Defence Fair Aero India 2021

[Nilgiri]

Developing Any Kind Of Missile Is Not Much Of An Issue For DRDO Anymore: Satheesh Reddy | Delhi Defence Review

delhidefencereview.com

"
Saurav Jha: Dr Reddy, it has observed that of late the developmental timelines for DRDO’s missile development projects has reduced considerably as compared to the past. What do you think has changed?

Satheesh Reddy: It’s simple really. This is what happens when you reach maturity in various areas related to missile projects from propulsion to sensors. We now have strong teams with the requisite pedigree and developing any kind of missile is not much of an issue for DRDO anymore. We have also been making changes on the administrative side of things and this is epitomized by the new Procurement Manual i.e. PM-2020. For instance, today online procurement of up to 20 lakhs for components or sub-systems has been authorized. Very importantly, we have now put in place a system where we can proceed for development with the second lowest qualified bidder (L2) for a project, in the event that the lowest bidder (L1) bows out for whatever reason/ is unable to execute without the need to initiate a new tender. L2 will of course have to match the L1 rate and terms & conditions.

Saurav Jha: Finally, what is the latest on the Ballistic Missile Development front i.e. Project AD?

Satheesh Reddy: Development of Phase-I of the BMD programme is complete.
"

A good lasting tribute and legacy to efforts of APJ Kalam and the initial teams.

 

[Raptor]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1358930784946507777

Birds would fly in months!
@Cabatli_53 @Test7 @Nilgiri @sarthak @Zapper

 

[Zapper]

 

[Nilgiri]

More details on mk2/MWF, really hits stride after a cpl minutes.

Stuff we have hit upon on this forum are fleshed out w.r.t features, radome, manufacturability, sensors, layouts, uttam radar, upgrades, aerodynamics, weapons etc.

There are also some further details I didn't know. Good directed questions and context by interviewer. Worth a watch.

Man so much of what I said w.r.t we should have gone MWF size from get go gets further confirmed here (around 2nd half of interview esp.)

 

[Nilgiri]

To give an idea of how some aero-india highlights are percolating to more mainstream media channels.

Very good job all around for layman audience in mind.

This (quick featuring) kind of stuff has really improved lately, great to see.

 

[Nilgiri]

.

 

[adenl]

More details on mk2/MWF, really hits stride after a cpl minutes.

Stuff we have hit upon on this forum are fleshed out w.r.t features, radome, manufacturability, sensors, layouts, uttam radar, upgrades, aerodynamics, weapons etc.

There are also some further details I didn't know. Good directed questions and context by interviewer. Worth a watch.

Man so much of what I said w.r.t we should have gone MWF size from get go gets further confirmed here (around 2nd half of interview esp.)

So this fighter will fit in between the light fighters (Tejas, Gripen) and medium weight fighters such as F-16/MiG-29? Kinda like the M2000?

 

[Nilgiri]

So this fighter will fit in between the light fighters (Tejas, Gripen) and medium weight fighters such as F-16/MiG-29? Kinda like the M2000?

Yah it basically be a bit larger than Mirage-2000....it will have 11 hardpoints compared to 7 of mk1 (light) tejas.

 

[adenl]

It would be a pity to not develop an indigenous engine to power the IMRH's later on in the production process.

 

[Nilgiri]

It would be a pity to not develop an indigenous engine to power the IMRH's later on in the production process.

With the further MOU signed with SAFRAN recently....there likely will be a license build of a larger turboshaft than we currently do (HAL/turbomeca shakti):

Engine manufacturing key focus for HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines

Indian-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines of France signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2021 to explore opportunities for aero engine manufacturing opportunities in India

www.airmedandrescue.com

Safran Helicopter Engines is HAL’s key partner in engines for HAL’s helicopters like Chetak, Cheetal, Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter. HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have successfully co-developed the ‘Shakti’ engine for the Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter. HAL has manufactured more than 450 Shakti engines in India at the HAL Engine Division in Bengaluru.

We propose full technology transfer for engine to power next gen fighters: French manufacturer Safran

Our technologies make France one of the four countries in the world to master the complete development of a fighter jet engine. And if India needs us on this particularly strategic field, we will be there. Safran is definitely ready for a partnership with India, with the full support of the...

economictimes.indiatimes.com

The Shakti engine is often cited as a good example of foreign collaboration. Where does the project go from here? Are there possibilities to expand this partnership to jointly explore other markets as well?
The Shakti engine was co-developed by HAL and Safran. It now powers all HAL’s Dhruv helicopters. This is a fine example of the vitality of our partnership and our willingness to engage with India in genuine technology transfer.
To date, more than 250 Shakti engines have been produced in Bangalore, mostly with Indian-made components. We are proud that the Shakti engine has been selected to power the new Light Combat Helicopter. A Shakti-derivative has also been chosen for the Light Utility Helicopter. We are also working on the development of a MRO facility in Goa, through our joint venture with HAL. On helicopter engines, our partnership with HAL is a true success story and we want it to further develop.


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It in many respects parallels and will parallel what GE does with TEI.

This was the earlier MOU signed in 2015 for context:

Safran Helicopter Engines

The world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of rotorcraft turbines and the only one dedicated exclusively to this market. Operating worldwide, it employs 5,900 people and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries, and...

www.safran-helicopter-engines.com

 

[Zapper]

@Nilgiri @Paro @Raptor

 

[Zapper]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1359531666268635143

 

[Nilgiri]

I believe this was picture taken during the aero india 2021, when the B-1 visited:

All credit to original owner

 

[Nilgiri]

Footage of the B-1 that visited during Aero India 2021: