From Vayu Aerospace Review Issue I/1996
AI and IA Merger
Air India (AI) and Indian Airlines (IA) are moving ahead in a phased manner towards becoming a single corporation by gradually merging operational areas like training, engineering and human resource development (HRD). Approval for the merger has already been obtained from the Minister of Civil Aviation. AI and IA have formed a subcommittee which is going to submit the proposal for code sharing between the two airlines. The merger would also ensure that there is no overlapping on overseas routes.
ALH Naval Variant
The fourth prototype (naval variant) of the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was officially flight demonstrated for the CNS on 22 January 1996. The naval version has a retractable tricycle landing gear and provision for folding of the main rotors for easier stowage on ship deck.
Reliance-HAL partnership on Saras LTA
The Reliance Group and HAL are to participate in the NAL Saras light transport aircraft project which marks entry of the Reliance Group into the aviation sector. Reliance will undertake to market the 14-seater, twin-turboprop aircraft while HAL will manufacture the aircraft at its Bangalore Complex. The potential market for this pressurised LTA includes air taxi operators, light-cargo carriers and the Coast Guard. The aircraft will also be suitable for border patrol and air ambulance services.
Prithvi SS-250 test launched
The longer-range variant (250-km) Prithvi II, developed for the Indian Air Force, was successfully test fired for the first time from the interim test range at Chandipur-onSea in Orissa on 27 January. Further test launches of the SS-250 are planned before its clearance for induction into the IAF.
Nishant UAV
Work on India’s first Unmanned Air Vehicle, the Nishant, has progressed with the completion of flight trails of three technology demonstrators. DRDO sources have confirmed that the three technology demonstrators developed and assembled by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) have undergone a series of flight trials and the construction of three more prototypes are planned.
Mi-35s for Army Aviation Corps?
According to Russian company Rostvertol, a proposal has been made to the MoD for the sale of Mi-35s (the export version of the Mi24 ‘Hind’) to the Indian Army. A defence delegation from Russia visited New Delhi recently for detailed discussions with senior Government and Indian Army officials. The earlier visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Yarov had virtually finalised the helicopter deal (India already operates two squadrons of the Mi-24/35).
“Indian aircraft purchases will exceed Rs 50,000 Cr”
Expenditure on Indian aircraft purchases will exceed Rs 50,000 crores ($14.7 billion) in the next 20 years, according to head of the structures division at NAL. Reference were made on the proposed acquisition by Air India of medium capacity long range aircraft, while private airlines have extensive plans for expansion and modernisation.
Indian Coast Guard Air Wing expands
The Indian Coast Guard’s Air Wing has been steadily expanding with the induction of additional HAL-built fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. The third squadron equipped with HAL-Dornier 228-101s was established on 5 January 1996 when CGAS 745 was formed at Port Blair, capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The other two squadrons, CGAS 744 and CGAS 750 flying the specially-equipped Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft are based at Meenambakkam (Madras) and Daman respectively, covering India’s eastern and western coastlines and the EEZ.
Himachal Pradesh air links
Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has evinced keen interest in the expansion and upgradation of existing airports in Himachal Pradesh to cope with the increasing need for air traffic to and within the mountain state. The state government has taken up the matter with the Civil Aviation Minister and work for the proposed expansion will commence as soon as more land is requisitioned.
Swedish Air Force Gripens
Four Swedish Air Force pilots and one pilot from the Defence Material Administration (FMV) are currently receiving conversion training on the JAS-39 Gripen. They have, so far, made ten flights each and training was to continue until the end of January 1996, when the tactical testing programme begins.