VVIP Aircrafts of India

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Dec 4, 2017
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New VVIP planes: Replacements for aged Air India One to arrive this month

Air-India.jpg


American aircraft major Boeing will deliver two brand new B-777 to Air India this month, which will be used as the next VVIP planes for being flown by the president, VP and prime minister on their medium to long foreign trips. Once retrofitted with state-of-the-art security and communication systems, these two will replace the over 27-year-old Boeing 747 jumbo jets which have flying our top VVIPs across the globe. Making these planes fit for this high security duty will take about a year.

"The government is deciding who will operate these two B 777-300 extended range as AI, which as the pilots, engineers and expertise for operating this type of aircraft, is soon going to be sold off. A call will be taken if the Indian Air Force (IAF) should have the planes in its fleet with the required infrastructure," said a senior government official.

So it remains to be seen if our VVIP plane is known as IAF 1 or AI 1. Till that call is taken, these planes could be sent to Boeing in US for VVIP retrofitting and high-end security fixtures like anti-missile systems apart from latest communication equipment so that they can serve as flying PMOs when the PM is on board.

About two years back it was decided that post-modification, these planes will be handed over to IAF which would have then operated them with technical support of AI. Then there was a rethink on this as AI has the pilots, engineering and expertise for operating the Boeing 777s, and it was felt these aircraft should remain with AI once they are converted as VVIP jets.

The old Boeing 747s being used today for long international flights by the PM are perfectly safe to fly but due to their advanced age, they are fuel guzzlers. They also cannot fly long-haul routes like India-US nonstop and do so with a stop in Europe. AI has four B-747s of which two are kept for VVIP flying.

New VVIP planes: Replacements for aged Air India One to arrive this month - Times of India
 
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Boeing 737-2A8-Adv

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The Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, based at Palam operates four Boeing 737s for VIP duties. Prior to these four aircraft, the Squadron operated another two 737s (K2370 and K2371) which were later replaced by four more taken over from Indian Airlines. (K2412, K2413, K3186 and K3187).

All the six aircraft that served with the unit were former civilian aircraft and carried VT registrations at some point of time.
 
Boeing 737-7HI BBJ

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In 2009, the IAF's Communications Squadron inducted three specially-equipped 46-seater Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) for Rs.936.93 crore.

These aircrafts flown by Air Force pilots from the IAF's communication squadron are equipped with Electronic Countermeasures that can protect the planes from incoming missiles.

The Rs.200-crore ECM suite has a Missile Advanced Warning System that sets off an alarm in the cockpit when a radar locks onto the aircraft. The aircraft can then launch chaff and flares to decoy incoming missiles.

The BBJs with a maximum range of 11,000 km and twin engine configuration are deemed insufficient for a long range VIP aircraft.

K5014 - Boeing 737-7HI BBJ
K5012 - Boeing 737-7HI BBJ
K5013
- Boeing 737-7HI BBJ
 
Embraer EMB-135 BJ (Legacy)

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The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Pranab Mukerji inducted the Embraer 135 BJ Legacy jets into Indian Air Force at in induction ceremony held at IAF Station Palam today (Sept. 21, 2005). Hon’ble Home Minister Mr. Shivraj Patil was also present at the occasion.

The legacy business jet, inducted into Air HQ Comn Sqn for VIP/VVIP duties as a replacement for the Avro, was selected from a host of other contenders mainly for the value for money it offers.

The characteristics of this aeroplane include a maximum Ramp weight of 22,570 kgs and a maximum fuel capacity of 8,300 kgs. While it can carry 10 passengers to a maximum range of 3,100 NM, its cabin volume of 40 cubic metres offers ample space for seating 12 passengers including four in the VIP cabin. Flying at a cruise speed of 0.78 Mach, it does the job of communicating passengers efficiently.

With a take off distance of 1800 metres and landing distance of 1400 metres, it can operate from most of the airfields in India and abroad.

The cockpit encompasses the modern features of Flight management system, global positioning system and other navigation systems giving it ‘Reduced Vertical Separation Minima’ and ‘CAT II ILS’ capabilities. The features of glass cockpit and auto flight systems are in keeping with the modern trends of cockpit instrumentation and mark the beginning of the much-needed modernization of the IAF transport fleet.

K3601 Embraer ERJ-135 Meghdoot
K3602 Embraer ERJ-135 Vayudoot
K3603 Embraer ERJ-135 Nabhdoot
K3604 Embraer ERJ-135 Gagandoot
 
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Mi-17 V5

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Notably, after the cancellation of the allegedly scam ridden VVIP helicopter project, India’s Ministry of Defence has approved the IAF’s proposal to convert six of the new Mi-17 V5s into VVIP configuration as an interim measure to replace the old and outdated Mi-8 helicopters of the IAF’s VVIP Communication Squadron based at Palam, New Delhi.

“The Mi-17 V5s will replace the existing Mi-8s, which have almost outlived their operational life,” said IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

These aircraft, according to the IAF Chief, are being modified at the IAF’s No.3 BRD (Base Repair Depot) at Chandigarh.
 
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Mi-8PS

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6 Mi-8PS transport VIP / VVIP were approved in October 1971.

Mil Mi-8PS are easily identifiable with their square windows. It is configured for staff transport with 20 economy class size seats or in a 14 seat VIP configuration.

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Z3040 in a VIP transport colour scheme
 
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WASHINGTON, February 6, 2019 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of two (2) 777 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self-Protection Suites (SPS) for an estimated cost of $190 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of India has requested to buy two (2) Self-Protection Suites (SPS) consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS), and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft. This potential sale would include: twelve (12) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (6 installed and 6 spares); eight (8) LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (2 installed and 6 spares); twenty-three (23) Missile Warning Sensors (MWS) for AN/AAQ-24 (V)N (12 installed and 11 spares); five (5) AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) (2 installed and 3 spares). Also included in this sale are Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), LAIRCM CIURs, SCAs, HCCs, and UDM cards, initial spares, consumables, repair and return support, support equipment, Self-Protection Suite (SPS) engineering design, integration, hardware integration, flight test and certification, selective availability anti-spoofing modules (SAASM), warranties, publications and technical documentation, training and training equipment, field service representatives; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated cost is $190 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defensive partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.

The proposed sale will improve India's capability to deter regional threats. The SPS will facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats. India will have no problem absorbing and using the SPS system.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Boeing Company, Oklahoma City, OK. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of one additional U.S. contractor representative to New Delhi, India.

India – 777 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Self-Protection Suite | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
 
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A privet 777-300ER should have 17k Km range and over 3600 sq feet cabin space. Price should be 2500 crores.
 
Well the Air India One isn't a part of the motorcade but its still relevant here.

This is from January 2018.
One day after Modi has held his speech at the World Economic Forum at Davos(Switzerland), he and the Indian delegation traveled back to India. They flew to Zurich Airport with multiple Cougar helicopters of the Swiss Air Force and then boarded the Air India Boeing 747-400.

 
India and US sign Rs 1200 crore deal for missile protection suites for new VVIP planes for Indian Prime Minister and President

Asian News International
Mar 05, 2020 16:46:20 IST
  • India has signed Rs 1,200 crore deal with the US to buy new anti-missile protection system for VVIP Boeing 777 planes that will be used to ferry the prime minister and the presidet
  • The foreign military sales deal between the two governments was signed around the two-day visit of US president Donald Trump to India, sources said
  • The self-protection suites for the Indian planes include infrared and electronic warfare countermeasures suites, countermeasure dispensing systems, and missile warning sensors
  • India currently uses four Air India Boeing 747s as VVIP planes to ferry Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi: India has signed a Rs 1,200 crore deal with the United States for buying protection suites to protect the two new Boeing VVIP planes from missile attacks that will be used to ferry the President and the Prime Minister.

"The missile protection suites on the two Boeing-777 extended range planes to be codenamed 'Air Force One' would provide it the capability to fend off any missile attacks," government sources told ANI.

The foreign military sales deal between the two governments was signed around the two-day visit of US president Donald Trump to India, sources said.

The self-protection suites for the Indian planes include infrared and electronic warfare countermeasures suites, countermeasure dispensing systems, and missile warning sensors.

The two planes are expected to arrive in India by the middle of next year to begin the VVIP duties.

Indian Air Force officials have made several visits to the Boeing facility where they get regularly briefed about the facilities being created in the aircraft and the progress made in this regard.

Due to the presence of the sophisticated equipment including missile protection suites and ownership by the Indian Air Force, the planes will have military classification. The ownership of the planes was earlier with Air India, which was maintaining the VVIP fleet using four Boeing 747 planes.

The sale of the sophisticated suites to India was cleared last by the American administration and their Defence Security Cooperation Agency has said the missile defence system deal would facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats on the planes.

During the visit by President Trump, India and the US had signed deals for the 24 MH60 Romeo multirole helicopters for the Navy and six new Apache attack choppers for the Army. (ANI)

India and US sign Rs 1200 crore deal for missile protection suites for new VVIP planes for Indian Prime Minister and President - Firstpost
 
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PM 's new ride - one of two converted Air India Boeing 777-300 jetliners, both brand new. Extensively modified with defensive countermeasures and encrypted comminication systems.

@vishnuNDTV
 
India and US sign Rs 1200 crore deal for missile protection suites for new VVIP planes for Indian Prime Minister and President

Asian News International
Mar 05, 2020 16:46:20 IST
  • India has signed Rs 1,200 crore deal with the US to buy new anti-missile protection system for VVIP Boeing 777 planes that will be used to ferry the prime minister and the presidet
  • The foreign military sales deal between the two governments was signed around the two-day visit of US president Donald Trump to India, sources said
  • The self-protection suites for the Indian planes include infrared and electronic warfare countermeasures suites, countermeasure dispensing systems, and missile warning sensors
  • India currently uses four Air India Boeing 747s as VVIP planes to ferry Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind

New Delhi: India has signed a Rs 1,200 crore deal with the United States for buying protection suites to protect the two new Boeing VVIP planes from missile attacks that will be used to ferry the President and the Prime Minister.

"The missile protection suites on the two Boeing-777 extended range planes to be codenamed 'Air Force One' would provide it the capability to fend off any missile attacks," government sources told ANI.

The foreign military sales deal between the two governments was signed around the two-day visit of US president Donald Trump to India, sources said.

The self-protection suites for the Indian planes include infrared and electronic warfare countermeasures suites, countermeasure dispensing systems, and missile warning sensors.

The two planes are expected to arrive in India by the middle of next year to begin the VVIP duties.

Indian Air Force officials have made several visits to the Boeing facility where they get regularly briefed about the facilities being created in the aircraft and the progress made in this regard.

Due to the presence of the sophisticated equipment including missile protection suites and ownership by the Indian Air Force, the planes will have military classification. The ownership of the planes was earlier with Air India, which was maintaining the VVIP fleet using four Boeing 747 planes.

The sale of the sophisticated suites to India was cleared last by the American administration and their Defence Security Cooperation Agency has said the missile defence system deal would facilitate a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats on the planes.

During the visit by President Trump, India and the US had signed deals for the 24 MH60 Romeo multirole helicopters for the Navy and six new Apache attack choppers for the Army. (ANI)

India and US sign Rs 1200 crore deal for missile protection suites for new VVIP planes for Indian Prime Minister and President - Firstpost