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Gilbert, I think you're playing down this issue. I too agree that the Sea Harriers (and other plan-crashes) are not involved with the who-should-control-Dabolim-airport issue.
Nonetheless, the huge cost of each craft -- if I remember right, we were told that each Sea Harrier cost Rs 1800 million (or Rs 180 crore) -- and the fact that perhaps half of the crafts bought from Britain have crashed is an issue of serious importance. Wouldn't you agree?
More so, because the military spending has a huge impact on the country's economy... FN
On Sun, 24 Oct 2004, Gilbert menezes wrote:
Fred,
The Harrier crashes are not a part of the Dabolim debate, but since you
brought it up, here are my views. The Harrier is a very demanding aircraft for any pilot to fly due to its vectored thrust which gives it the unique VTOL capability. The total number of crashes are not alarming when viewed against the period of time and total flying hours, and the figures are as good or as bad as the Royal Navy, Royal Airforce, or US Marine Corps, who are the other big users of this type.
In the Indian Armed Forces, a court of inquiry is ordered when a death occurs, or if equipment over a certain value is lost, such as an aircraft accident. This is done to ascertain pilot error, equipment failure, or other causes, and to ensure that the lapses are not repeated and the guilty are punished. The details of military courts of inquiry are classified and not normally available to the public.
regards, Gilbert Menezes.
