Iaf's International Flight Safety Conference

The Indian Air Force (IAF) held a two-day International Flight Safety Conference (IFSCON-09) with the theme 'Aviation Safety - A Universal Language' at the Air Force Auditorium, Subro to Park on 09 and 10 October 09. This was the third such conference organised by IAF following celebrations of its 77th Anniversary and indicative of its operational focus and importance attached to flight safety.

To read the complete article subscribe to International Aerospace

Yet another feather in Chandrayaan-1's cap

In yet another boost to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the maiden Indian probe to moon, Chandrayaan-1, launched in October 2008 by means of an augmented version of the four stage Indian space workhorse PSLV(Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), has found new types of rocks on the lunar surface.

To read the complete article subscribe to International Aerospace

Indian Navy In Charge of India's Coastal Security Too

By Colonel Anil Bhat, VSM (retd)
In a recent visit to the Western Naval Command headquarters in Mumbai, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma said, "Nine operations were carried out along the west coast-based on intelligence inputs. Joint operations are being carried out between the Coast Guard, Coastal Police and Customs and the Navy, which is the overall in charge of coastal security, to check the effectiveness of the new systems put into operation." He added that during 'Operation Rakshak', conducted in September-October, 2009, 165 merchant vessels and 259 fishing vessels were interrogated by the Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Coast Guard (ICG). In July, 2009, the Navy and Coast Guard, jointly with other Central and State agencies, conducted 'Exercise Barricade' along the Tamil Nadu coast with a great success. For the first time, 13 agencies acted together with the district administration, involving even the local fisherman. Eleven joint exercises have been conducted along all the coastal states.

To read the complete article subscribe to International Aerospace

Sikorsky Stamps its Mark on India

As far as the Indian defence sector is concerned for Sikorsky, the 'father of all helicopters', sees a huge market potential. "Almost all arms of the defence forces are in the process of replacing their aging fleets. Our country has arrived at a point where the need to replace equipment is there and the government has taken the right initiative and they are in the process of now getting new machines", said AVM (Retd) AJS Walia, Managing Director Sikorsky India & South Asia.

To read the complete article subscribe to International Aerospace

Boeing Bets Big

Boeing foresees a $31 billion defence marketing India over the next 5-10 years. Currently, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) has the F/A-18IN, the Ch-47Chinook and AH-64D Apache in competition, respectively, for India's new multi-role combat fighter, Heavy Lift helicopter and Attack helicopter.

To read the complete article subscribe to International Aerospace

Singapore Air Show Supplement

There was a lot of skepticism prior to the Singapore Air Show on account of the recession. But the organizers had done well to ensure that the show went on. The recently held Asian Aerospace in Hong Kong could also have some effect on the show numbers. Although there was a marginal effect in terms of numbers, the organizers made sure that everything went on smoothly and the Singapore 2012 show could see growth as usual.

As the various events happening alongside the show got underway, it was unveiled that Singapore was bullish about the aerospace industry and special efforts were being made to create more infrastructures to grow the industry. In a country where space is at a premium, Singapore was earmarking more area for the aerospace industry.

This could be one of the triggers that are likely to sustain future air shows. With recession too on the wane, spurt in airline growth could see better days ahead something the industry could be looking forward to.

To read the complete article subscribe to International Aerospace