HMT Machine Tools supplies equipment for naval application to BEL

The Bangalore-based HMT Machine Tools Ltd has forayed into the production of naval systems by successfully developing ‘Directing Gear’, a critical on board equipment for naval application. The equipment called ‘Directing Gear’ is an auxiliary of Sonar system developed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, and has been developed through a collaborative effort with Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), the defence production agency and NPOL.
 
The first equipment was handed over to Ajit T Kalghatgi, Director (R&D), BEL, by B M Shivashankar, Managing Director, HMT Machine Tools Ltd, at a function at nearby Kalamassery. This would also be a major import-substitution for Bharat Electronics Ltd. This is the first of the three units against a defence order Bharat Electronics, Bangalore had given to HMT Machine Tools.
 
It is for the first time that HMT Machine Tools is entering into the manufacturing of naval systems, a press release said. The major challenge for HMT Machine Tools was to design, manufacture, test, qualify and deliver this complex system within a tight time schedule to facilitate an important order for BEL.
 
The directing gear is a computer-controlled rotary system using a state-of-the-art technology. It would be used for supporting and calibrating the 4.5-tonne sensor array of the Sonar system. It is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration, temperature and other adverse conditions of the battlefield during operation.
 
An MoU was signed between NPOL, BEL and HMT Machine Tools for ensuring successful realisation of the directing gear in January this year, said K K Balachandran, General Manager..
 
The tie up is a major outcome of NPOL’s efforts to involve both public and private sector industries in sonar production. It also underlines BEL’s interest in utilising its Product Support Centre at Kalamassery to promote sonar systems development through NPOL.