Lockheed gears up to C-130Js deliveries

Lockheed Martin is gearing up for the delivery of the first C-130J Super Hercules to the Indian Air Force later this year. In 2008, the Indian Air Force ordered six C-130J’s for special services, with an option for six more.
The order includes six aircraft, three years of initial support, training of aircrew and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets, and a team of technical specialists who will be based in India during the initial support period of three years. The package also includes operational equipment designed to increase Special Operations capabilities unique to India.

The C-130J Super Hercules will provide the Indian Air Force with modern and effective airlift to support a wide range of national requirements. Due to the aircraft’s mission flexibility, several other departments in India have shown interest in the C-130J. These include the Border Security Force, Coast Guard and Weather Department — increasing the potential for additional sales to India.

In keeping with IAF requirements, the US government offered a unique C-130J configuration modified for special mission roles. Equipped with an Infrared Detection Set (IDS), the aircraft will be able to perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions. Self-protection systems and other features are included to ensure aircraft survivability in hostile air defence environments. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with air to air receiver refuelling capability for extended range operations. Lockheed Martin will integrate this equipment and other capabilities into the Indian configuration as agreed between the governments.

The Indian Air Force’s new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage or ‘stretched’ variant of the C130J, similar to those being delivered to the US Air Force. Lockheed Martin will work with a large number of partners in the private and public sector, including HAL, to meet its offset requirement from this program, which is approximately USD 300 million.
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Gripen NG Demo Flies from its Nest

The Gripen NG demo made its international debut last month by taking part in the last phase of the Indian evaluation trials for the MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) tender in India. Till date the aircraft has flown some 135 test flights in Sweden and is now testing its wings abroad, showing the international arena that next generation Gripen fighter development is on track.
“This achievement just shows the expertise and high technology capability that Sweden boasts in developing and manufacturing a fighter aircraft of this calibre. Several international pilots have already flown and evaluated the Gripen NG demo in Sweden, including pilots from Brazil and India and we are confident that this aircraft meets, or exceeds every operational requirement raised by the Indian Air Force,” said Gripen campaign director, India, Eddy de la Motte.

The harsh environment of the Leh airbase, 3300m high up in the Himalayas, proved to be no match for the Swedish fighter where it cleared the high altitude trials. The Gripen NG demo is the flying platform which is being used to train and develop the new technologies and features incorporated into the Gripen NG. The Gripen NG has been specifically developed to meet the operational requirements of countries such as India and Brazil, which requires a next generation fighter with significantly increased combat range and endurance, increased payload and super cruise capability. (Take a Gripen NG picture)

M&M’s new joint venture

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd along with its subsidiary MOICML (Mahindra Overseas Investment Company Mauritius Ltd), Arabia Holdings and Ras Al-Khaimah Transport Investments LLC have signed an agreement to create a joint venture company in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE for armouring of vehicles.

Mahindra & Mahindra, through its Division, Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) has over the past six years acquired a leadership position in India in the field of vehicle armouring and brings to the joint venture its considerable experience in the design and development of ballistic kits for vehicle protection.