“Deliveries of 83 Mk-1A Aircraft Would Commence from February 2024”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, HAL
One of the largest Aeronautics Companies in Asia, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is involved in manufacturing of Military & Civil Aircraft, Navigation & related Equipment, and also Designs, Fabricates & Assembles Aircraft, Jet Engines, Helicopters and Spare Parts. In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Updates us on most projects that HAL is currently undertaking like LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000 Upgrade, Jaguar Darin-III Upgrade, HTT-40 BTA, IJT, LCH, LUH, ALH Dhruv Variants, UAS/RPAs, etc.
“Deliveries of 83 Mk-1A Aircraft Would Commence from February 2024”
In an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to Chanakya, C. B. ANANTHAKRISHNAN, Chairman & Managing Director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Updates us on most projects that HAL is currently undertaking like LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000 Upgrade, Jaguar Darin-III Upgrade, HTT-40 BTA, IJT, LCH, LUH, ALH Dhruv Variants, UAS/RPAs, etc.
Q. With the contract for 83 LCA Tejas Mk-1A Fighters for IAF, tell us about the Mk-1A first flight? Kindly update us on the New-Generation Features of the Combat Aircraft? What is HAL's current capacity for producing the LCA Tejas per year, by when is it planned to ramp-up the production? What progress has been achieved for the LCA Mk.2?
A. The 83 LCA Mk1A contract was signed during Aero India 2021. The aircraft is equipped with state- of-the-art Avionics Suite and will have AESA Radar, ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile), BVR (Beyond Visual Range Missile), ElectronicWarfare Suite and will be more maintenance friendly. Now, design and development activities of Mk1A aircraft is under full swing and integration of envisaged capabilities are being done on two aircraft simultaneously. Maiden Flight of Mk1A took place on May 20th, 2022. Deliveries of 83 Mk1A aircraft would commence from February 2024 onwards. The current established production capacity at HAL is eight aircraft per annum, which is being ramped upto 16 aircraft per annum through capacity augmentation at HAL as well as through involvement of Tier I Suppliers. A new facility (LCA Plant II) spread across 35 acres, having a built up area of over 34000 Sqm is also being established. Presently, assembly of Trainer Structure Modules are under progress at this plant. The plant is expected to be ready by December 2023 with all the required production facility.
With respect to the LCA Mk2, system level Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) followed by Aircraft level CDR was completed by November 2021. At present, detailed design for individual systems are in progress.
Q. Tell us about the contract signed with GE for 99 F404 Engines?
A. LCA aircraft is powered by GE-F404-IN20 engines. For the 83 LCA Mk-1A programme, HAL has placed an order on GE Aviation, USA for US$ 716 Million (Rs.5,375 crore) for supply of 99 F404-GE-IN20 Engines and Support Services.
Q. Kindly elaborate on the progress achieved in HAL's Mirage 2000 Upgrade programme for the IAF?
A. Mirage Upgrade involves enhanced Air-to-Air Capability with Upgraded Avionics, Sensors, Weapon Capability, Electronic Warfare Suite, enhanced Air-to-Ground Capability with indigenous Mission Computer, Laser Designated Pod, Helmet Mounted Display System, Counter Measure Dispensing System, New-Generation Precision Guided Missile, Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation, etc. Till date, 34 out of 51 Mirage Aircraft have been Upgraded. Upgrades on remaining aircraft are under progress.
Q. Kindly update us on the Jaguar DARIN III Upgrade programme and the FBFMS contract signed with IAF for Jaguar Simulators?
A. Jaguar DARIN III Upgrade programme comprises interfaces and functions of Inertial Navigation & Global Positioning System, Head-Up Display, Smart Multi-Functional Display, Mission Computer, Mechanically Scanned Array RADAR, Engine and Flight Instrument System, Digital Map Generator, Data Transfer System (DTS), Tactical Air Navigation, Solid State Flight Data Recorder, Auto Pilot with Advance Modes, Laser Designated Pod, Counter Measure Dispensing System, Air Combat Maneuver Instrumentation, Reccelite & Radar Warning Jammer Hardware, etc. Final Operation Clearance for the platform was obtained in July 2019. Presently, Series Upgrade is in progress and 14 Jaguar DARIN III Upgraded Aircraft delivered to IAF so far. AESA Radar integrated on Jaguar DARIN III Aircraft in place of MSA Radar for the first time in Asia and will be implemented from 15th Series Aircraft onwards.
A contract was signed between HAL and Ministry of Defence (MoD) on November 18th, 2021 for procurement of two Fixed Base Full Mission Simulators (FBFMS) for Jaguar DARIN III Aircraft with five years Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC). The Jaguar DARIN-III FBFMS will have the capability to train the pilots from Aircraft start-up, taxying, take-off, Navigation, Mission functions including Weapon releases, approach and landing in normal and emergency conditions, Instrument Flying procedures, operation of Mission Systems and Sensors (Radar, EO/IR Pods, RWJ/SPJ, CMDS), flying in adverse weather & visibility conditions. The Simulator will enhance the quality of flying training by exposing the pilots to various contingencies in the entire operating envelope.
The Jaguar DARIN-III FBFMS is being designed and developed in-house at MCSRDC, HAL. The design, development and manufacturing of FBFMS by HAL will give further push to the AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative and boost indigenisation of Defence Production.
Q. Update us on the progress achieved in the Prototyping Works for IAF's Next-Gen. AMCA Fighter?
A. Currently, design work is progressing in AMCA. HAL is the Main Design Partner to ADA/DRDO. The Critical Design Review (CDR) is scheduled in December 2022. In the meantime ADA has approached for CCS sanction for the Development Project.
Q. What is the scope of the MoUs/Agreements signed earlier with Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and others?
A. HAL has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for supply of IFF Mk XII Transponders for Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) programme in October 2021. Also, Lockheed Martin and HAL have signed an MoU in December 2020 to explore potential Industrial Collaboration in India's Aerospace Sector and for International Business opportunities.
Further, HAL Engine Division signed an agreement with Rolls Royce for Make-in-India Adour Engine parts to support Rolls Royce's international defence customer base in September 2021. Delivery of Engine Parts is scheduled from 2023 onwards. HAL Engine Division has also signed MoU with Rolls Royce for Repair and Overhaul of Adour Engines during Aero India 2021 to explore the potential business opportunity to approve HAL as an Authorised Maintenance Centre (AMC) for Adour Mk 871 Engine for Military Customers/ Operators outside India such Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman and UAE.
HAL's Foundry & Forge Division has signed a long term contract with Rolls-Royce for supply of Rolled Rings and Forgings for their various Civil Aero-Engine Programmes. Division is progressing the development activities and production supplies will commence from January 2023.
For the MT30 Marine Gas Turbine, an MoU was signed with Rolls-Royce Plc, England to explore the potential opportunity of HAL to become a 'Build to Print' Supplier for the MT30 package for sales within the Indian market, pre-sales and sales support, installation and commissioning and after-market services and support.
HAL has signed an MoU with Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc, USA to explore potential opportunities to become in country partner supplier for MT7 Package for sales within the Indian market. Detailed scope includes pre-sales and sales support, design and manufacturing of Intake assembly, Exhaust assembly, shafting and gearbox,final assembly, installation and commissioning, overhauling of engine and aftermarket services and support.
Q. With HAL receiving the RFP for HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) after successful flight tests, how is the programme progressing and by when will IAF pilots begin training on the BTA? When will we see similar success with the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), the HJT-36 programme?
A. Price negotiation and discussions are concluded with IAF and HAL will soon be signing a contract with IAF for HTT-40. HAL will start delivering the aircraft in three years from the date of signing the contract.
With regard to IJT, six turn spin demonstrated successfully. Further testing towards certification is in progress.
Q. What are the developments related to the LCH?
A. Post 1999 Kargil war, the need to have an effective helicopter weapons platform to deliver Precision Strikes at high altitude was felt by IAF. LCH is 5.8 ton class dedicated Combat Helicopter designed and developed indigenously for the first time in India. LCH is the only Attack Helicopter in the world which can land and take-off at an altitude of 5000 m (16400 ft.) with considerable load of weapons & fuel, meeting the specific requirements of Indian Armed Forces.
LCH incorporates number of Stealth features such as reduced Radar and Infra-red Signatures and crashworthy landing gear for better survivability. The roles include destruction of enemy air defence, counter insurgency, Search and Rescue, Anti-Tank, Counter Surface Force Operations, etc.
Extensive flight testing has been carried out on four Technology Demonstrators towards performance, handling qualities and system checks. Flight testing was carried out at various altitudes - from Sea level to High altitudes of the Siachen range and at extreme cold weather, hot weather conditions and in Desert Region. Integration of Mission Sensors such as Electro Optical System, Helmet Mounted Display System, Solid State Data & Video Recorder and Weapon Systems such as Turret Gun, Rocket and Air-to-Air Missile System have been carried out and weapon firing trials are completed.
Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for LCH LSP for IAF was accorded in August 2017 and IOC for Indian Army was received in February 2019.
LCH is a truly 'Make in India' product built with Private Industry participation. Production of LCH is envisaged through participation of Public Sector and Private Sector Partners resulting in an eco-system for manufacturing. More than 250 vendors are involved in manufacturing of components, assemblies, fixtures, tools and test equipment and preparation of technical documentations apart from 70 vendors involved in indigenisation of various items.
In November 2021, the Prime Minister handed over HAL-produced indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) to IAF during the "Rashtriya Raksha Samarpan Parv" celebrations held in Jhansi to mark the 75th Year of India's Independence, symbolizing the Self-Reliance and Technological Capability of the country in the Rotary Segment.
HAL received the contract for 15 LCH on March 30th, 2022. However, previously HAL had proactively initiated advance action towards launching the production activities of 15 LCH LSPs with internal funding. So far, HAL has produced nine LCH.
Q. What are the developments related to the LUH?
A. Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-ton Class New Generation Single Engine Helicopter Indigenously Designed and Developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC) of HAL with features suitable for operations in the diverse operating conditions unique to India. The LUH will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah / Chetak Helicopters operated by the Services.
LUH is powered by a Single Turbo Shaft Engine Ardiden 1U from Safran Helicopter Engine (SHE), France with adequate power margins to accomplish high altitude missions in Himalayas with ease. LUH is equipped with Smart Cockpit Display System (Glass Cockpit), state-of-the-art HUMS (Health & Usage Monitoring System) and is designed for various Utility and Armed roles.
Some of the key features of LUH are its composite airframe with crashworthy features. The Main and Tail Rotor Blades are made out of composite material for excellent damage tolerance capability. The Hinge-less Rotor System ensures high agility and maneuverability of the helicopter. The LUH has a spacious Cabin ensuring enough room for troop transport up to six troops or two stretchers with a medical attendant or large volume internal cargo. It has state-of-the-art Avionics Suite with fully integrated Smart Multi-Functional Displays and indigenously developed application software. The LUH is capable of night flying. It has a modern engine with FADEC and ToT for manufacturing and ROH. The dual redundancy in several systems also ensures a high level of safety.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces, LUH is designed to provide excellent performance during high altitude operations and with growth potential to accommodate additional equipment in future, based on emerging needs. These features make LUH stand out in comparison to other contemporary helicopters in its class.
The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of LUH for IAF was issued in February 2020. The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of LUH for Indian Army was issued in February 2021. RFP received for 12 LUH on May 13th, 2022 and response to RFP was submitted by HAL on July 7th,2022.
Proactively HAL has commenced production activities for LUH based on Letter of Intent for production and supply of 12 LUH to Army and Air Force in December 2021. The first LUH Helicopter has been produced.
HAL is confident of meeting Government of India's expectations and will put its best foot forward to meet the customer demands and contribute to AtmaNirbhar Bharat campaign.
Q. Elaborate on the Fast-Tracking of the design & development of HAL's 10-13 Ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), and update us on its salient features and capabilities?
A. IMRH is a 13-ton weight class of Medium Lift Helicopter. The plan is to design and develop two different Military Variants of the IMRH for Indian Air Force/Army (IMRH) and Indian Navy (DBMRH, Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter). IMRH and DBMRH would be designed to meet the requirements of all the three Military Services of India and its future extension to civil market to cater for Offshore Operations, Utility, VVIP transport etc., to enlarge the helicopter business through production as well as MRO activities.
The platforms will be designed for day and night operations, in adverse weather conditions across varied terrains with high degree of reliability & survivability along with unmatched performance from sea level to high altitudes covering various roles like Tactical Troop Transport, Combat Logistic Support, Counter Insurgency Operations, Under-slung Load Carriage, Casualty Evacuation, Urban Warfare, Search and Rescue, Electronic Warfare, Anti-Surface/Submarine Warfare, etc. Some of the Salient Features include Composite Fuselage, Glass Cockpit with Advanced Avionics, Dual Channel AFCS, Crashworthy Structure with Self-Sealing Fuel Tanks, Crashworthy Tri Cycle Landing Gear, Prognostic HUMS, Main Rotor (5 Bladed) & Tail Rotor (4 Bladed) made of composites.
Design & Development, Prototype Manufacturing, Series Production, Repair & Overhaul and life cycle product support activities will be carried out by a SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) formed between HAL and other Partner(s). The fundamental working principle of the SPV is to utilise the technical and infrastructure capabilities of SPV Partner/s, harnessing capabilities/ competencies of Indian Aerospace Eco-system and developing infrastructure & other facilities within India for implementation of these Projects.
Q. Tell us about the latest Variants of the Dhruv ALHs and Rudra WSI? How is the Naval Dhruv ALH Mk-III Variant performing for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard?
A. Dhruv (ALH) is an indigenously designed Multi-Role Helicopter in the weight class of 5 tons. Dhruv has superior performance in all-weather and different altitude conditions with excellent survivability features at high altitude and high speed. Dhruv is operational with Military as well as Civil customers. Over 330 ALH Helicopters have been produced and is operational with both Indian and export customers. ALH Utility Variant Mk III and Armed Variant Mk IV are currently under production at HAL.
The Armed Version of the Dhruv, named Rudra, is equipped with a Turret Gun, Rockets, Air-to-Air Missiles, Electro-Optical Pod, Helmet Pointing System and Radar/Laser/Missile Warning Systems is being produced for both Indian Army and IAF.
ALH is a versatile proven platform having clocked over 3,80,000 hours of flying, meeting the requirements of the customers including Navy and CG. The Mk III Version of the platform has been fitted with 19 new Mission Systems including Cabin-Mounted Gun, EO Pod, HISL (High Intensity Search Light), MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit), etc. for Special Operational requirements of Navy / CG.
Current orders include orders for supply of 32 helicopters, 16 each for Navy and CG received in March 2017 and for 40 ALH order for Army received in August 2017. Deliveries are in progress towards these orders.
Also to meet the stowage requirement on-board Indian Navy Ships, the tail boom folding operation on ALH was successfully demonstrated on ALH Mk-III Helicopter. ALH Mk III has also demonstrated Deck Operations Capabilities in Ship-borne trials conducted on April 29th, 2021, adding further to the Dhruv success story, on January 28th, 2022, ALH Mk III was inducted by Tri-Service Andaman & Nicobar Command at INS Utkrosh.
To add to the success saga of Dhruv, this chopper has played extensive role in various Rescue Missions. A recent instance is on 13th September 2021, when ALH-Dhruv operated by Indian Coast Guard rescued seven fishermen who were stranded in the sea near Vanak Bara, Diu, due to boat machine break-down.
Q. Elaborate on HAL's UAS/ UAVs/ Mini-UAV programmes for the Indian Defence Forces and update us on the HAL, IAI and DTL Strategic Collaboration for UAVs?
A. HAL is working on various Design and Development Projects related to UAVs towards meeting the current and future UAV requirements of Indian Armed Forces, through collaborative as well as in-house R&D efforts. Major programmes include Rotary UAVs, MALE, HALE UAVs, etc. Another upcoming programme in this segment is CATS (Combat Aircraft Teaming System), which is a teaming up of Manned/ Unmanned Assets for futuristic war scenarios, for which design and development activities are initiated.
Additionally, HAL is also partnering with leading global and national players for manufacturing, design and marketing of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
A tripartite MoU was signed between HAL, Israel Aerospace Industries Limited, Israel (IAI) and Dynamatic Technologies Limited, Bangalore (DTL) towards co-operation in regards to Marketing, Manufacturing and selling of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) / Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAs) of IAI for Military, Para-Military Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in India. Further discussions are in progress.
Q. Tell us about HAL's new Joint Ventures and expansion plans with new Manufacturing Facilities being established?
A. HAL has established 14 Joint Venture Companies and 2 Subsidiaries so far. Based on emerging opportunities, HAL may look at establishing new JVCs / expansion of existing facilities. For instance HAL JVC with Safran, namely Safran HAL Aircraft Engines Private Limited, commenced operations from March 2022 at new facility inside the Bangalore Aerospace SEZ for production of Precision Aero Engine Components and Assemblies.
Q. Briefly elaborate on HAL's exports drive?
A. HAL has been exporting platforms like Chetak/Cheetah/Cheetal Helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and Do-228 Aircraft and work packages as well. Presently, additional indigenous platforms have been added to the export offering list, namely, ALH-Mk-IV, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) & Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). In the near future, HTT-40 & LUH will be added. With the introduction of these five new platforms to the basket of exportable products, HAL envisages enhancement in Exports in the coming years.
During the FY 2021-22, HAL has signed contract with Mauritius Police Force for supply of its Platforms namely Passenger Variant Do-228 and ALH Mk.III Wheel Variant Helicopter. Mauritius Police Force has concluded the above mentioned contracts for acquiring additional HAL Platforms consequent tothe successful performance of HAL Platforms,during operations / missions for distribution of medicines during the pandemic and for rescue / oil recovery operation by ALH, when the oil vessel MV Wakashio ran aground. We are therefore happy with the confidence reposed in HAL Platforms by our valued overseas customer.
HAL has been pursuing overseas opportunities in select markets and has responded to various Global RFIs received for our platforms from friendly foreign countries.
Q. What are the exhibits/models that are going to be displayed at DefExpo 2022?
A. HAL has booked space in the indoor as well as the outdoor area for showcasing its range of products. HAL's stall will be in HALL 2. HAL will display scaled models of LCA, LCH, LUH, ALH, Do-228 and HTT-40 during the DefExpo 2022. Some of the Avionics/ Accessories/ Components/ products such as Indigenous Engine & Flight Display Unit (EFDU), Mission Computer & Interface Computer, Digital Map Generator (i-DMG), FBW DAU (Fly-by-Wire Data Acquisition Unit), E-FDR (Enhanced Flight Data Recorder), Gunner Pilot Control Unit (GPCU), Automatic Identification System (AIS), Solid State Data and Video Recording System (SSDVRS), Full Authority Digital Engine Control System (FADEC), Integrated Control Computer (ICC), ICCATS- Jaguar, APU, GTSU-127, etc. are also planned to be put up at the HAL stall. Further, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is planned to be showcased in the Outdoor Display area.