HAL set to start production at its Kasaragod plant

At present, the production of airborne special purpose computers like mission computer, display processor, radar computers and open architect mission computer for the SU-30, LCA and MiG-27 upgrade is being taken up at this factory

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is set to start production at its Strategic Electronics Factory at Kasaragod (Kerala) on November 17 (Saturday). The factory will produce advanced avionics for aircraft and helicopters.

“Avionics plays a major role in functioning of modern aircraft and contributes significantly to the value of an aircraft/helicopter. Considering huge potential of avionics systems in the coming years, a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for a variety of avionics has been established at Kasaragod. This would result in better operational effectiveness and improved customer satisfaction,” said RK Tyagi, chairman, HAL.

Based on the initiative of the Kerala government in providing assistance to industries to set up their plants in the state, Kasaragod was short-listed on the availability of adequate land, power, water and better logistic facilities. The Kerala government has allotted 196 acres for setting up the unit. The foundation stone for construction of the factory buildings was laid by Defence Minister A K Antony on August 23, 2008.

The first phase of this factory was set up at a cost of Rs 66 crore. At present, seven buildings are dedicated to activities like production, administration, technical services, materials management, security and for government agencies (Air Force and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance).

At present, the production of airborne special purpose computers like mission computer, display processor, radar computers and open architect mission computer for the SU-30, LCA, MiG-27 upgrade is being taken up at this factory. This factory will be further expanded in Phase-II to undertake the manufacture of avionics for the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) like the automatic electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare (EW) suite, communication and navigation equipment besides other indigenous projects like softnet defined radio and interrogate friend-foe (IFF) Mark-XII.

The facilities and expertise acquired at the factory for advanced avionics of the MMRCA would be used for upcoming projects like the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Medium Lift Helicopter (MLH) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The required manpower has been trained and positioned for carrying out production. There will be a need for substantial augmentation in manpower in Phase-II due to the number of projects planned, including the MMRCA. The expansion of this factory will also lead to the growth of ancillary industries, which in turn will generate secondary employment opportunities and enhance skill-set in this area.