Aerospace

Indian Navy to buy Rafale M fighter plane after IAF?

The internal news that India would purchase more Rafale Jets for the Indian Navy as part of a fresh batch of upgraded fighter jets for Indian defence is being released by the French media. According to the source, the two nations can sign this agreement when French President Emmanuel Macron travels to India in March.

As part of an ongoing deal for fighter jets for the aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, two fighter jets from different countries are involved: one is the French-built Dassault Rafale and the other is an American F/A18 Super Hornet. A few months ago, the two fighter jets demonstrated their ability to conduct operations over the Indian aircraft carrier. The race to acquire this contract could be a significant development for the Indian Navy’s future aircraft supplies.

A total of 36 fighter planes built by Rafale have already entered service with the Indian Air Force. France is now looking for the fighter jet requirements from the Indian Navy. As stated, it will offer all necessary assistance for Indian defence, and it is also constructing component production in India with local suppliers.

It is French media claimed that India turned down the American Jet F/A 18 super hornet and opted instead for the Rafale agreement. This agreement will mark a significant turning point in Indian-French ties. Additionally, according to the media source, the Indian Navy is ready to agree to a multi-billion dollar purchase agreement with France for 26 Rafale M aircraft.

10 Most Expensive Fighter Jets In The World(Opens in a new browser tab)

The opposite The American company Boeing has previously stated that the F/A Super Hornet was specifically designed for naval carriers, has a wide range of features, connects to Boeing P8 maritime aircraft for surveillance support, and has the newest aircraft, all of which have improved India’s ability to fight off enemies.

Europe’s Future Combat Air System: on the way to the first flight(Opens in a new browser tab)

43 obsolete Russian MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighter planes are now in the Indian Navy’s fleet. The Navy had numerous potential names for the aircraft, but the Rafale M and the F-18 ultimately won the race. 240 Rafale M planes are now in the French Navy. These jets have been produced by Dassault since 1986.

The Indian New Aircraft Carrier is equipped with the newest defence weaponry, as well as—and this is crucial—aircraft accommodation on its deck that is appropriate for the Rafale and Super Hornet.

Here’s Why A Toilet Is Hanging On A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet’s Wing(Opens in a new browser tab)

In addition to France and India, Egypt, Qatar, and Greece all fly state-of-the-art French fighter jets. The UAE and Indonesia also agreed to buy 80 Rafales in December 2021 and 42 Rafales in February 2022, respectively.

According to certain sources, the Rafale jets might be very significant to the Indian armed forces. In technical terms, Rafale will be simple to maintain as it is already in use by the Indian Defense. Another major issue with this purchase is the two-seater Rafale, which Dassault does not supply even though it could be appropriate for the Indian aircraft carrier. but in addition, it will equip this fighter with the MBDA and other armaments.

With the purchase of the Boeing military, Chinook, P8, and Apache aircraft, India and the US have already established defence connections. Even if they lose their contract, Boeing won’t be significantly impacted. But according to French media, there is no proof to far that India is indeed interested in purchasing Rafale fighters for its Indian Navy.

Source: First Post

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.