HAL subsidiary delivers helicopter structures for ALH Dhruv

The state-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Helicopter Division on Friday received the first batch of helicopter structures and sub-assemblies manufactured by its subsidiary, the Naini Aerospace Limited (NAeL), Prayagraj for Advanced Light Helicopter or Dhruv.

The 'Certificate of Conformity' of sub-assemblies and bottom structure assembly was formally handed over in Naini.

Speaking on the occasion, VM Chamola, Director (HR)-HAL and Chairman (NAeL) hailed the efforts of NAeL employees in acquiring skills in the difficult domain of manufacturing of aero-structures.

"With the handing-over of helicopter structures, NAeL has now developed capabilities in the field of aero-structures apart from aircraft loom manufacturing," Chamola said.

The Executive Director of the Helicopter Division-Hal, V Natarajan received the documents from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAeL, RK Mishra. A jig-out of bottom structures of ALH was performed by GVS Bhaskar, CEO-HC, and Shekhar Shrivastava, CEO-BC, HAL inaugurated the Gate Complex of NAel in separate events.

Currently, the NAeL is executing the HAL order for five sets of ALH (Dhruv) structural assemblies.

The Naini Unit of the sick Hindustan Cables Limited was closed for nearly 15 years. It was taken over by NAeL, on February 1, 2017. The ageing manpower of HCL was absorbed in the company and was provided extensive training for acquiring necessary skills in the aerospace sector.

The repair, renovation and infrastructure for aerostructures and aircraft loom manufacturing was created in a record time of one year, apart from securing factory license, statutory taxation, labour and EPFO registrations required for production and business operations.

The company commenced production activities of wire harnesses of helicopter and aircraft in July 2017 within a time frame of five months of taking over.

The company had earlier made its maiden delivery of aircraft looms to HAL on March 27, 2018. It has so far manufactured over 600 aircraft looms for ALH Dhruv and LCA Tejas aircraft.