Boeing, BEL to develop analysis centre

Boeing, the US-based global aircraft manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with government-owned Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) to develop an analysis and experimentation centre. The centre is expected to enable customers, including India’s defence forces, to make more informed decisions in their efforts to modernise.

The centre is expected to help in developing of local intellectual property and integrating other non-US products. It will allow customers take vital decisions on the best course of action before significant resources are spent to design and build products.

“Establishing a decision support capability in India is another step for Boeing as the company expands internationally,” said Vivek Lall, vice-president and India head of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “Boeing has similar capabilities in Australia and the United Kingdom, each with the ability to collaborate with Boeing centres in the United States,” Lall added.

With the help of latest modelling, simulation and analysis tools, the centre will enable customers to conduct experiments in a collaborative and immersive environment to analyse the utility of new technologies or tactics on military operations.

Boeing is optimistic about the aviation sector. However, Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar warned aviation firms that fare wars were not good for the industry. He added there was a need for high-yield management in the sector.

The company said it had not seen any order cancellation from Indian carriers that were its customers — Air India, Jet and Spicejet.

Boeing, meanwhile, said aircraft bays for the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Nagpur, which it is building with Air India, will start operations during the latter part of 2009. The total area of the bay will be 20,000 square metres.