Article Posted on : - Oct 02, 2010

MiG-27 fighter jet

NEW DELHI (PTI): With three MiG-27 fighter jet crashes being reported this year, the IAF has launched comprehensive checks on the fleet, which will not feature in the Air Force Day parade on October 8 at Hindon near here.

Calling the mishaps a "serious issue", IAF's Western Air Command (WAC) Chief Air Marshal N A K Browne told reporters here today these were "a matter of concern" for the Air Force.

The fleet had trouble with its engines and had to be grounded earlier this year.

But Browne said the reason for the Russian-origin fighter jet not featuring in the air display during the Air Force Day parade was because it was not deployed in the WAC's area of responsibility.

"MiG-27s have faced some problems with its engines. Yes, it is a matter of concern for all in the Air Force. It is a serious issue. Some checks are going on the aircraft right now," he said in reply to questions, but did not commit if these jets were grounded once again.

MiG-27s were grounded in February this year after one of the planes crashed near Hashimara in West Bengal on February 16 killing an ace fighter pilot.

After through checks, it was authorised to resume flying in June this year, but soon two other MiG-27s crashed -- one on July 24 again near Hashimara and another on September 24 near Kalaikunda.

Browne said the technical team of IAF was looking at the aircraft fleet now to identify if there were any faults.

The IAF operates over 100 single-seater variants of MiG-27 in eight of its 33 fighter squadrons. But the fleet faced trouble from its R-29 engines.

The two-seater trainer variants of the aircraft continue to remain operational as they are not equipped with R-29 engines.

MiG-27s perform a swing-wing role for both air-to-air and ground attacks.
After the crash in February, the IAF's investigation found that it could have taken place due to failure of "low pressure turbine blades" in the engine.

The aircraft is a 1980s vintage platform of the Air Force and the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), for which tenders are currently under process, will replace it in the 500-aircraft strong IAF fleet.

The Air Force Day parade this year will otherwise witness air display by Su-30s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, Mirages and MiG-21 Bison fighter jets, apart from transport aircraft and helicopters and a performance from the IAF's aerobatics team 'Surya Kirans'.