Large and Medium-Scale Industries Minister R.V. Desphande exclusively met Tata Sons, chairman emeritus, Ratan Tata, at the Aero India show and urged him to invest in the States aerospace sector through Tata Group companies. Officials said the Minister and Mr. Tata had discussions for about 20 minutes at the Tata VIP Chalet. Mr. Deshpande discussed various measures taken by the State to boost the aerospace segment, including the aerospace policy and the aerospace park being set up in Devanahalli.

Karnataka is the only State in the country which has formulated an aerospace policy and also has a strong presence of aerospace component manufacturing units.

Mr. Deshpande is said to have handed over a copy of the aerospace policy to Mr. Tata.

In his response, Mr. Tata asked his officials to look at the potential opportunity in the State, said an official.

About eight Tata Group companies are exhibiting their expertise and offerings in the aerospace and defence sector at the Aero India show.

****

Anil Ambanis 35-minute sortie

Industrialist Anil D. Ambani took a nearly 35-minute flight on a Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday. This is a proud moment for an Indian to have flown the worlds most advanced fighter aircraft. I look forward to an opportunity to make these aircraft under Make in India initiative and serve our nation, the air force and the navy, Mr. Ambani said in a statement following the flight.

Reliance Defence Ltd., which is headed by Mr. Ambani, has a joint venture with French company, Dassault Aviation, for the execution of offset obligations under the recently inked 60,000 crore deal for the production of 36 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

For the second consecutive edition, Union Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy, a pilot himself, flew during the air show. He too flew in a Rafale. Tested my flying skills on Rafale ... Amazing fly by wire technology... a robust machine, he tweeted.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Kanwal Kumar, Director General, Army Aviation Corps, took the light combat helicopter for a spin during the event.

****

A good Samaritan

With thousands of delegates and guests heading to Aero India, hundreds of drivers were seen struggling to find food and water within Air Force Station Yelahanka. With the nearest restaurant at a considerable distance from the base, and the food court at Aero India being out of bounds for those without passes, many drivers were left thirsty and hungry on the first day.

However, on Wednesday, the owner of a city-based cottage emporium who was in touch with the drivers brought food and water for the drivers.

****

Reliance Defence, Strata collaborate for manufacturing

Strata Manufacturing PJSC (Strata) of the United Arab Emirates, and Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence Ltd. have signed an MoU to collaborate on advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities between India and the UAE. The potential partnership will look at opportunities in the production of carbon fibre composite aerostructures, pre-pregs as well as 3D printing of aerospace components and airframe panels. This collaboration is in line with Stratas vision to become one of the top aerospace companies globally.

****

Maini, Marshall Aerospace sign MoU

Bengaluru-based Maini Precision Products and the U.K.-based Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, have entered into a multimillion dollar life of programme contract for structural machined parts and sub-assemblies for a major aircraft programme, at Aero India. With this contract, Maini is now positioned as the single source from India to support Marshall for their manufacturing requirements for the duration of this programme.

****

Alpha Tocol delivers 100th Sukhoi flaperon

Alpha Tocol has delivered the 100th Sukhoi flaperon to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Alpha Tocol has been associated with HAL for the development of these major assemblies from the inception of transfer of technology of Su-30MKI.

****

Aequs to invest 500 crore in Goa

Aequs aerospace precision engineering and manufacturing company on Wednesday announced to extend its ecosystem in aerospace and defence sectors. Aequs will open a high-end multi-capability aerospace and defence manufacturing facility at Tuem, Goa, with an initial investment of 500 crore. The initial capital will be used for the development of physical infrastructure, plant, machinery, and equipment. The new facility will be a multi-capability precision engineering with CNC machines and new-age technology to design and produce precision components for the Indian defence sector.

****

BEL receives offset contract from Elbit

Elbit Systems Electro-Optics Elop Ltd. (ELOP), Israel, has awarded Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) an offset contract for the supply of 10 compact multi-purpose advanced stabilised systems (CoMPASS) for use in the light combat helicopters being manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. BEL has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with ELOP for joint production and D-level maintenance of CoMPASS.

****

Airbus to set up skill development centre

Airbus has signed an MoU for establishing a centre of excellence for aerospace skill development in Hyderabad, together with the government of Telangana, National Skill Development Corporation, and AEROCAMPUS France. The centre will come up at Begumpet airport, Hyderabad, and will train candidates ranging from high school graduates to experienced aviation personnel in aircraft manufacturing; logistics; maintenance, repair and overhaul; ground handling; and special aviation processes. The centre will offer short-term refresher modules as well as long-term certificate and diploma courses that will find acceptability within the industry.

Read the original post:

Karnataka seeks Tata Group investments in aerospace sector - The ... - The Hindu