DRDO, PSU and Private Defence Sector News

[Rage]

The chilli hand grenade is ready to explode!

TEZPUR (ASSAM): It's ready to explode and not just in the mouth. The 'bhut jolokia' - recognised as the hottest of spices - will pack a punch when mixed with handgrenades to deal with terrorists, as trials by Indian defence scientists have shown.

A defence spokesperson said scientists at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Tezpur in northern Assam were making a trial run of the hand grenades and other repellents by using the bhut jolokia.

"The chilli grenade is a non-toxic weapon and when used would force a terrorist to come out of his hideouts as the smell is so pungent that it would literally choke them," R.B. Srivastava, a senior scientist and director of the DRDO said.

The DRDO scientists had already carried out trials for the hand grenades mixed with the world's hottest chilli and so far the tests have been satisfactory.

The bhut jolokia belongs to the capsicum chinese family and is native to Assam. It is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the hottest of all spices.

The hotness of the bhut jolokia, measured in Scoville heat units was 1,001,304. It's nearly twice as hot as Mexico's red savina (577,000), the variety it replaced as the hottest. By comparison, a New Mexico green chilli contains about 1,500 Scoville units, while an average jalapeno measures at about 10,000.

"Work is on to develop other such things using bhut jolokia for effective utilisation by the security forces in dealing with riots and tackling insurgency and terrorists," Srivastava said.

The non-lethal grenades devised by the DRDO could numb the enemy and immobilise them without seriously wounding or killing them.

"There are other applications as well, what we call women power. A specially made chilli powder could act as a tool for women to keep away anti-socials and work in this regard is also on," he said.

There were also plans to use bhut jolokia paste or powder in teargas shells for dispersing violent protesters or rioters.

"We are also trying for a scientific validation to find out if bhut jolokia could be incorporated into the food menu for soldiers in higher reaches to keep them warm. Physiological studies are on in this regard," Srivastava said.

And the chilli powder would also be rubbed on the fences around army barracks in the hope the strong smell would keep animals out of bounds.

"The chilli paste could also act as a major repellent against wild elephants in some parts of Assam and other northeastern states," the scientist said.

A kilogram of bhut jolokia sells at about Rs.300.

Source:The Times of India

Apparently the bhutt-jholakia dust in them 'chilli grenades' is so potent, it left trial users blinded for hours, with severe respiratory problems.

The plant is an inter-species hybrid, and grows everywhere in Assam and Nagaland.

A 1,001,304 rating on the Scolville scale is rindonkulous! I once tried red savina sauce, the Mexican pepper it replaced as the world's hottest spice, at a sauce shop in the States. The guy had to use a hypodermic needle to squeeze out a millilitre size piddle on my hand, after which I got the chorro.

Don't even think of trying this sh$t. You will regret it.

 

[Vinod2070]

I so want to see one of these explode right inside that LET terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Right up his arse!

 

[Soham]

I so want to see one of these explode right inside that LET terrorist Hafiz Saeed. Right up his arse!

Oh we wouldn't want that, would we ? Then they can hit back with chilli farts.

 

[Vinod2070]

You think his arse will survive a fart after one of that grenade.

 

[Agantrope]

Oh we wouldn't want that, would we ? Then they can hit back with chilli farts.

How about putting one in his a*se and in his nose.

[/url][/IMG]

 

[plugwater]

DRDO kit detects H1N1 virus in an hour

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a diagnostic kit that can detect H1N1 virus in an hour. The kit does not need sophisticated instruments and can be used in villages where electricity is not available. It just costs Rs.1,500.

It uses a simple technique called real-time loop amplification methodology (RT LAMP) to detect the H1N1 virus, said W. Selvamurthy, Chief Controller (Life Sciences and Human Resources), DRDO. The kit has been developed by a DRDO laboratory called the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), situated at Gwalior.

When 400 blood samples were tested by the WHO (Communicable Diseases Centre)-approved kit and the DRDO-developed kit, positive results from both kits tallied. “There was 100 per cent agreement. The DRDO kit also diagnosed some cases missed out by the WHO (CDC)-approved kit. So our kit is more specific and sensitive. That is its strength,” Dr. Selvamurthy said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh praised the DRDO kit in his inaugural address at the Indian Science Congress on January 3, 2010 in Thiruvananthapuram. He had said: “I also commend the DRDO for developing a new and rapid diagnostic method for detecting the H1N1 virus. We need to build our scientific capabilities in a way that they can respond in real time to problems such as pandemics.”

DRDE Director R. Vijayaraghavan called the kit “a powerful tool.” When 900 blood samples were tested by this kit the results were 100 per cent accurate and they came fast, he said.

With the swine flu, caused by H1N1 virus, emerging as a global pandemic, there is a need to diagnose it as quickly as possible and the quick diagnosis is critical to early medical intervention before the disease gets complicated, said the DRDO chief controller.

The WHO kit takes a long time — almost a day — to find out whether an individual tested positive or not for the virus. It used a methodology called real-time polymerised chain reaction (RTPCR), which needed a sophisticated instrument named fluorescent detector, to detect the virus. Besides, the kit costs between Rs.8,000 and Rs.10,000. But the DRDO kit did not need the fluorescent detector.

Dr. Selvamurthy explained: “Instead, it used the RT LAMP technique. Every virus has a DNA structure. The loop of the DNA, specific to the virus, gets amplified. Here, you can visually see the change of colour to know whether the H1N1 sample is positive or negative.” The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) did parallel testing of the virus, using both kits. The results tallied, he said.

The DRDO kit is subject to clearance by the ICMR and the Drug Controller-General of India before it reaches the market.

Dr. Vijayaraghavan said the DRDE had developed kits for detecting dengue, chikungunya and the Japanese encephalitis.

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/article285325.ece

 

[RPK]

http://sify.com/finance/hal-sunabeda-unit-gets-new-facility-for-sukhoi-30-news-news-kdzcvphhcge.html

HAL Sunabeda unit gets new facility for Sukhoi-30


The engine division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Sunabeda in Orissa's Koraput district has got a separate overhauling department for Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The facility was inaugurated by Union Minister of state for defence, M M Pallam Raju on Saturday.

The people of the state must be feeling proud for having a division of HAL at Sunabeda, Raju said. He also visited the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation at Jeypore in the same district.

The minister, who reached Sunabeda in a special helicopter, also reviewed the performance of the engine division of HAL, a public sector undertaking of the Government of India.

The engine division of HAL has a long term plan to undertake manufacture of AL-31FP engines for Sukhoi-30 KLI aircraft under license, sources said. The division has a unique distinction of manufacturing almost all types of components required for the manufacture and overhaul of engines and spares for service exploitation.

Sukhoi-30 MKI is a twin-engine military aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation and is overhauled at the HAL’s engine division at Sunabeda before being supplied to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

 

[nitesh]

hmmm

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/...ID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=

The flight trials of the LGBs were, however, conducted in a simulated air attack condition. Dubbed as air simulation exercise, the aim and objective of the tests were to provide training to the fighter pilots to use the sophisticated weapons developed by the country besides testing the effectiveness of the system.

“A number of tests has been done both through simulation and flight tests over the last few years to reach the required performance levels. The bomb, once released by the mother aircraft at appropriate range, will seek the target and home on to it very accurately and with high reliability,” said a defence scientist.

Bangalore-based Aeronautics Development Establishment (ADE) has developed the guidance kit for the LGBs and it is designed to improve accuracy of air-to-ground bombing by IAF.

 

[RPK]

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4560309&c=SEA&s=TOP

India Will Expand Government Shipyard

NEW DELHI - India's state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, is to double its capacity in the next 12 months at a cost of $87 million.

The funds for the expansion have been sanctioned by the Indian Finance Ministry.

The expansion will mainly focus on increasing the capacity of the Raja Bagan Dockyard acquired by GRSE in 2006 from the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation.

GRSE built the Indian Navy's Godavari-class frigates; missile corvette, which is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns; and a variety of patrol boats.

GRSE's order book includes Landing Ship Tanks that the Indian Navy will use for littoral warfare and a modern oceanographic research-cum-hydrographic survey vessel, a shipyard official said.

On March 29, GRSE launched three Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts built for the Indian Navy - INS Kabra, INS Koswari and INS Karuva. These ships can cut through the sea at a high speed of 35 knots (65 kilometers per hour), powered by three water jets absorbing 8,100 horsepower, a GRSE official said. The ships are also fitted with advanced main engine controls, electronics, and communication and navigation systems.

 

[RPK]

http://sify.com/finance/hal-forms-j...ero-engine-part-news-default-kd4ukdhhida.html

HAL forms JV with Rolls-Royce for aero engine part

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Tuesday announced a joint venture (JV) with Rolls-Royce of Britain to manufacture compressor shroud rings for aero engines.

The 50:50 JV will build a production facility in this tech hub by 2012 with the latest manufacturing techniques, the company said in a statement here.

'As strategic partners since 1956, we have been producing the Orpheus engine under licence from Rolls-Royce. The partnership flourished for the BAE System's Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer's (AJT) Adour Mk871 engine and Adour Mk811 engines for Jaguar fighter jets,' HAL chairman and managing director Ashok Nayak said.

Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rose said his company would develop advanced manufacturing technologies and create skilled jobs in the Indian aerospace industry through the JV.

About 1,300 Rolls-Royce engines are still in service in India, spanning civil and defence aerospace, marine and energy sectors.

HAL became a supplier to the $15.3-billion Rolls-Royce in 2003, exporting ring forgings for use in its advanced civil aero engines - the Trent.

 

[RPK]

http://blog.taragana.com/business/2...autics-sales-up-10-percent-this-fiscal-46814/

BANGALORE - State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) earned Rs.11,415 crore in sales this fiscal (2009-10), registering a 10 percent growth over the last financial year at Rs.10,373 crore, the company said Wednesday.

According to provisional figures released here, the defence behemoth posted Rs.2,617 crore in profit before tax as against Rs.2,335 crore last fiscal, a growth of 12 percent year-on-year (YoY).

Though gross profit has modestly improved by 12 percent this fiscal as against 7.9 percent last fiscal, sales have declined to 10 percent from 20 percent last fiscal.

Net profit for the fiscal will be declared when the accounts are audited by Sept 2010.

Net profit was Rs.1,740 crore last fiscal.

The order book has touched Rs.12,000 crore with new bids for domestic and export projects. An interim dividend of Rs.300 crore has been declared for the fiscal under review, the Navaratna company said in a statement here.

We have also inducted a new military variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk III), with an indigenous Shakti engine for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army for high altitude operations, a HAL official said.

The armed variant (ALH Mk-IV) of the ALH is undergoing weapons trials.

The company is in the process of designing and developing a light utility helicopter (LUH) in the two-six tonne category.

In the fixed wing category, the company received follow-on order valued at Rs.6,180 crore for the Intermediary Jet Trainer (IJT) from the IAF. Its prototypes are integrated with the new Russian engine AL-551.

During the year, HAL also secured an order valued at Rs.3,100 crore from the IAF to upgrade its Jaguar fleet.

Plans are underway to develop a new basic turboprop trainer to replace the ageing HPT-32 aircraft with the services, the company added.

 

[RPK]

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/repor...als-ltd-seeks-high-end-naval-gun-ally_1366309

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd seeks high-end naval gun ally


New Delhi: State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (Bhel) is expanding its portfolio in the defence sector. Bhel aims to supply higher version of super rapid gun mount (SRGM) naval guns to the ministry of defence.

Total revenue from this order could be in the range of Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore. The company is looking for a technology partner and expects to finalise one in the next 9-12 months.

“The defence ministry has given us the mandate to develop a higher version of SRGM guns. We need the technology for which we will tie up with some foreign player. A lot of players have approached us and we are doing the due diligence,” said B Prasada Rao, chairman and managing director, Bhel.

A senior executive of the company said technology available with European companies looks better than elsewhere in the world.
Therefore, Bhel may strike a deal with a European company, he said.

Bhel is currently using the technology of Oto Melara, an Italian company, to manufacture 76mm SRGM naval guns for the Indian Navy.

Currently, over 75% of the company’s revenue come from the power sector. However, gradually, the company is looking to expand its portfolio into other sectors as well.

Meantime, Bhel has reported a street-beating 37% rise in provisional net profit for the year ended March 31, 2010, at Rs 4,287 crore compared with Rs 3,138 crore for the corresponding period last year.

The company is aiming aturnover of $10 billion to $11 billion by 2011-12. Bhel will raise its manufacturing capacity to 20,000 mw by March 2012 from the existing capacity of 15,000 mw.
During 2009-10, the company secured orders worth Rs 59,031 crore. Total orders in hand for execution in 2010-11 and beyond stand at about Rs 43,800 crore currently.

On the nuclear plant manufacturing front, the company said it is close to finalising its foreign technology partner. Bhel has signed a pact with Nuclear Power Corporation for making turbo generators required for high capacity nuclear power plants.

 

[Agantrope]

BHEL eyes defence foray to boost sales

We are on track to become a $10 billion to $11 billion turnover company by 2011-12 in line with our strategic plan,” BHEL Chairman & Managing Director B Prasada Rao told reporters here announcing the company’s results for 2009-10. BHEL’s annual turnover ballooned to Rs 34,050 crore during 2009-10 compared to Rs 28,033 crore in 2008-09 posting a growth rate of 21 per cent.
On BHEL’s proposed foray into production of defence items Rao said “talks are on for supplying certain type of equipment for the armed forces.” BHEL is working on supplying heavy duty 127-mm guns for the Indian Navy. BHEL is already supplying 76-MM guns to Navy.
Besides, BHEL is looking at business opportunities by supplying high-tech offshore oil rigs for oil and gas explorer. On BHEL’s investment plan, he said “BHEL has developed the capacity to deliver 15,000 MW of power equipment per annum. We plan to enhance it to 20,000 MW by 2012. We may make an additional investment of Rs 1600 crore for this. We will raise the necessary resources internally.”
BHEL made a capital investment of Rs 1,767 crore during 2009-10 to augment its manufacturing capacity. It spent Rs 1,082 crore in 2008-09 for capacity expansion. BHEL secured orders worth Rs 59031 crore in 2009-10. At the end of 2009-10 BHEL’s total orders in hand for executiuon in 2010-11 and beyond stand at Rs 1,43,800 crore. BHEL posted a jump of 36.61 per cent in its net profit to Rs 4,287 crore during 2009-10. It made a net profit of Rs 3,138 crore during 2008-09.

http://idrw.org/?p=1130

 

[Rage]

HAL revenue up 10% at Rs11,415 cr in FY10

BANGALORE - State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) earned Rs.11,415 crore in sales this fiscal (2009-10), registering a 10 percent growth over the last financial year at Rs.10,373 crore, the company said Wednesday.

I like the sound of that.

A worthy mention missed in the report: The transport aircraft division played an important role in boosting HAL's turnover, clocking sales in excess of R.515 crore and gross profits in excess of R.110 crore. The sale of 12 Dornier-228 aircraft to the Indian Air Force particularly helped the Transport Division, as did the four shipped sets of Dornier-228-212 aircraft structural assemblies to Germany's RUAG. They also serviced and overhauled the engines and airframes of more than 50 aircraft this year (Dornier-228, HPT-748 and AN-32) and supplied in excess of 4000 rotables, including engines of UAV's, etc operated by the Tri-services.

They've signed contracts of about R.7600 crore for even more IJT's and Dornier-228 aircraft, as well as for the supply of new multi-mission equipment, which should keep them goin' for a few years. And their base in Kanpur is due to be converted into a large aeronautical complex soon.

 

[Anshu Attri]

http://idrw.org/?p=1169

Oman places order for weapons from India


Oman has become the first country in West Asia to place an order for guns with India.
According to senior officials, “INSAS gun from the Ordnance Factor Board is currently undergoing trials for the Oman army.”
This is not the first time that Oman is planning to procure defence equipment from India. Infact, state-owned Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) is set to foray into global market with special focus on the Gulf region.
GSL has been working on various projects to provide offshore patrol vessels to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard and is also looking forward to provide fast interceptor boats to the ministry of home affair.
Sources in the government indicated that GSL has delivered to three tugboats to Oman. “The Sultanate of Oman has expressed its keenness to buy more boats from GSL, however, due to overflow of orders that has been put on hold for the time being.”
GSL had participated in the Doha exhibition last year and it received positive response, especially from countries like Bahrain and UAE. “The officials of the Oman have visited the Indian shipyard and were impressed by the level of expertise, and suggested improvements to the ship designs,” said officials.
GSL will be undergoing modernisation to give a boost to their ship construction capability.

 

[RPK]

DRDO displays its research might

Sakaal Times

PUNE: In an attempt to demonstrate its research achievements, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised an exhibition on Sunday as part of Karavaan 2010, the annual cultural-technical fest of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).



DRDO labs, Research and Development Establishment, RDE (Engineers) at Dighi, Pune and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), displayed their various products at the exhibition. Daksh, a remotely operated robotic vehicle used for detection and destruction of hazardous objects, was the eye-catcher at the event.



Various bridging systems developed by RDE, that are used by armed forces for movement in inaccessible areas, were displayed with the help of their prototypes. A mat ground surfacing equipment used for vehicle movement in marshy land was also on display. A multi-span bridging system, Sarvatra, which can expand into a 75 metre-long bridge that can bear weight of several tanks was also part of the showcase.



As a part of HEMRL stable, various ammunitions and Advanced Demolition Devices (ADDs) were displayed. An explosive detection kit, which can detect presence of various explosives including RDX, Black Powder and Nitrate based explosives, was on display.



Another important ammunition on display was '84 mm Incendiary Ammunition' which is launched. “When fired at hard wall surfaces even those of metal, the ammunition with 1800 C output temperature, the wall melts or gets destroyed. It then releases a poisonous gas, phosphorous pentoxide and forces enemy soldiers to come out if the enclosure,” explained A G Nagarkar, scientist with HEMRL .



POWER PLAY

Molecule of a high energy explosive CL-20 was on display at the exhibition. A team headed by Dr AK Sikder, Joint Director, HEMRL, has worked on methods of mass production this material, which is 25 per cent more powerful than conventional RDX (Research Department Explosive) and HMX.

 

[plugwater]

DRDO launches GATET to promote research

Bangalore: Aeronautics Research and Development Board (AR&DB), an organ of DRDO launched a new initiative called 'Coherent Directed Research' in gas turbines, here today.

The programme called GATET, envisages about Rs 100 crore investment in three years and the participation of 100 R and D centres and 1000 scientists, engineers and technicians.

DRDO Chief Controller (Aero and Service Interaction) Dr Prahlada said after the launch that under the programme, DRDO would support and encourage design, R&D and manufacturing capability of academic institutions and R&D establishments, industries and other think tanks.

The participants would carry out frontline work in bringing out nextgen gas turbine engine systems, he said.

''This was the line of DRDO's policy to support front line research in many areas to bring in synergy and coherency between goal driven top down approach and innovation driven bottom up approaches,'' he said.

The city-based Gas Turbine Research Establishment, a frontline DRDO R and D unit would function as the nodal laboratory for thisprogramme.

http://www.mynews.in/News/DRDO_launches_GATET_to_promote_research_N43930.html

 

[nandu]

DRDO launches Rs 100 cr project to fund R&D in jet engines

BANGALORE: The Defence Research and Development Organisation has launched a Rs 100 crore initiative to fund R&D projects in the area of gas
turbines, a senior DRDO official said here on Wednesday.

Under this initiative of DRDO's Aeronautics Research and Development Board, R&D projects which need investment of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 5 crore would be considered for funding, Director of Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), T Mohana Rao, told reporters here.

Bangalore-headquartered GTRE, a DRDO lab, is the nodal agency to spearhead this venture, named GATET and Rao would be the administrative head. "Rs 78 crore has already been sanctioned. We have already shortlisted some projects. We hope to fund 40 to 45 projects", he said.

The initiative is expected to fuel "coherent directed research" in the area of gas turbines, DRDO officials said.

Under the venture, a top-down approach, DRDO, taking into account futuristic national programmes, would support, encourage, nurture, monitor and exploit the design, research, development and manufacturing capability of academic institutions and R&D establishments, industries and other think tanks to carry out frontline work in bringing out next generation gas turbine engine system.

The programme envisages participation of 100 R&D centres and 1,000 scientists, engineers and technicians.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...und-RD-in-jet-engines/articleshow/5770398.cms

 

[nitesh]

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bhel-units-tobizdefence/391694/

The two major units of country’s largest power and transmission equipment manufacturer, state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) are planning to re-enter defence business. The units — Tiruchirappalli (Tiruchy) and Ranipet — are planning to produce battle tanks, missile launchers and water desalination facilities for submarines. It may be noted that the Ranipet unit also supplies fuel tankers for space exploration projects.

Recently B P Rao, chairman and managing director of BHEL said, “Talks are on for supplying certain type of equipment for the armed forces.” BHEL is working on supplying heavy duty 127-mm guns to the Navy. BHEL supplies 76-mm guns to Navy.

Following this, A Chandrababu, general manager in-charge, BHEL Ranipet unit, which manufactures boiler auxiliaries, told Business Standard that the unit has initiated dialogues with the Navy and is also looking to re-enter the defence business in a “big way”.

“Ranipet unit’s progress in Defence was not very good in the past. We have now decided to scale it up and have started talking to the Navy to re-enter this business,” he added.

The unit, which used to manufacture missile launchers for the Navy, started discussions for the same and for desalination water facility for sub-marines for the Navy. “We have tested one such facility in Vishakapatnam and was successful. We are now planning to showcase this model to the Navy for submarines,” said Chandrababu.

He noted that the Ranipet unit has received Rs 3 crore in order from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to build fuel tanks for the Chandrayaan II project. These tanks will be supplied by the end of the year. The unit has already supplied two tanks to ISRO.

Meanwhile A V Krishnan, executive director, BHEL — Tiruchy unit, which used to produce battle tanks said, it has initiated dialogues with the Army to re-enter this space. “We have the capability and capacity to manufacture these in our unit,” he added.

“Presently, the defence business contributes less than 1 per cent of the total revenue for the unit, we want to increase this substantially,” he said.

In the defence space, BHEL will have to compete with leading private players such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Power, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Godrej Industries, Kirloskar Brothers, Ashok Leyland, Jindal, Max Aerospace & Aviation and Ramoss India.

According to industry analysts, defence production is turning lucrative as the defence sector is augmenting its weapon infrastructure.

According to Assocham estimates that the Centre procures around Rs 55,000 crore of defence equipment every year.

BHEL, along with Finnmechanica may supply as many as 30 heavy duty 127-mm naval guns. With each gun coasting around Rs 130-150 crore.

“We already supply 76-mm guns to the Navy and now the defence ministry wants us to make the 127-mm guns. So, we are the agency along with Navy to chose the right technology,” recently Rao said in a press conference. It is not just naval guns, but BHEL has big plans for other defence orders too.

 

[nandu]

HAL update: Programs, Finance, new MD for Bangalore Complex, Rolls Royce JV

14 Apr 2010 HAL: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced a 10% growth in sales for the year 2009-10 at Rs. 11,415 cr (~US$2.6b) and 12% growth in Profit before Tax at Rs 2,617 cr. The order book has increased by over Rs 12,000cr during the year with new orders for domestic and export projects.

One of the major achievements for the Company during the year has been the maiden flight on the Technology Demonstrator of the indigenously designed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) took place on 29 Mar 2010. A new military variant, ALH Mk III, was introduced during the year. This is powered by the Shakti engine and is intended for the IAF /Army to meet their high altitude operational requirements. This is being followed by an armed variant ALH MK IV which is presently undergoing weapon trials. HAL expects to sell up to 175 LCHs to the armed forces.

HAL has also ventured into design and development of a Light Utility Helicopter which gives HAL an edge in offering total solution to its customers in light helicopters in the 2 to 6 ton category.

On development in Fixed Wing category HAL stated:

* The Intermediate Jet Trainer project progressed well with successful integration of the new Russian engine AL-55I. Operational clearance for the IJT is expected to be achieved shortly. In parallel, the first batch of Limited Series Production aircraft is also getting ready for delivery to IAF. Follow on orders for IJT has already been received at Rs 6,180 Crs.
* Preliminary studies are underway to launch development of a new indigenous Basic Turboprop trainer to replace the HPT-32 aircraft.
* HAL secured an order in Dec 2009 for DARIN III upgrade of Jaguar aircraft worth Rs 3100 Crores & the program has been well initiated.

Business Standard quoted Wing Commander Arun Kumar Sinha saying that HAL Kanpur will start building an improvised version of AN-32 aircraft as a multi-role aircraft for armed forces and private carriers.

In late March, Rolls Royce (RR) announced that it would set up a new company, jointly owned 50:50 by RR and HAL, to manufacture compressor shroud rings. Construction of a new purpose-built production facility, incorporating the latest in modern manufacturing techniques, would commence later this year with component production beginning in 2012. RR's Adour engines are used on BAE's Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and on the IAF's Jaguars.

Sify reports that the HAL's engine division in Sunabeda Orissa now has a separate overhauling department for Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft with the long term plans of manufacturing AL-31FP engines for Sukhoi-30 KLI aircraft under license.

And taking up the various challenges ahead, Mr D Balasunder (see photo) has been appointed Managing Director, Bangalore Complex, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)y. Prior to this he was the General Manager of HAL’s Aerospace Division.

Most of HAL’s Divisions in Bangalore, now comes under his purview, which include Aircraft, Overhaul, Foundry & Forge, Engines, Aerospace, IMGT, Airport Services and Limited Series Production (LSP) of LCA as well as IJT. He said, “the focus will be on the HAWK production as additional orders are expected. Concurrent production of LCA and Darin-III upgradation of Jaguar, are other key areas”, he added.

Hailing from Karnataka, Mr Balasunder joined HAL’s Engine Division as Chief Supervisor in 1975, after his M. Tech from I.I.T Madras. During his 35 years of career in HAL, he held various key posts and was General Manager heading the IMGT, Helicopter and Aerospace Divisions. His expertise includes price negotiation for 159 Advanced Light Helicopters (Dhruv) with MoD, rolling out of first ALH with Glass Cockpit (IADS) to Army and record supply or 8 ALHs in 2006-07, making ALH’s participation in International Air Shows, substantial reduction in debtors 2006-07, implementation of ERP system in Division, notable export thrust of ALH in the steep global competition.

But not all is well. Analysts predict a huge capacity crunch as they feel that HAL is taking up too many projects, with a fear that they do not want the private sector or anyone else to enter this airspace. Air Marshal P. K. Barbora has previously criticised HAL and at a recent conference said that India needs a national technology plan for aeronautics. Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation reports that India is falling behind in commercial aviation and was not moved by DRDO's Prahalada's announcement that they would invest over US$11 billion in this sector in the next 5 years.

http://www.8ak.in/