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ACIG Exclusives
Chapter 3 : Naval Aviation |
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| Having contributed Seakings, Chetaks and Do-228s in the past, the Indian Navy's air element has always been a major part of Aero India. In 2005, the presence of Naval Aviation has been truly exceptional and nothing less than critical, with two Sea Harriers, one Kamov Ka-31 AEW, the usual Do-228 and Dhruv, plus a flyby from the Tu-142M (Chapter 2) on the first day. Naval pilots can relate to the venue as those selected for the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) stream, need to undergo initial multi-engine (transport) training at Yelahanka, for one year. Aero India could have also potentially presented the Navy with an opportunity to showcase the upgraded Il-38SD but at the time of writing, the first example of the latter still had not arrived in India, the upgrade process being extremely slow. | |
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The Kamov Ka-31 (IN-565) from INAS 339 was one of the most eagerly anticipated participants. Two years ago, this helicopter would have been considered 'hush-hush'. They first joined INAS 333 but were eventually transferred to INAS 339, a unit already operating 11 Ka-28s. |
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Nine Ka-31s were acquired in preference to the expensive Seaking Mk.42D. The type operates from shore bases, the aircraft carrier Viraat and the Talwar class frigates. |
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The sound and environmental effect of the Motor Sich TV3-17 VMAR turboshafts driving the massive contra-rotating blades, make for a powerful thing to experience. The Ka-31 proves it's 'big league' status by nearly blowing away anyone near it. |
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The Ka-31 kicks up a red storm as it taxies over to it's position, even as the comparatively diminutive Bell 407 awaits it's turn. |
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IN-565 finally takes off. The helicopter's endurance is increased through Helicopter-FR (Not to be confused with air-air IFR), also previously done on the Sea Kings of the IN. |
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IN-565 climbs to high altitude and flies off. The helicopter will return later with it's Vega E-801M 'Oko' radar deployed. Existing radars on the Ka-25s and Ka-28s may eventually be replaced by the LRDE SV-2000, for which, HAL is proposing an upgrade. |
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The Ka-31 displays it's vertically polarized antenna array in the deployed position. The capabilities and detection range of this radar have deeply impressed the Navy. |
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On the last few days, the Ka-31 performed parallely with the display aircraft that preceded it. There was certainly no notable shortage of time, though. |
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INAS 310 'Cobras', the ELINT/Information Warfare squadron of the Navy, contributed with one HAL Do-228 (IN-232) MPA. The Navy operates 15 Do-228s, two of which are currently operating from Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The upgrade of these aircraft has been extremely slow and nowhere close to completion. |
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IN-232, although a newer unit, is one of the partially upgraded aircraft, equipped with the Elta EL/M-2022A-V3 radar but no electro-optic sensors (Elta AMOSP) and the like. Five Do-228s of INAS 310 are still equipped with the older Super Marec radar. SV-2000 radar trials on the aircraft type were also scheduled in Cochin. |
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The very same aircraft was spotted at Chennai in 2003, bearing 'PBR' on it's tail, meaning that the aircraft was earlier, stationed at Port Blair. Now featuring 'DAB', IN-232 has joined the Cobras. This confirms rotation of the Naval Do-228s between the three squadrons INAS 310 (DAB/Dabolim), INAS 550 (COC/Cochin) and INAS 318 (PBR/Port Blair). |
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Note the AES-210E ESM/DF antennae on the wing-tips. This should also include, but is missing, (smaller) DF antennae on both sides of the the nose and aft fuselage. The first fully upgraded example, IN-231, had none at all, meaning that the upgrade was initially directed towards non-IW/ELINT Do-228s such as the previous avatar of this example. |
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It must also be noted that there were no wingtip DF antennae on this example, when spotted in 2003. It's unfortunate that this aircraft neither flew nor was in the direct view of the public. The upgrade of these aircraft is carried out at HAL, Kanpur. They usually carry out sorties, flying in pairs. |
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HM-686 is a transport-only variant used by the IAF, with no related search radar and sensors. The Do-228s at this base, have a training role and pilots chosen for the transport stream, come here for a 6 month course on the type. The Do-228s of the IAF, adorn multiple shades of gray as well a white-overall scheme. |
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The Do-228 multi-engine conversion training flight, consisting of aircraft drawn from various units, was formed at Yelahanka in 1995, and also caters to the Navy's requirements. This base is also home to the IAF's Do-228 Technical Type Training School (TETTRA) school which moved here in 1997. |
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