The Hindu : Karnataka News : Aero India 2005 off to a flying start

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 10, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Aero India 2005 off to a flying start

By Rasheed Kappan

BANGALORE, FEB. 9. As the country's formidable array of Defence aircraft unfurled a spectacular display of aerobatics to kick-start Aero India 2005, the international aerospace exposition, here today, the Defence Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, signalled India's strong desire to strike joint ventures and international collaborations to co-produce aviation products for the global market.

Led by Sqn. Ldr. Bambani, a composite formation of two Sukhoi-30 MKIs, two Kiran trainers and a Dhruv helicopter hovered above. Down below, Mr. Mukherjee was reiterating the benefits of foreign partners signing up with India for technology transfers, joint development and marketing of state-of-the-art aviation products. "To reduce costs, strike partnerships," was his mantra to the air show's strong international contingent.

In top gear

The enthralled gathering watched as the TU-142, sentinel of the ocean, rose to the sky. The IL-78 followed with two Mirage 2000s in tandem. Mid-air refuelling, a remarkable exercise to boost aircraft range, was displayed. And as Sqn. Ldr. Anup Joshi flew in for a low-level fly-past at 100 m, the air show had moved into top gear.

Mr. Mukherjee was now touching upon the country's "high degree of skill and relatively lower manpower cost." This, he said, gives an excellent opportunity for all buyers and sellers to source cost-effective goods and services from the aviation industry. "Such an approach for future sourcing of military and civil aviation hardware and software from India by international companies has got immense potential."

The showpiece of the last air show, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, was back to impress. The three prototypes that dazzled the skies had the mark of self-reliance. The time was ripe for the redoubtable Sukhoi-30 MKIs to occupy centre-stage.

Aircraft such as the LCA and ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) had showcased the country's self-reliance, Mr. Mukherjee said and drew attention to how this boosted in-house research and development in many national organizations. "This has resulted in development of material, advanced alloys, composites, process technologies and aircraft equipment."

Civil aviation

Civil aviation in the country and Asia in general was on a path of rapid growth. Mr. Mukherjee said the aeronautical industry was keen on diversification. Civil aircraft manufacture and overhaul would be the key areas.

Entering into cooperative partnerships with the private sector is part of this game plan. The Defence Ministry, Mr. Mukherjee said, had taken steps towards this end.

High above, the Su-30 MKIs were electrifying the sky, flying past at 180 kmph, taking a turn with an amazing 300 m radius, manoeuvring two quick rolls at high speed. Even the wind stopped to stare.

And then came the three ALHs — the Sarang helicopter aerobatics team — to reinforce their reputation. With Mozart sounding in the background, the helicopters twisted and turned. Aero India 2005 was their third stop, after turning heads at the Dubai and Singapore air shows.

The Surya Kirans prepared to mesmerise the crowds yet again, as the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, called for an accelerated growth in R&D to boost the country's competitiveness. "In the light of developments in our neighbouring countries, we need continuous modernisation and up-gradation of our aircraft. Changes in management techniques are also crucial."

Mr. Singh wanted deficiencies filled up fast to combat any misadventure by any country.

The Minister of State for Defence, B.M. Hadique, released the third edition of "Indian Defence Products."

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