In 1998/99 I had the unique opportunity to take two flights in Volga-2 ekranoplan produced by Volga Shipyard in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia. The small ekranoplan for non-military use like the eight seat Volga-2 were developed as small water taxis. They were part of the ground-effect vehicle (GEV), also called a wing-in-ground-effect (WIGE), ground-effect craft, wingship,Continue reading “Wing in Ground Effect – Flight in an Ekranoplan”
Tag Archives: Aircraft
China’s Aggressive Aerospace Push
“We must have some of our people learn aviation, for we can use them whenever we are in need”.—Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (1909) As China’s military expands, so does its world influence. Chinese aerospace developments have been making headlines for over a decade. The “Made in China 2025” industrial plan, which targets 10 high-value industrial sectorsContinue reading “China’s Aggressive Aerospace Push”
India All Set for “Air Force One” Boeing 777s
Two brand new Boeing 777-300 are all set to arrive and join the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, also referred to as the VVIP squadron. There are only three designated VVIPs in India. These are the President, Vice President and the Prime Minister. IAF’s VVIP Squadron the “Pegasus’ Induction of theContinue reading “India All Set for “Air Force One” Boeing 777s”
“Night Witches” – The All Female Soviet Night Bomber Aviators of WW II
“Night Witches” was a World War II German nickname for the all female military aviators of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known later as the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, of the Soviet Air Forces. Though women were initially barred from combat, Major Marina Raskova used her position and personal contacts with the Chairman of the Council of People’s Commissars, Joseph Stalin, to obtain permissionContinue reading ““Night Witches” – The All Female Soviet Night Bomber Aviators of WW II”
Single Pilot Resource Management: the Need for Formal Training
There is no one right answer in aeronautical decision-making. Each pilot is expected to analyze each situation in light of experience level, personal minimums, and current physical and mental readiness level, and make his or her own decision. Single-pilot resource management (SRM) is the art of managing all onboard and outside resources available to aContinue reading “Single Pilot Resource Management: the Need for Formal Training”
Chengdu J-20 Overhyped or Reality – A Comprehensive Story
The Sino-Indian face-off in Ladakh continues towards the harsh forthcoming winter. As the excitement of Rafale induction into Indian Air Force (IAF) settles, it is time to have a fresh look at China’s J-20 which has started becoming operational in sizeable numbers. Is it overhyped or a reality that India must try and fully understandContinue reading “Chengdu J-20 Overhyped or Reality – A Comprehensive Story”
Lockheed Martin – World’s Largest Defence Contractor – Some of the Greatest Aerospace Platforms
Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American aerospace, defence, arms, security, and advanced technologies company with worldwide interests. It is the world’s largest defence contractor, with net sales of $59.8 billion in 2019, a record order book of $144 billion, and market capitalization was valued at US$109.83 billion at end of 2019. Lockheed Martin ranked No. 57Continue reading “Lockheed Martin – World’s Largest Defence Contractor – Some of the Greatest Aerospace Platforms”
India’s British Origin Military Aircraft – A Historic Connect
Most British origin military aircraft have seen through India in a great way during the various wars, and during peace. The Lysander, Hurricane, Spitfire in World War II; the Tempest in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947-48; the Vampires in 1962 and 1965, the Canberra in 1962 Sino-India war and subsequent in all actions with Pakistan;Continue reading “India’s British Origin Military Aircraft – A Historic Connect”
Design Copies – Reverse Engineering – Way to Aviation Power? Are J 20 and J 31 Overhyped
Chinese government controlled media continuously keeps telling the world about China’s fast emerging aircraft industry. It is also to raise the morale of its own people and to give the impression of becoming a great military power. But great powers do not steal designs or unauthorisedly copy them flouting all intellectual property rights and normsContinue reading “Design Copies – Reverse Engineering – Way to Aviation Power? Are J 20 and J 31 Overhyped”
Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft – Time To Get Act Right India
The Indian government just cleared the development of the twin engine deck-based fighter (TEDBF) for Indian Navy. The development phase is expected to cost between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000 Crore. First Flight is tasked to be done in six years. Indigenisation is clearly the focus, and rightly so. Meanwhile just last year the airContinue reading “Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft – Time To Get Act Right India”
Air Power Asia 