Tatas to manufacture aerostructures for Pilatus PC-12 aircraft

Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd and India's Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed an agreement for manufacture and supply of Pilatus PC-12 "Green Aircraft" aerostructures at TASL facility here.

This will include assembly of the complete airframe for the aircraft, including integrated fuselage, wing, cockpit, ailerons, fins, and rudders, the TASL said Tuesday.

"During a rigorous sourcing and selection process, Tata Advanced Systems were able to evidence world class capabilities and the capacity to support delivery against Pilatus' requirements," the statement said.

The Pilatus PC-12 NG is one of the most popular turbine-powered business aircraft in the market with over 1,300 aircraft already sold worldwide.

Pilatus is currently supplying its PC-7 MkII Basic Trainer Aircraft to the Indian Air Force as part of its contract for 75 such aircraft.

"The partnership is also important in the context of Pilatus' offset obligation resulting from the sale of the PC-7 MkII Training Aircraft System to the Indian Air Force," said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

"This significant initiative is testament to the strong performance demonstrated by Tata Advanced Systems in recent years to become a supplier of choice for aerostructures manufacturing. Our desire is to further strengthen this partnership with Pilatus to develop capabilities for complete aircraft manufacturing in India, which will meet the needs of the Indian Defence Forces." said S. Ramadorai, chairman, TASL.

TASL, a leader in the aerostructures business in India, has partnerships and joint ventures with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, wherein it is manufacturing key aerostructures as a global single source.

TASL recently won contracts from RUAG Aviation for Dornier 228-212 NG fuselage and wing, and Cobham Mission Equipment for air-to-air refuelling pods.