Aviation

Acquired from scrap, restored Dakota to join IAF fleet in March

Douglas DC3 aircraft, better known as the Dakota, carried the troops of the Army’s 1 Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on Oct 27, 1947, during the 1st Indo-Pak War.
The Dakota will bear the tail number VP 905, the same as the 1st such aircraft in the Indian service that transported the troops during the 1947 war to J&K.

New Delhi, 13 February 2018: In a Historic moment for the nation and the Indian Air Force, Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar today gifted a DC3 Dakota aircraft bearing the Tail Number VP 905 and called “Parashurama” in a signing ceremony to The Indian Air Force to be part of its Vintage Fleet.

The Gift Deed was signed between Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC , Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd)- Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s father who an Dakota Pilot himself.

The MP gifted the restored WW2 Dakota aircraft’s Papers & Deed to Chief of Air Staff on behalf of his father.

This Tail No. VP -905 is the same as the first Dakota aircraft that transported troops of 1 Sikh regiment to Srinagar on 27 October 1947 in the J&K operations.

The Tail No. VP 905 – this holds special significance for the Dakota and the Indian Air Force.

On 27 October 1947, three Dakotas of No. 12 Sqn took off from Wellingdon airfield (Safdarjung) at 0500 hours for Srinagar signalling the start of the IAF operations in the 1947-48 Indo Pak War. Before the end of the day, 28 Dakota sorties were flown (including 6 civilian sorties.)

The first Dakota Aircraft to take off and land at Srinagar piloted by Wing Commander K L Bhatia and carrying the first batch of troops of 1 Sikh Regiment under command of Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai bore the Tail No VP 905.

Speaking on the Occasion, MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said “The Dakota (Dak) was also part of my childhood as my father flew it all over India and so today I fulfil my dream of helping my father donate a DC3 Dakota to the Indian Air Force”

“This aircraft VP 905 is dedicated to all Air Warriors and their families who served an flew the Dakota in various IAF operations in remotest parts of #India from 1947-1971” an emotional Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd) said.

“On being asked on why he chose the Aircraft to be named “Parashurama” the MP said “The Dakota DC3 was named Parashurama – to signify the eternal warrior – after Saint Parashurama – the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Like other avatars of Vishnu, he appears at a time when overwhelming evil prevailed on earth to correct the cosmic equilibrium by destroying the evil forces.”

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.