SAGA OF HAL’S
GROWTH
Since its establishment
in 1940 the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has grown from
a repair and overhaul base to one of the largest aeronautics complexes
in Asia. HAL is a unique aviation industry which manufacturers
not only aircraft and helicopters but also aero engines and associated
accessories and avionics in its 16 divisions across the country.
HAL has so far produced around 3300 aircraft and helicopters of
24 types. Out of them 11 are indigenous. To achieve self-reliance,
HAL has given a thrust to design and development and has established
9 research and development centres, engaging more than 1,000 highly
specialised engineers.
Recently, HAL
has successfully developed a state-of-the-art Advanced Light Helicopter
called DHRUV and produced 18 helicopters for the Indian Army,
Indian Air force, Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. The helicopters
have successfully been flying with these users. Now HAL plans
to manufacture more helicopters to meet the requirements of our
defence services. DHRUV is comparable with any identical helicopter
in the world in terms of technology and operational capability.
In June 2003, HAL participated in the prestigious Paris Airshow
and presented one DHRUV helicopter on static display while another
performed the flying displays. The civil version of DHRUV will
be certified in the current financial year. It will meet the requirements
of off-shore operations of civil transportation and disaster management.
HAL has developed
an Intermediate Jet Trainer for the Stage-II training of IAF pilots.
It has the latest technological features. This aircraft was developed
in a record time by HAL engineers and its first flight took place
on March 7, 2003 and the inaugural flight, in the presence of
the Defence Minister, on March 21, 2003. The flight test in the
indigenously developed Jet Trainer is progressing satisfactorily.
HAL is also participating in the design, development, prototype
manufacturing and flight testing of the Light Combat Aircraft
(LCA), recently christened TEJAS by the Prime Minister.
HAL is progressing
with the manufacture of SU-30 MKI aircraft. To improve the operational
capabilities of the existing fleets with the armed forces, HAL
has also begun upgrading the Jaguar, MiG-21 BIS, MiG-27 M, HS-748
(Avro) and other aircraft.
Besides providing
service to the Indian armed forces, HAL has made concerted efforts
to export its products and services to global customers. Its annual
export turnover has shown a steady growth and crossed the hundred
crore rupee mark for the first time during 2002-03. HAL exports
products, spares and services not only to our neighbouring countries
but also to those in South-East Asia, West Asia and major international
companies like Boeing, Airbus, BAe system, Rolls Royce, Snecma
and the Israel Aircraft Industry.
The company has
been achieving continuous growth in its sales and crossed Rs.
3000 crore during 2002-03 with a profit of around Rs. 466 crore.
With its efficient and successful operations, HAL is to pay a
dividend of Rs. 93.23 crore including tax during 2002-03 to the
Government of India against its equity of Rs. 120.50 crore. (PIB
Features).
Inputs
from Department of Defence Production and Supplies, Ministry of
Defence
