Guardians | ALH gives teeth to Navy's airborne ops

From a flying machine with many issues, the naval variant of ALH has now
matured by miles. The enormous potential of the platform has been harnessed
after the fitment of new equipment was carried out. From the initial role of a
helicopter training just pilots, the ALH has definitely progressed
undertaking multi-role ops in the last 5 years. -- Indian Navy

READ  http://bit.do/INAS-322-Guard

Engineer turns author by chasing an idea from cricket field to hangar

When you chase your dreams, chase them hard. That's the story flying out of the Aviation Capital this winter.

Krishna Murari is 53 now. The soft-spoken mechanical engineer, hailing from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, has been working in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the last 28 years.

What makes him different from other plane people in HAL is his passion for writing, an addiction he fell into at a very young age.

Today, he is the proud author of the book "Impact of leadership styles on employee empowerment,' published by Partridge India.

Full report here: http://bit.ly/1I7ZhR6

Post-EASA certification, smart marketing strategies key for Dhruv’s success

https://twitter.com/writetake

Bengaluru, May 26: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is hopeful of bagging the much-awaited European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for the civil variant of Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv by the end of this year.

An official with the Department of Defence Production told Mathrubhumi that the EASA certificate would give HAL enough room to aggressively market the Dhruv once again.

“EASA certification means that HAL can comfortably sell Dhruv to those countries which accept EASA certification. With majority of countries favouring EASA norms, HAL must put in some smart marketing strategies to sell Dhruvs now. They should not wait for the final certification to come and rather begin the ground work right away,” the top official said.

He felt that Dhruv fits in perfectly into the NDA government’s Make in India template, with immense export potential.

“The helicopter market is tough world over and HAL have got a taste of it in the last 10 years. Once EASA nod comes in, HAL must go all out to export the Dhruvs to new markets in Europe. It’s a first in India’s aviation history. Dhruv can be cash cow, if put through good sense of marketing,” he added.

LUH project to gain from current certification: HAL insides are of the opinion that it will be a challenge to enter new markets already on the radar of its competitors. HAL hopes that the process for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for Dhruvs (must to market the helicopters in America) will be taken up bilaterally between India and the US governments.

“It will be a challenge to enter new markets of the world. It’s a tremendous learning process for all of us in HAL. Nobody has done such extensive certification process before in India. It will come handy for the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) certification as well,” an HAL official said.

The LUH is HAL’s latest product set to undertake its maiden flight soon. “The certification process for LUH will be definitely faster,” the official adds. 

HAL insiders feel ALH already over-tested: According to one school of thought in HAL, the Dhruv chopper has already been ‘over-tested’ in the last many years. 

Many feel that HAL’s whole prototype testing and certification programme was tailored to meet EASA\FAA certification requirements, in addition to the stringent requirements of the Services.

“Indian agencies like CRE (Certified Reliability Engineer), Certification Review Item (CRI) and DGCA strictly went by the book. We had a tough time in explaining and educating the authorities to look at the practical side of the requirement and not be theoretical. At the end, we passed all the tests with flying colours,” an HAL official told Mathrubhumi.

Dhruv was again put through a series of trails ahead of it being sold to Chile. The Chilean equivalent of DGCA went through the whole test results comparing with FAA requirements.

“Wherever they required any additional results, they were furnished. Before flying in Turkey we again went through the process of explaining the certification results to their authorities as they would not permit us to fly there unless we met FAA certification requirements,” says the official.

“In short, Dhruv has been over-tested. The DGCA ensured that we met all FAA and EASA requirements in many ways,” the official added.

Crucial noise measurement trials completed: HAL had recently announced that the mandatory noise measurement flight trials on Dhruv were carried out at the Mysuru Airport in Karnataka towards obtaining the EASA certification.

HAL Chairman T Suvarna Raju said that during the process, external aircraft noise levels of Dhruv in three flight conditions were measured, including take-off, approach and flyover.

“The noise measurement test programme starts with the identification of low acoustic profile test site and meeting the geometrical size of runway and cross runway distances. We are happy that the weather parameters and the aircraft parameters show that the noise levels are within the acceptable limits for ALH,” Raju added.

He said the EASA representatives witnessed the entire flight test and preliminary analysis of the recorded noise data. Anotec Consulting, a Spanish company, provided the hardware, software and technical support for the programme.

The civil variant of Dhruv is currently cleared by Indian certifying agency – the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). 

Over 140 Dhruvs operated by armed forces: Around 140 Dhruvs are being currently operated by various armed forces logging over 1, 30,000 flight hours. While the Army Aviation has been extensively using Dhruvs for various operations, the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Navy, the Coast Guard and the Border Security Force have also inducted the Dhruvs.

The IAF’s Sarang aerobatic display team, consisting of Dhruvs, has been performing since 2003, demonstrating its finest maneuverability skills.

During the ongoing Operation Raahat in Nepal, the choppers being operated by the Army Aviation demonstrated its ability to fly at hostile weather conditions. In Nepal, the pilots executed extremely difficult landings during rescue operations.

Dhruv is an all-weather helicopter which can carry 10-16 people at heights of 10,000 feet, in the 5.5 tone class.

Copyright@Mathrubhumi

Tejas has put India on a vibrant technology flightpath: HAL Chairman Tyagi

 By Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Chairman Dr R K Tyagi said that the Company is on a steady flight-path to break into the list of Top-20 world Aerospace and Defence firms in the next couple of years. In an exclusive and freewheeling interview granted to OneIndia, the soft-spoken taskmaster of HAL also predicted that Company has all the capabilities to attain the Maharatna status by 2019.

Tyagi’s three-year tenure can be marked as a period that witnessed minimum controversies, though his fierce critics within still opine that he could have ‘done more.’ 

“Yes, I do agree I could have done more, but I would appreciate if a man’s worth is marked by what he did within the available time and constrains. I have taken criticisms head-on and never feared to justify my stand. I took over as HAL Chairman at a time when the Company was going through a series of uncertainties, which you might have reported extensively.

My main aim was not only to bring new-tech to HAL in the name of modernization, but also to upgrade the skills of my people, right from the shop-floor, through a series of HR reforms,” Tyagi was candid with his take-off remarks.

* HR reforms remained main focus

* Modernisation got more teeth

* Bold steps for a better future

* More Tejas to justify Make in India dream

Read the full interview on OneIndia, here: http://bit.ly/1wAE5Mx

Dhruv, a savior for thousands of families in Sunabeda

By Anantha Krishnan M

https://twitter.com/writetake

Sonabeda, Dec 16: The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) top management has touched the hearts of thousands of employees and their families of its Engine Division in Koraput by dedicating a civil helicopter to meet any medical emergencies.

The civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv (VT-HAQ) has become a huge relief for the Division’s 3700+plus workforce and their families.

The HAL Engine Division is situated at Sunabeda in Koraput district of Odhisa, which is a remote area with fluctuating climate, at times. During a recent visit to the facilities, OneIndia was taken around the helipad, which is on an upgradation mode in the last couple of years.

The employees credit HAL Chairman R K Tyagi for instantly agreeing for their request for a helicopter service so as to reach Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Visakhapatnam during emergencies. “The need for a helicopter was projected in May 2012 and our Chairman ensured that in September 2012 Dhruv started its operations. The availability of Dhruv is a huge morale-booster for the workforce here,” Maloy De, General Manager (Koraput), tells OneIndia.

Pawan Hans, HAL teams available 24x7: Today the Dhruv is operated by a team of pilots and ground engineering team from Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL). They are supported by HAL team headed by S Pandit, Additional General Manager (Helicopters and Services). HAL’s Helicopter Division in Bengaluru is in constant coordination with Sonabeda. In addition to medical evacuation, the Dhruv is also being used for VIP movement and aerial survey.

“The Dhruv has the capability to carry patients and other passengers in different approved configurations. The copter has come to the rescue of many families since 2012. Dhruv is a savior for all the employees of HAL Sonabeda. It’s a relief for the employees to have a chopper to fall back on,” says A B Pradhan, Additional General Manager, HR.

HAL upgrades helipad and infrastructure: The helicopter operations in the region began in 2005 with the Odhisa government setting up two temporary helipads at the HAL facility. “Presently, the helipad has been upgraded and it constitutes of four concrete helipads and a non-concrete one. We can operate five helicopters at a time from this facility,” says HAL Chairman Dr R K Tyagi.

Mandatory facilities like fire tender, ambulance, refueling, ground handling and ground-support equipment are available here. “In addition to Dhruv, bigger helicopters like MI-17, MI-8 and VIP helicopters like Dophin, Bell have operated in the last two years,” says Dr Tyagi.

Commercialisation of ALH helicopter operation: HAL is keen to convert the Dhruv’s operations into a profitable venture and have taken up the matter with the Odhisa government. “Koraput district has many tourist destinations and it’s also the land of NALCO, COBRA battalion of the CRPF, naval ammunition depot, Central University, paper mills among others. There is no helicopter or aviation service that connects this remote town to other communication centers. The scope is huge and we are hopeful of positive responses from various agencies,” says an HAL official, who wanted not to be named.

Tourism potential high if Jeypore airstrip is extended: HAL officials say that the runway at the nearby Jeypore airstrip (40 km from Koraput) needs to be extended for tourism and other commercial purposes. “It is currently of 998 m in length and if extended larger aircraft can land here. If the IL-76s can land, then it would help us ship engines directly to various Indian Air Force (IAF) bases,” says the official.

Currently the engines are being transported by road to various IAF bases, which is a risky and cumbersome process. “If the runway at Jeypore is extended to 3000 m, even the Boeings could land here. The Centre and state government should join hands for the benefit of this region. The Centre should include Jeypore too into the network of airports to be developed. Currently the airstrip is being used only during elections. The Vaydoots had operated from Jeypore in the 1990s,” adds the official.

Our Take | OneIndia

• With the IAF having no operational base in Odhisa, it could be a wise move to develop the Jeypore airstrip,
• The Ministry of Defence should also look into from a strategic point of view so that the facility can be made into a chopper training centre.
• In addition, the IAF can also use the HAL helipad for extending their training.
• From quality assurance point of view, it is better to develop the Jeypore airstrip, so that the engines manufactured and overhauled at HAL Sonabeda will have a snag-free journey to various bases.
• It will be a shot in the arm for all agencies involved in the anti-Naxal operations in the region.

Copyright@OneIndia

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 upbeat over Dhruv's role in Char Dham Ops | 24 choppers & 550 hours of SAR missions

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: The designers, engineers, Test pilots and the maintenance crew at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) are a delighted lot, thanks to stupendous search and rescue (SAR) missions undertaken by the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Dhruv), during the recent Op Rahat in Char Dham.
Dhruv's compact size and high agility enabled pilots to fly in most of the narrow, high altitude valleys of Uttarakhand. “Even the Mi-17s could not negotiate the hostile terrain. Dhruv's best-in-class cabin space can accomodate 14 fully equipped troops, while its sliding and large rear clamshell doors provide easy loading of stretchers\bulky loads. The chopper's high-power engines and hinge-less composite main rotors too came handy during operations in Charm Dham. Other helicopters might have powerful engines, but the control power of their conventional rotors reduces drastically with altitude. Dhruv’s rotors are designed to operate in typical Indian extreme weather conditions,” an HAL official told Express.
During a rescue sortie at Kedarnath, a Dhruv airlifted 17 passengers from the high altitude helipad, whereas the much larger Mi-17 airlifted fewer passengers from there. In another specific case, a Dhruv landed on a high altitude postage-stamp sized clearing to pick up stranded people. The crew of a much smaller civil Bell-407 was not able to land there.
HAL's technical crew too played a role in keeping the machines in good shop, at very short notice. “There were no major down-times or maintenance issues reported during the operations. Precautionary maintenance back-up was also given by our crew stationed at ALGs (advanced landing ground) for the rescue operations. Dhruv has definitely carved a niche for itself in the weight gap between the Chetak and Mi 17,” sources said.
As part of Op Rahat, 24 Dhruvs (18 from IAF and six from Army) flew over 550 hours from multiple locations in the SAR role. “The desperateness of the Indian Air Force for Dhruvs was visible when all serviceable choppers were pulled out, even from the aerobatic team Sarang team, which were ferried all across from Sulur in Coimbatore,” the official said.
Dhruv's advanced avionics suite include a state-of-the-art terrain approach warning, accurate navigation systems, auto pilot and weather radar. “The avionics are integrated with digital autopilot which has adequate redundancy, enabling the helicopter to be operated confidently in adverse weather conditions by day and night. The Mk-III & IV Dhruvs also have stabilised day and night IR & video cameras capable of detection and identification at long ranges. Although optimised for military operations, the long-range sensors can also be gainfully used during rescue and calamity operations,” he said.

(Copyright@The New Indian Express)

Now flying: Ecuadorian President falls in love with the classy Dhruv

These are some of the exclusive shots made available for Tarmak007 during the just-concluded Aero India-2013. According to HAL officials, the above Dhruv with custom-made interiors, is one of the most-favourite flying assets of Ecuadorian President. Seven Dhruvs are now flying with the Ecuador forces.

Gangnam style! Let the show begin now, roar Bangalore's daredevli Test Pilots

 Photos | Sudhakar Jain

 From today, thanks to Aero India, the traffic on Bangalore skies might overtake what’s often seen on the roads. Anantha Krishnan M meets HAL’s  Test Pilots to get an update about the sky party. A City Express special.

The beauty of Bangalore is that every street has a plane story to share. An inspiring story, straight from the skies. In our ongoing series Plane and the People, today we present to you a bunch of boys from Bangalore, who knows nothing, but flying. They are the members of city’s elite Test Pilot’s club, dating two of the finest flying machines -- the weaponised version of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk-IV) Rudra and the yet-to-be-named Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). They always talk passionately about their flying machines. Their address: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Leading the pack is Wg Cdr (retd) Unni Pillai, HAL’s Chief Test Pilot. “You know, Dhruv has matured over the years as a dependable and dynamic chopper. We worked on it, fine-tuned it and improvised it and today it has proved its mettle,” Unni took-off, only to hover back to say: “In India, nobody understands the processes involved in designing and developing a new aircraft. That’s because we are so used to buying, and not making. Dhruv was not a flash in the pan activity,” says Unni.

His partner in crime Grp Capt (retd) Hari Nair feels that his team’s mission is to stay focused and take the indigenous programme forward. “The power available with Dhruv is great. The space within the cabin can be compared with the best in the business. The cabin volume and the ease of seating, especially for the civil variant, are world class. These are not our words. We are inspired by the feedbacks given by the users,” says Hari. Both Unni and Hari will be at Aero India, flying the LCH.

Entering the discussion table next was Cdr (retd) Gulati. “Buying the indigenous products has its own advantage. We can exactly work as per the changing needs of the user. This might not be the case when you buy from outside. One indigenous product can definitely inspire another and LCH is an example. Home-grown programmes can boost your confidence. It can create spin-offs,” says Gulati.

Wg Cdr (retd) S P John is of the view that Rudra lets the pilot off his worries. “The pilot can fully concentrate on weapon deliveries. The electronic warfare (EW) suits certainly helps. In the 5.5 tonne class, Rudra is a mean machine,” says John.

So how did the boys prepare for Aero India? Unni checks in again: “The preparations begin months in advance for the show. We first decide upon how many choppers will fly during the show. Then, we identify the type of chopper. The next step is allocation to static and flying displays. We also identify the equipment. This time we have two Rudras and one LCH in the static display area,” says Unni.

Hari says the aim of a Test pilot, who performs during the show, is to remain as cool as a cucumber, all the time. “Calmness is the mantra. To remain cool you need to practice adequately. It is a very-high performance job. We might be having the display only for five minutes, but the concentration levels are so intense, one would take a minimum of 30 minutes to come back to a normal stage,” says Hari.

Most Test Pilots go through a very unique mode of preparation, what they call as ‘walking the display’ ahead of the shows. “We literally walk inside a room and will go through every maneuver that’s in the script. This is a very interesting phase and we fine-tune many things during our walking the display modes,” says Unni.

Yoga, long-distance running, swimming, racing and cycling keep the fitness levels of these daredevils intact. “I will ensure that everyone goes for running. That’s a must. Every six months, we have medical tests conducted by authorized agencies,” says Unni, adding: “Good sleep is a must. Self-discipline is the key.”

As the boys hit the tarmac at HAL’s Helicopter Complex for the Final Dress Rehearsal (FDR) for Aero India-2013, City Express has the next pit-stop for the day, to meet the boss of these Bangalore boys. “These Test Pilots are our jewels. They are our brand ambassadors in many ways considering they make our planes perfect. It’s not an easy task. But I am impressed by the kind of dedication they have towards these machines. They cajole them like their own children. They talk very passionate about their choppers,” says R K Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.

When asked about the script that HAL would unfold during the show, the soft-spoken Tyagi said: “Look, these boys will fly our machines and exhibit the world its worth. We are all just the backroom boys. We facilitate everything they want so that they come home with flying colours.”

As we hit the Old Airport Road, completing the security formalities, we see a huge hoarding outside HAL’s Helicopter Division, which says – Propel Your Dreams. It’s carnival time for the planes, folks. And, you got to be there at Yelahanka, to cheer namma (our)  boys. 

Copyright@City Express, The New Indian Express

GET REGULAR UPDATES FROM

 TARMAK007'S FB PAGE. CLICK

THE ICON AND LIKE THE PAGE

Bareilly AF base gets Dhruv MK-III

Press Release

Air Force Station Bareilly, one of the premier air bases of the Indian Air Force witnessed the induction of the first batch of ALH MK-III in the IAF. Air Marshal PS Gill, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, Senior Air Staff Officer, Central Air Command, Allahabad presided the induction ceremony. The Mk-III version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is a light multirole and multi-mission helicopter with a full glass cockpit.
The helicopter, manufactured by HAL, differs from the previous version of ALH, or ‘Dhruv’ in the terms of the more powerful ‘Shakti’ engines, full glass cockpit and the integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) suite. The various systems integrated into the helicopter make it a highly manoeuvrable and potent platform for military operations by day as well as by night. The induction of ALH Mk-III at Air Force Station Bareilly is being regarded an important milestone in the Indian aviation industry as well as towards modernisation plan of the Indian Air Force.
A fine display of ALH Helicopters by Wing Commander KS Kakade Commanding Officer of the 111 HU along with five other Pilots, marked the induction ceremony. Capabilities of the aircraft in carrying under-slung weight , casualty evacuation and formation flying were the main features of display by the pilots in the newly inducted ALH helicopter. A large gathering of air warriors and their families witnessing the induction ceremony applauded the display by the newly inducted helicopter, which is now A pride for the people of Bareilly.
The ALH Mk-III is being inducted in 111 Helicopter Unit(111 HU), which was operating with Chetak and Cheetah helicopters earlier. With the new induction, the unit would be better equipped to continue the task of humanitarian relief, casualty evacuation from the Himalayan ranges as well as search and rescue operations along with regular military operations. The unit has also been earmarked for the presentation of the ‘President’s Standard’ for its glorious service for the past 49 years.

CEMILAC boss bats for an integrated national project for aero-engines

By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service

Bangalore: India's attempts towards achieving self-reliance in aeronautics is only possible if an autonomous body is formed to design, develop, test and produce aero-engines. Batting for such an initiative is K Tamilmani, Chief Executive, Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) – a DRDO facility in Bangalore. Speaking to Express, he said that India can claim to be an aerospace nation only  through an amalgamation of the competence available in private and government sectors.
“Today rough estimates say that 4000 engines are needed for Advanced Light Helicopters and 500 engines for Intermediate Jet Trainers. These are low-thrust engines of 25 KN (Kilo Newtons. For engines we need material technology which are not critical and can be internally-outsourced. You need engines for 180 Light Combat Helicopters, 187 Light Utility Helicopters and many more. The marriage between R&D and the industry to meet the requirements is not happening,”  Tamilmani said.
Sighting that the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has around 1000 technical people with expertise and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's (HAL) Engine Division around 400-plus engineers, Tamilmani felt that their strengths need to be shared. “We have demonstrated our might by developing jet fuels starters, which starts the engine. We have also developed pilot-less target aircraft (PTA) engine for Lakshya. There are five engine test-beds with GTRE, while the Engine Division too has got the same facility. If the two teams are put together, then we will have doable targets,” he said.
Justifying his views, the airworthiness expert said that with every engine that is imported, India will have to depend upon others for its maintenance and overhaul support. “We have now L&T, Godrej, MTR (Hyderabad) and other private companies supporting India's missile (including BrahMos) and Indian Space Research Organisation programmes. If we start the process of unifying our expertise, we can reduce our dependency on others,” Tamilmani said.
He said India can never declare self-reliance in aeronautics without having state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, quality assurance and quality production of international standards. “We have not integrated our R&D and appropriate man power is not getting trained for induction. Some of the futuristic cruise missiles also requires engines. India has the capacity, teams, technology, demand and industry. We need to integrate them to be in the race,” Tamilmani said.

Copyright@The New Indian Express

Saving the Dhruv: Top HAL official emails Tarmak007 in a response to CAG observations on ALH

Here’s the detailed response by a senior HAL official, to an email sent by Tarmak007, following the CAG's critical observations on ALH. The sentences in red are the responses and some are left blank as the source didn't want to answer the same. 

CAG observations:

CAG: Despite more than two decades, the technical requirements finalised in 1979 by Army and Air Force were not fully achieved resulting in flying of the 74 ALH supplied by the Company to defence customers with concessions.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:   The requirements were very demanding. The requirement to land at 20000 ft with 200 kg payload is something no helicopter in the world met till Dhruv with Shakti engine came in. The services also need to temper their requirements based on reach of available technology and expertise.  Now, finally with Shakti we meet all the requirements with very minor exceptions.

CAG: Taking up Limited Series Production (LSP) of ALH (2001-2003) even while the
prototypes were being flight tested (1992-2003) and certified, was premature as
large number of design problems were encountered during the manufacturing.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:   Taking up LSP was OK but we should have stopped there and waited for feed backs.  But again it was a first time for HAL, now we have better experience.

CAG: By not freezing the design of ALH and keeping the development stage open the Company had to accommodate the increasing demand of the customer for latest and additional requirements. This led to 363 modifications in 34 helicopters (total 74 supplied to Defence customers).

Reply by HAL source:   I think HAL should be commended for taking it on themselves to improve the product even most were non-flight safety critical.

CAG: The ALH, which was to be successor to Cheetah/Chetak was found to be unsuitable for the intended multi-role requirements due to excess weight and limited power of the engine. ALH with ‘Shakti’ (higher-powered engine) which was planned to be certified in December 2006 is yet to be certified even after a delay of three years resulting in postponement of delivery schedule of 20 ALH with Shakti engine from 2008-09 to 2009-10.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:   ALH carries far more than Chetak/Cheetah and it is a heavier class of chopper.

CAG:  Weapon system integration (WSI) version of ALH has not been developed even after a lapse of 10 years (1998 to 2009). In the absence of clear understanding of the requirements between Navy and the Company, the amount of Rs. 138 crore spent on the project has not resulted in any tangible benefit to the customer.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Navy is not interested in purchasing WSI Dhruv.

CAG:  The Company could not penetrate into the international market in the absence of international certificate in spite of showcasing ALH in the air shows. The Company could not successfully execute even the orders received from civil market.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Dhruv is flying in Ecuador, Mauritius, Maldives and Nepal.  If we have EASA certification, the sales would be faster. The process is on to get the same.

CAG:  As against the envisaged indigenisation level of 50 per cent, about 90 per cent of the value of material used in each helicopter is procured from foreign suppliers.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:   HAL cannot make everything as it is not economically prudent.  The civil industry has not come of age in India.  Globally too, no company makes all components.

CAG recommendations:

CAG:  Series production should be taken up only after prototypes are approved/certified and accepted by the customer.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:   It would consideraly delay the project. Users are involved in the testing and their inputs are incorporated.  The model followed for Dhruv of concorruent production is the globally accepted process.

CAG:  Modifications desired by the customer should be with reference to a time frame
and technical competency of the Company.
Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Stands to logic refer Q1

CAG:  The capacity should be ramped up as to peak up production as planned.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Yes

CAG:  The Company should quicken the process of submitting the documents and obtain the certifications early.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Yes

CAG:  As the Company has entered the highly competitive civilian/ export markets the design/quality issues need to be resolved early to gain the confidence of the customers to remain in the market.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Yes

CAG:  The Company should expedite efforts to get International certificate on priority to be a global player. The Company should exploit civil market by executing the orders successfully and consider options of sale technique through leasing of ALH.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Yes

CAG:  Concerted efforts are needed to achieve the desired (50 per cent) level of indigenisation.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Not possible for another 10 years.

Additional queries by the blogger:

Tarmak007: Is it true that the 'one particular department' is playing the 'dirty games' in delaying procurement? Please explain.

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Yes

Tarmak007: Is the mind-wars between the Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing lobbies within HAL affecting the Dhruv program?

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  --

Tarmak007: Have things gone out of control after Nayak took over as chairman?

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  --

Tarmak007: Are the designers, engineers and workmen doing their bit to make the project a success?

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Yes

Tarmak007: What in your view can stem the rot in HAL, if any? How can you clear the mess and salvage the pride now?

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  Free it from bureaucratic wrangles.

Tarmak007: Finally, what are the flaws in HAL's marketing plans w.r.t. ALH? What needs to be done make the product more successful?

Reply to Tarmak007 by an HAL source:  First prove the product then it will market itself. 

(Stay tuned for another report on ALH)

CAG rips apart HAL over multiple ALH issues

 HAL's falgship Dhruv. Photo: HAL

 By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week |

Bangalore | India | August 06, 2010

In a major setback to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s (HAL) efforts to market its flagship Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has issued a report portraying the helicopter in a very poor light. CAG’s observations are part of its report on public sector undertakings (PSUs), which was presented to the Indian Parliament on Aug. 5. One of CAG’s most striking criticisms is that “90% of the total value of material in Dhruv is imported.” The report also takes HAL to task for not finalizing alternate indigenous suppliers, and says the Dhruvs are overweight and their new Shakti engine has not yet been certified.

 For the full story, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

 (The blogger could not post this report on Tarmak007 yesterday as, it is mandatory that all major news breaks will have to first appear in Aviation Week. )

Double role: HAL makes its marketing head in charge of Helicopter Complex (HC) too; MD (HC) goes on leave sighting health reasons

By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week |

Bangalore | India | August 05, 2010

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s Helicopter Complex (HC) in Bengaluru has a new chief, P. Soundara Rajan, who is also director of marketing and corporate planning at HAL’s headquarters.
AVIATION WEEK has learned from HAL insiders that Soundara assumed his additional responsibilities on Aug. 3, though HAL has yet to issue any formal announcement.
This comes in the wake of current managing director R. Srinivasan going on extended leave, citing health reasons.
The appointment is a crucial one, as the HC faces the herculean task of meeting the demands of the Indian armed forces, with most of its chopper programs lagging behind schedule. In addition to the HC’s flagship product — the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which has now found a place in the international market — the company also has embarked upon ambitious programs like the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

 For the full story, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india

Coming soon: Status of ALH program, post CAG rap

Aviation Week India Thought Leaders (ITL) Series-4: HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak sets firm agenda for aggressive export sales; order book Rs 80,000 crore; says ALH Mk-IV variant on track

HAL Chairman Mr Ashok Nayak (top); and (bottom) company's prime revenue-generating products Dhruv & Su-30MKI. Photos: A.R. Jose for AVIATION WEEK/tarmak007

(AVIATION WEEK'S INDIA THOUGHT LEADERS Q&A SERIES)

By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week

Bangalore, India | May 28, 2010

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) sits on a robust order book close to Rs 80,000 crore, showing the company’s resounding health. As the backbone of the armed services, especially the Indian Air Force (IAF), HAL has firmed up a flight path to stay on top as South Asia’s market leader. Brightening its outlook are a series of fixed-wing and rotary platform projects. The offset policy has also been a huge blessing, with a number of global leaders working closely with HAL. Provisional sales for 2009-10 stood at Rs 11,415 crore, up about 10% over the previous year, while the profit before tax for the year stood at Rs 2,617 crore, with growth of 12% over the previous year. The order book has also swelled by more than Rs 12,000 crore during the year. At the company’s controls is a man who has ushered in a new shop-floor-driven, intense working philosophy. AVIATION WEEK met HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak as part of its India Thought Leaders (ITL) series.

AW: How far has HAL been able to penetrate the global market? Where do you position HAL by 2012?

 A.N.: HAL is emerging as a globally competitive aerospace company, winning the confidence of customers through the supply of high-precision structural work packages to leading global aerospace companies such as Airbus and RUAG in Europe, Boeing in North America and Embraer in South America. We will gradually focus on export of indigenously developed helicopters and trainer aircraft in the future. We will strive to harness the opportunities that emerge through offset. These should take the HAL export sales to substantially higher values in the years to come.

For the complete interview, please visit:

http://www.aviationweek.com/india