Here is how the ninth-largest civil aviation market in the world plans to pioneer the A-game.
India’s civil aviation industry is paving its way to emerge as the third-largest aviation market by 2020 and eventually become the largest by 2030. And the grit to achieve this ambitious position has ushered it into a new era of expansion, driven by the boost to expand its wings over unknown waters.
Here is how the ninth-largest civil aviation market in the world plans to pioneer the A-game:
1. LCA Tejas: A Landmark introduction
LCA Tejas was built to replace India's veteran MiG-21 series fighters Image Source: Aeronautical Development Agency
This one definitely proves to be a feather in the cap for HAL as it is the most sought-after toy by the IAF. Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a single-seater, multi-role light fighter developed by our very own Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This tailless aircraft that uses a single jet engine generates lift using its remarkable compound delta wing design.
Tejas came as a result of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme that was initiated in the 1980s to replace India's veteran MiG-21 series fighters. Eventually, the LCA got its name from the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and came to be known as "Tejas", meaning "Radiant".
While the Indian Air Force is still exploring the plane’s capability, the Indian government is geared up to increase orders for its home grown Light Combat Aircraft from 20 to 120 in a year.
2. HAL is working on Next Gen Dornier 228
HAL has produced over 120 Dornier 228s for the domestic and export market Image Credit: Getty
This 19-seater is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautic Limited. Since the last three decades, HAL bears the license to manufacture the twin-turboprop Dornier Do 228, and has produced over 120 aircraft and its variants for the domestic as well as export market.
HAL - DO – 228 has been designed specifically to meet the manifold requirements of utility and commuter transport, third-level services and air-taxi operations, coast guard duties and maritime surveillance. The fuselage, wings and tail of the Dornier unit were manufactured by HAL in Kanpur but failed to attract notable export orders due to higher price tag.
The Dornier 228, which is now considered its legacy, is now getting its new upgrades to keep the flow of orders from India and abroad.
3. Mahindra Aerospace’s ambitious GA8
Mahindra to manufacture utility aircraft GA8 in India Image Source: Mahindra Aerospace
After acquiring a majority stake in Australian aircraft manufacturer GippsAero in 2009, Mahindra has opened new gates in the Indian aviation sector. Mahindra Aerospace, the utility aircraft and aerostructure manufacturing arm of the Mahindra Group, is now spearheading to make its mark in the small aircraft market in India. It plans to do so with its eight-seater utility aircraft GA8, currently being manufactured at its Melbourne facility in Australia.
The company is awaiting an approval from the Director General of Civil aviation (DGCA) to begin sale. Although this is a whole new ball game for Mahindra, the company claims to be confident of selling at least 25 aircraft annually.
4. BrahMos- A Godrej Aerospace creation
BrahMos missile can ascend to 290 km bearing a 200-300 Kg payload Image Credit: Getty
Godrej Aerospace, a business within Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has acted as a strong pillar to the Indian Defence sector. But with its highly versatile BrahMos missile, it took its success to new heights.
In 2013, Godrej Aerospace delivered the first batch of 40 sets of airframe assemblies to BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL). The BrahMos missile can ascend to 290 km bearing a 200-300 Kg conventional warhead payload. Attaining a supersonic speed of one km per second, it can cruise at altitudes ranging from 10 metres to 15 kms. Being a ‘Fire and Forget’ missile, it needs no guidance from the control centre to hit the target with precision.
Part of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd, Godrej Aerospace will soon produce and deliver another 100 BrahMos missile airframes for BAPL.
5. IAF to add more Su-30MKIs to its fleet
IAF to induct 272 HAL-manufactured Su-30MKI fighters to its fleet by 2019 Image Credit: Getty
Here is another powerful masterpiece put forth by HAL. Walking along the production line at HAL’s Nashik plant is a good way to realise how gargantuan its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter is.
The sheer size it boasts, the sleek lines defining its body and the menacing "bird-of-prey" droop of its nose are complemented by pure aerial performance. It happens to be the favourite among aerobatics displays; and its 8-tonne armament payload distinguishes it as a formidable multi-role aircraft.
Equipped with missiles to combat enemies, this aircraft also boasts countermeasures that can deceive enemy radar.
The IAF is aims to induct 272 HAL-manufactured Su-30MKI fighters to its fleet by 2019.
6. TASL- Dornier 228’s new renovator
TASL to soon manufacture components for the RUAG's Dornier 228 aircraft Image Source: RUAG Aviation
Last year, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) tied up with Europe's RUAG Aviation to manufacture parts and components for the latter's Dornier 228 NG aircraft.
The Dornier 228 next generation aircraft will have its fuselages and wings manufactured at the TASL's facility in the Adibatla aerospace SEZ in Hyderabad. TASL aims to send its new aircraft out of India in a so-called fly-away condition over the next few years.
7. Boeing and Tata sign Aerospace Joint Venture
Tata Advanced Systems to build aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache helicopter Image Credit: Getty
Leading aircraft manufacturer Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems entered into a Joint Venture (JV) this year to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and to collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities in India.
The JV will first focus on creating aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache helicopter and harvest additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing platforms, for both commercial and defence projects. Over the last 12 months, Boeing has doubled its sourcing from India and is slated to continue down that path.
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 "Indian aviation, top achievements, civil aviation, LCA Tejas, Dornier 228, BrahMos Aeorospace, Brahmos, GA8 aircraft, Sukhoi Su-")
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