Swiss aircraft-maker Pilatus and Tata Advanced Systems signed an agreement for manufacture of Pilatus’ PC-12 aero structures at the latter’s facility in Hyderabad.
This will include assembly of the complete airframe for the aircraft, including integrated fuselage, wing, cockpit, fins and rudders. The long-term contract between the two firms has been signed for a ten-year period and provides for the delivery of the first complete PC-12 NG aero structure during the second half of 2016.
The Pilatus PC-12 NG is considered one of the most popular turbine-powered business aircraft in the market with over 1300 aircraft already sold worldwide.
Pilatus is currently supplying its PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, as part of its contract for 75 such aircraft.
“We are delighted to enter into a relationship with TASL, which is known for its high quality aero structure assembly capability, proven to many prestigious international aircraft original equipment manufacturers.
The partnership is also important in the context of Pilatus’ offset obligation resulting from the sale of the PC-7 MkII Training Aircraft System to the Indian Air Force”, Markus Bucher, CEO, Pilatus Aircraft, said.
Single global manufacturer
TASL already has partnerships with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, where it is manufacturing key aero structures as a global single source.
It recently won contracts from RUAG Aviation for Dornier 228-212 NG fuselage and wing, and mission equipment for air-to-air refuelling pods.
“Our desire is to further strengthen this partnership with Pilatus to develop capabilities for complete aircraft manufacturing in India, which will meet the needs of the Indian Defence Forces,” S Ramadorai, TASL Chairman, said.
Courtesy: The Hindu Business Line