The national programme to develop a civil passenger plane is on course and the new special company that will take it forward awaits government approval, according to HAL Chairman R.K.Tyagi.
The company is to be formed between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and National Aerospace Labs.
Private sector industry will have a significant role in the project while HAL, a defence aircraft manufacturer, will be the main integrator.
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Dr. Tyagi said the next meeting with private industry would be held on December 30 to discuss issues. The civil plane project was re-allocated to the Department of Defence Production in August.
Meanwhile, six responses have come in for the search for the aeroengine for the aircraft, He was at an annual lecture event organised by the Aeronautical Society of India’s State chapter and addressed by the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.
HAL’s much delayed intermediate jet trainer (IJT) would need to do another 100-plus flights before reaching an evaluation stage. “We may have some good news there in a couple of months,” Dr. Tyagi said.
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The public sector company is developing on its own the Light Utility Helicopter for observation purposes of the Forces. It would also be keen on bidding for the Army’s recently re-issued proposal for 197 RSH (reconnaissance and surveillance) helicopters, he said.
HAL’s 2020 roadmap was to become a ‘maharatna’ with a turnover of Rs. 70,000 crore, he said.