines. Finally, the reactor on board INS Arihant went critical in 2011 when the control rods in the reactor were gradually removed. This was followed by harbour-acceptance trials that included submersion tests by flooding its ballast tanks and controlled dives to limited depths. The sea-acceptance trials are expected to begin in February 2011. This will include operation at different speeds and different depths, before the final weapons acceptance trials, consisting of test-firing of all her SLBMs and torpedoes. Data gathered from her acceptance trials is expected to aid the development of nuclear submarines to follow. INS Arihant is expected to be ready for operational deployment by the end of 2012.

Three more submarines of her class were under construction, as of January 2012. India has decided to construct two more nuclear powered Arihant class submarines.

PROJECT 17-A

Class
Name:	Project 17A
Builders:	GRSE Mazagon Dock Limited
Operators:	Indian Navy
Preceded by:	P-17 Shivalik class
Cost:	Rs. 4000 crore each US $900 million each
Planned:	7
Type:	stealth frigate

                                                                      The Project 17A is the follow on the Project 17 (Shivalik class) frigates for the Indian Navy. A total of seven ships will be built. The ships will be built at Mazagon Dock Limited and at GRSE. The Indian shipyards would start the construction of the The Project 17A is the follow on the Project 17 (Shivalik class) frigates for the Indian Navy. A total of seven ships will be built. The ships will be built at Mazagon Dock Limited and at GRSE. The Indian shipyards would start the construction of the first ship by 2011 after the process of upgradation of the shipyards are completed. The shipyards are being upgraded to incorporate modular construction technique. The anticipated cost for each vessel is above Rs 4,000 crore (approximately US $900 million) and the total deal is expected to be worth more than Rs 45,000 crore (US $10+ billion). The vessel will incorporate the latest indigenous developed stealth features. The first ship is expected to roll out by 2015. Lockheed Martin and Hyundai Heavy Industries have jointly responded to the Project 17A combat systems Request for Information (RFI) issued by Indian Navy. They are offering the Aegis Combat System to be included in its Project 17A frigate proposalfirst ship by 2011 after the process of upgradation of the shipyards are completed. The shipyards are being upgraded to incorporate modular construction technique.

The anticipated cost for each vessel is above Rs 4,000 crore (approximately US $900 million) and the total deal is expected to be worth more than Rs 45,000 crore (US $10+ billion). The vessel will incorporate the latest indigenous developed stealth features. The first ship is expected to roll out by 2015.
Lockheed Martin and Hyundai Heavy Industries have jointly responded to the Project 17A combat systems Request for Information (RFI) issued by Indian Navy. They are offering the Aegis Combat System to be included in its Project 17A frigate proposal.

Design

The design of P-17 has led to creating a wealth of experience which will be applied to the P17A. The P17A frigates will be improve upon the P17 Shivalik class frigates in terms of stealth. It will have covered mooring deck and flush deck mounted (VLM) weapon systems. The number of antennae on the ship will be reduced by using a multifunctional radar. The P17A will also feature better options for roll stabilization. Build times will be cut down and productivity improved through the use of modular integrated construction.

           @india defence

AGNI- VI

Agni-VI

Agni 6 is an intercontinental ballistic missile being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the use of the Indian Defence Forces.

Description

Agni-VI is an intercontinental ballistic missile speculated to be in very rudimentary stages of development by India. It is said to be the latest and most advanced version among the Agni missiles. Capable of being launched from submarines or from land, it will be able to strike a target at a distance of 6000–10000 km with MIRVed warheads.

Opacity regarding the development

Range comparison of Agni missiles

Till 2009, it was reported that the Government of India had not considered the development of an ICBM with a range of 10,000 km or above. Speculations of an ongoing program for a longer range ICBM resurfaced in 2011. Some reports claimed that the ICBM is already named “Surya” and code named AGNI-VI.

Other reports suggest that New Delhi has not given serious weight to the necessity for an ICBM. DRDO can take up a project to develop India’s ICBM only after permission from the government of India. Since India is not a signatory to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Indian missile program is not limited by any treaty commitment to cap the development of ICBM capability. Some media reports have occasionally suggested that, despite India being a non-signatory to MTCR, there is a voluntary moratorium on developing missiles beyond the range of 5,000 km.

DRDO Newsletter

The existence of an ICBM program is still unclear and has never been officially acknowledged by the DRDO. However, in the DRDO newsletter of May 2011, while describing the achievements of a recently promoted scientist, it revealed that he headed a program code named A6, which will be an ICBM with a range in between 6,000-10,000 km and like some versions of its precursor Agni V, it will be capable of underwater launch with MIRV.

The letter read,

“

Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems)Shri Avinash Chander, Distinguished Scientist, Programme Director, SFD and Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory has been appointed as Chief Controller R&D (Missiles and Strategic Systems) wef 3 May 2011. He is an eminent scientist in the field of Missiles and is the Chief Designer of Long-range missile system, with specific contribution in Agni programme management, mission design, guidance, navigation, simulation and terminal guidance. He has unique achievement of delivering and deploying three long-range Agni missile weapon systems viz, A1, A2 and A3.Presently, he is leading three major system developments; A2p, a technologically challenging state-of-the-art system; a 5,000 km canister-launched A5 system; and a 6000 km A6 system with multiple warheads (MIRV) capable of launching both from the ground and underwater

Indian Air Marshal’s allusion to a longer range ICBM

In June 2011, for the very first time then IAF’S Chief Marshal P.V. Naik vehemently argued in favour of broadening India’s nuclear strike capabilities beyond the immediate neighbourhood.

Naik, who heads the chiefs of staff committee, stated:

“

India should pursue an ICBM programme to acquire ranges of 10,000 km or even more. Breaking out of the regional context is important as the country’s sphere of influence grows. We have no territorial designs on any country, but India needs the capability to match its sphere of influence.

”

The air chief believes that an ICBM is within India’s grasp:

“	There’s no point capping the missile programme at 5,000 km. If we have the technical capability, we should build on it.

Confirmation of programme

On 20 June 2011 Indian Defence News published an article titled “India Serious About 10,000 km ICBM” which stated that India is seriously contemplating to enhance the reach of its strategic missiles and that the Ministry of Defense is considering a DRDO proposal to develop intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of hitting targets 10,000 km away. Building an ICBM has international ramifications and India is a nuclear weapon state; the ultimate decision to go ahead with the proposal would be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

In April 2012 Saraswat revealed that India had no plan to cap the Agni programme and there will be more missiles in the series.

Agni-VI SLBM

The SLBM version of missile will arm the Arihant class submarines of the Indian Navy. DRDO revealed in 2012 that it is also in the process of developing another variant of Agni-VI missile. This will be a submarine launched solid fuel missile with a maximum range of 6,000 kilometres and a payload of one tonne.

Questions of capability

In October 2011, a report was published by The Pioneer which raised serious doubts about DRDO’s ability to independently develop the “seeker technology” (guidance technology) eligible forICBMs, that could enable ballistic missiles to traverse long distances in excess of 10,000 km.

The same report also asserted Russia’s willingness to provide India with help in the field of “seeker technology”. In light of this report and the original DRDO newsletter of May 2011, it appears that AGNI-VI will have a strike-range between 6,000 km to over 10,000 km. The authenticity of this report is disputed by at least one foreign newspaper, with the counter-claim that the involvement of Russia is probably inflated out of proportion, because if the report about Russian involvement is true, Russia may be suspected of violating the Missile Technology Control Regime.

In response to the scepticism, a top DRDO scientist firmly asserted that India has almost all the equipments and technology needed to develop ICBMs, “but where the warhead should go or what the range should be will have to be a political call.”

@ India Defence

HAL – Light Combat Helicopter

HAL – LIGHT COMBAT HELICOPTER

The HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is a multirole combat helicopter being developed in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army.

Development
In 2006, HAL announced its plans to build a LCH. Funds for the design and development of the LCH to meet the requirements of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force were sanctioned in October 2006.
The LCH is a derivative of the HAL Dhruv, which was inducted into the Indian armed forces. Using a successful and proven helicopter as the base platform is expected to conserve the project costs for the LCH, which is pegged at Indian Rupee ₹8.76 billion (US$190.1 million).
The LCH was expected to be ready for the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by December 2010 with the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in 2011. However, the revised timeframes hold that the 5.5-tonne LCH should be ready for induction into IAF by 2012-2013.
The first prototype of LCH completed its first ground run on February 4.HAL has a firm order to deliver 65 LCH to the IAF and 114 to the Army.
HAL has performed the maiden flight of its indigenously designed and developed LCH. The first Technology Demonstrator (TD-1) of the LCH flew the 20 minute flight from HAL’s Helicopter Complex, Bangalore on 29 March 2010. This flight provided an opportunity to carry out low speed, low altitude checks on the systems on-board. The crew reported that the performance of the helicopter and systems was satisfactory.

Design
The LCH incorporates stealth features and crash landing gear for survivability. The LCH will have a narrow fuselage, with two crew stations.

The LCH is being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armour role and will be able to operate at high altitudes (16,300 feet). HAL hopes to equip the Indian Air Force with about 65 gunships.[6] The helicopter is powered by the HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine. The helicopter will be equipped with helmet-mounted targeting systems, electronic warfare systems and advanced weapons systems.

In 2006, HAL selected the M621 cannon incorporated in a Nexter THL 20 turret for the gun armament of the helicopter, operated by a helmet mounted sight.[7][8] Three prototypes will be built. The second version will be fitted with weaponry before its test flight. The Indian Air Force will be provided with the third prototype for user trials.

The LCH is to have a glass cockpit with multifunction displays, a target acquisition and designation system with FLIR, Laser rangefinder and laser designator. Weapons will be aimed with a helmet mounted sight and there will be an electronic warfare suite with radar warning receiver, laser warning receiver and a missile approach warning system.

The helicopter is be fitted with a data link for network-centric operations facilitating the transfer of mission data to the other airborne platforms and ground stations operating in the network,facilitating force multiplication.

With these features, the LCH is expected to play a major role in air defence against slow moving aerial targets, destruction of enemy air defence operations, escort to special heliborne operations, support of combat search and rescue operations, anti-tank role and scout duties.

The two pilots in the LCH sit one behind the other, compared to side-by-side in the Dhruv. All the flight controls, the hydraulics and the fuel system had to be redesigned for the LCH. The LCH’s many stealth features also necessitated redesigning the fuselage.

Operational history
The LCH TD-1 made its first flight on March 29, 2010. The second flight took place on April 28, 2010 at 15:30 hrs. As per HAL Press release, over 20 Test flights have been conducted to check various flight parameters.The third test flight of the LCH was successfully made on 23 May 2010 and it fulfilled the desired parameters and also paves the way for further testing with weapons. As of 17 December 2010 TD-1 has logged 50 hours of flight. The second prototype which will be weaponized with more sub-systems will be unveiled at Aero India 2011 in February 2011. Two more prototypes are under construction to speed up the process of its induction into the Indian Air Force in the year 2012.

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 15.8 m (51 ft 8 in)
• Rotor diameter: 13.3 m (43 ft 6 in)
• Height: 4.7 m (15 ft 4 in)
• Disc area: 138.9 m² (1,472 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,250 kg (5,975 lb)
• Loaded weight: 3,800 kg (8,405 lb)
• Useful load: 3,350 kg (7,410 lb)
• Max. takeoff weight: 5,800 kg (12,825 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft, 1,067 kW (1,430 shp) each

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 330 km/h (178 knots, 207 mph)
• Maximum speed: 275 km/h (148 knots, 171 mph)
• Cruise speed: 260 km/h (140 knots, 161 mph)
• Range: 700 km (297 nmi, 342 mi)
• Service ceiling: 6,500 m (21,300 ft)
• Rate of climb: 12 m/s (2,362 ft/min)
• Disc loading: 39.59 kg/m² (8.23 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 327 W/kg (0.198 hp/lb)

Armament

• Guns: M621 20 mm cannon on Nexter THL-20 turret
• Rockets: Unguided rockets
• Missiles: MBDA air-to-air missiles
  Air-to-surface missiles
  Anti-radiation missiles
  Helina anti-tank missile
• Bombs: Gravity bombs
  cluster bombs
  grenade launchers                                                                                                                                                               @India Defence

INS VIKRANT(indegenous aircraft carrier 1)

Designation: CV
Length: 830 ft
Width: 190 ft
Beam: 116 ft
Displacement: 40,000 tons
Propulsion: 4 LM 2500 gas turbines,
2 shafts
Speed: 28 knots
Crew: 1,600
Airwing: 30 Fixed, rotary
Armament:
– 2 X 16 VLS SAM
– 4 X 76mm guns
Elevators: 2
Ships in class: 1

In April 2005 India began building its first indigenously designed aircraft carrier, the INS Virkant, in the Cochin naval shipyards. The vessel is being built to the final Air Defense Ship (ADS) design set forth by the India Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) for the last several years. The keel laying occurred in 2005 and she was floated out of dry dock in December 2011, for eventual completion in 2013. At that time she will join the INS Vikramaditya, which will have replaced the INS Viraat in 2012. The new Vikrant is expected to be commissioned in 2014-2015.

This 830 foot-long ship, with a 40,000 ton full-load displacement,, will be capable of operating up to 30 modern fighter aircraft, including MiG-29K, LCA (Navy), See Harrier, and up to to 10 helicopters of different types Its 2.5 acre flight deck, with a maximum width of 190 ft, will enable launch of fighter aircraft using ski-jump for take off and arrester wire for landing on an angled deck. Powered by four LM 2500 gas turbines, generating 80 MW of power, the ship will be able to achieve speeds in excess of 28 knots. The crew will consist of a complement of 1,600 officers and men.

A second carrier of this class is expected to be built and delivered in 2018 to join the new Virkant and theVikramaditya. At that time, the Indian Navy will have three large, modern carriers.

The initial construction day, April 11, 2005, will always be remembered in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous aircraft carrier construction and significant milestone in the maritime history of modern India. On that day, the construction of India’s largest warship project, the first indigenous aircraft carrier designed by DND, commenced at the Cochin Shipyard with the steel-cutting by Mr TR Baalu, Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways in the presence of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash and Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Oomen Chandy.

This carrier has been Launched by Defence Minister A K Antony on 12th August 2013.

The carrier will embark Mig-29K aircraft as its principle fighter/attack aircraft. Enough of these aircraft are being procurred, and ultimatley perhaps license built in India, to outfit all three of the envisioned carriers at the current time.

Russia delivered the first four MiG-29K aircraft – two single seat fighters and two twin seat trainers – under contract to India in February 2009 and a batch of Indian Navy pilots started six months training on the aircraft in Russia. The MiG-29Ks were certified by Russian pilots taking off from the Russian carrier, Kuznetsov. The four aircraft were test flown from the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov by Russian pilots on September 28-29, 2009.

A second lot of four MiG-29K and one MiG29KUBs were delivered to India in May 2011 along with a simulator and other technical equipment. On August 2, 2011, CEO of MiG corporation Sergei Korotkov told Interfax news agency that a total of 11 MiG-29Ks had been delivered to India so far.

“From the first contract for 16 jets which included 12 single seater MiG-29K and two double seater trainer-cum -fighter MiG-29KUB, we have already delivered 11 fighters, including 9 single seater and 2 double seater jets to the Indian Navy,” CEO of MiG, Sergei Korotkov, said.

Indian pilots are training to fly the MiG-29Ks from a shore-based facility. They have been doing up to 15 sorties per day. Russia and India signed an additional $1.5-billion contract for an additional 29 MiG-29Ks in New Delhi during the visit of Russian PM Vladimir Putin.

“An agreement on supplying an additional set of MiG-29K fighter jets has been signed, the start of supplies is scheduled for 2012,” Mikhail Pogosyan said.

This will bring the Inidan fleet of Mig-29Ks to a total of 45 aircraft.