HAL & MIDHANI Signs MoU for Development & Production of Composites Raw Materials

#Aerospace #AtmaNirbharBharat #HAL

Source: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat, many industries in India have geared up their manufacturing process to manufacture best quality products in India.

HAL and MIDHANI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ongoing Aero India 2021 today for development and production of composite raw materials. This is the first time that such an MoU has been signed for composite raw materials.

The MoU was signed by Mr R. Madhavan, CMD (HAL) and Dr S K Jha, CMD (MIDHANI) in the presence of other Senior officials. Mr R. Madhavan said composites are one area where HAL will collaborate. Composites raw materials, mainly in the form of Prepregs used in platforms like LCA, ALH, LCH and LUH are currently imported.

Mr S K Jha, CMD, MIDHANI said that this is the major step forward in the area of composite materials. HAL is not only taking care of frontline aircraft production but also raw materials.

There is no equivalent proven Indian approved/qualified supplier for various types of Prepregs (Carbon, Aramid, Glass types etc.) for the Aircraft applications. This creates dependency on foreign OEMs, which is likely to continue in future indigenous programs. Aligned with “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, efforts need to be made to develop and manufacture such Prepregs in India through collaboration.

The usage of composites in Aerospace is going to exist and increase, particularly for fighter Aircrafts/Helicopters because of its inherent advantages over metallic raw materials. In addition, similar requirements exist for other Aerospace and Defense programs including those of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO), and National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).