Aerospace Developments IAF bids adieu to MiG-21 T-77
T
he Kalaikunda airbase recently witnessed three MiG-27 aircraft perform the Trishul break manoeuvre as a salute to the MiG-21 Type 77 aircraft that was towed out and into the hangar for the last time. The Kalaikunda based operational conversion unit (OCU) bid a final farewell to its oldest workhorse. Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Chief of the Air Staff, said, “The event marks a watershed moment in IAF’s history as we reach the end of nearly five decades of remarkable operational service rendered by this iconic fighter.” The induction of first batch of six MiG-21s way back in MarchApril 1963 heralded the arrival of IAF in the ‘Supersonic era’. Its unprecedented combat versatility afforded the IAF great amount of operational flexibility. Over the years, this delta wing marvel slowly evolved into the combat backbone of the IAF and close to 1,000 fighters (which include all variants) have served in the IAF till date. In 1980-90s the MiG-21s constituted nearly 60 per cent of our combat fleet strength.
Innovative firefighting system approved for the C-27J Spartan
cloud well focused on the target. Containers are biodegradable but they can also be recovered by ground firefighters. SP
Boeing and Saab to jointly develop T-X family of systems training solution
B
PHOTOGRAPHS: PIB, Alenia Aermacchi
O
ne of the Romanian Air Force’s C-27Js will be the first aircraft in Europe to use an innovative firefighting system. In the several past weeks, Alenia Aermacchi conducted intense operating and training tests on the aircraft, which included the new firefighting system onboard. Alenia Aermacchi recently completed an experimental campaign in a Romanian mountain range with a C-27J that operates with the Fortele Aeriene Române —the Romanian Air Force. The objective of the campaign was to test the innovative firefighting system called Caylym Guardian. The system allows C-27Js to drop up to six large cardboard containers on bushfires; each container has a capacity of 1,000 litres water or extinguishing liquid. The system allows for a quick, accurate and innovative way to fight bushfires. Using the C27J’s system of in-flight drop, the Guardian guarantees extreme precision of the drop and creates a retardant liquid 16 SP’S MAI Issue 24 • 2013
The T-77 may have flown its last sortie today, but its imprint on the ‘operational DNA’ of the IAF will continue for a long time. Gradually the other variants of the MiG-21 would also retire from service with Bison continuing for more than a decade or so. SP
oeing and Saab AB have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to jointly develop and build a new advanced, cost-efficient T-X family of systems training solution for the upcoming competition to replace the US Air Force’s aging T-38 aircrew training system. The JDA, with Boeing as the prime contractor and Saab AB as primary partner, covers areas including design, development, production, support, sales and marketing. “Teaming with Saab will bring together our companies’ formidable technical expertise, global presence, and willingness to present an adaptable and affordable advanced pilot training solution,” said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. “Boeing and Saab form the foundation for what will be the strongest, most costeffective industry team. Our comprehensive Family of Systems approach provides a new, purpose-built T-X aircraft supported by innovative training and logistics support to offer total life-cycle cost benefits to the US Air Force and taxpayers.” “Saab is proud to join with Boeing for the T-X competition, thus creating a highly capable team to deliver unprecedented value to the customer. We are sure this is the best way to supply affordable first-class
trainers to the US Air Force,” said Saab President and CEO Håkan Buskhe. Boeing and Saab look forward to the upcoming acquisition process, which will lead to the customer awarding the contract. The US Air Force T-X programme will include aircraft and training that will prepare warfighters for the next 40 years. The Air Force plans to replace the T-38 with a new Advanced Pilot Training Family of Systems and about 350 aircraft, plus associated ground-based training systems and logistics and sustainment support. SP
Brazilian Air Force takes delivery of 400th GRIFO radar
S
elex ES, a Finmeccanica company, celebrated the delivery of the 400th GRIFO radar, which is to be used by the Brazilian Air Force. The company, based out of the Lombard Aerospace District, marked the occasion with a ceremony at the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, in Milan, Italy. The GRIFO avionic combat radar, was the very first to be wholly designed, developed and produced at the Selex ES site in Nerviano (near Milan). Up until the end of the Eighties the company, at that time known as FIAR, had produced only radars under licence. The GRIFO radar represents an important commercial success for Selex ES at international level: 450 GRIFO radar systems have been so far sold, with the radar being chosen by five different air forces around the world and it is in operation in seven different types of aircraft. SP www.spsmai.com