JAS 39 Gripen fighter

Gripen is the first of the new generation, multi-role combat aircraft to enter service. Using the latest available technology it is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface operational missions and employs the latest weapons.










Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Czech Republic and Hungarian Air Forces and has also been ordered by South Africa and Thailand. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is also operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.

Gripen was declared operational in the Swedish Air Force in 1997, which has 204 aircraft on order including 28 two seaters and where to date, 198 aircraft have been delivered operating in seven squadrons. Gripen is in full operational service with the Czech Republic Air Force, which has taken delivery of all of its 14 aircraft (12 single-seat and 2 two-seaters) to meet its national, European and NATO defence needs.
Gripen is also in full operational service with the Hungarian Air Force, which has taken delivery of all of its 14 aircraft (12 single-seat and 2 two-seaters) to meet its national, European and NATO needs.



The United Kingdom’s (UK) Empire Test Pilots´ School (ETPS) is also operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.
South Africa, Gripen’s first export customer, has ordered a fleet of 26 aircraft (9 two-seat and 17 single seat aircraft) to replace its existing front-line aircraft. Deliveries of South African aircraft commenced in April 2008 and will be completed by 2012.
In October 2007, the government of Thailand approved the procurement of Gripen fighters to replace the Royal Thai Air Force’s ageing F-5 fleet, and in February 2008 Thailand and Sweden signed contracts for the supply of the initial 6 aircraft Gripen aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

Detailed background:

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Swedish: "griffin") is a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. Gripen International acts as a prime contracting organisation and is responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen fighter around the world.
The aircraft is in service with the Swedish Air Force, the Czech Air Force, the Hungarian Air Force and the South African Air Force, and has been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force. A total of 236 Gripens have been ordered as of 2008.

Development

By the late 1970s a replacement for Sweden's ageing Saab 35 Drakens and Saab 37 Viggens was needed. A new fighter was being considered by 1979, with design studies beginning the following year. The development of the Gripen began in 1982 with approval from Swedish Parliament.
The Gripen was designed for performance, flexibility, effectiveness and survivability in air combat. The designation JAS stands for Jakt (Air-to-Air), Attack (Air-to-Surface), and Spaning (Reconnaissance), indicating that the Gripen is a multirole or swingrole fighter aircraft that can fulfill each mission type. The JAS 39 got its name Gripen through a public competition in 1982. The griffin is the heraldry on Saab's logo and suited the multirole characteristics of the aircraft. Furthermore, the griffin is the symbolic animal on the coat of arms of Östergötland, the province in which Saab AB is headquartered (Linköping).
Sweden chose to develop the Gripen rather than purchase a variant of the F-16, F/A-18A/B, or the "F-5S" version of the Northrop F-20 Tigershark.
The first Gripen was rolled out on 26 April 1987, marking Saab's fiftieth anniversary. The first prototype first flew on 9 December 1988. Teaming agreements
In 1995, Saab Military Aircraft and British Aerospace or BAe (now BAE Systems) formed the joint venture company Saab-BAe Gripen AB, with the goal of adapting, manufacturing, marketing and supporting Gripen internationally. The deal was to take advantage of BAe's global marketing experience. BAe designed an improved wing, which they manufactured, producing approximately 45% of export airframes. BAe also saw the Gripen as a complementary product to its existing aircraft, fitting between its Hawk light attack/trainer and the larger Tornado and Typhoon fighters. This cooperation was extended in 2001 with the formation of Gripen International for the same purpose. In December 2004, Saab and BAE Systems agreed that from January 2005 Saab would take full responsibility for marketing of the Gripen in light of Saab's increased export marketing capabilities.
On 26 April 2007, Norway signed an agreement on a joint development programme of the aircraft regarding co-operation in advanced development work on future versions of the aircraft. The value of the deal, which will allow Norwegian companies to take part, is about NOK 150 million over two years.
In June 2007, Thales Norway A/S and Saab signed a contract concerning the development of communications system

for the Gripen fighter. This order for the Norwegian company is the first to be awarded under the provisions of the Letter of Agreement signed by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and Gripen International in April 2007.
As part of Gripen International's marketing efforts in Denmark, a deal was signed in December 2007 with Danish technology supplier Terma A/S which allows them to participate in an industrial co-operation programme over the next 10-15 years. The total value of the programme is estimated at over DKK 10 billion, and is partly dependent on Denmark choosing the Gripen.

Gripen NG

A two-seat "New Technology Demonstrator" has been built, and was presented on 23 April 2008. It has increased fuel capacity, a more powerful powerplant, increased payload capacity, upgraded avionics and other improvements. The new aircraft is also referred to as the "Gripen Demo".
The new Gripen NG (Next Generation) will have many new parts and will be powered by the GE/Volvo Aero F414G, a development of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's engine. The engine will produce 20% more thrust at 98 kN (22,000 lbf), enabling a supercruise speed of Mach 1.1 with air-to-air missiles.
Compared to the Gripen D, the Gripen NG's max takeoff weight has increased from 14,000 to 16,000 kg (30,900-35,300 lb) with an increase in empty weight of 200 kg (440 lb). Due to relocated main landing gear, the internal fuel capacity has increased by 40%, which will increase ferry range to 4,070 km (2,200 nmi). The new undercarriage configuration also allows for the addition of two heavy stores pylons to the fuselage. Its PS-05/A sensor adds a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna for flight testing beginning in mid-2009.
Gripen Demo's maiden flight was conducted on 27 May 2008. The test flight took about 30 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of about 6,400 meters.

Design

In designing the aircraft, several layouts were studied. Saab ultimately selected an unstable canard design. The canard configuration gives a high onset of pitch rate and low drag, enabling the aircraft to be faster, have longer range and carry a larger payload.
The combination of delta wing and canards gives the Gripen significantly better takeoff and landing performance and flying characteristics. The totally integrated avionics make it a "programmable" aircraft. It also has a built-in electronic warfare unit, making it possible to load more ordnance onto the aircraft without losing self defence capabilities.
The Gripen affords more flexibility than earlier generations of combat aircraft used by Sweden, and its operating costs are about two thirds of those for JA 37 Viggen.
In the Swedish Air Force's list of requirements was the ability to operate from 800 m runways. Early on in the programme, all flights from Saab's facility in Linköping were flown from within a 9 m × 800 m outline painted on the runway. Stopping distance was reduced by extending the relatively large air brakes; using the control surfaces to push the aircraft down, enabling the wheel brakes to apply more force and tilting the canards forwards, making them into large air brakes and further pushing the aircraft down.

Radar

The Gripen uses the modern PS-05/A pulse-doppler X-band radar, developed by Ericsson and GEC-Marconi, and based on the latter's advanced Blue Vixen radar for the Sea Harrier (which inspired the Eurofighter's CAPTOR radar as well).
The radar is capable of detecting, locating, identifying and automatically tracking multiple targets in the upper and lower spheres, on the ground and sea or in the air, in all weather conditions. It can guide four air to air missiles (e.g. AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA MICA) simultaneously at four different targets.

Cockpit

The cockpit has three full colour head down displays and digital emergency instrument presentation unique to the aircraft. The cockpit layout provides a human-machine interface that eases pilot workload substantially and increases situational awareness, but still provides substantial future growth potential. The pilot flies the aircraft by means of a centre stick and left hand throttles.
The cockpit provides a display area some 30 per cent larger than that available in most other fighters, with the multi-function displays taking up around 75 per cent of available space.
It is dominated by three large (15.7 x 21 cm) active-matrix, liquid crystal, multi-function displays and a wide angle (20 x 28 degree) head-up display (HUD). The displays are equipped with light sensors for computer assisted brightness and contrast control.

Expeditionary capabilities

One interesting feature is the Gripen's ability to take off and land on public roads, which was part of Sweden's war defence strategy. The aircraft is designed to be able to operate also if the air force does not have air superiority.
During the Cold war, the Swedish Armed Forces were preparing to defend against a possible invasion from the Soviet Union. Even though the defensive strategy in principle called for an absolute defence of Swedish territory, military planners calculated that Swedish defence forces could eventually be overrun. For that reason, Sweden had military stores dispersed all over the country, in order to maintain the capacity of inflicting damage on the enemy even if military installations were lost.
Accordingly, among the requirements from the Swedish Air Force was that the Gripen fighter should be able to land on public roads near military stores for quick maintenance, and take off again. As a result, the Gripen fighter can be refueled and re-armed in ten minutes by a five man mobile ground crew operating out of a truck, and then resume flying sorties.
In the post-Cold War era, these dispersed operation capabilities have proved to be of great value for a different purpose. The Gripen fighter system is expeditionary in nature, and therefore well suited for peace-keeping missions worldwide, which has become the new main task of the Swedish Armed Forces.

Operational history

Current operators

The Gripen is in operational service with the Swedish Air Force, which has ordered 204 aircraft (including 28 two-seaters).
The Czech Air Force and the Hungarian Air Force also operate the Gripen, and currently lease 14 Swedish Air Force aircraft each, with the option of eventually acquiring them. In both cases two of the aircraft are two-seaters. The Czech and the Hungarian Air Force are the first Gripen operators within NATO.
Deliveries to the South African Air Force (26 aircraft, including nine two-seaters) commenced in April 2008, and are ongoing. Gripen has also been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force (six aircraft, four of them two-seaters).
The British based Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.

Potential and future operators

Brazil

In October 2008, it was reported that the Brazilian Air Force had selected three finalists in their F-X2 program. They are Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Gripen NG, and the number of aircraft involved are said to be anywhere between 36 and 120. The decision should be made early 2009.

Croatia

The Croatian Air Force has announced plans to replace their MiG-21 bis aircraft, possibly with either the JAS 39 Gripen or the F-16 Falcon. The final projection calls for 12-18 aircraft. On 27 March 2008, the Swedish Defence Material Administration and Saab responded to Croatia's request for information regarding the procurement of twelve aircraft. The Croatian Air Force is expected to make a decision later in 2008 or 2009.

Denmark

Denmark has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Ministers of Sweden and Denmark to evaluate the Gripen, pending Denmark's future replacement of their fleet of 48 F-16s. Denmark has also requested for the new variants of Gripens to be developed. It will include the package of new avionics, a larger and more powerful engine, larger payload and, most importantly, longer range.

India

India is evaluating the Gripen for its tender for 126 multi-role combat aircraft. Gripen International handed over its proposal on 28 April 2008. The company is offering the Gripen IN, a version of the Gripen NG for India's tender.

The Netherlands

On 7 July 2008 Dagens Industri reported that the Netherlands announced they will evaluate JAS 39 Gripen Next Generation together with four other competitors and announce the result in the end of 2008. Saab responded on 25 August 2008 to a 'Replacement Questionnaire' issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 aircraft to the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The Netherlands is evaluating the Gripen NG against the F-35.

Switzerland

On 17 January 2008 the Swiss Defence Material Administration invited Gripen International to submit initial bids for supplying the Gripen as a replacement for their old F-5s. Saab responded with a proposal on 2 July 2008. The exact number of aircraft has not been disclosed.

Others

Bulgaria announced that they are to replace their 20 Mikoyan MiG-29s with possible 16 JAS 39C/D Gripens, or 16 used F-16s. The process is to be completed around 2010.
The Romanian Air Force has announced that they will replace their MiG-21 LanceR aircraft beginning in 2008, possibly with JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon or Eurofighter Typhoon.
On 18 January 2008 the Norwegian Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Binding Information (RBI) to the Swedish Defence Material Administration, who responded on 28 April 2008 with a proposal offering 48 aircraft. However, on 20 November 2008 the Norwegian government released a statement that they have selected F-35s for the Norwegian Air Force.
Other nations that are showing interest in the Gripen include Slovakia.

Variants

JAS 39A
Fighter version that first entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. A modification program has started and 31 of these will be upgraded to C/D standard.
JAS 39B
Two-seat version of the A variant. This variant is 2 feet 2 inches longer than the single seat version.
JAS 39C
NATO-compatible version of Gripen with extended capabilities in terms of armament, electronics, etc. This variant can also be refueled in flight.
JAS 39D
Two-seat version of the C variant.
Gripen Demo
A two-seat technology demonstrator for improvements slated for the Gripen NG.
Gripen NG
(Next Generation) Proposed version with new engine (GE/Volvo Aero F414G), increased fuel capacity, higher payload, upgraded avionics and other improvements.

Operators

Current operators

Czech Republic
Czech Air Force: 14 Gripens on lease, including 2 two-seaters.
Hungary
Hungarian Air Force: 14 Gripens on a lease-and-buy arrangement, including 2 two-seaters (C/D versions). The final three aircraft were delivered in December 2007.
South Africa
South African Air Force: 26 aircraft ordered (down from 28), nine two-seater Ds and 17 single seat Cs. The first delivery, a two-seater, took place on 30 April 2008. As of 15 August 2008, four aircraft have been delivered.
Sweden
Swedish Air Force: 204 aircraft originally ordered, including 28 two-seaters (138 in service). Sweden leases 28 of the aircraft, including four two-seaters, to the Czech and Hungarian Air Forces. Some aircraft are yet to be delivered. In 2007 the Swedish government decided that the future Swedish Air Force will deploy no more than 100 JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters. A program to upgrade 31 of the air force's JAS 39A/B fighters to JAS 39C/Ds was started.
United Kingdom
Empire Test Pilots' School: Under the current agreement, ETPS instructor pilots and students undergo simulator training with the Swedish Air Force, and go on to fly the two-seater Gripen at Saab in Linköping, in two training campaigns per year (spring and autumn). The agreement was renewed in 2008.

Orders

Thailand
The Royal Thai Air Force: Six aircraft, four of them two-seaters, have been ordered for delivery in 2011, with a potential additional six at a later date. The Gripens will replace the 12 F-5B/Es at Surat Thani Airbase.

F/A-22

These are Great In-flight Photos of the F/A-22 as the first Aircraft Delivery 
was being made to Langley AFB in Va.. Langley is to be first Operational AFB for the F/A-22. It is a very Beautiful AFB, located in a picturesque location, as you can see in these photos, near Norfolk and Hampton, Va.

The Aircraft flying along with the F/A-22 in the last of these photos is the F-15, which will be replaced by the F/A-22 which is several times better than the F-15.

In Actual In-flight (simulated) Combat Operations against the F-15, two F/A-22's were able to operate without detection while it went Head to Head against (8) F-15's. The F/A-22's scored Missile Hits (Kills) against all the F-15 Aircraft and the F/A-22's were never Detected by either the F-15's or Ground Based Radar.

Maj. Gen. R ick Le wis said: 'The Raptor Operated Against All Adver! saries with
Virtual Impunity; Ground Based Systems Couldn't Engage and NO Adversary
Aircraft Survived'!

F/A-22-- America's Most Advanced Fighter Aircraft for the 21st Century!

Maritime Patrolling Aircraft-ATR 42 MPA

Malaysia is a country Littoral, have boundary waters area, require supervision and monitoring activities in the sea every time. selat malacca is the most important routes for merchant ships that never deserted from the various threats especially from criminal maritim.lain straits malacca, major ports in Malaysia became an important stopover for trading ships, container ships, tankers, general cargo ship, coast and others.

Fishing activities, the oil platforms at sea in a whisper in supervising difficult and often they become a threat pirates. sea area and the hundreds of small islands is a strategic area for piracy activities.
Malaysia maritime area includes the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area of 598.450 square km and the sea area of 148.307 square km area that requires protection. a wide area that will require robust monitoring of surface and air.
 
Maritime surveillance area will be more effective if set propelled surface ships in ivory with aircraft capable of patrolling the maritime high. Of RMN tasks undertaken by flotila monitor maritime patrols. RMN before this location propelled surface ships is available for maritime patrol duties. Program ships patrolling the new generation (NGPV), an effort to empower flotila RMN patrol. RMN was initially proposed to complete 27 units with flotila patrol NGPV gradually.
 
Financial turmoil experienced by builders PSC-ND was preparing to make RMN hope at least four units NGPV. Construction has been delayed NGPV make some expectations of the parties. But the continued construction NGPV to prepare at least two units of PV NGPV 'Kedah' and PV 'PAHANG'. NGPV two units that have been completed have been induced rage parties. But only two NGPV logically incapable of monitoring the vast sea Malaysia.

RMN although empowered with NGPV but still not accurate enough to implement monitoring. logically (maritime defense responsibilities taken into account), user maritime patrolling aircraft (MPA). is a must.

In the context of maritime surveillance area, the user can double the MPA in an integrated aspect of RMN's capability in anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, air warfare and electronic warfare.

Of RMN, efforts towards developing the ability operate MPA is a long-term planning. MPA combat surface and operating in an integrated manner to form a balanced and credible fleet. Of RMN, the concept of operating in the MPA RMN devoted to completing the requirements of maritime operations involving the war.
Other naval royal india (RMN), responsible for maritime surveillance was conducted by another government agency, maritime enforcement agency malaysia (MMEA), the newly formed last year. MMEA was formed through a combination of nine government agencies; RMN, RMP, marine branch, Royal Malaysian Customs (KDRM), Fisheries Department, Marine Department Peninsular, Sabah Marine Department, Marine Department, the department of environmental and national security. Coupling security agencies involved are expected to increase the ability to monitor maritime countries more effectively.

RMN who see the concept of operating to meet the MPA more operations in the maritime war, require aircraft that can perform operations MPA distance and high capacity. Needs to complete the MPA in the fleet is a must, even though it it will not happen in the near future.

Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), long-MPA operates aircraft, Beechcraft B200T. RMAF earn four units of B-200T Beechcraft aircraft operated under 16 squadron. Beechcraft aircraft assigned to monitor the ocean area with extensive operating. Beechcraft aircraft capacity is limited and impossible to implement these aircraft maritime patrol tasks effectively for an extended period of time.

RMAF has been studying the weaknesses aircraft B-200T aircraft will be upgraded with the installation of radar new effort. two B-200T aircraft will install a new maritime surveillance radar, radar installations carried out by Airod Sdn Bhd. new capabilities are only two units specially designed for aircraft only at this time and the installation of two new radar units will be implemented gradually Beechcraft.

MPA is an important requirement that must be given attention by the ATM, especially the Royal Malaysian Air Force skali MPA requires a very high capacity to more challenging tasks in modern warfare environment. LIMA'05 last December, was attended by representatives from several firms making MPA, promote their aircraft for the ATM.

Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker

                                Su-30MKM is the best air combat assets in the region.

     Advanced multi-role combat aircraft the latest in the RMAF inventory of Russian-made Su-30MKM will perform the role of the best distance for the RMAF. RMAF to make the acquisition of 18 units of Su-30MKM will receive a three-stage (6 +6 +6 +). Currently the first six Su-30MKM BAC has been operating from the No.11 Squadron Air Base Kedak Gong. Sukhoi pilots are currently undergoing training evaluation, including exploration aircraft .. What is remarkable RMAF pilots involved in the Sukhoi aircraft capable of conducting a short time without a problem. However, more complex flight training to handle weapons training to be carried out in February or March 2008.

     Su-30MKM is an advanced fighter aircraft built by the RMAF specifications. RMAF Sukhoi aircraft engine thrust vector control Saturn AL-31FP to force a high imperative to be able to reach the supersonic speeds up to MACH 2. The ability of the aircraft carrying various types of missile weapons and missiles to make it a multi-function aircraft that can carry long-range multi-role combat, day and night in all weather conditions.

Equipped with weapons and systems comprising;* R-73E infra-red missiles (air to air / AAM).* Pod / Jammer is active.* APK-9E Pod for missile Kh-59ME.* System optronik LDP Damocles.* KAB-500Kr (OD), TV guide bombs.* KAB-bomb 500Kr TV guide* Sensor / laser detector iluminasi.* R-27ER1 (air to air / AAM, medium range using infrared guidance).* RVV-AE (air to air / AAM, medium distance, manual radio off).* Cannon GSh-301.* Kh-29TE (air-to-face, TV guide).* Kh-31P/Kh-31A, anti-radiation / anti-ship.* Kh-59ME (air to surface).

     Systems of other advanced features on the Su-30MKM comprising; glass cockpit systems, multi-function display (MFD), made the French look on display (HUD), the work of Thales, the nozzle / air refueling probe, transmitter antenna IFF ( antenna identification friend or enemy forces) French-made, radar phased arrays bars, iluminasi laser sensor on the front and rear of the aircraft, UV sensors, the system of emergency assistance that is flexible zero-zero seat K-36D-3, 5E.

TU-142

India’s $133 million deal announced in November 2005 for 2 P-3C Orion maritime-optimized patrol and surveillance planes fell through on grounds of expense, support costs, and timing. Apparently, it would have taken 18-24 months for the US Navy to retrofit the aircraft to the Indian Navy’s specifications, once the lease had been finalized.
In December 2005, therefore, India’s navy floated an RFP for at least 8 new maritime aircraft. Subsequent statements by India’s Admiral Prakash suggested that they could be looking for as many as 30 aircraft by 2020. Lockheed was invited to bid again, and this time, they were not alone. The bids were submitted in April 2007. The plan was for price negotiations to be completed in 2007, with first deliveries to commence within 48 months.
India’s Ministry of Defence has extreme problems with announced schedules, but their existing fleet was wearing out, international requests for India’s maritime patrol help are rising, and some action is necessary. DID discusses the geopolitical drivers, the current fleet, and the known competitors. As of August 2009, the competition has a winner, and a deal that’s adding the final pieces…

• With Growing Naval Power Comes Growing Naval Responsibility
• The Competitors
• Listed, But Not Submitted
• Contracts and Key Events [updated]
• Additional Readings

Australian AP-3C

Don’t count out the old standby P-3C Orion just yet. Lockheed’s bid reportedly included a combination offer: 8 upgraded US Navy P-3C aircraft for $550-700 million; and 16 multi-mission MH-60R helicopters from Sikorsky costing $350-400 million.

This platform is in service with 15 nations, and Lockheed-Martin still hopes to reach 16 by adding India. Press Trust of India reports Lockheed VP Richard Kirkland as saying their bid will offer “P-3C Orions which have completely been refurbished with new wing-spans and tails to serve almost a life time of 20 years… We are offering the Navy the choice of sensors and equipment to be placed onboard and the configuration it wants either for long-range maritime reconnaissance or anti-submarine mode.” Lockheed recently opened a plant to manufacture wings for old P-3C aircraft, as a way of keeping P-3C fleets flying in the 15 countries that use the aircraft. The refurbished aircraft with new hydraulic jigs, composite-wing spans and tails are already being delivered to the US Navy and some other international customers, and Kirkland contends that shorter delivery time will be an advantage for Lockheed this time around.

September 2007 reports add that the lead time for a long-range P-8A or Airbus 319 solution have led to a second look at the P-3C option, but that appears to have faded.

FALCON 900 MPA

There were reports in April 2005 that India might be interested in a modified MPA based on Dassault’s high-end Falcon 900 business jet. Though the platform was absent from most subsequent coverage, the reports turned out to be true.

     In September 2007, IANS reported that Israel Aerospace Industries and its subsidiary Elta Systems had submitted a proposal based on this jet, leveraging Elta systems extensive experience with naval radars and other surveillance systems, and IAI’s experience converting business jets into surveillance platforms. The tri-engine Falcon 900 may be a business jet, but it’s known as a VIP class offering with a lot of space and a 4,100-4,500 nautical mile (7,600-8,330 km) unrefueled range.

     The Falcon 900 is many things, but ‘cheap’ is not one of them. Bid prices could easily approach those of larger aircraft like the refurbished P-3Cs, which may complicate IAI’s odds of being selected as an interim solution. On the other hand, Israel has deep relationships of its own in India, and IAI’s Heron and Searcher II UAVs could allow IAI to offer an integrated manned/ unmanned surveillance system that costs far less than higher-end options like the P-8A/BAMS, and offers proven aircraft/UAV integration that can be added to larger aircraft like the A319 or P-8A later on.

Atlantique MPA

EADS’ maritime patrol offerings include EADS-CASA’s CN-235MP Persuader in service with a number of countries, and the twin-turboprop AT3 Atlantique offered as part of the SECBAT consortium (EADS, Dassault Aviation of France, Alenia of Italy, and SABCA-SONACA of Belgium). While these are capable aircraft, their range and payload limitations may make them a dubious contender to replace the TU-142.

Further up the range scale, maritime variants of their ATR 42 and ATR 72 short-haul passenger turboprops are produced for some customers, and EADS also refurbishes and maintains Spanish P-3C Orion aircraft.

In the end, however, their primary offering was “none of the above.” A July 2007 Defense News report suggests that rather than using any of the proven designs above, EADS is leveraging equipment from these efforts to propose a maritime patrol variant of the Airbus A319 passenger jet for this competition. The design is not expected to become operational before 2014, however, which means that EADS’ shorter-range options may become relevant again if India’s Navy seeks an interim buy as part of a package deal, or wants to complement its forces with medium range aircraft.

Airbus and Boeing have both made substantial investments in India, and both are seriously examining the possibility of partnering with Indian companies to jointly develop communications, data-link and identification friend-or-foe (IFF) equipment as part of their bids.

TU-142M “Bear”

The TU-142 Bear is the current incumbent. It was originally built as the TU-95 heavy bomber in the pre-jet era, before going on to a very long and successful career as the Eastern Bloc’s most important and longest ranging maritime surveillance and attack aircraft. A TU-142 can fly from Mumbai (Bombay) to Johannesburg, South Africa and back – without refueling. Bharat-Rakshak reports that 8-10 Bears remain in service with the Indian Naval Air Arm. Supplied to India in 1987-1988, all of them have been refurbished at least once. As noted above, these aircraft are being retired, after negotiations with Russia and Israel to retrofit them were called off.

Interest in the proposed upgrades may pick up again, however, given the likely timeline for long-range replacement aircraft from Boeing or Airbus. Bharat-Rakshak notes that proposals had been floated to Russian and Israeli firms to significantly upgrade the TU-142 with the Leninets Sea Dragon common patrol suite, as well as other electronic enhancements useful for surveillance and even electronic warfare. Proposed Sea Dragon upgrades were rejected on cost and performance grounds, which led to discussions around an Israeli IAI Elta surveillance and communications package based around the AN/M-2202A radar used in Spain’s P-3C upgrades. These upgrades may even have been installed on at least one aircraft.

IL-38 May

Russia’s IL-38 May is about the same vintage as the P-3C Orion. Only 3 aircraft remain in Indian service from the original set of 5, after 2 of the aircraft were lost in an airshow collision. Unlike the TU-142s, however, the status of their upgrades is clear. India Defence reports that the first of 3 improved Il-38SD maritime anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft has been delivered to the Indian Navy following upgrades in Russia, at a cost of about $35 million per plane.

The IL-38 upgrade includes the Leninets Morskoy Zmei (Sea Dragon) digital common patrol suite, which is designed to detect and intercept surface vessels and submarines as well as detect mines and carry out surveillance. Like the Israeli M-2202A, the suite can also detect airborne targets, and it can be linked to the Russian Glonass GPS satellite navigation system. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has supplied the new IL-38SD’s electronic intelligence system, electronic countermeasures station system, digital firing decoys and radio communication system. India also plans to mount the medium-range PJ-10 BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on this aircraft in the near future.

Another 4 similarly upgraded IL-38SDs were scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy by early in 2007, bringing the fleet to 7 – but the upgrades themselves have had problems due to poor delivery from DRDO, and the age of refurbished airframes has to be a concern for a long-term buy like the LRMR competition. The IL-38SD may become an “interim buy” option, however, if India’s preferred choice is not immediately available.

PILATUS PC-7 MK II

PC-7 Mk II equipped with modern avionics equipment includes;

* Main Flight Display (PFD)* Secondary Flight Display (SFD)* Engine and Instrument Panel Display Secondary (ESDP)* Audio Radio Management System (Arms)* VHF Com1* VHF Com 2* UHF com* VHF Nav 1* DME* ADF* Transponder (Mode S)* Global Position System (GPS)* Radar Altimeter* Air data computer* Hint emergency location* Altitude heading refence system (AHRS)