03/09/2003
BAE Systems wins £1bn Indian training jet contract
The Indian cabinet has awarded a £1 billion order for jet fighter trainer aircraft to BAE Systems.
The order, understood to be for 66 aircraft, will see BAE supply its Hawk advanced jet trainer to the Indian government, in a contract which has been under discussion for almost 20 years.
The massive contract has yet to be signed, but the Indian government were thought to be keen to try to reduce the number of accidents experienced by its fighter pilots.
The Indian Air Force operates a substantial fleet of mainly Russian-built fighter aircraft. While it boasts a number of state-of-the-art air superiority fighters, including the Mach 2 capable Sukoy Su-30 and Mig-29, the backbone of the fighter capability is based on the elderly Russian Mig aircraft, which have had a poor pilot safety record.
Although no official figures are available, according to one source, the IAF has around 40 Mig-21 trainers and in the last three years more than two dozen have been involved in serious accidents many of which have killed the pilots.
Earlier this year, BAE Systems announced that the UK MoD had selected the latest generation of Hawk aircraft, the Hawk Mk 128, as its Advanced Jet trainer. BAE confirmed that an order for 20 of the aircraft, with an option for up to a further 24 was expected. The aircraft will enter service from 2008 as replacements for some of the current Hawk trainer aircraft at RAF Valley.
The MoD contract helped ensure that redundancy notices for 470 posts at BAE Systems Brough plant were suspended.
The Hawk 128, which has a fully digital cockpit, open architecture computers and airborne simulation systems, will be used to train fighter pilots destined to fly the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Joint Strike Fighter.
(SP)
The order, understood to be for 66 aircraft, will see BAE supply its Hawk advanced jet trainer to the Indian government, in a contract which has been under discussion for almost 20 years.
The massive contract has yet to be signed, but the Indian government were thought to be keen to try to reduce the number of accidents experienced by its fighter pilots.
The Indian Air Force operates a substantial fleet of mainly Russian-built fighter aircraft. While it boasts a number of state-of-the-art air superiority fighters, including the Mach 2 capable Sukoy Su-30 and Mig-29, the backbone of the fighter capability is based on the elderly Russian Mig aircraft, which have had a poor pilot safety record.
Although no official figures are available, according to one source, the IAF has around 40 Mig-21 trainers and in the last three years more than two dozen have been involved in serious accidents many of which have killed the pilots.
Earlier this year, BAE Systems announced that the UK MoD had selected the latest generation of Hawk aircraft, the Hawk Mk 128, as its Advanced Jet trainer. BAE confirmed that an order for 20 of the aircraft, with an option for up to a further 24 was expected. The aircraft will enter service from 2008 as replacements for some of the current Hawk trainer aircraft at RAF Valley.
The MoD contract helped ensure that redundancy notices for 470 posts at BAE Systems Brough plant were suspended.
The Hawk 128, which has a fully digital cockpit, open architecture computers and airborne simulation systems, will be used to train fighter pilots destined to fly the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Joint Strike Fighter.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2005
Cypriot airliner depressurised and out of fuel
Crash investigators have confirmed that preliminary findings indicate that the Cypriot airliner, which crashed on August 14, had depressurised and had run out of fuel when it crashed.
Cypriot airliner depressurised and out of fuel
Crash investigators have confirmed that preliminary findings indicate that the Cypriot airliner, which crashed on August 14, had depressurised and had run out of fuel when it crashed.
12 December 2006
UK signs up for next phase of Joint Strike Fighter programme
Defence Minister Lord Drayson has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter programme, the government has announced. Lord Drayson signed the MoU following a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Defence Gordon England in Washington D.C.
UK signs up for next phase of Joint Strike Fighter programme
Defence Minister Lord Drayson has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter programme, the government has announced. Lord Drayson signed the MoU following a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Defence Gordon England in Washington D.C.
17 October 2014
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
Govt Redeploy Reaper Drones To Iraq
The government has confirmed that UK Reaper drones will be redeployed from Afghanistan to Iraq, to be used against Islamic State (IS) militants. The unmanned, armed, drones will provide surveillance support for the US-led coalition and Iraqi authorities. It follows a vote last month in which MPs backed air strikes against IS militants in Iraq.
07 October 2014
Sailor Rescues From English Channel
A sailor has been rescued after almost 12 hours adrift in stormy seas in the English Channel. Two coastguard helicopters, a navy helicopter, a navy vessel, lifeboats and a French aircraft responded after the yachtsman sent a VHF radio message saying that his boat was at risk of capsizing.
Sailor Rescues From English Channel
A sailor has been rescued after almost 12 hours adrift in stormy seas in the English Channel. Two coastguard helicopters, a navy helicopter, a navy vessel, lifeboats and a French aircraft responded after the yachtsman sent a VHF radio message saying that his boat was at risk of capsizing.
22 August 2013
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.