Raju steps into HAL cockpit, says he loves challenges

By Dr Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake

Fifty-six-year-old Talari Suvarna Raju stepped into the cockpit of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) as its 17th Chairman on Saturday. Raju, who is currently the Director (Design) of HAL succeeds Dr R K Tyagi, who superannuated on January 31.

Widely believed as a taskmaster, Raju takes control of HAL at a time when the Company is gearing up to take the disinvestment route as mandated by the government. In addition to dealing with a set of independent and government-appointed Directors, Raju will have to spearhead the Company through a new set of rules that will eventually fall in place, thanks to the disinvestment.

While Raju’s leadership traits will right away fall on the radar of HAL’s biggest customer – the Indian Air Force – his biggest task will have to complete all pending projects.Speaking to OneIndia soon after taking charge, Raju said he is ‘not a man in a hurry.’ “I have not taken this responsibility with any magic wand in hand. I have come up the ranks seeing the pluses and minuses of this Company. My primary mission is to ensure that the Services get what they want. I also need to ensure that my people (workforce) stay as a focused family, keeping the HAL flag flying high,” Raju said.

(An abridged version of original report above. Read the comprehensive report
that went live on OneIndia on 31 Jan 2015 here: http://bit.ly/1EwgdTx)

Change of guard at HAL: Raju takes command | Promises to make HAL a tech powerhouse

HAL's new Chairman T Suvarna Raju.

(Unedited HAL Release)

Mr. T. Suvarna Raju who has a distinction of being granted the first patent in HAL in January 2002 has been entrusted Addition Charge as Chairman, HAL. He took over from Dr. R.K. Tyagi here today. “Given the high expectation built around the Company, my priorities would be to concentrate on operational excellence, and build the company as technology powerhouse”, says he. He is committed to set the HAL as one of the best examples that align with “Make-in-India” endeavour of the Government of India and he believes that doing so may be a challenging job in the aviation filed, however not impossible because he strongly believes that “the Best of Technologies can never be bought, it can only be developed”. “I would like HAL to grow as knowledge based organization”, he emphasises.

Born in a humble village of P. Vemavaram of Tanuku (West Godavari) district in Andhra Pradesh (A.P.), Mr. Raju, an Engineering Gratudate, joined HAL on June 26, 1980 as Management Trainee. Unfazed by the extreme work hours and challenging goals, Raju not only continued to deliver and meet his professional goals and targets, but also continued perusing is academic interests. Raju, attended prestigious Indian Institute of Technology at Chennai. Raju was selected and attended the elitist National Defence College. Raju also undertook academic program at National Law School of India University relating to Intellectual Property Rights. He obtained his Masters in Business Administration as well as Masters of Philosophy in Deference and strategic Studies.

The combination of professional responsibilities and academic exposures provided Raju an edge in leading a number of new initiatives and out of box solutions. Under the leadership of Raju, INDIA achieved self-reliance producing 25kN turbofan engines. Raju led drafting of HAL’s first R & D policy, HAL has now applied for an unprecedented 1000 patents in last two years. He also conceptualised, prepared and implemented a number of automation and real-time systems. Raju is recognized for his achievements time to time. One of the feather in has cap is the Dr. Biren Roy Trust Award by the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) for his unstinted efforts in planning and establishment of new technologies at HAL.

Under his leadership Raju heralded a new era in research and development programmes that covered LCA, LUH, LCH, IJT, HTT-40, Jaguar DARIN-III, Mirage Upgrade etc., Significant milestones have been achieved on R&D front with delivery of first series production LCA-Tejas aircraft and ground test vehicle run of LUH. He implemented the concurrent engineering to facilitate the development and production of new aircraft. He also developed the concept of performance based logistics for military aircraft.

Mr. Raju has been instrumental in taking various path breaking measures to make R&D set up of HAL more competitive. He was responsible for drafting of first ever R&D policy of the Company that has shaped various policy initiatives in last few years. With his leadership, all the design centres were brought under the ambit of Committee of Institutional Network (COIN) to synergize the learning across the organization. The policy has enabled creation of a corpus for the R&D by keeping aside 10% of Operating Profit after Tax.

He also contributed towards success of Jaguar production and overhaul facilities establishment at HAL. He has the distinction of having experience in Design & Development, Manufacturing, Maintenance and Upgrade of various types of platforms. Mr Raju was instrumental in establishing production line of Hawk Mk 132 aircraft and its record delivery. He managed the Mirage 2000 aircraft maintenance project which has the distinction of on time deliveries without any cost over-run.

Mr. Raju has been member of various High Level Teams formed by Ministry of Defence (MoD) for assessing the Techno-economic viability of acquisitions. He has been a member of various studies constituted by Indian Defence services and has received commendations for his professional involvement and contributions.

Currently, Mr. Raju is the Chairman of the Bangalore Chapter of AeSI and is the first Member Secretary of Design Development Management Board (DDMB) established by Ministry of Defence (MOD). He is also Member Secretary, National Aeronautics Co-ordination Group.

HAL seeks clarity on futuristic projects; hopes Rolls Royce, Sukhoi issues get resolved

R K Tyagi

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Chairman R K Tyagi has said that the country should come out clearly on futuristic projects like Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and Multirole Transport Aircraft to prioritise strategic and geopolitical goals.

In an interview to Express, Tyagi said the company is contemplating a two-pronged approach — strategic and operational.

“A clear policy on indigenous manufacture of helicopters is also the need of the hour. We already have a certified product in helicopters — ALH Dhruv — that has been servicing multiple customers. With the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) development programmes in the pipeline, we believe that all helicopter requirements for Indian defence forces shall be met internally,” said Tyagi.

At the operational level, Tyagi hoped that the new government takes a clear stand and issues a policy directive on resolving the Rolls Royce crisis and Su-30 MKI (cost escalation) issues.

“The new government would have to be pragmatic in its approach as delay in solving the Rolls Royce issue would impact serviceability of our six frontline fleets. As far as the Sukhoi cost escalation is concerned, the supplies are on hold from the Russian side. The issue is awaiting the Cabinet Committee on Security clearance since September,” said Tyagi, who recently completed two years in office.

On major initiatives launched in HAL during his tenure, Tyagi listed the IT framework audit (carried out across the company by KPMG) and the five-year road map Project Parivartan as the lead ones.

“We did competency mapping and sector skill council in the aerospace and aviation sector. Several HR initiatives for talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership development, introduction and amendment of various policies and procedures were also started during this period,” he added.

On the reasons behind HAL’s aggressive stand in pushing its pet HTT-40 project, despite Indian Air Force (IAF) showing little interest, Tyagi refused to be drawn into any controversy.

“IAF and HAL share a common belief that our country must own technologies that we need. Efficiency of home grown products have been proven beyond doubt by our Dhruv during the flash flood in Uttarkhand. We do not believe in confrontations with our customer,” said Tyagi.

Productivity up: Referring to HAL’s increased productivity, Tyagi said that in 2010, the company’s turnover was `11,457 crore with manpower of 35,000. “Today our turnover is `15,180 crore and our manpower is just over 31,000. The productivity has improved primarily through aggressive use of IT and outsourcing in select non-core areas. I believe in leading a motivated workforce,” said Tyagi.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

HAL crosses Rs 15,000 crore milestone | We are preparing the company beyond 2020: Tyagi

HAL Chairman R K Tyagi completed two years in office and his close aides say that he has injected fresh ideas to inspire the workforce. His critics, however, say that a lot more needs to be done on the HR front, which is still the weak link. Photo: MoD

(Press Release | Unedited)

HAL has notched-up the highest ever turnover of Rs. 15,180 crores for the FY 2013-14 surpassing the previous year's figure of Rs. 14,324 crores. "We crossed the psychological barrier of Rs. 15,000 crores and the production has been pretty good as we produced 60 aircraft and helicopters, achieved the initial operational clearance (II) of LCA and filed record 209 patents during the year", said Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. "We are preparing the company for 2020 and beyond", he added. HAL’s Value of Production (VOP) for FY 2013-14, stood at Rs. 15,296 crores as against the figure of Rs. 14,202 crores of the previous year. The operating profit went up to Rs. 1,651 crores in the FY 2013-14 as against Rs. 1,194 crores in 2012-13.
In the meantime, HAL received the “Most Efficient Navratna 2013” award at the fifth Dalal Street Investment Journal Awards night held in New Delhi yesterday. HAL Chairman, Dr. R.K. Tyagi received the award from the jury. The awards were presented to the various PSUs in different categories in recognition of their performance and contribution to the Indian economy.
Some of the HAL highlights for the FY 2013-14 included Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) received for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), sea level, night level and high altitude trials successfully done for IJT, induction of first completely Indian manufactured Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer by INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, dedication of ALH-Dhruv, Garuda Vasudha to the nation for exploration of mineral wealth, contribution of structures for Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and Crew Module structure assembly for the Human Spaceflight Programme (HSP) to ISRO.
Besides the prudent financial management, the company took several initiatives on R&D front, indigenisation, quality, customer support, IT, HR and CSR. HAL played a vital role during the Uttarakhand flood relief operation during July 2013 as its ALH-Dhruv performed effectively in a massive rescue and relief operation, clocking more than 600 hrs of flying.

First look at new Tejas facilities | HAL’s hi-tech Tejas hangar goes live; first aircraft likely in 3 months

The man in the above photo is V Sridharan, new Tejas production group general manager in HAL. He holds a record for creating new benchmarks in Hawk production in HAL, a fact acknowledged even by the BAE Systems. Photos: NK for Tarmak007

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Serivce

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has set up a state-of-the-art facility with some of the best aerospace manufacturing technologies to take up the Tejas series production. With the built-up area of 28,000 sq meters, the Light Combat Aircraft (Production Group) has already started the series production of Tejas with the mandate of delivering the first aircraft (SP-1) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 2014.

The new facility has LCA structural assembly hangar, two flights hangars and machine shops to augment the Tejas production. Backed with a workforce of over 700 personnel, with 80 per cent being in the average age group of 30 years, the set-up has come up with a sanction of approximately Rs 400 crore. Each Tejas platform should cost the IAF around Rs 200 crore. The equipment fitting on SP-1 began this year and 75 per cent of the aircraft structure is already ready. First 20 aircraft will be rolled out in the initial operational clearance configuration, while the next 20 will be in the final operational clearance format.

HAL plans to take the production rate to 16 aircraft per year from 2017 onwards. The facility will be upgraded to a major manufacturing complex consisting of sheet metal shop, process shop and heat treatment shop. Additional hangars are also coming up for support and maintenance, with further augmentation in the pipeline to accommodate the Tejas trainers and naval variant.

All hangars are equipped with forced draft systems to maintain dust, humidity and temperature control. HAL has given the mandate to head the new facility to V Sridharan, who has worked extensively on Jaguar and Hawk programmes. “We have embedded the Tejas production with best lean practices in manufacturing. Maintaining highest quality standards have been the driving philosophy behind while setting up this unit,” HAL chairman R K Tyagi told Express from Delhi. Batting for the private industry, HAL says that a total of 9362 fabricated parts will be manufactured by its external supply chain. “This step is critical in propelling HAL as a lead integrator in the national aerospace eco system,” Tygai said. 

A gen-next 5-axis CNC machine installed at the facility is capable of robotically undertaking the wing skin drilling, thereby reducing the turnaround time by 80 per cent. The manufacturing jigs have been calibrated with computer-aided laser tracker to 80 micron tolerance. The manufacturing shop has been equipped with appropriate CAD software for working with digital mockup features.

To aid IAF’s Tejas squadron formation and associated flight operations, HAL has built a brand new 5000 sq meter tarmac right next to the manufacturing hangar. The flightline group from the new Tejas facility has supported six detachments (outstation trials) in this year. The Tejas variants have also logged the highest ever number of flights (485) this year.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Decks cleared for IOC-2 on Dec 20 in Bangalore | Most test points cleared ahead of D-Day: DRDO | SP plans on track: HAL

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas cleared a critical test point on Saturday, for its much-awaited Initial Operational Clearance (IOC-2), by firing an infrared (IR) seeking air-to-air R-73 E missile. The missile destroyed a target being towed by a pilotless target aircraft Lakshya, launched by an Indian Navy ship. The test was conducted off the coast of Goa and the flight was piloted by Gp Capt Suneet Krishna (retd), a Test pilot working with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

It was for the first time the Tejas proved its air defence role by firing a missile at a target using an onboard fire control radar, while the earlier tests were done using a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system. The test also paved the way for the IOC-2 declaration, now confirmed to be held in Bangalore on December 20. Defence Minister A K Antony will lead a power-packed delegation for the December 20 event, for which the preparations have already begun at the Old HAL airport.

K Tamilmani, Director-General (Aeronautical Systems), DRDO, told Express that the missile firing has almost closed all test points remaining in the programme, ahead of IOC-2. “The pilot took the aircraft to around 4.5 km above sea level, locked-on to the target (considered as an interceptor) and 'killed' it with pin-point precision. There are no major test points remaining and we are on track for the historic event on December 20,” Tamilmani said. The braking systems of Tejas (with maximum all-up weight) was also tested in Goa to ensure that they don't get excessively heated up, while landing.

While the programme has to go some more distance before the fighters get inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), the onus post-IOC-2 will shift towards HAL for rolling out the production version aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited chairman R K Tyagi said with the R-73 E missile firing, Tejas has proven some of its independent capabilities. “Our aim now is to aid IAF quickly with the series production (SP) aircraft so that the squadron formation takes place as planned. There is definitely excitement in the air following the Goa trials, and we are on track to get the SP version out in phases,” Tyagi said.

Sources associated with the programme said every test point demanded by the certification agencies had been met. “All queries and counter-queries were demonstrated and relevant data was brought out. No more outstation trials are remaining ahead of IOC-2 and the last bit of surprises that might arise will be dealt locally,” an official said.

For the past few months engineers, designers and Test pilots from both ADA and HAL were on their toes clearing all test parameters for IOC-2. “There has been tremendous pressure on the Tejas team with the MoD monitoring the progress on a daily basis. The defence minister was personally tracking the progress of the missile firing, which was delayed by a couple of weeks owing to logistical reasons,” the official said. The missile firing was originally planned at Jamnagar and later shifted to Goa.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

[Look out for some inspiring stories on Tarmak007 as Tejas gets closer to IOC-2.]

Second LCH prototype completes successful sea-level trials

Photos: HAL HQ

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: The second prototype (TD-2) of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) successfully completed the sea-level trials at Air Force Station, Tambaram in Chennai, last month. A product of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH -- painted in camouflage colours -- had the trials from October 28 to November 23. The extensive trials were carried out to validate the design improvements implemented on the prototype based on the feedback from initial sea-level trials carried out during June 2012.
A company official told Express that a total of 32 flights were carried out covering helicopter performance, load measurement, handling qualities for various all-up weights (with external stores installed), bank turns and spot turns, low speed handling, single engine performance and auto-rotation. “Considerable improvements have been observed in the performance parameters in comparison with the earlier sea-level trials. All the test points planned were completed successfully with no major snags observed. Representatives of customers and certifying authorities were present during the trials,” the official said.
Based on the feedback on various tests done on LCH TD-1, the designers have gone for optimum transmission, modified rotor system and additional weight-reduction on TD-2. “The TD-1 had dummy weapons and sensors. Now, the TD-2 will prepare itself for hot weather trials and we will integrate mission sensors and weapons,” the official added.
Confirming the trials, HAL chairman R K Tyagi said that the LCH programme is steadily progressing as per the script. “One phase of trials got over in Chennai and now we are looking forward to other critical missions. The lessons learnt from the Dhruv experience is coming handy to our designers, engineers and Test pilots,” Tyagi said.
Since its first flight in June 2011, the LCH TD-2 has so for logged 96 flying hours (146 sorties). The LCH first prototype (TD1) had its maiden flight on March 29, 2010 and has to its credit over 140 sorties. HAL is in the process of accelerating the prototype development flight testing of LCH to achieve the proposed initial operational clearance (IOC) by December 2015. The company now plans to add another prototype (LCH TD-3) to the flight-line by next year.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Tyagi tries hard to win HAL hearts

Above the copy of HAL chairman R K Tyagi's message to the 34,000-plus strong workforce. His fist year in office has been just a quiet one with nothing extra-ordinary to report. Tejas series production, Su-30 MKI compressed delivery schedules, ALH production, LCH IOC, IJT revival, quality concerns, propelling name-sake JVs, bran drain, poor HR record, corruption, leadership crisis, new projects -- his list of priorities (read as worries) are growing. Let's see what he does this year. If at all!

Hyderabad fiasco: Embarrassed HAL ducks for cover

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is running for cover after media reports on their officials doing the 'vanishing act' from the crucial final session of the just-concluded two-day International Conference and Exhibition on Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA), held in Hyderabad. Insiders confirm that HAL officials who were given the mandate of ensuring participation at the event (from Hyderabad Division) had to answer some uncomfortable queries from the company's corporate office in Bangalore.
The annual event organised by the Hyderabad chapter of Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), has gained significance over the years with the who is who of aeronautical fraternity (both civil and military) logging in their attendance. The concluding session of the event was chaired by Defence Research and Development Organisation chief V K Saraswat, who was given the mandate by AeSI to make an approach paper on the RTA's flightpath. Saraswat had downplayed HAL's absence from the crucial session by saying the company officials were in large numbers on the first day.
“A talk on India's RTA is incomplete without the presence of HAL, considering they have the expertise and strength in design, development and manufacturing in India now. While the private sector is definitely warming up to take big projects, they cannot completely ignore HAL. It is definitely a serious lapse from their part,” a senior official who attended the event said.
Interestingly, most speakers and participants at the concluding session of the meet were of the opinion that India's RTA should be built by an agency not owned by the government. HAL's over-loaded work schedule was the main reason, most had sighted during the debate.
An email, with two queries sent to HAL chairman R K Tyagi, evoked no response till late on Friday night. HAL's media manager too pointed towards Tyagi for answers. Repeated calls to Tyagi's mobile went unanswered, with his staff stating that he was away in Delhi.
Sources say that Tyagi, said to be a cool man, is upset following this incident. "We are finding out what went wrong, as being reported. We are finding out how many people were there during the concluding session," HAL's media manager G Sutar told Tarmak007.

Post Tyagi avatar, is HAL a sinking ship or a shining star? What's your take?

HAL Chairman R K Tyagi

HAL Chairman R K Tyagi completed one year in office recently. He took over at a time when the company was in a mess, thanks to the vision-less ways of working of some of the top officials, who ran the company before he landed.

But, did Tyagi make any difference at all? Is he a puppet in the hands of those who made him the chairman? Is he following the footsteps of his predecessors being a I, Me, Myslef Man, enjoying the fruits of power in abundance? Or is he a man, who is taking time before going the full throttle? Is he finding it tough to manoeuvre, amidst a set of greedy directors? Is he too playing into the hands of HAL's Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), who wants to poke his nose into every aspect of the company, in the name of 'transparency?' 
 Tarmak007 is keen to have your views, ahead of putting together a piece on HAL, after Tyagi taking controls. Keep the comments decent and to the point. Worthy ones will be part of the article. Write Now!

Your comments must be posted to the Top Post
on Tarmak007's FB page. Click the logo below.

Rahul presents -- Rudra & LCH stunners from the skies

 Bangalore-based sensational shutterbug Rahul Devnath just emailed me these stunning shots of Rudra and LCH, for the benefit of Tarmak007 members and visitors. Enjoy!

Rudra to receive IOC officially today | Begins validation flights ahead of Aero India, along with LCH

PHOTOS: SUDHAKAR JAIN | THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS | SHOOT COURTESY: P SOUNDARA RAJAN, MD (HELICOPTERS), HAL | LOCATION: HAL HELICOPTER  DIVISION

 By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore: Rudra, the weapon system integrated (WSI) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), MK-IV, along with the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) began the flight validation exercises ahead of Aero India. In an interview to Express on Saturday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL’s) Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (retd) Unni Pillai said that both choppers are in fine form and ready for the thrillers during the show.He said Rudra will be HAL’s star performer during the show, with LCH leaving no effort to match up to the big brother.

“This air show is special to us because we are handing over two Rudras to the Army Aviation. Like last year, one LCH will be painted in a special camouflaged painting and put on duty at the static display area,” Unni said.HAL is also gearing up for an in-house event on Sunday, when the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) officially gives the green signal to Rudra in the form an Initial Operational Clearance (IOC).

“Rudra is a marvel and we have cleared all systems and weapons. The Army can now fly Rudra for all support roles during frontline operations. It is definitely a significant moment for Indian military programme,” CEMILAC CEO Dr K Tamilmani told Express.

Barring the air-to-ground (A-2-G) missile, which the Services are yet to finalise, Rudra has a mix of weapons already cleared for operation. An air-to-air Mistral missile (MBDA, France) with 10 km range, 20 mm cannon (Nexter, France) and 700-mm rockets (Belgium make) form Rudra’s killer menu.

“The Helina which was initially meant for Rudra as a A-2-G missile, is currently undergoing changes at DRDO facilities in Hyderabad. It will then have to be tested on ground and later onboard Rudra, before the Services accepts it. We are confident that Helina will make it finally to Rudra,” Tamil Mani said.

HAL chairman R K Tyagi felt that Rudra will give the much-needed brand identity to the company during Aero India. “The Dhruv programme has gone through various good and bad phases. But, ultimately what emerges as a product matters, and Rudra is an answer. It has one of the world’s finest features embedded onboard and we will be exhibiting the same to the customers during the show. The IOC is a morale-boost to team HAL,” Tyagi said.

Tomorrow: Lines, pilots fear

Copyright@The New Indian Express

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