Aero India 2017: F-16 Block 70 will
strengthen India-US military-strategic alliance, says Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin says the F-16 is ready for
any challenge, combining innovative structural and capability upgrades.
February 15, 2017 20:15 IST
American aerospace and defense technologies company Lockheed
Martin reckons that the F-16 Block 70 for India — the newest and most-advanced
F-16 -- will strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the United
States.
"We have partnered with India for more than 25 years and
remain committed to fostering technology development, manufacturing and
strategic collaboration. Today's global security environment requires proven
success to protect what matters most," a spokesperson said.
Lockheed Martin says the F-16 is ready for any challenge,
combining innovative structural and capability upgrades, such as the Active
Electronically Scanned Array radar with a new avionics architecture. The Block
70 software further enhances capabilities through an advanced datalink,
precision GPS navigation and Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System.
"Our partnership and joint venture company with Tata Advanced
Systems Limited (TASL) has also proven that Indian industry can manufacture
airframe components for the C-130J airlifter and the S-92 helicopter. We hope
to build on that success with the F-16, because when it comes to success in
complex environments, we know trusted partnerships can make a world of
difference," the spokesperson added.
Let's have a look at Lockheed Martin's Make in India links:
C-130J Super Hercules
The C-130 programme represents a strong legacy of partnership
between the US and India. All C-130Js delivered to customers around the world
have major aerostructure components from India included in their build through
partnership with TASL in Hyderabad. This partnership with TASL also includes an
on-the-job training element that supports the broader "Skills India"
initiative.
C-130J Super Hercules:
Is Lockheed Martin's largest programme in India.
Represents the first major military contract between the US and
India in more than 40 years.
Is the world's most successful and advanced tactical airlifter.
The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of five C-130J-30s and it
will receive an additional six C-130J-30s as well. Currently, India is one of
16 countries operating the C-130J Super Hercules, which is the world's choice
for tactical airlifters. The IAF uses its C-130Js to support a variety of
missions, from cargo delivery to providing vital humanitarian aid.
The Super Hercules is also part of India's C-130J Roll-On/Roll-Off
University Design Challenge. Through this initiative, Lockheed Martin provides
research grants for teams from Indian universities to work with local industry
partners and mentors from Defence Research and Development Organisation to
develop design specifications for proposed modules that could be used on a
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft.
S-92 Helicopter
Sikorsky – a Lockheed Martin company – also relies on TASL in
Hyderabad, as the manufacturing base for its global supply of cabin
aerostructures for the S-92 helicopter.
Since production began in 2010, TASL has delivered 120 cabins to
Sikorsky's S-92 assembly plant in the US.
Today, production of more than 5,000 precision components that
compose each S-92 cabin is 100 per cent indigenous to India — supplied by a
joint venture company called Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Ltd., also located in
Hyderabad.
Renowned for its safety and reliability, the S-92 helicopter is
operated extensively worldwide by offshore oil and gas transport companies,
search and rescue agencies, and by heads of state. Sikorsky has produced more
than 275 S-92 aircraft since September 2004. The worldwide S-92 fleet recently
surpassed one million flight hours.
S-70B SEAHAWK
The Indian Navy has selected Sikorsky's S-70B SEAHAWK helicopter
for its multi-role rotorcraft requirement.
Designed to perform anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare
(ASW/ASuW), the S-70B aircraft will be configured to meet the Indian Navy's
specific and unique operational needs.
The proposed Indian Navy S-70B variant
will include a weapon management system that integrates an advanced sonar,
360-degree search radar, modern air-to-surface missiles, and torpedoes for the
ASW role.
The S-70B aircraft will also enhance the Indian Navy's
capabilities to perform non-combat maritime roles, including search and rescue,
utility and external cargo lift, surveillance and casualty evacuation.
Formalities to enable the successful delivery of 16 of these sophisticated and
customised helicopters to the Indian Navy are expected to conclude soon.
When delivered to the Indian Navy, the S-70B SEAHAWK helicopter
will be one of the most advanced maritime rotorcraft in the world.
Original post: ibtimes.co.in
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