Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
participated at the Paris Airshow recently, with an intent to grow the
company’s international presence and enter into new partnerships for the Indian
market. HAL is the sole manufacturer of fighter aircraft, military helicopters
and military transport aircraft in India.
In an exclusive interview with Atul
Chandra of GBP Aerospace & Defence, Dr. DK Sunil, HAL’s Chairman &
Managing Director with Addl. Charge of Director (Engg and R&D) outlined the
plans to increase Tejas Mk.1A deliveries to the Indian Air Force. Dr. Sunil
also confirmed that the roll-out of the first prototype LCA Mk.2 fighter
aircraft is planned for next year.
Edited
excerpts from the interview:
Please
provide an update on HAL Tejas Mk.1 and Tejas Mk.1A and steps taken to meet IAF
production rates.
The production activities for the
LCA Tejas Mk.1 have been completed. Production under the Initial Operational
Clearance (IOC) contract and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is complete. HAL
initiated the series production of LCA Mk.1A concurrently with design and
development. However, the series production has been affected due to a delay in
the supply of engines by General Electric (GE). Efforts are currently underway
to accelerate engine deliveries from GE to meet the production requirements.
HAL has established two production
lines in Bengaluru. A third production line is being established at HAL Nasik
to increase the total production capacity to 24 aircraft per year and ensure
delivery as per contract timelines. HAL is set to roll out the first Tejas Mk.1A
from the third line in 2025. With the supply chain stabilising, aircraft
manufacturing is on course to achieve the rated capacity well beyond the contracted
schedule and HAL aims to complete the deliveries to Indian Air Force at the
earliest.
Please
provide an update on LCA Mk.2 and plans prototype roll-out and maiden flight.
HAL is the principal partner to the
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in the indigenous design and development
of LCA Mk.2, a 4.5 generation multirole combat aircraft. The structural
assembly of the first prototype aircraft is under progress and the roll out of
the prototype aircraft is planned for 2026.
What is
the current status of ALH Dhruv helicopters and what are total orders on hand
and deliveries due?
The contract for the supply of 25
ALHs to the Indian Army and nine to the Indian Coast Guard is currently being
executed. To date, 16 helicopters have been produced and the production of
remaining 18 helicopters is in progress.
Please
provide an update on IMRH/DBMRH programme.
The Indian Multi-Role Helicopter
(IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) are 13 ton medium lift
helicopters being developed by HAL to fulfill various military aviation
requirements. Currently, design and development activities are progressing with
internal funding from HAL, while we await government approval. Long lead
activities for the project have been identified and are being executed in
parallel to ensure timely completion. Additionally, to design, develop and
supply the engines for the IMRH and DBMRH, a joint venture has been established
with Safran Helicopter Engines, named SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd, in
November 2023.
By Atul Chandra (Twitter @CheckSix_Bison)