Connect with us

Aerospace

India puts Russian K-36 ejection seat in Tejas to bar UK impact

India puts Russian K-36 ejection seat in Tejas to bar UK impact

India upgraded its “Tejas” fighter, using Russian technology, to avoid British restrictions. The Russian-designed K-36 seats will replace the Martin Baker ejection seats in the Indian fighter plane in order to get over the British restriction on sales to Argentina.

A crucial diplomatic meeting between Brig. Gen. Xavier Isaac, the head of the Argentine Air Force, and Dinesh Bhatia, the Indian ambassador to Argentina, took place on August 30. Their talk was primarily centered on the possibilities for bilateral relations between the two countries to grow, particularly in light of Argentina’s probable purchase of TEJAS combat planes and helicopters.

Advertisement

10 interesting facts about Ka-52 helicopter(Opens in a new browser tab)

The prospect of Argentina acquiring these military equipment shows a substantial strengthening of their strategic alliance. Both the MiG series and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets prominently incorporate the Zvezda K-36 seat, which has a long history of military aviation innovation. The Zvezda K-36D, the seat’s original design, was created in the late 1960s with the express intention of safeguarding MiG-25 Foxbat pilots. This aircraft, which gained fame for its rare Mach 3 speed and capability for stratospheric flights, was the pinnacle of famed Soviet aviation designer Mikhail Gurevich.

Advertisement

“The Argentinians have received a firm proposition. The process to replace the British components has already begun, a HAL official reportedly stated.

Why is China concerned about the Ka 52 being shot down?(Opens in a new browser tab)

Advertisement

In a strategic move, the United Kingdom has intervened to prevent Argentina from acquiring fighter jets to strengthen its military. Argentina’s procurement process has been seriously hampered by the UK’s imposition of embargoes on aircraft parts made within its borders. In addition, the UK put diplomatic pressure on Spain, forcing it to drop out of a deal to give Argentina excess Mirage-F1M fighter fighters.

The Russian K-36 seats will be placed in place of the Martin-Baker ejection seats in order to prevent the TEJAS agreement from succumbing to British strong-arm tactics. The HAL representative said, “We already have the seats available.” K-36 ejection seats are already in the possession of the HAL, which is working on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI under licence.

Advertisement

The K-36 ejection seat is a remarkable piece of engineering that has saved the lives of countless military pilots and aircrew members over the years. Developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, the K-36 ejection seat is known for its reliability and effectiveness in rapidly ejecting pilots from a stricken aircraft in emergency situations. It has been widely used in various military aircraft, particularly in Soviet and Russian aircraft, and has gained a reputation for its robust design and high survival rate for occupants.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

Advertisement

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

Advertisement

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?
Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)


Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Advertisement

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

Advertisement

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Advertisement

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

Advertisement

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

Advertisement

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Advertisement

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Advertisement

Trending