Boeing, TASL ink manufacturing agreement

Giving a boost to 'Make in India' initiative, Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) on Wednesday signed a framework agreement to collaborate in aerospace and defense manufacturing and potential integrated systems development opportunities, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

The companies intend to access markets jointly for products and platforms developed together by Boeing and TASL, said a statement by TASL.

The agreement was signed by Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft and Sukaran Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of TASL, here at the Aerospace Special Economic Zone, Adibatla, where TASL has four units.

TASL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is already on contract to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing's CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i helicopters.

A significant player in global aerospace market, it has partners like Boeing, Ruag, Cobham, Pilatus, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and Airbus.

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems.

"This agreement with TASL is significant because it demonstrates Boeing's commitment to expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India," Lavender said.

"As we step into our 100th year in business, a new aerospace partnership with India is the perfect milestone to accelerate the momentum we have generated for making in India," said Pratyush Kumar, president for Boeing India.

"This framework agreement is the result of the world-class competencies of TASL as well as the vendor eco-system it has helped establish in India. It gives us an opportunity to explore the massive potential in India for aerospace manufacturing and make the investments required to grow the industry," said S. Ramadorai, chairman of TASL.

TASL's development and production facilities are spread over Hyderabad and Delhi. With 450,000 square feet space, the facilities have 1,800 member strong team.

The capabilities include the assembly and integration of a complete aircraft. It has India's largest private sector integrated detailed part manufacturing facility for aircraft and helicopters.

The units at Hyderabad include a joint venture with Sikorsky. It has so far delivered 95 cabins for Sikorsky S92 helicopters.

TASL also has a joint venture with Lockheed Martin to manufacture the empennage and centre wing box for the C-130 J aircraft.

A dedicated facility is under construction for the Pilatus PC 12 Green Aircraft. The first delivery is scheduled by mid-2016.

Another dedicated facility is under construction for assembly of wings and fuselage of Dornier 228 NG Aero structure components. The first delivery is expected in second quarter of 2015.