Rolls-Royce has signed a MoU with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to broaden their partnership for more strategic initiatives.
BANGALORE: In a development that could mean more engine component design and manufacturing outsourcing to India, UK-based aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to broaden their partnership for more strategic initiatives, including advanced engineering.
In this direction, Rolls-Royce will also open a supply chain office at various facilities of HAL in India. HAL became a member of the Rolls-Royce global supply chain in 2003.
Rolls-Royce’s president of helicopters and small gas turbine engines Scott Crislip said in a statement that the MoU would expand the longstanding relationship between the two companies. However, he did not elaborate on what exactly the agreement would develop into.
“The pact sets the framework for more collaboration. It is too early to say what it would develop into, but both companies are looking at enhancing their relationship further,” said a Rolls-Royce spokeswoman.
Currently, HAL produces engines for the Jaguar, a deep penetration strike aircraft of the Indian Air Force, under the Rolls-Royce Adour license. Under another agreement, it will manufacture the Adour 871, which will power the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer for India.
Rolls-Royce and Bell Helicopter Textron are also partnering on a proposal to the Indian Army for its Shen Helicopter program. The proposal includes the Bell 407 helicopter, powered by Rolls-Royce Model 250 engines. The Shen programme involves the purchase of up to 197 helicopters and production of a number of engines to be manufactured by HAL.
Rolls-Royce engines currently in service with the armed forces include the Avon, Viper, Dart, Pegasus, Model 250 and Gnome H1400. They power aircraft like the Canberra, Avro 748, Sea Harrier, Britten Norman Islander and the Sea King.
Since 2003, HAL is also contributing to the Rolls-Royce civil aviation business after it started supplying ring forgings to Rolls-Royce for its Trent family of engines. It is also involved in the repair and overhaul of the Rolls-Royce Avon, Dart, Adour and Gnome aero engines as well as Avon and 501K industrial gas turbines.
Domestic carriers like Kingfisher Airlines, Air Deccan and Indigo have opted for Rolls-Royce’s V2500 engines for their A320 aircraft.
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