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ACIG Exclusives
Chapter 12 : Attackers |
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| Besides some regulars, the main static display lineup did have some very important aircraft on show. One may have expected the newly upgraded MiG-27MLs, especially since one of them (TS-640) adorns some unique and interesting artwork and looks specifically painted for such occasions. The MiG-27s never came, making for yet another major shortcoming in the show, if not a total blunder, but the newly built and upgraded Jaguars did come, even though they had already been displayed to the public last year. The disappointment due to the non-participation of the upgraded MiG-27s was however, alleviated through the inclusion of something totally unexpected, rare and exclusive - a Canberra PR.57. | |
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A brand new HAL Jaguar-IB DARIN-II (JT-069, C/N JR-011?), currently being flown and tested by ASTE. The IAF ordered 17 new Jaguar-IB from HAL, primarily for accurate tactical strikes with PGMs. This example, whose airframe was ready by the same time, last year, carries two different types of LGBs. The aircraft flew in with no ordnance and the bombs were brought separately and fitted right here, prior to display. Some equipment is yet to be integrated. For example, this aircraft has provision for the internal SPJ (Elta EL/L-8222) and the Tarang Mk.II RWR but has not yet been fitted with them. |
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Both LGBs are basically guidance kits attached to the British Mk.21 454 kg bomb. The one on the port side, seen here, uses a Paveway kit. A single Mk.21 is also carried on the centerline. This aircraft should carry the Litening LDP but the pod, which should be on the centerline instead of the Mk.21or on one of the underwing hardpoints, hasn't been shown for some reason, making for a strange exhibit. The IAF jaguars are also being equipped with a new Onboard Oxygen Generation Systems (OBOGS). |
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The LGB on the starboard side uses an Israeli (Griffin) guidance kit. Although a twin seater, the aircraft has the same amount of internal fuel as the single seat Jaguar-IS. Initially, only two-seat aircraft of all types, with the second pilot/navigator targeting, were considered good enough to deliver PGMs but the upgrades will see increased automation that will make the single seaters, equally efficient. |
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In addition to 17 Jaguar-IBs, 20 new single-seat Jaguar-IS DARIN-II, are also on order. The upgraded Jaguar-IS and the upgraded MiG-27ML have a number of common components, including the RWR, Elta El-Op HUD, INCOM 1210A, Core Avionics Computer (CAC), Sextant MFD 66S and the new LRMTS supplied by Thales. Although both the upgraded MiG-27MLs are also currently being flown by ASTE, they were not to be part of the show. The Flogger will also have an internal SPJ. |
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The flying display was carried out by another new Jaguar-IB DARIN-II, which took off from HAL Airport at Banglore and made an inverted entry over the display area. The aerobatics weren't as impressive as those performed by Jaguars in the previous years and didn't take place at low altitude either. The new, fully combat capable Jaguar-IBs are best distinguished from the older ones, by the RWR fairing on the tail. The new Jaguar-IBs are still in production as of mid-2005. |
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'The Canberra is the oldest serving aircraft of the IAF and among the rarest. It had to be seen to be believed as no one would have expected the aircraft to come here. It's exhibits like these which make Aero India truly stand out. The one who took the decision to bring this type here, deserves an award. |
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This Canberra PR.57 (IP-990) from the 'B' Flight of No.106SPR "Lynxes" Special Photo Reconnaissance squadron is one of the last remaining examples. The second flight of No.106SPR operates modified HAL 748s for strategic high altitude photo-recon. IP-990 once used to sport a blue and green jungle camo scheme but now adorns the standard low-viz gray, giving a modern look to these elderly machines. |
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The long, slender body of the aircraft is congruous to that of a Remora (the actual sucker fish itself, not the ECM pod). HAL, along with the IAF, is refurbishing the remnant Canberras at Agra. Major overhaul of the type and it's engines, have historically been carried out by HAL. |
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If one follows the misleading information on the display board, one would be lead to think that the IAF still operates the type in the bomber role. Incidentally, it was the Jaguar that replaced the Canberra in the DPSA role. As an attacker, the type was modified by ASTE to carry additional ordnance such as the S.24 heavy rocket. |
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Like the MiG-25R, these aircraft form critical reconnaissance and EW assets, not likely to be phased out anytime soon. No.106SPR always forms the forefront of major IAF operations, be it the Kargil war where one aircraft received a direct hit by a Stinger SAM but came back safely, or the recently Tsunami-relief operations where the devastated areas were surveyed and recce'd. |
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The PR.57 carries it's cameras in the nose and fuselage. The EW role is mainly delegated to the B(I).58 type. The No.35 'Rapiers' EW squadron had a flight of B(I).58s that used ECM equipment of Italian origin. |
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Another spanking new aircraft on display was this Mirage-2000TH (KT-211) from the No.9 'Wolfpack' squadron which previously operated the MiG-27ML. This third Mirage-2000 squadron was recently re-raised after the acquisition and delivery of 10 new Mirage-2000 in 2004. |
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It was a good move to put a two-seater on display, for the first time. Very minor differences such as the new TACAN, exist between the aircraft from the new batch and the existing Mirage-2000s in the IAF. According to the display board, this aircraft now has a Helmet Mounted Display and Cueing System. Contrast to the Jaguar-IB on display, this example carried an Atlis-II LDP but no LGBs. The Wolfpack were major participants in the Kargil war, with their MiG-27MLs. |
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Prithvi-II nuclear SRBM with TEL on TATRA truck chasis. For the first time, the developers acknowledged variable range in relation to payload, till now, only a theoretical estimation. |
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Although the IAF itself has one squadron of Prithvi SRBMs (also painted in low viz gray), only the R&D version is ever shown, barring one single occasion. |
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