Army wants Light Strike Vehicles for Indian Special Forces

The Indian Army is likely to procure light strike vehicles (LSVs) specifically for its  Parachute Battalions (Special Forces). An recent RFI issued in this regard says that the LSVs will be used as a fast attack vehicle for the Special Forces. It will also enhance the mobility and reach of the Special Forces in different types of hostile terrains.

The Army is keen to have these LSVs fitted with integral fire power systems. The Army has sought for a stable vehicle which can carry four persons (including the driver) in a full-combat mode, including personal weapon. The LSV must be configured to have stowage space for carrying communication sets, spare ammunition, water and fuel. The specs: 4.7m (length) x 2.1m (width) x 1.65 (height).

The RFI further states that the LSV must have hard points for a suitable weapon mount capable of firing a 7.62mm GPMG from co-driver’s seat (frontal arc). “The rear hard point must enable to mount either a MILAN anti tank guided missile launcher or a .50/12.7 HMG or an Automatic Grenade Launcher. The Army has also sought information on whether the LSV can be air portable\para droppable (AN-32, IL-76, MI17).

T-50 PAK FA Ends MAKS Hot & Low

This sucks. MAKS 2011 ended on a real downer for the PAK FA programme. The video above shows what happened during the take-off roll of the second T-50 prototype -- a starboard engine flameout after two sharp spikes of flame. The take-off was immediately aborted by pilot Sergei Bordan. Sukhoi has apparently put it down to a malfunction in the fuel supply system and the FADEC. Not a pretty way to end your first public show. Damn.
source : htt p://livefist.blogspot. com/2011/08/pak-fa-ends-maks-hot-low.html

India Russia Sukhoi T-50 PAKFA aircraft aborts 2nd flight due to technology issues

 Indo-Russian Sukhoi T-50 stealth fighter faced a major technical problem when it had to abort its second test flight at an airshow here, causing a temporary setback to the fifth generation combat jet project.

"The T-50 fighter aborted the takeoff for technical reasons due to engine overflow and its pilot Sergei Bogdan decided to apply emergency brakes with the tail parachute," Interfax reported quoting defence industry sources.

Earlier the government run RIA Novosti reported that a flash was seen during the fighter''s takeoff, after that the aircraft landed with a parachute at the MAKS-2011 International Aviation and Space Show.

The T-50 made its maiden flight in January 2010 and is expected to enter service by 2015.

Russia had lifted the curtain on the secret T-50 project on August 17 in the presence of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The project is being developed at a fraction of the cost of American F-22 and F-35 fighters.

A senior aviation expert quoted by the agency said that an emergency landing was normal for the period of test flights, especially in the conditions of high humidity and "taking into account the safety of the air show visitors."
The closing day of the airshow was marred by heavy rains and the demonstration flights for the public were limited to two hours only.

Under a 2007 intergovernmental agreement India and Russia are to jointly develop the futuristic stealth fighter capable of challenging the US Raptor F-22.
source : htt p://news.in.msn. com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5381802