Indian Naval Aviation : Updates and Discussions

Exclusive preview: The Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s ALH ‘Dhruv’ Mk-III helicopters​

The first batch of the “made in India” Mark-III variant “Dhruv” Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) customized for coastal security is slated for delivery to Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) shortly. This is a landmark event for both sides, being the first bulk order of the Dhruv Mk-III placed on state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the two services.

Coastal security ALH Dhruv
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s Mk-III Dhruv helicopters feature an array of systems previously seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy. KP Sanjeev Kumar Photo

While the Indian Army and Air Force have inducted later versions of ALH (Mk-III utility, and weaponized Mk-IV “Rudra”) in large numbers, the IN and ICG have thus far operated only older Mk-I variant with conventional cockpit and Turbomeca (now Safran Helicopter Engines) TM 333 2B2 turboshaft engines.

The customized Mk-III under delivery features a full glass cockpit with HAL’s Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful “Shakti” (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engines, and a host of new systems integrated by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWRDC). Two “green” helicopters were handed over to RWRDC by HAL’s Helicopter Division in June 2018 for system integration. The work was completed briskly by HAL in under two years before Covid-19 lockdowns put the brakes on field trials.

After the lockdown restrictions were gradually lifted by Indian government in May 2020, sensor integration and sea trials resumed at Kochi, Chennai and Goa on the first of ICG and IN airframes. As of November, two helicopters churn the air above Bengaluru almost daily for customer training. Acceptance flights by HAL test crew were in progress when this author visited, with the first lot expected to be formally “signaled out” for customer acceptance sorties at the end of November.

The contract for 32 coastal security ALH was inked in March 2017 with ICG as the lead service. The IN order for 16 — to supplement its ageing and depleting fleet of Alouettes (Chetaks) — was dovetailed into this program based on the overarching responsibility for coastal security placed on it by the government of India in the wake of 26/11 (2008) terrorist attacks on Mumbai.

These helicopters (yet to be christened with a unique Indian name) come with latest-generation avionics and role equipment. The helicopters are primarily meant for use in a shore-based role. However, HAL is confident that the rotors will be ready to embark ships should the need arise.

The ICG contract, for instance, directs HAL to test and provide an afloat envelope (SHOLs) for the Mk-III. It also includes a performance-based logistics (PBL) clause — making this the first time a customized variant with tough PBL clause is being offered by HAL to a sea-going customer. (The IN contract does not have PBL built-in, possibly to keep within budget constraints while letting ICG test the waters.)

Coastal security ALH Dhruv
HAL hopes to deliver five coastal security Mk-III Dhruv helicopters by the end of November 2020, another nine by March 2021, and the remaining 18 by September 2021. KP Sanjeev Kumar Photo

The selection of systems and customization was done primarily in consultation with ICG. For its coastal security role, the aircraft has a nose-mounted surveillance radar with 270-degree coverage that can detect, classify and track multiple marine targets; it has synthetic-aperture radar, inverse synthetic-aperture radar, and moving target indication classification functions, including weather mode. There is also a multi-spectral electro-optic (EO) pod for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and range finding with stowable control grip on copilot side.

Other features include a removable medical intensive care unit for the air ambulance role; high-intensity searchlight, loudhailer, 12.7-mm cabin-mounted machine gun (with provisions on the left side), traffic alert and collision avoidance system, V/UHF communication system with data modem, IFF Mk-XII with Mode S transponder, automatic identification system, automatic deployable emergency location transmitter, solid state digital video recorder, pressure refueling system, 360-degree search-and-rescue homer with coverage from 110-410 MHz, electrical rescue winch with rescue basket for double-lift (250 kilograms/550 pounds), control grip (winchman mini-stick) in cabin for air-sea rescue, and upgraded IADS and automatic flight control system software.

Such an array of systems was hitherto seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy. For instance, no light helicopter in the IN’s inventory ever featured a glass cockpit, surveillance radar or EO pod. The helicopter bears a “fully loaded” look. The maximum certificated all-up weight has been revised to 5,750 kg (12,675 lb.) from the earlier Mk-I variant of IN and ICG that weighed in at 5,500 kg (12,125 lb.).

Folded dimensions, a cumbersome blade-folding procedure, performance and maintainability issues plagued afloat exploitation of the eight limited-series production ALH Mk-I in naval inventory since their induction in 2003. The ICG holds four ALH Mk-I in its inventory, again with no integral ship flight.

Six of the 16 naval Mk-III ALH are to be equipped with an indigenous low frequency dunking sonar (LFDS) developed by Kochi-based Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory. The sonar’s units are being produced by state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited with a host of sub-vendors downstream. Earlier this decade, the navy had offered a Mk-I naval ALH as test bed for developmental trials of the LFDS (this author was fortunate to participate in ground and flight trials of the LFDS).

Sources indicate that the IN views the coastal security ALH and Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) programs differently. Seamless deck interface and a seagoing, light multi-role helicopter under 4.5 tonnes drives the navy’s flagship NUH program, sought to be delivered through a strategic partnership between an Indian OEM and foreign partner under the “Make in India” initiative.

HAL hopes to deliver five coastal security ALH Dhruv Mk-III helicopters by the end of November 2020, another nine by March 2021, and the balance 18 helicopters by September 2021 — a tough task given HAL’s order book and the changed situation post-Covid.
 
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#NavyDay at Kochi

10 aircraft which included Dornier, ASW helicopter Seaking 42 B, surveillance and search and rescue helicopter ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) and the “Angels of the Sea” - Chetak helicopters, participated in the formation Fly past.
 
Any idea about the other competitors? SAAB Sea Grippen would surely be one.

I find it strange that USA has floated a Global RFI / RFP for such a plane

At least Indian N - LCA will now get global attention , even if we don't win the contest

Google search shows this news

 
I find it strange that USA has floated a Global RFI / RFP for such a plane

At least Indian N - LCA will now get global attention , even if we don't win the contest

Google search shows this news

They've just signed a contract a couple of years ago with SAAB - Boeing, for an AJT for the USAF. They do stand a better chance.

 
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Here as a video.
Although, it will be interesting how USAF and senators react.
Probably,they will ask for something in return to be bought.
Full business they play there.
This is just a exploration RFI. If there is no requirement of deck landing and take off then there are so many other options. Including a modified Red hawk.
 
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Role reversal: India offers US fighter jet trainer in 1st major defence sales pitch​


December 09, 2020

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India has sent in a detailed project plan, which includes advanced avionics that enable the LCA to mimic almost all types of fighter jets.

In a reversal of roles, India has offered the United States of America a fighter jet trainer required by its navy for pilot training on aircraft carriers, marking the first major weapons sales pitch by New Delhi to Washington. The Indian offer is for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) for which the US Navy has launched a global search.

ET has learnt that India responded to the official Request for Information (RFI) with a Lead in Fighter Trainer (LIFT) version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. The aircraft on offer brings in experience gained by Indian developers from the naval version of the LCA that has successfully demonstrated operations from an aircraft carrier.

While the US is still evaluating the offer, India sent in a detailed project plan, which includes advanced avionics that enable the LIFT LCA to mimic almost all types of fighter jets, from cockpit display layout to control performances.

“We have done all the work in house,” Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairperson R Madhavan told ET. “The same platform can be used to mimic any other platform. All that needs to be done is put in the flying characteristics and things will change to the selected aircraft. For example, if they Rafale characteristics, to the pilot it will seem like he is flying Rafale, which will help in the advanced training process.”

The aircraft on offer is based on the LCA Mk 1A that is on order by the Indian Air Force and a demonstrator can be produced if the US Navy goes ahead with the selection process and shortlists it for the next step, which is formal request for proposals (RFP).

While India will be going against a clutch of global manufacturers with a history of developing trainers, developers feel there is an even chance for success as an aircraft of the type does not currently exists. In addition, the LCA is one of the few jets in the world that has a demonstrated capability of operating from an aircraft carrier.

As per the US Navy RFI, the LCA meets all basic parameters being asked for, which includes an operational aircraft capable of field carrier landing practice and carrier touch and go events. The naval version of the LCA has been tested extensively on both at the shore-based testing facility in Goa as well as the INS Vikramaditya.

With the LIFT version of LCA expected to meet both domestic and worldwide demands, plans are underway to produce a demonstrator aircraft along with the upcoming order for 83 LCA Mk 1 as that is being placed by the air force and is expected to be signed this financial year.

The US has been a significant exporter of military equipment to India, ranging from transport aircraft to artillery guns and attack helicopters. There has been a strong pitch by US arms manufacturers to gather a bigger slice of the India market, with offers in place for new fighter jets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and air defence systems among others.


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Source: The Economic Times
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I don't think the LCA has a good chance versus the competition, but if selected would be a huge infusion into the program. Perhaps a turning point for the whole Indian defense industry.
 
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Role reversal: India offers US fighter jet trainer in 1st major defence sales pitch​


December 09, 2020

View attachment 18806
India has sent in a detailed project plan, which includes advanced avionics that enable the LCA to mimic almost all types of fighter jets.

In a reversal of roles, India has offered the United States of America a fighter jet trainer required by its navy for pilot training on aircraft carriers, marking the first major weapons sales pitch by New Delhi to Washington. The Indian offer is for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) for which the US Navy has launched a global search.

ET has learnt that India responded to the official Request for Information (RFI) with a Lead in Fighter Trainer (LIFT) version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. The aircraft on offer brings in experience gained by Indian developers from the naval version of the LCA that has successfully demonstrated operations from an aircraft carrier.

While the US is still evaluating the offer, India sent in a detailed project plan, which includes advanced avionics that enable the LIFT LCA to mimic almost all types of fighter jets, from cockpit display layout to control performances.

“We have done all the work in house,” Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairperson R Madhavan told ET. “The same platform can be used to mimic any other platform. All that needs to be done is put in the flying characteristics and things will change to the selected aircraft. For example, if they Rafale characteristics, to the pilot it will seem like he is flying Rafale, which will help in the advanced training process.”

The aircraft on offer is based on the LCA Mk 1A that is on order by the Indian Air Force and a demonstrator can be produced if the US Navy goes ahead with the selection process and shortlists it for the next step, which is formal request for proposals (RFP).

While India will be going against a clutch of global manufacturers with a history of developing trainers, developers feel there is an even chance for success as an aircraft of the type does not currently exists. In addition, the LCA is one of the few jets in the world that has a demonstrated capability of operating from an aircraft carrier.

As per the US Navy RFI, the LCA meets all basic parameters being asked for, which includes an operational aircraft capable of field carrier landing practice and carrier touch and go events. The naval version of the LCA has been tested extensively on both at the shore-based testing facility in Goa as well as the INS Vikramaditya.

With the LIFT version of LCA expected to meet both domestic and worldwide demands, plans are underway to produce a demonstrator aircraft along with the upcoming order for 83 LCA Mk 1 as that is being placed by the air force and is expected to be signed this financial year.

The US has been a significant exporter of military equipment to India, ranging from transport aircraft to artillery guns and attack helicopters. There has been a strong pitch by US arms manufacturers to gather a bigger slice of the India market, with offers in place for new fighter jets, unmanned combat aerial vehicles and air defence systems among others.


==============================================================
Source: The Economic Times
==============================================================

I don't think the LCA has a good chance versus the competition, but if selected would be a huge infusion into the program. Perhaps a turning point for the whole Indian defense industry.
Given the specifications , the NLCA seems to be am overkill.