Leading Manufacturing Companies – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) very recently carried out the first flight of Light Combat Helicopter (Technology Demonstrator-2) with an in-house developed Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) for the first time in India. The maiden flight was faultless and flew for about 20 minutes with the engagement of the system throughout.
“The development of indigenous AFCS is a HAL-funded project, and will replace the high-value imported system,” says Raju. The AFCS is a digital four-axis flight control system, which is capable of performing the control & stability augmentation function and auto-pilot modes of helicopters. Raju points out that the indigenous development of the hardware, software and control law is a fully in-house effort by HAL R&D centres – RWR&DC and MCSRDC at Bengaluru, SLRDC at Hyderabad and the Korwa Division.
In addition, with the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) approving the transfer of an industrial plot to HAL, Helicopter Engines MRO (HE-MRO), the joint venture formed between French aerospace firm Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL will go on to set up the necessary infrastructure at the plant in Honda, according to Raju.
HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines will each invest Rs 21.25 crore during the initial stage in order to start the maintenance and repair facility, given that each firm has a 50:50 stake in the joint venture.