The Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Factory of the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd set up at the KINFRA Industrial Park in Kasargod is ready for inauguration. The formal date of inauguration will be fixed depending on the convenience of the Union Defence Minister, Mr A.K. Antony.
The Strategic Electronics Manufacturing Factory in Kasargod is planned as an extension of the Hyderabad Avionics Division initially. The new facility may be expanded to include new projects arising out of the new aircraft programmes and converted into a full-fledged division in future. The Kerala Government has provided 200 acres of land at KINFRA Industrial Park on 99 years lease. HAL will invest Rs 200 crore for the venture, a press statement issued here said.
The Avionics Division of HAL, Hyderabad, is engaged in the manufacture of a wide variety of electronic equipment encompassing the areas of Communication, Radar, Navigation, Computers and Electronic Warfare. These products are being supplied for fitment on various Aircraft and Helicopters that are supplied to Indian Armed Forces. Besides, the Division is also meeting the requirements of Avionics for the space applications.
Creating a new facility will enhance the operational efficiency, improve delivery schedules and will lead to better customer satisfaction. Considering the technical expertise and the minimum initial investments that are required, to start with, it is proposed to undertake the assembly, testing and manufacture of all types of computers in the new facility.
In addition to the assembly, testing and manufacture of these systems, the new facility will also cater to the repair maintenance requirements for the next 20-25 years. Further, it is also proposed to undertake the assembly, testing and repair of other airborne computers namely Open Architecture Computer for other new aircraft under production and other fifth generation aircraft and futuristic aircraft upgrades.
HAL currently has 19 production units and 9 Research and Design Centres in seven locations in India. The company has an impressive product track record – 12 types of aircraft manufactured with in-house R&D and 14 types produced under license. HAL has manufactured over 3,550 aircraft, 3600 engines and overhauled over 8,150 aircraft and 27,300 engines.