Hyderabad Aerospace & Aero Park Updates

[rizwan3]

This thread is about the updates of Aviation & Aerospace industry in Hyderabad

[rizwan3]

http://www.business-standard.com/ind...in-nov/399065/
Tata to roll out S-92 chopper cabins from Hyderabad in Nov
Hyderabad June 23, 2010, 0:04 IST

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is all set to roll out the first Indian-made S-92 chopper cabins in November this year.

TASL, in a joint venture with US-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, has set up a helicopter cabin manufacturing facility at the Aerospace and Precision Engineering Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Adibatla, near here.


Senior officials of the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), which developed the SEZ, said the TASL facility had commenced production on April 8 and the chopper cabins were expected to be ready by November.

APIIC has allotted 50 acre in the 250-acre SEZ for setting up the TSAL facility, which will initially cater to the exports market. The main manufacturing unit has come up over an extent of 7 acre.

Being the anchor client of the Adibatla aerospace cluster, TASL gave a major boost to the state government's plan to project Hyderabad as an aviation hub. Now, APIIC officials said, many were coming forward to set up shop at the place but land was not available.

They told Business Standard that Tata group was also asking for an additional land of 70 acres for setting up another facility for manufacture of aerospace components. However, there was only an extent of 40 acre, which was readily available for allotment. The aerospace cluster is spread over 350 acre. Of this 250 acre has been notified as SEZ.

Besides TASL, APIIC had allotted 30 acre of land in the SEZ to Nova Integrated Systems (NIS), 25 acre to Punj Lloyd, 20 acre to Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) and 96 acre to Samuha, a consortium of manufacturers including MTAR Technologies Private Limited.

NIS, a joint venture between Tata group and Israel Aerospace Industries, is setting up a defence systems manufacturing facility at a cost of about Rs 500 crore. APIIC officials said that it was going to start construction in a span of three months.

On the other hand, Samuha is stated to be investing about Rs 1,500 crore in the aerospace and high-precision metrological test and measurement facility. It has been allotted an additional 106 acre of land outside the SEZ.

APIIC advisor, D Pardhasaradhi Rao, said that the corporation was planning to spend Rs 28 crore on development of the necessary infrastructure in the SEZ. It had so far spent Rs 10-12 crore on creation of facilities.

Godrej group seeks land
APIIC executive director, Sreedhar Cherukuri, said that the Godrej group had come forward to set up a facility in the state for manufacturing and assembly of all its consumer goods. “They approached us for allotment of 35 acre of land in Hyderabad, Nellore or Visakhapatnam. We are looking for allotment of suitable land for them,” he said, adding that Godrej was expected to invest about Rs 500 crore in the proposed unit.

According to Cherukuri, APIIC’s fine and speciality chemicals park, being set up over an extent of 1,000 acre at Atchyutapuram near Visakhapatnam, is also getting good response.

So far, three companies, including Nagarjuna Agrichem, have come forward to establish their units at the place. The park consists of 500 acre of SEZ and an equal extent of non-SEZ land.

[Prodigist]

Indian Rotorcraft Limited- To manufacture Augusta Westlands AW119 in Hyderabad

Ratan Tata to head helicopter joint venture

Ratan Tata, head of the Tata group, is set to be the chairman of the country’s first private helicopter assembly line, Indian Rotorcraft Ltd.The firm is a joint venture (JV) between holding company Tata Sons Ltd and Italy-based Finmeccanica SpA’s helicopter unit AgustaWestland. The Tata group has a 74% stake.
“He was kind enough to become the chairman of the JV,” Giuseppe Orsi, chief executive of AgustaWestland, said in an interview on the sidelines of the ongoing Farnborough airshow in the UK. “This decision has recently been made and is likely to be implemented (soon).”
Orsi will be co-chairman.

State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is the only other helicopter maker in India. Another Tata group company, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, has a joint venture with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of US-based United Technologies Corp., to assemble helicopter cabins in India. The venture was announced in November.

Indian Rotorcraft’s plant, to be set up in Hyderabad, will manufacture AgustaWestland’s eight-seat utility helicopter AW119, which will be rolled out by the end of 2011 or early 2012. The facility can also cater to military requirements if the need arises, Orsi said.

Indian Rotorcraft’s $30 million investment in the assembly line will be spread over two years, he added.
The two sides in the joint venture, announced in February, are already looking at expanding the scale of the plant.

The facility will be located at the aerospace park in the Hyderabad international airport campus.

“We initiated talks with two SEZs (special economic zones) in Hyderabad, one within the airport and one outside the airport, where Tata already has its existing operations. After evaluating, we have decided to go ahead with the SEZ within the airport as that will not just provide us with greenfield (space), but also other infrastructural benefits,” Orsi said.

“We are also in the advance stages of negotiating with Ratan Tata for the further expansion of the proposed activity, which will create the need of a larger area for the joint venture,” he added.

The utility helicopter, of which 190 have been sold so far globally, is now built in AgustaWestland’s facility in Philadelphia. Gradually, production of the AW119s will be shifted entirely to India and the US facility, which employs some 500 people, will make other helicopter models.

The “total number of employees (in India) will start with 50 and then grow up to 100 in the medium term and then more with expansion.

Another Chopper Manufacturing Company in Hyderabad: This time in GMR's HIAL Aerospace SEZ

[rockystone]

Sikorsky Aircraft eyes opportunities Indian defence market

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp plans to pursue multiple opportunities in the Indian defence market, a strategy that could see the company, actively targeting the country's internal security set-up. However, the company ruled out the manufacture of its iconic Black Hawk helicopters in India, unless it sees a greater demand.

Refuting media reports that suggested that the US defence contractor was all set to enlarge its Hyderabad manufacturing facility, run jointly with the Tatas, to make the helicopter, AJS Walia, managing director, India and South Asia, said, it would depend largely on the market for the product.

Mr Walia said the Sikorsky is willing to bring the Black Hawk production line to India, provided it bags a major defence tender.

"Once the pursuit of the project is made available to us, we will be bringing the whole production line here," Mr Walia told the ET in an exclusive chat.

"There is that little condition, but the intention to bring it here is always there," he said. However, Sikorsky, which is a unit of the US industrial conglomerate United Technologies Corp, is also looking hard at the options on the homeland security front.

"You have remote areas which would lend themselves very well to our short take-off and landing product, the M-28. But, right now, the homeland security space is ground-based. The focus is largely on ground equipment. But a day will come when there will be a need for helicopters and we will be ready," Anthony Moreland, regional sales executive, India, said.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), specifically designed for homeland security usage, is also being considered. "We are providing the airframe for the UAV platform, called the Fire Scout. Our partner, Northrop Grumman, provides the system integration and the final product. This airframe is based on one of our Schweizer products. The Indian government has expressed interest and a Letter of Request is going through the process right now," Mr Moreland said.

The company, which is one of the front-runners to bag the lucrative multi-role helicopter contract issued by the Navy, said it expects the field trials for the billion-dollar tender, to start within the next three months.

"We are still waiting to hear on that. But I would probably expect it over the next 90 days or so," Mr Moreland said. The defence vendor added that the trial aircraft for the contract are ready for the upcoming field evaluations.

Sikorsky is offering the S-70B through the direct commercial sales route, while also being a part of the US Navy bid for the contract, with its Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH60R helicopter, under the Foreign Military Sales process. "We have both the aircraft ready. Whenever the government decides to fly them, we will have them standing by," Moreland said.

[rizwan3]

Rotorcraft to set up helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR SEZ

A joint venture between Tatas and Italian helicopter company AgustaWestland, will set up a helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR’s aviation SEZ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Indian Rotorcraft, a joint venture between Tatas and Italian helicopter company AgustaWestland, will set up a helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR’s aviation SEZ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here soon.

The JV will manufacture AW119, a eight-seat utility helicopter here for AgustaWestland, a company owned by Italy-based Finmeccanica.

G M Rao, Chairman, GMR Group said an international helicopter manufacturer is planning to set up its shop in their SEZ but refused to confirm the name of the company.

“The proposal is finalised. We cannot divulge the name of the company at this time as it still has to be cleared by the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Board and other regulators,” Rao told PTI.

Sources close to the development, however, said Indian Rotorcraft will be setting up the manufacturing facility in the SEZ.

Giuseppe Orsi, Chief Executive of AgustaWestland and Co-Chairman of Indian Rotorcraft said they initiated talks with two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Hyderabad, one within the airport and one outside the airport, where Tata already has its operations.

“After evaluating, we have decided to go ahead with the SEZ within the airport as that will not just provide us with greenfield (space), but also other infrastructural benefits,” Orsi had said in an interview on the sidelines of the Farnborough air show in the UK.

According to AgustaWestland, the joint venture company will be responsible for AW119 final assembly, completion and delivery while AgustaWestland will retain the responsibility for worldwide marketing and sales.

The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered from the new facility in 2011 with production forecast of 30 aircraft per year to meet worldwide demand.

According to a senior official of the GMR SEZ, the helicopter unit requires around 10 acres of land and it would finally go up to 20 acres.

The official said they are expecting two more companies which are in to aerospace and aviation spare parts manufacturing space to sign a MOU in this fiscal.

The 250-acre GMR Aerospace SEZ already houses an MRO unit a joint venture between Malaysian Airlines and GMR, with the Indian firm holding 51 per cent stake.

[rizwan3]

Rotorcraft to set up helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR SEZ

A joint venture between Tatas and Italian helicopter company AgustaWestland, will set up a helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR’s aviation SEZ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

Indian Rotorcraft, a joint venture between Tatas and Italian helicopter company AgustaWestland, will set up a helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR’s aviation SEZ at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here soon.

The JV will manufacture AW119, a eight-seat utility helicopter here for AgustaWestland, a company owned by Italy-based Finmeccanica.

G M Rao, Chairman, GMR Group said an international helicopter manufacturer is planning to set up its shop in their SEZ but refused to confirm the name of the company.

“The proposal is finalised. We cannot divulge the name of the company at this time as it still has to be cleared by the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) Board and other regulators,” Rao told PTI.

Sources close to the development, however, said Indian Rotorcraft will be setting up the manufacturing facility in the SEZ.

Giuseppe Orsi, Chief Executive of AgustaWestland and Co-Chairman of Indian Rotorcraft said they initiated talks with two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Hyderabad, one within the airport and one outside the airport, where Tata already has its operations.

“After evaluating, we have decided to go ahead with the SEZ within the airport as that will not just provide us with greenfield (space), but also other infrastructural benefits,” Orsi had said in an interview on the sidelines of the Farnborough air show in the UK.

According to AgustaWestland, the joint venture company will be responsible for AW119 final assembly, completion and delivery while AgustaWestland will retain the responsibility for worldwide marketing and sales.

The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered from the new facility in 2011 with production forecast of 30 aircraft per year to meet worldwide demand.

According to a senior official of the GMR SEZ, the helicopter unit requires around 10 acres of land and it would finally go up to 20 acres.

The official said they are expecting two more companies which are in to aerospace and aviation spare parts manufacturing space to sign a MOU in this fiscal.

The 250-acre GMR Aerospace SEZ already houses an MRO unit a joint venture between Malaysian Airlines and GMR, with the Indian firm holding 51 per cent stake.

[rizwan3]

GMR arm may get govt nod to be Hyderabad SEZ co-developer


Infrastructure major GMR's subsidiary is expected to receive the government's approval to become a co-developer in the aviation sector SEZ at Hyderabad. The SEZ is being developed by the GMR-operated Hyderabad International Airport Limited (HIAL).

The subsidiary company — MAS GMR Aerospace Engineering Company Limited (MAS GMR) — had submitted a proposal to the commerce ministry for becoming a co-developer for development, construction and maintenance of MRO infrastructure over an area of 10 hectares. The company, a joint venture between GMR HIAL and Malaysia Airlines MAS Aerospace Engineering, is expected to get clearance at the Board of Approval (BoA) meeting, headed by commerce secretary Rahul Khullar, next week.

The proposal has been recommended by the Development Commissioner of the SEZ, who has stated in his report that the co-developer status “is in line with the SEZ Act 2005”. According to the Act, the co-developer is expected to provide infrastructure facilities to the units. In the examination report, the DC has noted that the hangar and equipment proposed by the MASGMR are intrinsic to the infrastructure required for an MRO facility. While MASGMR has proposed an investment of Rs 250 crore, the prospective MRO operator will have to invest around Rs 100 crore to make the facility operational. The SEZ was notified in October 2009 over an area of 101 hectares. It would have service activities like airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), component MRO and engine MRO.



MASGMR has taken on lease 10 hectares in the processing area of the notified land from GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ. Commenting on the business model, the DC has said in the report that the developer will collect lease rentals from MASGMR. In turn, MAS GMR will create infrastructure for the MRO facility on the leased land and collect lease rentals for allotment of the MRO facility to a prospective MRO operator.

“Once approved, the unit will collect service fees from airline customers in conformity with the provisions of the SEZ Act,” the DC has said. In the last meeting of the BoA, the proposal had been deferred and the Board had directed the DC to submit his report after discussions with the developer and also include the nature of business model in the report.

[SARAN R]

Mahindra group showing interest in aerospace unit in hyderabad. They asking the government to allot 30 acres of land for their project.The officials of Mahindra group are coming to hyd today to discuss about the project.I think today we get a clear clarification on this project and how much they want to invest on this project

[rizwan3]

http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/08/stor...0854811600.htm

Copter cabin from Tata firm by year-end


HYDERABAD: The first S-92 helicopter cabin from the Tata Sikorsky green field facility near Hyderabad is scheduled for delivery before the year-end.

Supply chain

The facility came up as part of the agreement signed in June last year between Sikorsky and Tata Advanced Systems, a subsidiary company of the Tata Group, for manufacturing S-92 helicopter cabins.

India's highly skilled aerospace workforce is currently manufacturing the cabins as part of Sikorsky's global supply chain, according to the company's regional sales executive (India) Anthony Moreland.

[rizwan3]

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/...0150911900.htm

Ratan Tata may meet Rosaiah on new investments

Hyderabad

Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group, is likely to meet the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Mr Rosaiah here on November 7, to discuss investments the group has planned in the State.

This was disclosed by Mr Rosaiah while reviewing the progress of country's first aerospace and precision engineering Special Economic Zone set up on a 500-acre site at Nadargul and Adibhatla villages in Ranga Reddy district.

The group has set up Tata Advanced Systems in the Aerospace SEZ to manufacture cabins for Sikorsky-92 helicopters.

The first cabin from the manufacturing line would be exported to Sikorsky's assembly unit in the US on November 23, with two more scheduled to be delivered by the year-end.

In another development, the Mahindra Group has also offered to set up a major Aerospace Project at an investment of around Rs 300 crore, he said.

The State was targeting at overtaking Gujarat and Maharashtra in investment and industrialisation in the coming years.

“Andhra Pradesh has laid down an ambitious road map for attracting global investments and technology partners at the Aerospace SEZ to emerge as the only destination for aviation industry, not only in India, but across Asia,” he said in a release.

[razzy]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...ow/6849164.cms

Tatas to deliver 1st chopper cabin next week
TNN, Nov 1, 2010, 04.32am IST

HYDERABAD: The first helicopter cabin manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems in the aerospace SEZ in Ranga Reddy district will be delivered next week.

Tatas had set up a helicopter manufacturing facility at the aerospace SEZ to manufacture cabins for the Sikorsky-92 helicopters which would be exported to the Sikorsky's assembly unit in the US on November 23 with two more scheduled to be delivered by the year-end.

According to the chief minister's office, Tata group chairman Ratan Tata would be meeting the chief minister K Rosaiah on November 7 to discuss further investments planned by the group in the state.

Meanwhile, automobile giant Mahindra also proposes to set up yet another aerospace project at the aerospace SEZ envisaging an investment of around Rs 300 crore. The functioning and progress of the country's first Aerospace and Precision Engineering Special Economic Zone set up on a 500-acre site at Nadargul and Adibhatla villages in Ranga Reddy district was reviewed by the chief minister on Sunday.

The chief minister said that with a little more emphasis and push, the state could overtake Gujarat and Maharashtra in terms of investment and industrialisation in the near future. Andhra Pradesh had laid down an ambitious roadmap for attracting global investments and technology partners to make the aerospace SEZ emerge as a major destination for the aviation industry not only in India but across Asia, he said.

Rosaiah claimed that the industry and the agriculture were the two eyes of his government and hence both were being given equal prominence and promoted vigorously. "Whatever be the developments in the coming days, I assure every investor and industrialist that the state government is firmly behind them and is committed to supporting them with a secured and tension-free environment" he said.

[rizwan3]

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report...ce-sez_1460441

M&M flying into Hyderabad for aerospace SEZ
Published: Monday, Nov 1, 2010, 3:00 IST
By KV Ramana | Place: Hyderabad | Agency: DNA

Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to pick Hyderabad as the location for its special economic zone (SEZ) dedicated to aerospace, after having zeroed in on Bangalore earlier.

Though finer details such as the total cost of the project and the schedules are still not known, the facility is expected to start with an investment of about Rs300 crore.

The Mahindra group recently completed the acquisition of two Australian companies — Gippsland Aeronautics, a manufacturer of small aircraft, and Aerostaff, an aircraft component manufacturer. It is now working on a strategy to emerge as a significant player in small turboprop aircraft.

Sources said the SEZ would be a part of the same strategy though it is not clear if the group would manufacture aircraft in the facility. It is also expected to help the group foray into related markets using the offset opportunities.

[rizwan3]

http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/07/stor...0753950400.htm

Tata's first copter cabin to be launched today

Aerospace SEZ to become global hub for high-end manufacturing

APIIC played proactive role in providing about 250 acres of land for the Aerospace SEZ

Rs.1,000 crore project with large employment potential launched by YSR on July 30, 2009

HYDERABAD: When the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd., will launch the first Sikrosky-92 helicopter cabin manufactured from its facility in the Aerospace and Precision Engineering SEZ on the outskirts of city on November 7, it will be a proud moment for the State government too.

It was the APIIC which had played a proactive role in providing about 250 acres of land for the country's first notified Aerospace SEZ at Adhibatla in Ranga Reddy district.

The TASL, as anchor industry, sighed MoU with USA-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. to manufacture S-92 helicopter cabins in India.

When the Rs.1,000 crore project with large employment potential was launched by former Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy on July 30 last year, the Tata company had announced that the first phase of the facility would be completed within a period of eight to 10 months. True to its word, the first Sikorsy S-92 helicopter cabin made in India would be delivered on November 7, 15 days ahead of the schedule, for shipment to Sikrosky. Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons and Mr. Louis Chenevert, Chairman United Technologies Corporation would attend the event to be presided over by Chief Minister K. Rosaiah.

The first notified Aerospace SEZ in the country would ultimately be transformed into a major hub for high-end manufacturing related to whole gamut of aerospace in India and would help in attracting investments in aerospace industry to Hyderabad and elsewhere in the country, said B.P.Acharya, Principal Secretary, Industries. Mr. Acharya, who was heading the APIIC, said Sikorsky which has a comprehensive manufacturing unit in Japan, proposed to shift the entire unit to Aerospace SEZ in a phased manner.

SEZ also attracted Israel-based Nova integrated systems for manufacture of unmanned aircraft, apart from the indigenous Samuha Engineering Industries.

[rizwan3]

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report...erabad_1463443

Tata Group to centralise aerospace and defence business in Hyderabad
Published: Sunday, Nov 7, 2010, 19:59 IST
Place: Hyderabad

Chairman, Tata Sons Ratan Tata today said the group has decided to centralise its aerospace and defence business in Hyderabad.

"The Tata Group has decided that all its aerospace and defence which is really the new area of Tata Group will in fact be centered in Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh. This is going to enthuse the private sector in defence and strategic areas— one of the larger new areas of endeavour of Tata Group," Tata said in a function held to unveil the first Sikorsky S-92 helicopter cabin made in a facility here set by Tata Advance Systems and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp of USA.

Tata-Sikorsky was allotted 50 acre land in the country's first aerospace SEZ to be set up at APIIC Aerospace and Precision Engineering SEZ and an estimated investment of Rs1,000 crore is expected to be pumped in to the JV.

Similarly, a joint venture between Tata Group and AgustaWestland of Italy is said to be considering setting up a helicopter manufacturing unit at GMR Group's aviation special economic zone (SEZ) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

According to sources the proposal to invest in the SEZ is awaiting the nod by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.

Tata said, "the investment in Hyderabad SEZ is part of the word given to late Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy that the Group would invest in Andhra Pradesh.

"Then chief minister (YSR) had very kindly offered the state as location for setting up Nano plant when we decided to shift it from West Bengal. Regrettably for Andhra Pradesh we chose
Gujarat. At that time we told them that we will look to invest in AP. What you see is the part of that," Tata said.

Chairman, United Technologies, Louis Cheneverta said there are about 120 S-92 choppers currently operating across the world and with of 75 of those helicopters are flown by the world largest oil and natural gas companies for offshore activities.

"It (JV with Tatas) helps Sikorsky to increase ourinternational competitiveness. During the last five years when we started pursuing our global strategy we are expanding our US and international workforce to double digit growth year after year," Cheneverta said.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah, who formally announced the launch of chopper cabin, invited the Tata Group to make more investments in the state.

"I invite the Tata Group to strengthen their manufacturing base in the state. Our government is ready to provide all necessary support for the projects. I wish Tata Group for setting up a chemical project in petroleum, Chemical Petrochemical Investment Region coming up between Kakinada and Visakhapatnam," he said.

[rizwan3]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/6891517.cms

9 Nov, 2010, 01.21AM IST, Sreekala G & Sai Deepika Amirapu,ET Bureau
Tatas seek land for aerospace unit at Hyderabad


HYDERABAD: THE Tata Group is planning a major investment in Andhra Pradesh in the defence sector. Nova Integrated Systems , the group’s joint venture with Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI), has sought about 75 acres of land at Ibrahimpatnam near Hyderabad to develop advanced technology systems for the country’s defence sector.

“The facility will be used for manufacturing and assembling micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) and other highly advanced aerospace related equipment for the Indian defence sector. We expect to start work for the facility next year,” said BP Acharya, principal secretary, industries & commerce. Nova Integrated Systems, a 76:24 joint venture between IAI and Tata Group under its subsidiary Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), is looking at an initial investment of around $200 million, of which $50 million will come from IAI.

“The project is currently awaiting clearance from the central government. We will finalise the investment details once we get the government nod,” said an official of Nova.

The facility will also help IAI meet the offset defence procurement policy of the central government. Introduced in the 2005, the ‘offset clause makes it mandatory for a foreign vendor, who bags a deal over Rs 300 crore, to plough back at least 30% of the contract value back into India or source defence products or services from the country of that value.

This is touted as one of the major defence deals signed by Tata Advanced Systems. The group has also signed agreements with Boeing , US-based Sikorsky Aircraft Company and the European Defence and Aerospace Consortium. The Tata Group has already set up a helicopter cabin manufacturing facility for Sikorsky in the 295-acre aerospace SEZ near Hyderabad. “It has already invested about Rs 300 crore for this. The group is also planning to expand this facility further so that the entire S92 helicopter can be manufactured here,” said Acharya. Besides Tata Group, M&M has also sought 50 acre of land in the aerospace SEZ for its defence projects.

[us2cyberabad]

Tata, M&M help Hyderabad inch closer to Bangalore

source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...ow/6898744.cms

BANGALORE: Hyderabad has emerged as a serious competitor to Bangalore’s dominant position as an aerospace and defence hub thanks to an aggressive state government promotional campaign.

Andhra Pradesh has been projecting its capital as the best destination for aerospace investment as the globe’s biggest defence and aerospace vendors make a beeline for India. Additional support coming from city-based defence labs , private and public sector companies and the Aeronautical Society of India, Hyderabad chapter, who have made consistent attempts to turn the city into an aviation hub.

In the past few months, some of the country’s biggest business groups, Tata and the Mahindra have announced plans to expand or set up aerospace related ventures in Hyderabad, giving a boost to the AP government’s efforts.

On Sunday, Tata Group chairman, Ratan Tata, announced that his group will focus all its future defence and aerospace ventures in and around Hyderabad. In addition to the 295-acre SEZ, where it is a major investor, the group’s JV with Israeli Aircraft Industries, (IAI), has also asked for 75 acres more in Ibrahimpatnam, near Hyderabad , to make critical defence technologies.

“We have a locational advantage. We feel we have the appropriate infrastructure to provide the defence industry with their requirements,” Sam Bobb, principal secretary in the Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s office, told the Economic Times.

The $7.1-billion Mahindra & Mahindra , Tata’s rival in aerospace, has also asked for 50 acres in Ibrahimpatnam for defence projects. Mahindra is also promoting a 250-acre aerospace SEZ outside Bangalore, but the project has not taken off, due to land acquisition issues, which could delay any progress for at least another 12-18 months. The Tata SEZ, on the other hand, already has tenants that include diversified manufacturer Punj Lloyd and government-controlled undertaking Midhani.

“The city’s infrastructure has to be taken care of, which includes upgrading roads, providing smooth access to sea-ports and airports. This where Hyderabad probably scores over Bangalore, which has massive transportation issues. The government needs to respond to industry’s needs much faster,” S Ramaseshan, head, Mahindra Satyam, Aerospace Engineering Solutions said.

FLIGHT PATH

Hyderabad scores due to:

Better implementation of SEZ policy

State government creating infrastructure specifically targeted at the aerospace and defence-focused companies

Land costs are generally seen to be lower than those in Karanataka, a major incentive for potential investors looking to set up manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in the aviation sector

Bangalore loses out due to:

Infrastructure issues have been a serious cause for concern for existing as well as potential investors. Transportation bottleneck a big dampener

Karnataka’s poor record in power generation growth is not expected to improve anytime soon

Karnataka’s special economic zone policy yet to be implemented to its fullest degree. The proposed aerospace SEZ yet to take off

Andhra goes all out to woo investors

While Bangalore still ranks ahead when it comes to attracting attention from the global aerospace and defence vendors, the gap between the two cities is closing faster than anticipated , as the Andhra Pradesh government goes all out to attract investors, in what it clearly believes is a sunrise sector.

“We have the land, and are developing the necessary infrastructure exclusively for these sectors , which includes providing adequate power, offering a 50% value-added tax reimbursement and ensuring fully-developed infrastructure, along with complete connectivity,” pointed out Mr Bobb. Bangalore-based infrastructure giant GMR, which also set up a 250-acre SEZ at Shamshabad in 2008, acknowledges the sustained interest in the city as an aerospace hub.

[rizwan3]

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/andh...ospace-hub-912

Andhra plans to develop Hyderabad as aerospace hub

Nov 18 2010 , Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh government is working to develop Hyderabad as an aerospace hub of India, state Governor ESL Narasimhan said today.

In his inaugural address at Aviation Conclave-2010 – a three day event which began here today, he said the state is working to develop Hyderabad as an aerospace hub of India and invited delegates of the conclave to get a feel of the place.

He also suggested that there is a need to develop an indigenous passenger aircraft.

Quoting reports from Airbus and Boeing, he said India requires large number of aircraft in the next 20 years.

"Since air travel has come within the reach of middle class, it is time to focus on local aircraft. A 100-seater aircraft will be worthwhile," the Governor said.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Director General VK Saraswat, who is Chairman of the conclave said an aircraft needs to fly a minimum of 12 to 14 hours to be profitable.

"This requires establishment of MROs with specialist facilities and qualified personnel to handle them. The growing number of Indian aircraft and upgradation of airports to the standards of hubs have presented an opportunity to establish MRO facilities in India," Saraswat said.

Meanwhile, the Governor allayed fears about the law and order situation in Andhra Pradesh after December 31 when Srikrishna Committee will submit its report on Telangana issue.

"What will happen after December 31. January 1 will come. Do not have any apprehensions about the city and December 31," Narasimhan observed

[rockystone]

Tatas make first defence purchase

The $72-billion Tata Group has made its first acquisition in the defence business. Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), a company set up in 2006 to tap the enormous opportunities in India's defence sector, has bought a 74% stake in Hyderabad-based HBL Elta Avionics for an undisclosed amount.

The remaining 26% continues to be held by its foreign partner ELTA Systems, a unit of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). TAS has bought controlling interest in HBL Elta from HBL Power Systems, a company listed on the BSE, and the transaction was sealed a few weeks ago, said a Tata group source. The South-based outfit manufactures parts and accessories for defence-related aerospace applications. Mape Advisory, a boutique investment banking firm, advised Tatas on the transaction.

This will be the group's second JV with IAI. It already has a 74:26 partnership to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare systems, missiles, radars and homeland security systems. IAI chief executive Itzhak Nissan and Tata Sons chairman Rata Tata have ambitious plans to build a multi-billion dollar enterprise in the defence sector.

The Indian government has been modernizing the manufacturing of defence equipment, opening up the area for private players. It, however, has capped foreign direct investment to 26% and debates have been on to raise it to 49%. For the Tata Group, the acquisition underscores its huge interest in defence—identified as a key business area to its existing portfolio of salt-to-software and tea-to-telecom. The group expects defence to be more than $5 billion business in the near future. And for that, TAS has struck a few partnerships with foreign companies for technology, among other things.

It has a joint venture with US-based helicopter manufacturer Sikorsy to manufacture cabins for Sikorsky S-92 helicopters. And recently, the company unveiled its first cabin, rolled out from the Hyderabad facility. TAS also has a joint venture with AGT International to provide integrated solutions for homeland security market. Another partnership is with Lockheed Martin, makers of the legendary F-16 fighter jet, to make aircraft parts for the overseas market. "We are in discussions to sign a couple of more partnerships with foreign companies," said the Tata group source.

The group has been present in defence, homeland security and disaster management space for several years but in a small way. One of the group companies that laid the foundation for this business was Nelco—a company where group chairman Ratan Tata cut his teeth in business in the '70s. Today, there are several group companies such as Tata Communications, CMC and Titan Industries which cater to defence and aerospace. Tata Power Strategic Electronic Division was a successful bidder for the Indian Air Force project involving the upgradate of 30 IAF airfields. Early this year, Tata Motors launched combat vehicles to enhance its participation in the defence sector.

[Prodigist]

Tata Advanced Systems to make structurals for the C-130-J transport aircraft

The Tata group will partner Lockheed Martin through subsidiary Tata Advanced Systems to make structurals for the C-130-J transport aircraft. The Tatas will hold a 74 per cent stake in the venture, to be based in Hyderabad, and Lockheed the rest.

Lockheed and the Tatas were tight-lipped about the scope of the venture.

However, sources said the venture would not make the usual spares such as doors and windows, which aviation sector joint ventures usually concentrate on. It will make components such as floorbeams and ribs, the main structure on which an aircraft stands.

The government today gave its go-ahead to the joint venture, officials said. The Lockheed C-130-J is a transport aircraft, which is favoured by the military but can be used for civil transportation too. Called the Super-Hercules, it’s a four-engine turbo-prop aircraft that can carry 64 fully armed troopers, or 74 patients with medical attendants or an armoured personnel carrier.

Indian Air Force has recently ordered 10 C-130Js. These will be designed for use by paratroopers and special operation forces.

Equipped with an infrared detection set, the aircraft can perform precision low-level flying, airdrops and landing in blackout conditions.

For the Tatas, who have tied up with Sikorsky Helicopters to make helicopters, it’s another move in the lucrative defence industry. The initial equity investment is meagre — just Rs 122 crore for the Tatas and Rs 42 crore for Lockheed Martin. The joint venture will access long-term finance to fund the high-cost project, which will involve the transfer of crucial technology.

Only last month, the Tatas bought a 74 per cent stake in Hyderabad-based Elta Avionics, a provider of radar, communications and surveillance systems solutions to Indian defence forces.

[rizwan3]

http://hindu.com/2010/12/24/stories/...2455250700.htm

Greater role for private sector in defence supplies underscored

Pallam Raju inaugurates Nucon's defence and aerospace division at Balanagar in Hyderabad

SMEs contributing a significant 30-40 p.c. of indigenous capacity: Union Minister

‘BDL investing Rs. 500 cr. for its expansion facilities in Medak, RR and Anantapur districts'

HYDERABAD: Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju has stated that the private sector in the country has an opportunity to supply defence needs worth about US $10 billion in the next five years under the off-set policy.

Talking to media persons after the inauguration of defence and aerospace systems integration unit of Nucon Industries here on Thursday, the Minister outlined a greater role for private sector in the country's defence preparedness and its efforts towards self-reliance in defence needs.

Imports

Though the country relied on imports up to 60-65 per cent of its defence needs, the role of private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, was significant as they were contributing 30-40 per cent of indigenous capacity. The government was planning to reverse the situation with the help of off-set policy, wherein 30 per cent of defence needs had to be sourced within the country for all orders worth over Rs. 300 crore, he explained.

Assuring that capacity enhancement in public sector defence establishments was very much in place, Mr. Pallam Raju said: “Bharat Dynamics Limited is investing Rs. 500 crore for its expansion facilities at Bhanur (Medak dist.), Ibrahimpatnam (Ranga Reddy dist.) and in Anantapur district.” As the public sector expansions would not meet the demand, the government was creating a level-playing field to encourage private sector, he stated.

The Defence Ministry had about 17.3 lakh acres land for all its facilities, including two lakh acres for 62 Cantonments, and about 1,200 acres was under encroachments, he said. The Ministry was in touch with State governments to stop encroachments and for restoration of the encroached lands.

Earlier, the Minister made virtual inauguration of the Nucon's defence and aerospace division situated in Balanagar here. Director of DRDL P. Venugopalan said that four of the five missiles under development would go into production next year. Project Director of Aakash (DRDL) R.R. Panyam, General Manager of BDL E. Krishna, Director of MSQA and Chairman of Nucon Hemant Jalan also spoke.