New engines unveiled; Bengaluru to make most of tech transfer deal with US.
BENGALURU: Marking a complete turnaround from the time India, post Pokhran-II, was virtually shut out from any technology transfer, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar announced India's arrival as one of the biggest recipients of U.S. defence knowhow, when he presaged Bengaluru's resurrection as a major hub for the development and production of advanced jet engines. Once, that is, the Defence Technology Trade Initiative (DTTI) with the United States comes through.
Mr Parrikar, who discussed the possibility of co-development and co-production of advanced defence products as part of DTTI with U.S. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter during his visit to the United States last week, said Bengaluru would be one of the "most important destinations" when both countries firm up DTTI. This initiative not only involves technology transfer but also facilitates US firms to establish production facilities in India, reversing a 1998 decision which resulted in cost and time overruns of several projects, including the "Tejas" fighter jet.
The minister said on Monday "Under DTTI, we have already discussed and are coming to the final stage of finalizing development of a jet engine of a higher class," at an event organized to launch Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)'s Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200) which could power helicopters of 3.5 ton class in single engine configuration, and five to eight ton class in twin engine category. He also witnessed the inaugural run of Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25) developed by HAL.
Pointing out that the country's exports have grown about six times, Mr Parrikar said, "Defence equipment can be a big item of export if we take proper care and if we clear the procedures very fast and develop products which are required by many across the globe who cannot afford the top most equipment available."
Congratulating HAL on turning 75, and for launching a project to develop engines for helicopters, Mr Parrikar said "in the near future India might need anywhere between 4,000 to 6,000 helicopter engines. So if we can make it up within the time frame allotted, it will be a big achievement."
Mr T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL, said the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25) could be used for basic, intermediate and advanced military trainer aircraft as well as for business jets.
Competition for HAL?
Public sector aerospace behemoth HAL has been given fair warning of what the future holds when Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said its monopoly would end as private sector companies, too, would have a role in future projects, particularly products with potential for export. "HAL should not see the private sector as a competitor in a sense trying to occupy same space, but it should be more of a competition; Cooperation and competition both coming together," he said.
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