Designer of Fighter Aircraft

Prologue

Orville and Wilbur, the Wright brothers, were the inventors of the profession of flying. The two American brothers were aviation pioneers who built and flew the first airplane. Milton Wright, the father of Orville and Wilbur, never allowed his sons to fly together to avoid the chance of a double tragedy and to ensure one brother would remain to continue the experiments. As an exception, Orville piloted two unique flights. First, he took off on a six-minute flight with Wilbur as his passenger, the only time the Wright brothers ever flew together. Secondly, Orville took his 82-years-old father on a nearly seven-minute flight, the only one of Milton Wright’s life.

Flight safety is primarily caring for human life. The airport in Leh, India is located at a height of 10,667 feet. Owing to the mountains that ring the airbase and the airport, landing and take-off is permitted only from one direction which has been made possible after Herculean efforts. The take-off is impossible from the other direction due to the steep rise of the Khardungla mountain range. In September 1992, the AOC of the Jammu and Kashmir of the Indian Air Force, AVM Harjit Singh Ghuman ordered the MiG 21 fighter aircraft pilot to perform a low run. Seconds after the instructions were flashed, the aircraft appeared to swerve to its right. Then the aircraft disappeared behind the mountain. A moment later, huge ball of flame and smoke came up on the slope of the mountain range. This was a crash for the first time at the Leh airport. The tragedy compounded as Flight Lieutenant Dawra, the deceased pilot, had had his first child – a daughter born one week earlier.

The country of origin of the ill-fated MiG 21 fighter aircraft had changed from Soviet Union to Russia. But the Indian Air Force had not contacted the MiG manufacturing plant in the new situation.

MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force are being called the ‘flying coffins’ in good faith. Branding them so is not misdemeanour. It is an expression of genuine concern for human life and airworthiness of the machine.

MiG fighter aircraft were manufactured in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in total secrecy.  The manufacturer within the country was known as a plant number. Indian Air Force had been clueless about the list of original equipment manufacturers of its components.

Government of the Soviet Union had a trade mission office in New Delhi with a staff of about 260 men and women. The office work was divided into two departments – General Economic Department and General Economic Trade. While the former dealt with the technology support and documentation, the later was tasked with tying-up the trade, negotiation and shipping. The product support by the Soviet Union to the Indian armed forces was readily available.

On 25 December 1991, the Christmas Day, the Soviet Union ceased to exist and Russia became its successor state. Requirement for the product support to the military aircraft of the Soviet-origin in the fleet of the Indian Air Force and the naval aviation arm of the Indian Navy arose in the fait accompli.

The defense productivity in Russia had been severely curtailed and the changeover of the government military industry to factory-wise production had not yet started in either public or private sector of Russia.

Russians had no time to service the Soviet time’s sales to India. They were only interested to convert the stockpile of armament and related inventory lying idle into cash.

A high-powered delegation visited Moscow immediately after the birth of Russia. Chief of the air staff of the Indian Air Force was part of the delegation, but he did not meet the chief test pilot of the MiG Manufacturing Plant for operation and product support. How can an operator fly the aircraft without the guidance of the chief test pilot of the manufacturer?

As a result:

1) On 22nd January 1992, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

2) On 13 February 1992, a MiG 23 UB fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed. 3) On 03 April 1992, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

4) On 26 April 1992, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air force crashed.

5) On 13 May 1992, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

6) On 14 May 1992, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

7) On 14 May 1992, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

8) On 03 June 1992, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and the military pilot was killed.

9) On 05 August 1992, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

10) On 10 September 1992, a MiG 23 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

11) On 25 September 1992, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

12) On 03 December 1992, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

13) On 15 December 1992, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air force crashed and its military pilot was killed. 

14) On 02 March 1993, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

15) On 20 March 1993, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

16) On 15 April 1993, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed. 17) On 27 April 1993, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

18) On 26 June 1993, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

19) On 05 August 1993, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

20) On 24 August 1993, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

21) On 08 September 1993, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

22) On 30 September 1993, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

23) On 15 January 1994, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

24) On 15 January 1994, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

25) On 22 January 1994, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

26) On 09 February 1994, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

27) On 14 February 1994, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

28) On 21 February 1994, A MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

29) On 01 March 1994, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

30) On 10 March 1994, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

31) On 15 March 1994, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

32) On 29 March 1994, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

33) On 19 July 1994, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed.

34) On 03 August 1994, a MiG 25 R fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

35) On 11 August 1994, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

36) On 19 August 1994, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

37) On 25 August 1994, a MiG 21 UL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air force crashed.

38) On 17 September 1994, a MiG 21 UL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

39) On 05 October 1994, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

40) On 18 October 1994, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

41) On 12 December 1994, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

42) On 06 January 1995, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

43) On 25 May 1995, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

44) On 09 June 1995, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

45) On 29 July 1995, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

46) On 05 September 1995, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

47) On 18 September 1995, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

48) On 10 November 1995, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

49) On 29 November 1995, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

50) On 01 December 1995, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

51) On 26 December 1995, a MiG 23 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

52) On 26 December 1995, a MiG 23 MF fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

53) On 09 February 1996, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

54) On 11 February 1996, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

55) On 12 February 1996, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

56) On 13 March 1996, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

57) On 28 March 1996, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

58) On 04 April 1996, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

59) On 30 May 1996, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

60) On 01 June 1996, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

61) On 04 June 1996, a MiG 23 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

62) On 17 July 1996, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

63) On 08 August 1996, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

64) On 07 October 1996, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

65) On 17 October 1996, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed. 

66) On 21 January 1997, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

67) On 29 January 1997, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

68) On 09 March 1997, a MiG 23 MF fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

69) On 08 May 1997, a MiG 23 MF fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

70) On 09 June 1997, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

71) On 21 June 1997, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed.

72) On 02 September 1997, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

73) On 17 September 1997, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

74) On 09 October 1997, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

75) On 10 November 1997, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

76) On 21 January 1998, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

77) On 21 March 1998, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

78) On 21 March 1998, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

79) On 26 March 1998, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

80) On 12 May 1998, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

81) On 04 June 1998, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

82) On 24 June 1998, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

83) On 27 July 1998, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

84) On 14 August 1998, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

85) On 31 August 1998, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

86) On 03 September 1998, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

87) On 08 September 1998, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

88) On 07 October 1998, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

89) On 27 October 1998, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

90) On 28 October 1998, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

91) On 02 February 1999, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

92) On 15 March 1999, a MiG 21 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

93) On 16 March 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

94) On 26 March 1999, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

95) On 26 March 1999, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

96) On 07 April 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

97) On 13 April 1999, a MiG 21M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

98) On 13 May 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

99) On 27 May 1999, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force was hit by the Pakistan army’s Anza missile during Kargil operation and military pilot was shot dead.

100) On 17 June 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed.

101) On 19 June 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed.

102) On 23 June 1999, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

103) On 30 June 1999, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

104) On 02 July 1999, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

105) On 06 August 1999, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

106) On 19 August 1999, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed. 107) On 13 September 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

108) On 14 September 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

109) On 03 December 1999, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

110) On 14 December 1999, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

111) On 15 December 1999, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

112) On 10 January 2000, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

113) On 02 February 2000, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

114) On 14 March 2000, a MiG 23 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

115) On 25 March 2000, a MiG 23 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

116) On 25 April 2000, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

117) On 06 May 2000, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

118) On 10 May 2000, a MiG 23 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

119) On 23 May 2000, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

120) On 12 June 2000, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

121) On 13 July 2000, a MiG 21 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed.

122) On 05 August 2000, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

123) On 13 October 2000, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

124) On 16 October 2000, a MiG 21 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

125) On 06 November 2000, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

126) On 15 November 2000, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

127) On 18 December 2000, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

128) On 17 January 2001, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

129) On 10 February 2001, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

130) On 23 February 2001, a MiG 21 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

131) On 12 March 2001, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

132) On 27 March 2001, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

133) On 10 April 2001, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

134) On 06 May 2001, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

135) On 08 June 2001, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

136) On 04, July 2001, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

137) On 05 July 2001, a MiG 23 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

138) On 21 August 2001, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

139) On 28 August 2001, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

140) On 11 September 2001, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

141) On 17 September 2001, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

142) On 26 September 2001, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

143) On 13 December 2001, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

144) On 27 December 2001, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed. 

145) On 04 January 2002, a MiG 25 R fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

146) On 21 February 2002, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

147) On 15 March 2002, a MiG 23 MF fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

148) On 04 April 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

149) On 11 April 2002, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

150) On 20 April 2002, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed. 151) On 26 April 2002, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

152) On 03 May 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

153) On 07 June 2002, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

154) On 26 June 2002, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

155) On 27 June 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

156)  On 15 July 2002, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

157) On 09 September 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

158) On 09 September 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

159) On 11 October 2002, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

160) On 21 October 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

161) On 14 November 2002, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed.

162) On 19 December 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

163) On 26 December 2002, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

164) On 04 April 2003, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

165) On 07 April 2003, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

166) On 04 June 2003, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

167) On 07 July 2003, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

168) On 14 July 2003, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed. 169) On 28 November 2003, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

170) On 04 December 2003, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

171) On 07 February 2004, a MiG 23 BN fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

172) On 20 February 2004, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

173) On 28 April 2004, a MiG 27M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

174) On 19 May 2004, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

175) On 01 November 2004, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

176) On 05 November 2004, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

177) On 04 January 2005, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

178) On 08 March 2005, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

179) On 26 October 2005, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

180) On 13 December 2005, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

181) On 17 March 2006, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

182) On 21 March 2006, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its two military pilots were killed. 183) On 08 June 2006, a MiG 29 UB fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

184) On 18 September 2006, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

185) On 28 September 2006, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

186) On 19 October 2006, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

187) On 21 November 2006, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

188) On 01 March 2007, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed. 

189) On 08 May 2007, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

190) On 22 May 2007, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

191) On 31 January 2008, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

192) On 15 February 2008, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

193) On 23 May 2008, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

194) On 01 September 2008, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

195) On 12 November 2008, a MiG 21 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

196) On 17 November 2008, a MiG 23 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

197) On 24 November 2008, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

198) On 15 May 2009, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

199) On 27 May 2009, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

200) On 18 June 2009, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

201) On 10 September 2009, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

202) On 23 October 2009, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

203) On 15 February 2010, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

204) On 19 February 2010, a MiG 21 FL fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

205) On 15 June 2010, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

206) On 25 July 2010, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air force crashed.

207) On 24 September 2010, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

208) On 10 November 2010, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

209) On 04 February 2011, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

210) On 01 March 2011, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

211) On 02 August 2011, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

212) On 08 August 2011, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

213) On 06 September 2011, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

214) On 07 October 2011, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

215) On 18 October 2011, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

216) On 01 December 2011, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

217) On 24 November 2012, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

218) On 14 February 2013, a MiG 27 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

219) On 08 June 2013, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

220) On 24 June 2013, a MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

221) On 15 July 2013, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

222) On 08 November 2013, MiG 29 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

223) On 27 May 2014, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

224) On 03 July 2014, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

225) On 27 January 2015, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

226) On 31 January 2015, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

227) On 08 May 2015, a MiG 27 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

228) On 24 August 2015, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

229) On 01 May 2016, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

230) On 01 May 2016, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

231) On 12 May 2016, a MiG 21 M fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

232) On 13 June 2016, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

233) On 10 September 2016, a MiG 21 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

234) On 20 September 2016, a MiG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

235) On 07 July 2017, a MiG 23 UM fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

236) On 03 January 2018, a MiG 29 K fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Navy crashed.

237) On 01 June 2018, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

238) On 18 July 2018, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

239) On 04 September 2018, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

240) On 12 February 2019, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

241) On 27 February 2019, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

242) On 08 March 2019, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

243) On 31 March 2019, a MiG 27 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

244) On 25 September 2019, a MiG 21 U fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

245) On 16 November 2019, a MiG 29 K fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Navy crashed.

246) On 23 February 2020, a MiG 29 K fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Navy crashed.

247) On 08 May 2020, a MiG 29 UPG fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed. 

248) On 26 November 2020, a MiG 29 K fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Navy crashed into the sea and one of its military pilots was killed.

249) On 05 January 2021, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

250) On 17 March 2021, a MiG 21 BiS fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed.

251) On 20 May 2021, a MiG 21 Bis fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

252) On 24 December 2021, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft in the fleet of the Indian Air Force crashed and its military pilot was killed.

This is certainly abnormal and devoid of flying skills. The military pilots have been killed, because the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy do not refer to the Operation Manual of the MiG Manufacturing Plant for operation.  Chief of the Air Staff (COAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) gives the impression that he is not at fault and the responsibility to keep the aircraft fully serviceable & airworthy belongs to the maintenance command. But, servicing the aircraft is a part of operation. Professionally, he doesn’t need any maintenance command.

On 08 May 2023, a MiG 21 fighter aircraft of the IAF on a training sortie burst into flames mid-air and crashed into a village home in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh seconds after the pilot bailed out, killing three women inside the house. The pilot parachuted to safety 25 km northeast of the Suratgarh airbase in Sriganganagar district from where the aircraft had taken off. The IAF said, The accident has unfortunately led to the loss of three lives on ground. The IAF regrets this loss and offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. A statement from defense PRO, Rajasthan said, The MiG 21 fighter aircraft pilot experienced an on-board emergency following which he attempted to recover the aircraft per existing procedure. Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection, sustaining minor injuries in the process.

The IAF has three MiG 21 fighter aircraft squadrons with around 50 aircraft. On 20 May 2023, the IAF had grounded its entire fleet of MiG 21 fighter aircraft for comprehensive engine and other technical checks. The three MiG 21 fighter aircraft squadrons on the western front at Uttarlai, Suratgarh and Nal air bases in Rajasthan will be cleared for flying only after the technical checks by IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are completed, a defense official said.

But what has the HAL got to do with the operation of MiG 21 fighter aircraft of the IAF? Designer of Fighter Aircraft, this e-book explains that COAS of the IAF himself is one of the killers of his boys (military pilots) and others.

On 31 October 2023, Uttarlai- based 4 squadron operating MiG 21 fighter aircraft of the IAF decided to retire these machines from service. The IAF also decided to phase out the remaining two MiG 21 fighter aircraft squadrons by 2025. How can the IAF fix the service life of MiG 21 fighter aircraft on its own? The IAF is merely an operator. Only the MiG Manufacturing Plant of Russia will issue the operating instructions to the IAF and none else.

IAF is the buyer of Mil helicopters since the year 1956. The aircraft is the most reliable helicopter in the medium-lift category, as per my opinion. But the Indian military and civil operators have messed it up.

On 08 December 2021, a Mi 17V5 helicopter in the fleet of the IAF crashed near Wellington killing thirteen service personnel. General Bipin Rawat was one of them. IAF has said that disorientation of the pilots was the cause of accident. The coloured weather radar was there in front of the pilots and they knew that entering into cloud was suicidal. It is un-ethical to squarely blame the pilots resting in peace. The fatal accident has happened because the ill-fated Mil helicopter was being operated by Mil design bureau specialists and the defense researchers & developers and principal scientific advisor to the Indian Prime Minister.

Government of India department of civil aviation directorate general of civil aviation has informed that address, telephone number and e-mail ID of Mil design bureau is available in their website http://www.mi-helicopter.ru/eng/index.php?id=4’’.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was invaded by land, naval and air forces of Russia. The engines of Soviet aircraft including helicopters were manufactured in Motor Sich Plant at Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine during the Soviet Union days. Klimov design bureau specialists of Russia have been servicing the engines of Soviet aircraft in the fleet of the IAF after the birth of Russia as per unknown agreements. However, Government of India ministry of defense military aviation regulator has not revealed the true identity of the Klimov design bureau.

USA-led sanctions upon Russia will significantly affect the airworthiness of Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the fleet of the IAF. Forty numbers of Sukhoi fighter aircraft were initially manufactured partly in the Sukhoi Manufacturing Plant of Russia. Thereafter, Sukhoi fighter aircraft are under ‘licensed-production’ as so called in the HAL, India, who is not its manufacturer. The airworthiness of the Sukhoi fighter aircraft can only be certified by the Sukhoi Manufacturing Plant of Russia.  Also, IAF unauthorizedly allows outsiders to work on their upgrades. In fact, the definition of upgrade itself is not clear.

One of the units of the IAF inadvertently fired a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that crashed 124 km inside Pakistan on 9 March 2022. The court of inquiry is examining the entire sequence of events as well as the acts of omission and commission that led to the grave operational lapse. The court of inquiry is also reviewing the standard operating procedure for operation, maintenance and inspection of BrahMos missile. The inquiry has been completed and the commanding officer of the BrahMos unit is likely to face disciplinary action. BrahMos is not an indigenous missile and its manufacturer is unknown. IAF should not have accepted and inducted this plagiarized missile.

Adani Enterprises said that the second airport in Mumbai has achieved financial closure. It means that the loan application of Adani Enterprises for public money has been approved. An international airport is all about setting up of communication lines, navigational aid and the air traffic control, etc. Moreover, the operational layout of the Navi Mumbai airport is not yet finalized. Worst of all, the flight paths of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports (also Juhu airport) are in collision. Still, the government of India bank has underwritten entire debt requirement of Rupees 12,770 crore merely for the construction of terminal building of the Navi Mumbai airport. The chairman of the State Bank of India has a disease and its medicine is unavailable in India.

Designer of Fighter Aircraft, my e-book is a true narrative of the white-collar crime, identity theft, corruption and commercial fraud in the military and civil aviation of India.

On 25 November 2023, Indian Prime Minister flew in a twin-seat variant of the Tejas fighter aircraft for a 30–minutes sortie in Bengaluru. He said, The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential. A flight to remember! Tejas is India’s pride, a manifestation of the strength and skills of 140 crore Indians. Indian Prime Minister is in a fool’s paradise and dreaming. Tejas, an assembled fighter aircraft is a flying coffin. Tejas doesn’t even have the Type Certificate of its own.

Lastly suggestions have been made for safe flying in the Indian skies.

Birendranath Upadhyay (Biren), Author, Date: 9 December 2023.

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Abbreviations

AAF – Azerbaijan Air Force, AAI – Airports Authority of India, ACC – Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, ACCA –Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce Association, ADA – Aeronautical Development Agency, ADB – Asian Development Bank, AEWS - Airborne Early Warning System, AIA – Aerospace Industries Association, ALH – Advanced Light Helicopter, ALTP – Airline License of Transport Pilot, AMCA – Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, ARBS – Aerial Refuelling Boom System, ASW – Anti-Submarine Warfare, ATR – Awadh Tirhut Railways, AUV – Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, AWACS – Airborne Warning and Control System, AZAL – Azerbaijan Airlines, BA  - Bachelor of Arts, BIFR – Board of Industrial Finance and Reconstruction, BMDO – Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, BOP – Blow Out Preventer, BRD – Base Repair Depot, BSE – Bombay Stock Exchange, BSF – Border Security Force, BTPA – Benami (Nameless) Transaction Prohibition Act, C of A – Certificate of Airworthiness, CAA – Civil Aviation Authority, CAR – Civil Aviation Requirement, CBI – Central Bureau of Investigation, CCEA – Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CEO – Chief Executive Officer, CII – Confederation of Indian Industries, CIS – Commonwealth of Independent States, CMD – Chairman & Managing Director, COAS – Chief of Army Staff, COAS – Chief of Air Staff, COTS – Commercial Off-The-Shelf, CPSE – Central Public Sector Enterprise, CSTS –Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, CTC – Cost-to-Company, CTE – Chief Technical Examiner, CVC – Central Vigilance Commission, CVR – Cockpit Voice Recorder, DAC – Defense Acquisition Council, DFDR – Digital Flight Data Recorder, DGCA – Directorate General of Civil Aviation, DIB – Defense Industrial Base, DPO – Defense Procurement Organisation, DRDO – Defense Research and Development Organization, DTC – Defense Technology Council, EADS – European Aeronautics Defense and Space, EBRD – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EDB – Experimental Design Bureau, ELINT – Electronic Intelligence, EU – European Union, F&A – Finance & Accounts, FA – Faculty of Arts, FAA – Federal Aviation Administration, FCPA – Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, FGFA – Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft, FHS – Flight Hour Service, FICCI – Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FIR – First Information Report, FLIR – Forward Looking Infra-red, FOC – Final Operation Clearance, FOIA – Freedom of Information Act, GDP – Gross Domestic Product, GM – General Manager, GPALS – Global Protection against Limited Strikes, GPS – Global Positioning System, GTRE – Gas Turbine Research Establishment, GUAM – Georgia Ukraine Azerbaijan Moldova, GVHL – Global Vectra Helicorp Limited, HAL – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HOD – Head of the Department, HOTAS – Hands-on-throttle and stick, HUD – Head-up Display, IAC – Interstate Aviation Committee, IAF – Indian Air Force ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization, IDB – Islamic Development Bank, IFF – Identify Friend or Foe, IFR – Instruments Flight Rules, IIM – Indian Institute of Management, IIT – Indian Institute of Technology, IJT – Intermediate Jet Trainer, IMF – International Monetary Fund, IOC – Initial Operational Clearance, IPC – Illustrated Parts Catalogue, IPKF – Indian Peace Keeping Force, ISRO – Indian Space Research Organization, IST – Indian Standard Time, IT – Information Technology, JSF – Joint Strike Fighter, KHP – Kazan Helicopter Plant, LCA – Light Combat Aircraft, LCH – Light Combat Helicopter, LGB – Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi, LOC – Line of Control, LOI – Letter of Intent, LUH – Light Utility Helicopter, MAD – Mutually Assured Destruction, MARS – Mid-air Refuelling System, MEL – Minimum Equipment List, MFN – Most Favoured Nation, MHN – Mumbai High North, MHS – Mumbai High South, MIC – Military Industrial Complex, MOU – Memorandum of Understanding, MP – Member of Parliament, MPSV – Multipurpose Support Vessel, MRTT – Multi-role Tanker Transport, MTA – Multi-role Transport Aircraft, NACA – National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, NAIC – National Air Intelligence Centre, NAL – National Aerospace Laboratories, NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NEFA – North Eastern Frontier Assam, NHAI – National Highway Authority of India, NSE – National Stock Exchange, OAM – Original Aircraft Manufacturer, ODA – Overseas Development Administration, OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer, OKB – Construction Bureau, ONGC – Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, OSCE – Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, PDC – Primary Design Contract, PESB – Public Enterprises Selection Board, PIL – Public Interest Litigation, PMF – Prospective Multi-role Fighter, PMO – Prime Minister’s Office, PSU –Public Sector Undertaking, QCM – Quality Control Manager, RAF – Russian Air Force, RAW – Research and Analysis Wing, RFP – Request for Proposal, RIN – Retirement Index Number, RNA – Russian Naval Aviation, R&D – Research and Development, SAM – Surface to Air Missile, SAR – Search and Rescue, SCO – Shanghai Cooperation Organization, SDI – Strategic Defense Initiative, SDIO – Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, SFC – Strategic Forces Command, SICA – Sick Industries Company Act, SLL – Service Life Limit, SLP – Special Leave Petition, SP – Strategic Partnership, SPARC – Saint Petersburg Aircraft Repair Company, SSD – Section of Special Designs, STOL – Short Take-off and Landing, TAF – Tajikistan Air Force, TAM –Tiblisi Aircraft Manufacturing Company, TBO – Time between Overhaul, TSAGI – Central Aero and Hydrodynamics Institute, UAC – United Aircraft Corporation, UAE – United Arab Emirates, UAF – Uzbekistan Air Force, UIA – Ukraine International Airlines, UN – United Nations, UPSC – Union Public Service Commission, US – United States of America, USAF – United States Air Force, USC – United Shipbuilding Corporation, USD – United States of America Dollars, USSR – Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, VDIS – Voluntary Disclosure Income Scheme, VEF – Valsts Elektrotehniska Fabrika, VFR – Visual Flight Rules, VIP – Very Important Person, WTO – World Trade Organization.

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Chapter One: Aviation Regulator

Second to agriculture, humbug is the biggest industry of our age – Alfred Nobel

Republic of Tatarstan is a federal state of Russia. Its capital is the city of Kazan, which is one of the larger and more prosperous cities of Russia. Tatarstan is one of the most economically developed regions of Russia. The main source of wealth in the region is oil. It is highly industrialized and the most developed manufacturing industries are Petro-chemical and machine building. The truck maker Kamaz is the largest enterprise in the region. Kazanorgsintez is one of the largest chemical companies in Russia. Aviation industry of Tatarstan produced Tupolev Tu 214 passenger airplane and helicopters. Kazan Helicopter Plant was one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world during the Soviet Union days. Kazan Helicopter Plant specialized in the manufacture of helicopters of the Mil-family. Production of the Mi helicopter was supported by over fifty million flight hours. But, in the communist regime, Kazan Helicopter Plant was known as a factory number behind the iron curtain.

Government of Russia decided to go for market economy and Kazan Helicopter Plant registered itself as a joint stock company. Kazan Helicopter Plant Joint Stock Company was the sole official approved manufacturer of military and civil versions of Mi 17 helicopters designed and elaborated by Mil design bureau of the Soviet Union and then Mil Moscow Helicopter JSC of Russia.

Mi 172 helicopter is its civil version meant for carrying 26 passengers. Mi 172 helicopter can also be used as VIP Transport for 7, 9 & 11 persons. Mi 172 helicopter is the further development of Mi 8 or 17 which was exported to many countries of Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Application variants of the Mi 172 helicopter are designed for 26 passengers and for transport of compact loads up to 4,000 kg inside the fuselage. Air conditioning, heating, anti-freezing for the main and tail rotor blades are the optional systems. Glazing of the pilots’ cabin, dust protection device and entrance channels for the engines are additional jobs. The system of emergency landing on water is made on individual order. The minimum helicopter crew consists of two members - pilot (captain) and co-pilot. A supplementary crew member (flight engineer) may be added to meet the particular requirement of the helicopter operation. Mi 172 helicopter can be operated within ambient temperature range of -50 degreeC to +50 degreeC. The helicopter has low centre