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ACIG Special Reports
INTRODUCTION
The major metropolitan city of Chennai in southern India was identified by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to be one of the zones where the recruitment response so far was minimal: less than 2 or 3% of the IAF's recruits come from the area. The result? A major air-awareness exposition, lasting for over two weeks, including a static display (on 31 August 2003) were organized - with a musical concert by the Airforce Symphony Orchestra, on 4th September, a flying display on 6 September, and recruitment rallies on 8-12 September. The IAF conducted programmes of similar nature also in the cities of Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Jamnagar, and plans for more of the same during the current year. Indeed, 2003 has been a great year for Indian Aviation. Once again, in the lines of Aero-India 2003, the author and ACIG.org bring you exclusive coverage of the 1st Chennai Airshow (ICAS) 2003.
IAF TRANSPORTS
An An-32 'Sutlej' (K-3071) sporting its new low-viz paint color. The IAF acquired no less than 113 of this type for medium transport requirements with the first deliveries in July 1984. The aircraft's Ivchenykyov AI-20D turboprops are notably smoky and slightly noisy. However, they are frequently and with success operated in high altitude zones, where the BAe/HAL 748, the other workhorse of the transport fleet, is seldom seen.
Another view of K-3071. IAF An-32s also heavily cater to the navy's logistical needs. The aircraft proved to be an item of key interest for USAF pilots when they visited the IAF base at Agra for the first ever joint exercise 'Cope India' between the US PACAF (Pacific Command) and the Indian special forces.
K-2709 is one of the few An-32s to retain the original white and gray scheme. This aircraft is a temporary visitor which arrived to help out with the logistics.
The BAe/HAL 748M supplements the An-32 in the medium transport role. HAL's transport aircraft division was originally set up in 1960 to manufacture the aircraft under license from BAe and produced 89 units in total. This example (H-1034) from the 'Terns' squadron sports the new low viz scheme. The 748 and An-32 are to eventually be replaced by the MTA, being developed by HAL and Ilyushin.
There are a number of HAL 748Ms such as this one, which sport a lighter and less attractive shade of gray. This example was also a temporary visitor on the show, and it took off soon after. It's place was taken by the An-32 (K-2709) that arrived later. A large number of 748s - 'Avros' as they are locally called, after their original manufacturer - have been through modifications for roles including VIP transport and communications, EW, Elint and R&D; testbeds. Indeed, compared to the overall 748-fleet of the IAF, only a smaller percentage serve their original role of medium transports.
The Dornier/HAL Do-228 is the IAF's prime light transport aircraft. While the IAF operates the type in the transport and training roles alone, the Navy and Coast guard operate more sophisticated versions with search radar and other advanced avionics. Incidentally, there is a Coast guard Do-228 base (CGAS 744) at the very same airport and some aircraft are just visible as 'specks' in the background. Coast guard Do-228s are armed with 7.62 mm gun pods, built by HAL, as well as a large search-light and an ECM pod, not to mention the MEL Super-Marec 360? search radar.
HAL exported a Do-228 each to Mauritius (MP-CG-1) and Bhutan, as well as two to Maldives. Since 1985 onwards HAL produced 73 Do-228s and production continues in order to satisfy requirements of additional aircraft for the Coast guard. Most Do-228s such as this one (HM-671) are based at Yelahanka, the venue for 'Aero-India'.
An An-32 and two Do-228s in small boy formation during the Sept.6 flypast. All the aircraft are from the IAF transport base at Yelahanka.
© Copyright 2002-3 by ACIG.org
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