Aviation

India is about to sign a new multibillion-dollar deal with the US for P-8I sub-killers.

India is close to signing a $2.42 billion agreement with the United States for six more advanced P-8I submarine-hunting aircraft, bringing the cumulative amount of lucrative Indian defense contracts won by Washington to about $25 billion in the last 15 years.

The Indian Navy has already received nine of the twelve P-8I aircraft, which are equipped with radars and are fitted with Harpoon Block-II missiles, MK-54 lightweight torpedoes, rockets, and depth charges and were purchased for $3.2 billion. The remaining three are expected to arrive by the end of the year.

About Boeing P-8I

One of Boeing’s most advanced aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon uses a first-in-industry in-line production system that leverages the best of Boeing Commercial and Boeing Defense for development and production.

An aircraft designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; the P-8 delivers highest levels of quality, reliability, and operability. A true multi-mission aircraft, it is defined by a unique combination of state of the art sensors, proven weapons systems, and a globally recognized platform.

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The P-8I is not just responsible for coastal patrolling but is also used for other critical missions like search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, and supporting operations of other arms of the military.

Operational Readiness

A ~60,000 sq.ft. Training Support & Data Handling (TSDH) Centre is being setup at INS Rajali, with a secondary center at INS Kochi as part of an agreement between India and Boeing.

The customized training solution for the Indian Navy will offer an integrated learning approach, combining classroom education with simulation. Boeing will also provide all associated courseware to support training activities at the center.

Does the Aircraft have a horn ?

The indigenous, ground-based training system will allow the Indian Navy crew to increase proficiency in a shorter time, while reducing the on-aircraft training time resulting in increased aircraft availability for mission tasking.

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

Related Topics:Boeing indian navy P-8i sub killer

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

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Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

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The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly