Defense Technology International - January/February 2008 - (Page 37) d e n 9 d . x t n o d ll e e s y t carrier Admiral Gorshkov—renamed INS Vikramaditya—frustrate the navy, especially since the price has increased. Mehta says there should be no renegotiation and India should not rely on one supplier. Some Indo-Russian programs have been successful. The BrahMos missile is deployed on almost all surface warships (DTI December 2007, p. 17). But a submarine-launched version is running into problems, because most Indian subs are not equipped to fire the weapon without extensive modifications. Procurement programs are underway in other areas. India has completed evaluations for eight long-range maritime surveillance aircraft from two contenders—Airbus, with the A319, and Boeing’s P-8I (India), using the 737-800 for flight trials. Jim Albaugh, CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, says a final decision could be made by India very soon. India’s interest in Russia’s Tu-22M3 Backfire bombers for long-range maritime surveillance and strike waned a few years ago. The navy is now looking at acquiring airborne early warning (AEW) systems to enhance the capabilities of the Ka-31 Helix AEW helicopter on the INS Viraat aircraft carrier. Northrop Grumman is promoting the Hawkeye E-2D advanced early warning and battle-management aircraft, and the MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle. A request for information for six AEW systems and maritime surveillance aircraft by the navy indicates an interest in a shorebased concept with long range, which Northrop Grumman claims the E-2D provides. With vehicle endurance greater than 8 hr., Fire Scout would be capable of continuous operations providing coverage of 110 naut. mi. A baseline payload that includes electro-optical/infrared sensors and a laser designator and rangefinder enables the UAV to find, track and designate targets, provide targeting data to strike platforms and perform battle damage assessment. INDIAN NAVY A helicopter comes in for a landing on INS Viraat. India’s growing economy makes control of its coastline and shipping lanes imperative. Northrop Grumman is also reviewing requirements that could be met by its deepwater and littoral ships and watercraft. � Avio. Propulsion with innovation. Driving force and automation, power and intelligence. Avio is Innovation and Experience. These values, combined with a primary focus on customer needs, lead us in designing, manufacturing and maintaining the aero-derivative turbine propulsion systems that power hundreds of the world's fastest, most modern ships. Avio designs and supplies modern automated steering systems for surface vessels and submarines, which make control and manoeuvre operations simple and safe. This mix of know-how and product is the result of over 90 years of experience in a highly competitive market. Avio. Strong propulsion for the future of the sea. www.aviogroup.it 37 DT_01_01_2008_p36-37.indd 37 2482128639 CMYK 1/16/08 9:58:02 AM � http://www.aviogroup.it http://www.aviogroup.it
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