Aircrafts | General Awareness for SSC CGL PDF Download

Introduction

In the realm of military aviation and artillery, various countries have developed and deployed a range of sophisticated equipment to enhance their defense capabilities. This summary provides an overview of some notable aircraft, helicopters, and artillery systems used by India, including their origins, features, and operational roles.

Aircraft and Helicopters

• HAL Dhruv: Developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), this helicopter was designed with German assistance. It serves as a versatile utility helicopter in the Indian Armed Forces.
• HAL Rudra: This is an armed variant of the HAL Dhruv helicopter. It is outfitted with advanced systems including forward-looking infrared and thermal imaging sights, a turret gun, rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles, and air-to-air missiles. It is designed for both reconnaissance and combat missions.
• Kiran MK II: A two-seat basic jet trainer manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics, used primarily for training purposes. It is employed by the Indian Air Force's aerobatic team, Surya Kiran, as well as the Indian Navy’s aerobatic team, Sagar Pawans.
• Advanced Jet Trainer (BAE Hawk MK 132): The BAE System Hawk is a British-made single-engine jet trainer. The Hawk MK 132 version entered service with the Indian Air Force on February 23, 2008. It is used for advanced pilot training.
• AH-64E Apache Guardian Helicopter: Known for its multi-role capabilities, the AH-64E Apache is often referred to as a “flying tank” due to its extensive armament and advanced technology. India acquired this helicopter from the United States, and it is used for both attack and reconnaissance missions.
• MiG-29: The MiG-29 is a Soviet-designed jet fighter aircraft, and India was its first international customer. Since its induction into the Indian Air Force in 1985, the MiG-29 has undergone various upgrades including new avionics, engines, and radar systems.
• Mirage-2000: A French-made, multirole, single-engine jet fighter manufactured by Dassault Aviation. The Indian Air Force refers to it as the “Vajra,” and it is used for a variety of roles including air superiority and ground attack.
• LCA Tejas: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is an indigenously developed light fighter aircraft from India. It features a tailless, delta-wing design and is powered by a single engine. The Tejas Mark-II will be an advanced version, known as a 4.5 generation aircraft.
• Su-30 MKI: This air superiority fighter aircraft is a joint development between Russia and India. It is an upgraded version of the Su-30, integrating Indian, French, and Israeli systems with the Russian design.
• Sukhoi Pak-FA (T-50): The Pak-FA program is Russia’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft initiative. The T-50 is the model designed for this program, which is a collaboration between Russia and India for developing advanced fighter aircraft technology.
• Dassault Rafale: A French twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft. India is set to acquire 36 Rafale aircraft to enhance its air combat capabilities.
• Apache Helicopters: India has inducted eight advanced, multi-role heavy attack helicopters from the U.S. These helicopters are renowned for their modern warfare capabilities and versatility in delivering a range of weaponry.

Missile and Artillery Systems

• S-400 Triumf Missile System: The S-400 is a highly advanced long-range air defense system capable of intercepting various aerial threats, including cruise and ballistic missiles. Its radar system can track targets up to 600 kilometers away. This system, manufactured by Russia's Almaz-Antey, has been acquired by India to bolster its defense capabilities.

• Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD): THAAD is a U.S. anti-ballistic missile system designed to intercept short, intermediate, and medium-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase. It employs a hit-to-kill approach, relying on kinetic energy to destroy incoming missiles rather than using a warhead.

• Dhanush Artillery Guns: The Dhanush is an upgraded version of the Swedish Bofors gun from the 1980s. It is a 155 mm, 45-caliber towed artillery gun with a range of up to 36 kilometers, and can reach up to 38 kilometers with specialized ammunition.

• M-77 Ultra Light Howitzer: This is a 155 mm, 39-caliber towed artillery gun constructed using titanium and aluminum alloys. It has a range of 24 to 30 kilometers depending on the ammunition type.

• K9-Vajra-T Guns: The K9-Vajra-T is a 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled gun customized for desert conditions. It has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometers and features three firing modes. It is an adapted version of the original K9 Thunder.