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Highlights of aircraft line-up at Aero India 2013

By SP's Special Correspondent

Pilatus PC-12 NG

EMB-145I

Embraer Legacy 650

Embraer Lineage 1000

HAL ALH Dhruv

HAL ALH Dhruv-WSI Rudra

HAL Light Combat Helicopter

Dornier

Dassault Falcon 900LX

January 28, 2013:

1. Pilatus PC-12 NG: Bills itself as the "world's greatest single", and continues to be one of the most popular single-engine business aircraft in the world today. With roles that include executive transport, cargo, air ambulance, airline, and government special mission applications, over 1,200 PC-12s have been sold worldwide. Makers of the PC-12, Switzerland's Pilatus Aircraft, recently scored a big win in India with a contract for 75 PC-7 Mk.2 basic trainer aircraft. The company will be looking to make greater inroads with further orders and to open business for its other aircraft.

2. DRDO-Embraer EMB-145I: India's ambitious AEW&C aircraft is steeped in a complex flight and systems test programme, though the DRDO is confident enough to brandish the aircraft at a series of shows. The aircraft was shown off on Air Force Day last October, was the central highlight of the DRDO tableau at the Republic Day parade, and will now enthral crowds with an air display at Aero India 2013.

3. Embraer Legacy 650: Popular business jet derivative of the successful ERJ 145 family of aircraft.

4. Embraer Lineage 1000: Business jet derivative of the Embraer 190 regional jetliner.

5. HAL ALH Dhruv: HAL's flagship helicopter that has spawned several variants and types, and is on export to other countries.

6. HAL ALH Dhruv-WSI Rudra: Certified and ready, the first Rudra will be handed over to the Indian Army at the show.

7. HAL Light Combat Helicopter: With 2 prototypes in flight test and a third to join shortly, the LCH is a formidable and promising new weapons platform for the Indian Army and IAF. It has also generated interest in other countries since its debut at Aero India 2011.

8. Dassault Falcon 900LX: The versatile and popular corporate jet makes a comeback to Aero India this year.

9. Dassault Falcon 2000S: Popular transcontinental jet. Ratan Tata owns one.

10. Dassault Falcon 7X: Bigger version of the 900LX, one of the most luxurious corporate jets.

11. KC-135 Stratotanker: The venerable USAF tanker aircraft that will be replaced progressively by the Boeing 767 KC-46 tanker.

12. Bombardier Global 6000: An improved version of the original Global Express, with longer range, higher speed and a better cabin layout.

13. Bombardier Challenger 605: An upgraded version of the venerable Bombardier 600 family of business jets. Sports new avionics and a structural upgrade.

14. Eurocopter AS565 N3+ Dauphin: Maritime militarised version of the Aerospatiale Dauphin, the chopper is on offer to the Indian Navy (for the NUH programme) and Coastguard.

15. Zephyr: Solar-powered unmanned aircraft by QinetiQ that currently holds an endurance record.

16. C-17 Globemaster III: A fixture at Aero India with its amazing heft. The first C-17 for the Indian Air Force recently entered flight test in the US.

17. Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350i: Twin turbo-prop business jet sporting what Hawker-Beechcraft calls the most "comfortable and capable cabin ever offered in its class".