HMT Machine Tools Ltd has for the first time forayed into the production of Naval Systems by successfully developing ‘Directing Gear’, a critical onboard equipment for naval application.
The equipment called ‘Directing Gear’ is an auxiliary of SONAR system developed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, (NPOL) here and has been developed through a collaborative effort with Bangalore based Bharat Electronics, the country’s premier Defence Production agency and NPOL.
The first equipment was handed over to Ajit T Kalghatgi, Dierctor (R&D) BEL by HMTMTL Managing Director B M Shivashankar at a function at nearby Kalamassery.
This would also be a major import-substitution for Bharat Electronics Ltd.
This is the first of the three units against a defence order Bharat Electronics, Bangalore had given to HMTMTL. It is for the first time that HMTMTL is entering into the manufacturing of Naval Systems, a press release said.
The major challenge for HMTMTL was to design, manufacture, test, qualify and deliver this complex system within a tight time schedule to facilitate an important order for BEL.
The Directing Gear is a computer-controlled rotary system using state-of-the-art technology. It would be used for supporting and calibrating the 4.5-ton sensor array of the SONAR system. It is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration, temperature and other adverse conditions of the battle field during operation
A MoU was signed between NPOL, BEL and HMTMTL for ensuring successful realization of the Directing Gear in January this year, K K Balachandran, General Manager, said.
The tie up is a major outcome of NPOL’s efforts to involve both public and private sector industries in sonar production.
It also underlines BEL’s interest in utilising its Product Support Centre at Kalamassery to promote sonar systems development through NPOL.