Shakti Powered Dhruv to fly today

[Bull]

Bangalore: With the first official flight of the Shakti-powered Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv scheduled to take off on Thursday, designer-manufacturer of the helicopter, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is undoubtedly euphoric.

Two helicopters, one with a glass cockpit and powered by the Shakti, and another with air-to-air missiles, rockets and turret guns will fly past an audience that will include the Secretary (Defence Production).

On Friday, the helicopters will demonstrate their capabilities to the Chief of Army Staff General J.J. Singh. The Army is the Dhruv’s biggest customer having received a majority of the 70-odd helicopters.

Until now, the Dhruvs have been powered by the French-built Turbomeca 333 2B2 engine, but the Shakti which has been developed jointly by the HAL and Turbomeca has over 20 per cent more power. The power will serve the helicopter well when it is used by the defence forces at high altitude as well as in hot, dry and humid conditions.

But with questions having been raised by the three service chiefs over Dhruv’s fleet serviceability and with issues over the supply of spares, HAL will have to pull out all the stops if they are to satisfy their customers. According to HAL chairman Ashok Baweja, problems over the Dhruv’s fleet serviceability and spares are a thing of the past.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Baweja said that there had been a time a few months ago when HAL had been busy equipping their helicopters with glass cockpits (rather than the conventional instrumentation systems) and this could have cau sed a few minor delays.

“All fleets have these problems. This is nothing unusual. The ALH’s supply lines are working fine.”

Highlighting the light-weight Dhruv’s matchless ability to operate at high altitude (6 km) and its unique offset flapping hinges, Mr Baweja said that HAL had orders (for the Dhruv) till 2015-16.

A number of countries especially Turkey, Chile, Venezuela and Bolivia have also evinced interest in the civilian variant of the Dhruv.

Glass cockpits

HAL has equipped all the Dhruvs that were produced during the 2006-07 financial year with glass cockpits, switching from the multi dialled conventional instrumentation system to one that has just four MFDs (multi-function displays).

These Dhruvs, which have been inducted into the Army Aviation Corps’ 203 squadron, offer pilots information at their fingertips, besides decreasing workload and increasing man-machine interface.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/16/stories/2007081654490500.htm

 

[Bull]

At this time when there are so mnay conflicting and dissapointing reports regarding defence, here is a breather.

 

[A.Rahman]

Good for India

 

[Neo]

Bull, any progress on export order to Chili?

 

[PakSniper]

Bull, any progress on export order to Chili?

No, progress a report was out where Chili said, they will buy it if it was FAA (and other organization) certified. Another, problem with the Dhruv is that some parts derive from Europe, during sanctions (Chili or other operators) it will be fatal. Its' basically, foreign parts assembled in India and painted, their is an article that was posted on PFF showing the different contributors that makes the Dhruv whole.

 

[Bull]

Another, problem with the Dhruv is that some parts derive from Europe and Asia, during sanctions (Chili or other operators) it will be fatal.

Sanctions from whom?

 

[Bull]

Bull, any progress on export order to Chili?

Nothing has happened. But we have exported a few to Israel and Nepal. HAL is bidding for contracts from ChileTurkey,Peru and Bolivia.

 

[PakSniper]

Sanctions from whom?

Sanctions from these countries below, cause it "MIGHT" breach "International Law", or the possibility of it falling into enemy hands, depending on the country that is purchasing it, and problems it might face. Getting supplies during conflict might cause trouble, etc, including after you might go through the long list of suppliers.

http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA200142007

That is the article with sources, etc, and very informative of Indian activity of assembling parts and doing a tri-color paint:

The European Union

Belgium

Forges de Zeebrugge FZ
Variants of the ALH have incorporated rocket launchers produced by the Belgiam company, Forges de Zeebrugge FZ. For example, the photo below shows the FZ nameplate on the rocket launcher mounted on ALH on display at Farnborough International, UK on 14 August 2006.

Forges de Zeebrugge FZ confirmed that they have contracts with both HAL and the Indian Army, which have been approved by the Belgian authorities and are subject to end-use agreements. Confidentiality clauses contained within the contract prevented fuller disclosure of any details surrounding the nature of the deal.(12)

France

Turbomeca
The French company Turbomeca (now part of the Safran Group) has undertaken both the direct export of engines from France to India but has also established licensed production and technology transfer arrangements with HAL to produce engines for the ALH. In February 2003, it was announced that Turbomeca and HAL had signed three major contracts. These included a contract for the supply of TM 333 2B2 engines for application on the HAL helicopter; and another contract for the repair and overhaul licence for the TM 333 2B2.(13) The HAL website states that the ALH continues to use the "Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 Twin Turbo-shaft Engine 746 kw (1000 SHP)".(14)

Turbomeca confirmed that it has three contracts with HAL, two of which cover the supply, repair, servicing and overhaul of the TM333-2B2 engines for the ALH. The company also stated that all its contracts were regulated by the appropriate French export licensing authorities.(15) However in its response to our enquiries the French Government stated that the engines in question are not classified as war material by the French regulations and do not appear in the list of items subject to the Myanmar embargo. In our view, this interpretation is wrong because non-listed items in the EC Dual Use Regulation if incorporated into military items bound for embargoed destinations become licensable, that is subject to the embargo (for more on this see the section on EU export controls on re-exports over military equipment below).(16) It would therefore appear that the French Government places no restrictions on the transfer of equipment fundamental to the operation of the ALH notwithstanding the fact that it is clearly also used as a military aircraft.

GIAT Industries (Nexter) and MBDA
In July 2006 defence news service Shepherd Rotorhub quoted Hindustan
Aeronautics' chairman Ashok Baweja describing a weaponisation programme was under way for the ALH. This was to include a 20mm gun from the French company GIAT and rockets from European missile manufacturer MBDA.(17) In December 2006, GIAT (now renamed Nexter) announced that it had been awarded a contract by HAL for:

"the supply of 20 THL 20 turrets that will equip the Indian Armed Forces' Advanced Light Helicopter. The order covers the development phase of 20 turrets. The first deliveries will take place in 2008…."(18)

In March 2007 Jane's Information Group reported that HAL signed a deal with MBDA in July 2006 for the supply of air-to-air Mistral missiles for armed versions of the ALH.(19)

Nexter has confirmed that it does supply products to HAL for the ALH. This currently includes twenty ‘THL 20’ 20mm Helicopter turrets. The company also stated that all of its exports are regulated and approved by the appropriate French export licensing authorities and that any additional contracts to supply the ALH that were not stipulated in the original contract would require a further export licence.(20)

Germany

Eurocopter Deutschland (formerly MBB) and now wholly owned by Eurocopter
Eurocopter has been involved (originally as MBB) with the development of the ALH since at least July 1984.(21) In November 1995, it was reported that Eurocopter had submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry to "co-produce the ALH designed by HAL. It plans to set up production facilities in India to manufacture the ALH for both local and export markets."(22) In 2006 both companies were advertising their mutual co-operation: Eurocopter noting that it was supplying rotor blades for the ALH,(23) and HAL announcing that "Eurocopter, the helicopter manufacturer owned by EADS, has been cooperating with HAL for over four decades … India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a licence agreement for technology transfer."(24) Amnesty International wrote to Eurocopter in March 2007 asking for clarification over its role in the development of the ALH. As of 25 June 2007, the company had not responded.

SITEC Aerospace

SITEC Aerospace manufactures a range of components and complete assemblies for flight/engine controls for various types of aircraft.(25) According to company literature on display at Farnborough International 2006, SITEC provides components for the ALH.

SITEC Aerospace confirmed that they supply parts for the ALH, but that they do not export these directly to HAL, but supply them to another unnamed German manufacturer who subsequently incorporates these items into other systems for the ALH.(26)

Italy

Elettronica Aster SpA
The Italian company Elettronica Aster SpA on its website describes HAL as a major customer. According to the "Company and Program Overview", Elettronica Aster SpA has produced and supplied the ALH with a brake system.(27)

Amnesty International wrote to Elettronica Aster SpA in March 2007 to ask for clarifications as to its involvement in the development of the ALH. In its reply dated 15 March, the company had no comment on the specifics of its supply of components for the ALH, stating only that Elettronica Aster SpA’s "export activity is regulated by the rules called out in the Italian Law no.185/’90 (with amendment DDL 1927), establishing the regulation for weapons import/export/transit."(28)

Sweden

Saab AB
Saab Avitronics, the South African joint venture company owned by Saab AB (Sweden) and Saab Grintek (South Africa, itself part owned by Saab AB), has been awarded a multi-million dollar export contract from HAL for the supply of self-protection equipment for installation on the ALH for the Indian Armed Forces.(29)

Amnesty International wrote to Saab AB on 1 June 2007 asking for clarification over its involvement with the ALH. Saab AB replied saying: "All export approvals from the concerned authorities are in place. The export licences are supported by an end-user certificate."(30)

The United Kingdom

APPH Precision Hydraulics
At the 2004 Farnborough arms fair, the UK company APPH Precision Hydraulics Ltd displayed its Hydraulic Package as the following:

"HAL Advanced Light Helicopter Hydraulic Package designed and manufactured by APPH Ltd"

Amnesty International wrote to in March 2007 to ask for clarifications as its involvement in the development of the ALH. As of 25 June 2007, the company had not responded.

FPT Industries Ltd
In 1993 it was reported that FPT Industries Ltd had been awarded a contract to supply floatation equipment for the ALH under development by HAL.(31) FTP Industries is part of GKN Aerospace Services Ltd. In 1997, it was reported that FPT Industries’ self-sealing fuel tank systems were being used in the ALH.(32) In 2007, the FPT Industries website stated that: "FPT equipment is fitted to a range of helicopters including ALH".(33)

In 1997, the then GKN Westland Aerospace Ltd (renamed GKN Aerospace Services Ltd in 2001) was awarded a contract to supply the internal gearbox BR715 for HAL’s ALH.(34)

GKN Aerospace Services Ltd confirmed that they have supplied fuel tanks, floatation equipment and related gaskets and seals for the ALH, but that these are subject to end-use certificates stipulating that they would not be re-exported. The company stated that future supplies for the ALH would be for components and kits for fuel tanks that would be assembled locally in India, but would again be subject to similar end-use undertakings.(35) However, while the UK Government normally requires the presentation of end-use documentation as part of the licensing process, it does not as a rule then include explicit end-use restrictions as a condition on the export licence. If this is the case in this instance, what force those end-use undertakings have is unclear.

Other third-country involvement in the ALH:

The United States

It should be noted that the US embargo on Myanmar does not specifically mention indirect supplies, nor does it place controls on civilian components that are incorporated into military systems. However, indirect supplies of US military components or other controlled items are subject to re-export controls under the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) system which specifically states that re-export of US-controlled content can only take place with the express permission of the US Government. Section 123.9 "Country of ultimate destination" provides that:

"(a) The country designated as the country of ultimate destination on an application for an export licence, or on a shipper's export declaration where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter, must be the country of ultimate end-use. The written approval of the Department of State must be obtained before reselling, diverting, transferring, transshipping, or disposing of a defense article in any country other than the country of ultimate destination as stated on the export licence, or on the shipper's export declaration in cases where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter. Exporters must ascertain the specific end-use and end-user prior to submitting an application to the Office of Munitions Control or claiming an exemption under this subchapter. End-use must be confirmed and should not be assumed."(36)

However, it is not clear whether components supplied by US companies for the ALH have been specifically designed or adapted for military use. If not, they may fall outside this specification.

Aitech Systems Ltd
In September 2005, it was reported that Aitech Systems Ltd, a US company, had announced it had "received the first production order from the Lahav Division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) for Display & Mission Computers" for inclusion in the glass cockpit of the ALH. The Lahav Division of IAI is under contract to HAL to develop and provide the avionics system for the HAL.(37)

Deliveries for the first production of Display and Mission Computers were due to be completed by May 2006:

"Aitech will build 400 Display & Mission Computers for the ALH program, to be delivered over the next several years. In addition, Aitech is under contract to IAI to provide the next generation of Display & Mission Computer." (38)


Amnesty International wrote to the company in March 2007 asking for clarifications over its involvement with the ALH, but has yet to receive a reply (as of 25 June 2007).

Lord Corporation
In January 2004, it was reported that Lord Corporation had announced that it had been "awarded the first production contract for its active vibration control system" for the ALH. Lord Corporation had been supplying other parts (such as elastomeric bearings) for the main tail rotor and parts for various "isolators", which together formed part of an anti-resonance isolator system aimed at reducing vibrations in the aircraft." The report also stated that "Lord would supply the vibration dampers for these aircraft with user approvals."(39)

The Lord Corporation wrote to Amnesty International on 9 March 2007 saying that contractual obligations of confidentiality prevented any disclosure of the Lord Corporation’s involvement in military products, other than information currently in the public domain. The company also stipulated that it was fully aware of government compliance issues and "strives to be in full compliance with all applicable regulations."(40)

Before I sleep I have to say this from the Article (Since, they took the words right out of my mouth):

"One thing should be clear. Though it is India's, if not Asia's, first de novo designed helicopter, it is not ‘indigenous’ in the Indian sense of the term, but a collaborative effort of HAL and specialists from Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm."

 

[Bull]

Sanctions from these countries below, cause it "MIGHT" breach "International Law", or the possibility of it falling into enemy hands, depending on the country that is purchasing it, and problems it might face. Getting supplies during conflict might cause trouble, etc, including after you might go through the long list of suppliers.

Doesnt you run the same risk when you buy from elsewhere.

"One thing should be clear. Though it is India's, if not Asia's, first de novo designed helicopter, it is not ‘indigenous’ in the Indian sense of the term, but a collaborative effort of HAL and specialists from Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm."

Well i guess nowadays, nobody builds or makes everything.

 

[PakSniper]

Doesnt you run the same risk when you buy from elsewhere.

Hence, why I said it will be "Fatal" for other operators, who might end up using it. But the main point I'm making is, that it will hinder sales cause where India is marketing those nations (some) either have Human rights violations or other penalties.

- Lo, we are talking about India here, don't try to drag a 3rd party, but what I'm saying here is having too many suppliers is not a good thing.

Well i guess nowadays, nobody builds or makes everything.

Depends to the builder (and nation building it), I don't think I need a long post here to explain.

- Lo, theirs' a time to call it "indigenous" or "Joint Collaboration" instead of calling foreign parts assembled heli original.

Before I sleep I have to say this from the Article (Since, they took the words right out of my mouth):

"One thing should be clear. Though it is India's, if not Asia's, first de novo designed helicopter, it is not ‘indigenous’ in the Indian sense of the term, but a collaborative effort of HAL and specialists from Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm."

 

[PakSniper]

- Double Post - ​

 

[Bull]

Hence, why I said it will be "Fatal" for other operators, who might end up using it. But the main point I'm making is, that it will hinder sales cause where India is marketing those nations (some) either have Human rights violations or other penalties..

Like which countries? turkey, chile, bolivia, Israel, nepal..., none seems to have an issue wrt India.

 

[joey]

PakSniper,

The report is from Amnesty who publishes reports from open sources, incidentally enough you eagerly grasped that report but did not followed till the end of the game....

They send letters to each of the industries concerned, some of then denied of involvement and some of them did which is pretty much known fact.

The definition of indigenous by Amnesty is flawed and I can prove this to you but it proves nothing other than boosting your mental health (not meant in derogatory way).

Let us get some things clear,

SAAB provides the - MAWS SENSORS (2 pieces in rear IIRC, looks like a small box with a mirror like surface where you can look your face) which is incorporated with the Indian ECCM system. the MAWS sensors has been replaced by the MK II derivative of the Indian ECCM system further, the MAWS system will NOT be a part of the civilian part packaged Dhruv to Burma.

The Engine - It is a codeveloped engine with France (including some 30~40% Indian participation) and there is no dispute there and is a known FACT however India has FULL production rights and re-exportation rights right from first in the DPP and does not falls under the general EU defenc export agreement, which was clarified by France.

Belgium - The 20mm Rocket Pod is from Belgium again does not falls under the export control rules but isnt this something we already know? It was signed in this years Aero India that 20mm rocket pod will be used from Belgium.

Germany : Yes involvement was there in initial stages but is is not a co-production and intial involvement like any other helicopter developement happened including in China. Incidentally enough the difference between one of Chinese helicopters and some EU made ones are much less than the Dhruv which is totally different design compared to any of the EU replicas. I just made this point to stress upon the definition and not to compare anything or undermine other countries efforts.

APPH PRecision hydraulics : WRONG, Dhruv does not derives its hydraulics from APPH, but will DO THE SAME IN the upcoming LCH, again the same joint developement of a hydrayulic component was signed by HAL and APPH (appeared in HAL newsletter) for LCH and not the ALH. Rafales actuators are form Moog so does this means it is not indigenous? Remember a JV on the same was signed, read the HAL newsletter from 20th to 30th issue it is somewhere there.

Floatation and ruelsage components : Import of the same has been completely terminated decade ago and we use inhouse made composites for the same.

Italy : Amnesty got this thing wrong, the brake system of Dhruv is developed inhouse and is NOT from Electronicca again refer to newsletters or DESIDOC magazines, the reason why Italy did not replied with affirmative answer.

Vibration system : Again has been developed inhouse for Dhruv and has replaced the old one. Refer to the newsletters, , a new type of Armour for Dhruv has been developed as well.

Israel-HAL participation : Altech system may have intially delivered the MFD's the ELbit MFD's but they are already being replaced by the HAL-SAMTEL made MFD's which will be superior to the ones delivered previously, Inpite of this Israel's ELop is in a JV with BEL that makes the electro-optical targetting instrumentation of Dhruv.

The Elbit MFDs has been (from this year) replaced by HAL SAMTEL (a local design, with locally made LCDs) which are to be superior to the Sextant MFD66s (The displays will be able to show both analog and digitally processed data simultaneously, as compared to only the latter on the MFD66).

So this MFD issue is clear okay or you want more proof? Israel incidentally enough has more participation than bought off by Amnesty like supplying the Electro Optical system (Remember ITT of TI is made by ONLY 4 FIRMS worldwide) but it is ACTUALLY a JV with BEL India.

You want to know more? Let me state then,

The dhruv will use French Mistral ATAM missiles etc etc. For the rah-rah types again I'll quote from HAL committes annual report, for indigenization and all that jazz....

Project Total No. of items involved 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
The % figures refer to indigenous content

Advanced Light Helicopter
9096 7210 79.3% 7310 80.4% 7657 84.2% 7874 86.6% 7932 87.2%

Cheetah / Chetak
7822 6873 87.9% 6903 88.2% 7023 89.9% 7049 90.1% 7053 90.2%

Jaguar
27098 23000 84.9% 23268 85.9% 23573 87% 23926 88.3% 23968 88.4%

Dornier
12242 7445 60.8% 7445 60.8% 7445 60.8% 7445 60.8% 7448 60.8%

Garrett
2273 1570 69.1% 1589 69.9% 1615 71% 1620 71.3% 1625 71.5%

Artouste
2274 1490 65.5% 1552 68.2% 1620 71.2% 1636 71.9% 1648 72.4%

Adour
3986 3111 78.0% 3185 79.9% 3260 81.8% 3276 82.2% 3356 84.2%

R-25
3398 3270 96.2% 3277 96.4% 3285 96.7% 3288 96.8% 3288 96.8%

Some previous Imported choppers and transports equivalent effort hasnt gone that way in increasing the local content to its zenith..they are around the 70% level.

But for Fighters:

Jaguar a/c @ 88.4%
Jaguar engine @ 84.2%
MiG-21 bis engine @ 97%
ALH @ 87%

Reaching the 90% figure for the MKI will be done in similar fashion. The number denotes the number of parts indigenised each year, made inhouse, with total control over it means simply replacement of the imported contents slowly.

There is nothing called 100% indigenous helicopter the definition which Amnesty or you put forward, It is a fallacy of mind, a denial of mind in defining what defines indigenous, just because the anglo-saxon world is well organised with lots of SME's backing their multi-national efforts spanning continents it does not make anything un-indigenous if something from their SME's are imported and used in local major developement, It is something each and every country does.

continueing the above report some of HAL's activities,

HAL R&D etc

Design and development of aircraft, airborne systems and equipment

• Advanced Light Helicopter • Light Combat Helicopter • Light Combat Aircraft • Intermediate Jet Trainer • Avionics & Simulators • Development of rotables • Development of Materials, Castings, Forgings & New Processes

Upgradation of existing fleet of aircraft with modern avionics and equipment
• Jaguar NAVWASS upgrade • MiG-21 BIS upgrade • MiG-27M upgrade • Avro upgrade • Sea Harrier upgrade • Cheetah/Chetak upgrade

Technology development programmes

• Finite element modeling of helicopter rotor blades • Fly-by-light tail rotor control • Application of Smart materials to helicopter dynamic systems • Development of elastomeric bearings • Development of DS blades for engines • Development of Application Specific Integrated Circuits • Phased Array Antenna • Vacuum diffusion welding of dis-similar materials • Composite materials technology

Co-development and co-production with leading aerospace companies

• Multi role transport aircraft • High powered Shakti engine for ALH


Indigenization and import substitution

• Mission computer • Multi Function Displays • INGPS • Aircraft & Helicopter Accessories • Canopy

Maintenance support for non-HAL manufactured aircraft

• Mirage 2000 Overhaul • Sea harrier upgrade • Product support for MiG aircraft variants not produced by HAL

7.1 HAL has 9 R&D centres co-located with the production Divisions which strive to bring out new products, continuous upgradation of existing products besides providing services in the areas of modernisation, technological upgradation, modifications replacement schemes and cost-effective solutions to meet the emerging requirements of its customers.

The, Ministry of Defence has furnished a detailed note on the major Research, Design and Development projects undertaken by the company in last 10 years period in the areas of Aircraft / Helicopter / Aero-Engines, and Accessories and Avionics as follows.

Aircraft a) Intermediate jet trainer HJT-36 b) LCA development tasks as decided with ADA c) Jaguar Navwass Upgrade d) MiG-27M Upgrade e) Sea Harrier upgrade f) Avro Upgrade g) Role modifications on Dornier DO-228 aircraft Helicopter h) ALH / Completion of utility variant development i) Weapon systems integration on ALH j) Civil certification of ALH k) Launch of Light combat Helicopter l) Upgrades on Cheetah (Cheetal) and Chetak (Chetan).

Aero-Engines m) Pilot-less Target Aircraft Engine (PTAE-7) n) Gas Turbine Starter Unit for GEF404

o) Engine Test beds Accessories and Avionics for Aircraft and Helicopter (LCA, IJT, ALH & Upgrade programmes)


p) Hydraulic System Units like Pumps and Actuators. q) Undercarriages and actuators

r) Electrical System items like Generator Control and Protection Unit, Static inverters, etc s) Environmental Control Systems Units

t) Multi Mode Radar u) Mission Computer v) Communication System Units w) Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) Units x) Radio Altimeters. y) Solid State Flight Data Recorders


Achievements during last 10 years: • Certification of ALH (both military & civil variants), Jaguar Navwass Upgrade, Cheetal (re-engined & upgraded Cheetah helicopter) has been completed. • LCA and IJT prototypes were produced and are under flight evaluation. • Line Replaceable Units and Systems components developed for LCA, IJT and ALH have been productionised. These units are flight operational on these aircraft. • Patents have been obtained for the Gas Turbine starter (for LCA) and the PTAE-7 (for Lakshya) engine developed. These have been productionised. • Jaguar and MiG-27M aircraft have been upgraded without any support from the OEMs.”



7.2 Regarding technological upgradation for enhancing R&D base of HAL, the Ministry has stated as under:


“HAL has acquired, adapted and developed several technologies over the years. New technologies are inducted through technology transfer and through indigenous development.

Continuous augmentation/upgradation of facilities is carried out through annual capital budget. HAL has taken up a number of technology upgradation projects funded from the R&D reserves of the Company covering design, manufacturing and process technologies.


Some of these projects are:

• Open system architecture mission computer
• Digital Map generation system
• Virtual cockpit system
• Smart multifunction displays
• Solid State Flight Data Recorder
• Application of Smart materials to helicopter dynamic systems
• Development of elastomeric bearings
• Development of Application Specific Integrated Circuits
• Spread spectrum technology
• Direct digital synthesis
• Surface mounted devices technology
• Thick film and thin film micro electronic modules
• Phased Array Antenna
• Vacuum diffusion welding of dis-similar materials
• Composite materials technology

The quality management system of HAL has been upgraded to ISO – 9001 – 2000 standard . HAL has also implemented ISO 14001 – 1996 EMS standard and obtained environmental system certification.

HAL’s facilities and quality systems have been audited and approved by Boeing, Airbus, Eurocopter and Bell for whom HAL is producing airframe work packages. Presently, Boeing Production Systems , NADCAP, AS9100 standards etc are being put in place in the core manufacturing areas of HAL. Further, HAL has identified centers of excellence within the company for composites and engine components.”

7.3 The Committee on defence, in their 9th Report on ‘Defence PSUs’ had stressed on self-reliance or indigenisation of products and technology through emphasis on R&D and exploitation of global market through export.

The Ministry, in reply to this recommendation of the Committee, has furnished the following information: “HAL has identified indigenization as one of the thrust areas to achieve self reliance. In addition to the indigenous development projects like IJT, ALH, Aircraft & Helicopter Upgrades, development of high value airborne components and spares required for both new projects and overhaul projects have been taken up. A Design Perspective Plan for the period 2006-2012 has been drawn up identifying the new development and technology projects to be taken up. Several Company funded projects are also identified and the estimated outlay for these Company funded projects is Rs. 1096 Cr during this period. The number of items indigenized during the last 3 years for both HAL products and non-HAL products is furnished below:

Year 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06
No. of items indigenized 5857 5136 4050

The major technology initiatives launched include :
a) Stealth technologies to be adapted on Light Combat Helicopter
b) Open system architecture Mission Computer for deployment on future de-novo and upgrade programmes of combat aircraft
c) Proposed joint technology group in the area of aircraft accessories and systems with IIT, Kanpur.
d) Development of inertial navigation and Global Positioning System in collaboration with RCI, DRDO laboratories, reputed academic institutes like IISc & IITs.

HAL has also entered into working arrangements with many of the renowned companies abroad in pursuance of its programmes. As a part of new business initiatives, Joint Ventures have been formed and are also in the pipeline with companies of Indian and foreign origin.

Major cooperation areas in the last few years are listed below.

• Mission Computer Development along with DARE, DRDO for Jaguar Strike and MiG 27 aircraft.
• Design, Testing and Quality Assurance packages with National Aeronautical Laboratories, CSIR for Wind Tunnel testing, Composites, Flight Control Laws, Saras systems.
• Multi Mode Radar development along with LRDE, DRDO.
• Tactical Mission System development by ADA and its integration on ALH.
• Digital Electronic Engine Control Systems for GTRE.
• Radar Processing Computers from DARE, DRDO for SU-30 programme
• MiG 27 upgrade programme with DARE.
• Project on ‘Smart Materials’ along with Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
• Development of Infra Red Suppressor technology with Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
• Integration of Radar Warning Receiver designed by BEL and Chaff and Flare Dispensers of BDL.
• Cooperation with ELTA in upgrade programmes of Sea Harrier and Dornier role conversion for Navy.
• Cooperation with ELBIT in Stimulator Technology for Air Combat Stimulator and IJT Stimulator programmes.
• Cooperation with M/s Goodrich in the area of Hydro Mechanical Engine Control System.
• Wind Tunnel testing and Aerodynamic Studies with centres at Russia and France.
• Co development of Shakti Engine with Turbomeca, France.
• Joint venture with British Aerospace (BAe –HAL) in the area of Software solutions of Aeronautical applications
• Proposed Joint Venture with SAMTEL for development and manufacture of Multi-function Displays (MFDs) and with ELBIT in the areas of Avionics and Stimulators.

^^ These are only one part of the report, I hope I'm clear in all aspect now and hope you had a good time discussion how un-indigenous is Dhruv.

 

[PakSniper]

What are your sources? Even though it is from Amenity International their are other papers that I have read that mentioned, parts coming in from EU nations. With DODO's track record, I will take what you say with a pinch of salt, Lol.

 

[joey]

paksniper I think I'm being fairly clear on what I said, I did not denied the involvement of these SME's infact I gave you specifics where amnesty went wrong where it went right, if you'd actually read my reply and then ask on the specifics on what sources are you asking then it would have been better.

Advanced Light Helicopter
9096 7210 79.3% 7310 80.4% 7657 84.2% 7874 86.6% 7932 87.2%

HAL itself acknowledges around 13% of ALH is imported and thes nothing un-jazzy in it, its common all world over.

Regarding re-export the only issue may rise with Sweden because they have weird kind of laws I have heard but they just supplies two MAWS sensors, which are being replaced in the Indian ESM MK2.

The box like with thing with a round glossy surface like mirror is the MAWS sensor supplied by SAAB, whic is incorporated with Indian Counter Measure and Dispenser System a part of Helis defensive suite. In the MKII variant it will be replaced..