News Analysis India

Tag: HAL

  • Indian Air Force Set To Procure 97 Tejas MK-1A Jets, Defence Ministry Issues Tender To HAL |

    New Delhi: The Indian Defence Ministry has issued a tender to the state-run aerospace major, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for the procurement of 97 light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) Tejas for the Indian Air Force (IAF), officials announced on Friday. The procurement of these fighter jets is expected to cost around Rs 67,000 crore. The Tejas aircraft is a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support missions. Its secondary roles include reconnaissance and anti-ship operations.

    In November, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had cleared the project to acquire 97 more Tejas jets for the IAF. This move is seen as a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector. In addition to this, the DAC also approved a proposal of the IAF to upgrade its Su-30 fighter fleet. 

    The last order for LCA Mark1A was for 83 aircraft and the first plane is poised to be delivered in a few weeks from now. LCA Mark 1A is the advanced version of Tejas aircraft.

    The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, MiG-23s and MiG-27s which have been either phased out or are set to be phased out in near future, government officials told ANI.

    The indigenous fighter aircraft programme, fully backed by Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, they said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pushing for the revival of the HAL which has bagged orders for building all types of indigenous fighter aircraft, helicopters along with the engines for them under his government.

    The Prime Minister also undertook a sortie in the trainer variant of the indigenous fighter which was first ever sortie by the Prime Minister of India in any combat aircraft.

    The plan to acquire 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter jets was also announced first by the Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on foreign soil in Spain when he told ANI about the mega plans to boost the indigenous fighter aircraft orders.

  • Centre signs Rs 470 cr contract with UDPL for modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards at Goa, Kochi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on Monday signed a contract with a firm for modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards (NAYs) at Goa and Kochi at a cost of nearly Rs 470 crore, officials said.

    The NAYs undertake servicing and repairs of naval aircraft, aero engines, rotables and test equipment at Goa and Kochi, the ministry said in a statement.

    The ministry signed a contract with Ultra Dimensions Pvt.Ltd. (UDPL), Vishakhapatnam for “modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards (NAYs) at Goa and Kochi, at a cost of approximately Rs 470 crore”, it said.

    Induction of the latest state-of-the-art aircraft into the Indian Navy inventory requires modernisation of existing maintenance and repair facilities at NAYs to bridge the technological and capability gap to meet the present and future aviation maintenance challenges, officials said.

    The modernisation includes repair facilities with state-of-the-art automated machineries and composite repair bays. This project will generate employment of more than 1.8 lakh man-days over a period of three years, it said.

    “The modernisation will augment operational readiness of naval aviation platforms and reduce dependence on external agencies and foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for repairs. This project will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the statement said.

    In addition, the Ministry of Defence has inked a contract with Mecon Ltd, Ranchi, as a project monitoring consultant at a cost of Rs 24 crore, it said. 

    Meanwhile, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday tweeted: “HAL registers highest-ever revenue from operations of around Rs. 26,500 Crores (provisional and unaudited) for FY 2022-23 as against Rs.24,620 for the previous FY.

    The Company has recorded a revenue growth of 8% during the year as compared to last year.

    NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on Monday signed a contract with a firm for modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards (NAYs) at Goa and Kochi at a cost of nearly Rs 470 crore, officials said.

    The NAYs undertake servicing and repairs of naval aircraft, aero engines, rotables and test equipment at Goa and Kochi, the ministry said in a statement.

    The ministry signed a contract with Ultra Dimensions Pvt.Ltd. (UDPL), Vishakhapatnam for “modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards (NAYs) at Goa and Kochi, at a cost of approximately Rs 470 crore”, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Induction of the latest state-of-the-art aircraft into the Indian Navy inventory requires modernisation of existing maintenance and repair facilities at NAYs to bridge the technological and capability gap to meet the present and future aviation maintenance challenges, officials said.

    The modernisation includes repair facilities with state-of-the-art automated machineries and composite repair bays. This project will generate employment of more than 1.8 lakh man-days over a period of three years, it said.

    “The modernisation will augment operational readiness of naval aviation platforms and reduce dependence on external agencies and foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for repairs. This project will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the statement said.

    In addition, the Ministry of Defence has inked a contract with Mecon Ltd, Ranchi, as a project monitoring consultant at a cost of Rs 24 crore, it said. 

    Meanwhile, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday tweeted: “HAL registers highest-ever revenue from operations of around Rs. 26,500 Crores (provisional and unaudited) for FY 2022-23 as against Rs.24,620 for the previous FY.

    The Company has recorded a revenue growth of 8% during the year as compared to last year.

  • Defence ministry inks Rs 6,800-cr contract with HAL to procure 70 basic trainer aircraft

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The defence ministry on Tuesday sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore for the Indian Air Force.

    The ministry also finalised a contract with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) for the acquisition of three cadet training ships worth over Rs 3,100 crore.

    Both the procurement proposals were cleared by the prime minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on March 1.

    “The ministry of defence on March 7 signed contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for procurement of 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft and three cadet training ships respectively in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,” the ministry said.

    While the HAL will provide 70 HTT-40 aircraft over a period of six years, the delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from 2026.

    Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, along with other senior civil and military officials of the ministry, and representatives of the HAL and L&T were present at the contract signing ceremony.

    The HTT-40 is a turbo prop aircraft possessing good low speed handling qualities and provides better training effectiveness, according to the ministry.

    The HTT-40 contains approximately 56 per cent indigenous content which will progressively increase to over 60 per cent through indigenisation of major components and subsystems, officials said.

    “The aircraft will meet the shortage of basic trainer aircraft of Indian Air Force for training of newly-inducted pilots. The procurement will include associated equipment and training aids including simulators,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Being an indigenous solution, the aircraft is configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The aircraft will be supplied over a period of six years,” it said.

    It said the HAL would engage the domestic private industry, including MSMEs, in its supply chain. “The procurement has the potential to provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people spread over more than 100 MSMEs,” the ministry said.

    On the cadet training ships, the ministry said they will cater to the training of officer cadets, including women, at sea after their basic training to meet the future requirements of the Indian Navy. “The ships would also provide training to cadets from friendly countries with the aim to strengthen diplomatic relations,” it said.

    “The ships can also be deployed for evacuation of people from distress areas, Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from 2026,” the ministry said.

    The ships will be indigenously designed, developed and constructed at L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. “The project will generate employment of 22.5 lakh man-days over a period of four-and-half years. This will encourage active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs,” the ministry said.

    NEW DELHI: The defence ministry on Tuesday sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft at a cost of over Rs 6,800 crore for the Indian Air Force.

    The ministry also finalised a contract with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) for the acquisition of three cadet training ships worth over Rs 3,100 crore.

    Both the procurement proposals were cleared by the prime minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on March 1.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The ministry of defence on March 7 signed contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for procurement of 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft and three cadet training ships respectively in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,” the ministry said.

    While the HAL will provide 70 HTT-40 aircraft over a period of six years, the delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from 2026.

    Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, along with other senior civil and military officials of the ministry, and representatives of the HAL and L&T were present at the contract signing ceremony.

    The HTT-40 is a turbo prop aircraft possessing good low speed handling qualities and provides better training effectiveness, according to the ministry.

    The HTT-40 contains approximately 56 per cent indigenous content which will progressively increase to over 60 per cent through indigenisation of major components and subsystems, officials said.

    “The aircraft will meet the shortage of basic trainer aircraft of Indian Air Force for training of newly-inducted pilots. The procurement will include associated equipment and training aids including simulators,” the ministry said in a statement.

    “Being an indigenous solution, the aircraft is configurable for upgrades to incorporate the futuristic requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The aircraft will be supplied over a period of six years,” it said.

    It said the HAL would engage the domestic private industry, including MSMEs, in its supply chain. “The procurement has the potential to provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people spread over more than 100 MSMEs,” the ministry said.

    On the cadet training ships, the ministry said they will cater to the training of officer cadets, including women, at sea after their basic training to meet the future requirements of the Indian Navy. “The ships would also provide training to cadets from friendly countries with the aim to strengthen diplomatic relations,” it said.

    “The ships can also be deployed for evacuation of people from distress areas, Search and Rescue and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from 2026,” the ministry said.

    The ships will be indigenously designed, developed and constructed at L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. “The project will generate employment of 22.5 lakh man-days over a period of four-and-half years. This will encourage active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs,” the ministry said.

  • Hindustan Lead Fighter Trainer (HLFT)-42 to meet futuristic training requirements

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The ambitious plans of developing indigenous modern aircraft will require specialised training as the country’s aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has initiated a project for training aircraft. HAL is working on a project to develop Hindustan Lead Fighter Trainer (HLFT)- 42 supersonic jet trainer and its mockup was displayed for the first time at Aero India.

    Talking to The New Indian Express, Group Captain HV Thakur (Retd) told that HLFT-42 will be similar to the recently approved projects like the LCA MK II and eventually the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). “So, it (the new fighter trainer) will have to keep pace with that kind of requirement. It should have similar sensors and weapons. Obviously, the simulators and simulations should be of that capability as well,” he added. Group Captain Thakur is a test Pilot of the HAL.

    AMCA is a project to develop fifth-generation fighters. Also, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) is another project to develop an advance maritime fighter to be based on Indian aircraft carriers. The projected timelines for their development are at the end of this decade or early 2030s.

    According to the HAL, the HLFT-42 trainer, which is aimed at preparing fighter pilots comprehensively for the fifth-generation aircraft, incorporates an ultra-modern training suite, enabling hyper-real combat situations to train pilots in a perfectly safe, standardised and efficient flying environment. “To fill today’s needs and for tomorrow’s aircraft like the Light Combat Aircraft Mark II, we have to have a very high-performance trainer to go along with them. The trainer needs to have similar capabilities. As a leading fighter trainer, it is very efficiently made. It will do exactly the same task that it is supposed to. The trainer will be very similar to the fighter aircraft of the next generation,” the Group Captain (Retd) said. He further added that the training of Indian pilots happens on three platforms — the basic trainer, the intermediate trainer and the advanced trainer; all of these teach how to fly. The basic trainer is for all kinds of pilots, including helicopter pilots. In advanced trainers, they train only fighter pilots.

    The advanced trainers mentioned earlier are about the AJT or the Hawk-I of the HAL kind of aircraft. But these trained fighter pilots only learn how to manoeuvre the aircraft. It never goes supersonic, never does any missile firing, does not have sensors, and does not have a radar or an infrared search and track (IRST) system. “So, on yesterday’s aircraft, the real combat training never gets done. Today and tomorrow, that is required. That’s why we have the need for a medium fighter trainer urgently,” added Gp Capt Thakur.

    NEW DELHI: The ambitious plans of developing indigenous modern aircraft will require specialised training as the country’s aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has initiated a project for training aircraft. HAL is working on a project to develop Hindustan Lead Fighter Trainer (HLFT)- 42 supersonic jet trainer and its mockup was displayed for the first time at Aero India.

    Talking to The New Indian Express, Group Captain HV Thakur (Retd) told that HLFT-42 will be similar to the recently approved projects like the LCA MK II and eventually the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). “So, it (the new fighter trainer) will have to keep pace with that kind of requirement. It should have similar sensors and weapons. Obviously, the simulators and simulations should be of that capability as well,” he added. Group Captain Thakur is a test Pilot of the HAL.

    AMCA is a project to develop fifth-generation fighters. Also, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) is another project to develop an advance maritime fighter to be based on Indian aircraft carriers. The projected timelines for their development are at the end of this decade or early 2030s.

    According to the HAL, the HLFT-42 trainer, which is aimed at preparing fighter pilots comprehensively for the fifth-generation aircraft, incorporates an ultra-modern training suite, enabling hyper-real combat situations to train pilots in a perfectly safe, standardised and efficient flying environment.
     
    “To fill today’s needs and for tomorrow’s aircraft like the Light Combat Aircraft Mark II, we have to have a very high-performance trainer to go along with them. The trainer needs to have similar capabilities. As a leading fighter trainer, it is very efficiently made. It will do exactly the same task that it is supposed to. The trainer will be very similar to the fighter aircraft of the next generation,” the Group Captain (Retd) said.
     
    He further added that the training of Indian pilots happens on three platforms — the basic trainer, the intermediate trainer and the advanced trainer; all of these teach how to fly. The basic trainer is for all kinds of pilots, including helicopter pilots. In advanced trainers, they train only fighter pilots.

    The advanced trainers mentioned earlier are about the AJT or the Hawk-I of the HAL kind of aircraft. But these trained fighter pilots only learn how to manoeuvre the aircraft. It never goes supersonic, never does any missile firing, does not have sensors, and does not have a radar or an infrared search and track (IRST) system. “So, on yesterday’s aircraft, the real combat training never gets done. Today and tomorrow, that is required. That’s why we have the need for a medium fighter trainer urgently,” added Gp Capt Thakur.

  • HAL’s integrated cryogenic engine facility to be inaugurated by Murmu in Bengaluru

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) state-of-the-art Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) in Bengaluru on Tuesday which will boost self-reliance in manufacturing of High-thrust Rocket engines.

    As per the HAL the facility will cater to the entire Rocket Engine Manufacturing under one roof for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). HAL in its statement said, “The Aerospace Division entering into manufacture of Cryogenic Engines is a major step in technology up-gradation cum modernization. Indigenous cryogenic technology is important as it will assist India to further develop its rocket programme for launching heavy satellites.

    The facility is set up over an area of 4500 sq mts housing over 70 hi-tech equipment and testing facilities for manufacturing Cryogenic (CE20) and Semi-cryogenic (SE2000) Engines of Indian Space Launch Vehicles. The commissioning of all the critical equipment for the manufacturing and assembly requirement is completed. The pre-production activities which involve preparation of the process plans, drawings, quality plan etc. has also commenced. HAL will start realising the modules by March 2023.

    HAL said, “HAL Aerospace Division manufactures liquid propellant tanks and launch vehicle structures of PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MK-II, GSLV Mk-III and also stage integration for GSLV Mk-II.”

    In 2013, an MOU was signed with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for establishing the facility for manufacturing of Cryogenic Engine modules at HAL, Aerospace Division. The MOU for the Cryogenic Engine facility was subsequently amended in the year 2016 for setting up of Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) with an investment of R208 crores.

    NEW DELHI: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) state-of-the-art Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) in Bengaluru on Tuesday which will boost self-reliance in manufacturing of High-thrust Rocket engines.

    As per the HAL the facility will cater to the entire Rocket Engine Manufacturing under one roof for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). HAL in its statement said, “The Aerospace Division entering into manufacture of Cryogenic Engines is a major step in technology up-gradation cum modernization. Indigenous cryogenic technology is important as it will assist India to further develop its rocket programme for launching heavy satellites.

    The facility is set up over an area of 4500 sq mts housing over 70 hi-tech equipment and testing facilities for manufacturing Cryogenic (CE20) and Semi-cryogenic (SE2000) Engines of Indian Space Launch Vehicles. The commissioning of all the critical equipment for the manufacturing and assembly requirement is completed. The pre-production activities which involve preparation of the process plans, drawings, quality plan etc. has also commenced. HAL will start realising the modules by March 2023.

    HAL said, “HAL Aerospace Division manufactures liquid propellant tanks and launch vehicle structures of PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MK-II, GSLV Mk-III and also stage integration for GSLV Mk-II.”

    In 2013, an MOU was signed with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) for establishing the facility for manufacturing of Cryogenic Engine modules at HAL, Aerospace Division. The MOU for the Cryogenic Engine facility was subsequently amended in the year 2016 for setting up of Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) with an investment of R208 crores.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opens R&D facility for stealth jet in Bengaluru

    By Express News Service

    BENGALURU: A seven-storeyed, 1.3 lakh sqft Flight Control System (FCS) complex for research and development of the public sector HAL’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) has been built in just 45 days. 

    The construction started on February 1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated the facility, housed at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), alongside Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

    The facility was built using hybrid technology, with a combination of conventional, pre-engineered and pre-cast methods. The construction of the complex itself breaks the record for the completion of a permanent seven-storeyed building using hybrid construction technology.

    Facility will develop avionics for AMCA

    Speaking at the inauguration, the Defence Minister commended the efforts of both the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T). “I’m pleased with the development of the facility. My hope is that we can bring down the time required to construct such facilities to 25 days and even 10 days.

    Hybrid technology is an important milestone for the construction sector and I hope that in the coming days, India will become one of the leading countries in the field of construction technology,” he noted. Further, he said, “Our traditional construction industry is generally considered to be labour-intensive, high risk and low on productivity.

    But, the way DRDO has constructed the FCS complex using hybrid technology, our infrastructure projects will be completed at low cost and in a time-bound manner in the time to come.” The facility will be at the forefront of the research and development for HAL’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a proposed Indian stealth multirole fighter jet.

    It will help with developing avionics and FCS for the fighter aircraft. Singh said, “The provision for simulator training at the complex is one of its most important aspects. The simulators provide an opportunity to learn by making mistakes without the possibility of any kinds of losses.”

  • Defence Ministry approves acquisition of military hardware worth Rs 7,965 crore

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Defence Ministry on Tuesday approved the procurement of arms and military equipment worth Rs 7,965 crore, including 12 light utility helicopters from HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), according to an official statement.

    The procurement proposals were approved at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the ministry’s highest decision-making body on the matter. All of these proposals are under ‘Make in India’ with a focus on design, development and manufacturing in India.

    “As a further impetus to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), a global procurement case of naval guns has been foreclosed with these guns’ quantity added to the upgraded super rapid gun mount (SRGM) being manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL),” it noted.

    Besides clearing the proposal to buy 12 helicopters, the DAC approved the procurement of Lynx U2 naval gunfire control system from Bharat Electronics Limited, the ministry’s statement said.

    The DAC also approved “mid-life upgradation of Dornier aircraft” by HAL to increase the naval capacity of maritime reconnaissance and coastal surveillance, it mentioned.

    Lynx U2 Fire Control System will enhance the detection, tracking and engagement capabilities of Naval warships and upgraded Dornier Aircraft will add to the Naval capacity of maritime reconnaissance and coastal surveillance.

    These SRGMs provide niche capabilities of engaging fast manoeuvring targets using guided munitions and range extensions, and are to be fitted on the warships of the Indian Navy, the statement said.

    “The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting of November 2, 2021, held under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity for capital acquisition proposals for modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to Rs 7,965 crore,” it noted.

    All these proposals are under ‘Make in India’ with a focus on design, development and manufacturing in the country, according to the statement.

    The military equipment are being procured at a time the Indian armed forces are locked in a bitter border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

  • HAL delivers heaviest semi-cryogenic propellant tank to ISRO

    By Express News Service

    BENGALURU: Defence aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday delivered its heaviest semi-cryogenic propellant tank (SC120- LOX) ever fabricated to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).  

    The semi cryo-liquid oxygen (LOX) tank – the first developmental welded hardware is a part of the SC120 stage intended for payload enhancement by replacing the L110 stage in the existing Mk-III launch vehicle.  

    Last year, HAL had delivered the biggest ever cryogenic Liquid Hydrogen tank (C32-LH2) which is four meters in diameter and eight meters in length, much ahead of the contractual schedule.

    The propellant tank was handed over by MK Mishra, General Manager, Aerospace Division, HAL, to TKB Kumaresh Babu, General Manager (LHWC), Head of the resident team of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), ISRO, in the presence of P Srinivasa Rao, Group Director (SR)-LPSC, at a function held in HAL.

    HAL has mastered the skills and technologies required for fabricating welded propellant tanks. To date, its Aerospace Division has delivered 244 propellant tanks and 95 water tanks to ISRO for the space programmes of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs), Geo-stationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-II, and GSLV Mk-III of diameter 2.1, 2.8, and 4 metres where the length of the tank varies from 2.5 to 8 metres.

    As a strategic reliable partner, HAL has been associating with ISRO for India’s prestigious space programs for the last five decades and has delivered critical structures, tankages, satellite structures for PSLV, GSLV-MkII, and GSLV-MkIII launch vehicles.  

    Various new projects like PS2/GS2 integration, Semi-cryo structure fabrication, and manufacturing of cryo and semi cryo engines are being taken up at HAL, for which installation and commissioning of unique infrastructures are nearing completion.

    HAL has supported ISRO right from the developmental phase of Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment, PAD Abort test for Crew Escape for Human Space Mission, and is currently supplying hardware for full-fledged launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III for a prestigious manned space mission, the Gaganyaan programme.

  • HAL signs pact with Alliance Air for deployment of civil Do-228 in Arunachal Pradesh 

    By PTI

    BENGALURU: State-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Sunday said it has signed a lease agreement with Alliance Air Aviation Limited for the supply of two Civil Do-228 aircraft for regional operations in Arunachal Pradesh, aimed at giving boost to India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).

    The HAL Do- 228 is a versatile aircraft well-suited for operations in the North East and has the capabilities of short take-off and landing, ability to land and take-off from semi-prepared runways, the company said in a release.

    This development opens a new vista in civil aviation for HAL, it said, adding the company is keen to increase its footprint in the regional civil aviation by engaging more numbers of HAL Do-228 by air operators of the country.

    India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) received a major boost today with HAL signing a lease agreement with Alliance Air Aviation Limited for the supply of two Civil Do-228 aircraft for regional operations in Arunachal Pradesh. @DefProdnIndia @drajaykumar_ias @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/MATzKKV06i
    — HAL (@HALHQBLR) September 26, 2021
    Apurba Roy, General Manager, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, HAL and Arun Kumar Bansal, Head of Engineering, Alliance Air Aviation Limited signed the deal papers in Bengaluru.

    Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu said it was a big day for the state given the geographical challenges in the vast state, the connectivity will now be easier.

    HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur has been in the business of transport and trainer aircraft for defence customers.

    The division has ventured into the manufacturing of Hindustan-228 aircraft.

    The Hindustan-228 is a 19-seat multirole utility aircraft built for various applications such as VIP transport, passenger transport, air ambulance, flight inspection roles, cloud seeding, and recreational activities like para jumping, aerial surveillance, photography and cargo applications.

    The Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, the Home Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Bamang Felix, the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, Naresh Kumar, Secretary (Civil Aviation) of Arunachal Pradesh, Swapnil Nayak attended the event virtually through a video conference.

    The dignitaries present included Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), R Madhavan, CMD (HAL), Usha Padhee, JS (MoCA), and senior officials from HAL, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI).

  • Bengaluru: IAF Chief flies sortie in LCA Tejas fighter jet during HAL visit

    By PTI

    BENGALURU: Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria flew in an initial operational clearance (IOC) standard Light Combat Aircraft Tejas during his visit to the city, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) visited IAF units and flight test establishments and facilities of DRDO and HAL at Bengaluru on August 23 and 24, an official release said.

    “During his visit to Bengaluru, CAS flew in an IOC LCA Tejas,” it said.

    The IAF also tweeted the pictures and said Bhadauria flew a sortie in a Tejas MK1 aircraft.

    During his visit to Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), he was given an overview of ongoing projects and briefed on progress of operational trials.

    During his interaction with personnel, he spoke of the unique and challenging role of ASTE, noted its laudable achievements and re emphasised the need for staying ahead of the curve in order to leverage its expertise in delivering the requirements of IAF Operational units.

    The CAS also visited Software Development Institute (SDI), the unit tasked for undertaking development of avionics software.

    During the visit, he noted that the sustained focus on critical projects by the Institute had contributed significantly in increasing the operational and functional capability of IAF.

    He outlined his vision for SDI to move towards software indigenisation for integration of various weapons on IAF aircraft and achieving self-reliance in enhancing combat potential, it added.

    As part of the visit, CAS met and interacted with the test crew and engineers of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

    CAS underscored the crucial role of both the establishments in furthering the shared goal of building an indigenous aviation industry capability of meeting our future requirements, the release said.