Aviation

What is the Boeing P-8I in the Indian Navy used for?

Description and Purpose
The P-8I is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations. The P-8I is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

This military derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800 combines superior performance and reliability with an advanced mission system that ensures maximum interoperability in the future battle space.

Customer
The Indian Navy is the first international customer for the P-8. Boeing signed a contract Jan. 1, 2009, to deliver eight long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft to the Indian Navy. Boeing has delivered four P-8I aircraft to the Indian Navy and will deliver the remaining four by 2015.

General Characteristics

Propulsion:	Two CFM56-7 engines providing 27,300 pounds thrust each
Length:	39.47 meters
Wing Span:	37.64 meters
Height:	12.83 meters
Maximum Takeoff Gross Weight:	85,139 kilograms
Speed:	490 knots (789 km/h)
Range:	1,200+ nautical miles, with 4 hours on station (2,222 kilometers)
Ceiling:	12,496 meters
Crew:	9

The P-8I was procured from the US for the following duties.

Long range patrolling of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
To carry out anti-submarine warfare
To carry out anti-ship warfare

Image result for P-8I Aircraft: 21st Century Maritime Security for the Indian Navy

Some of the special feaures of this plane are (info by Quora )

The P-8I has the ability to fly at an altitude of 50 m and attack submarines using torpedoes. It detects them by dropping sonobouys.
It can carry out 6 hour missions at a distance of over 2200 km from base.
It can carry 4 harpoon missiles for attacking enemy warships.
It has an internal weapons bay which allows it to carry around 8 Mk54 torpedoes to attack submarines.
Its turbofan engines are very silent compared to turboprop powered aircraft. This ensures that submarines cant detect its presence above them.
It has a Magnet Anomaly Detector boom at the rear which is useful in detecting submarines in shallow water by measuring the disturbance in the earth’s magnetic field caused by the movement of a large metallic submarine.
Many critical US components have been replaced by Indian ones

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.