Tata unit to make fuselage and wings for Dornier 228 aircraft

The Tata Group aims to emerge a full-fledged aircraft manufacturer by bringing out a fully-built aircraft for RUAG Aviation, makers of the Dornier 228 new generation aircraft, parts of which are to be manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL).

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of TASL's new project at the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Adibatla, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, for manufacturing Dornier 228 fuselage and wings, the company's chairman  S Ramadorai said the goal is to have a full aircraft equipped with systems flying out from Tatas' final assembly.

The RUAG project, the fourth aerostructure unit to be set up by TASL since 2009 at the Hyderabad SEZ, is a glowing example of aerospace cooperation between India and Europe, Ramadorai said.

"It is our belief that this project is a significant step forward in India's growth as a high technology, precision, manufacturing destination. RUAG has entrusted the Tatas to deliver its showcase product, the Dornier 228, at world-class standards of precision and quality," he said.

"Our vision is to work with RUAG in having a full aircraft, equipped with systems flying out from a Tata final assembly. This will be of significant importance to the Indian armed forces in their desire to produce products locally," he said at the function.

Within five years, TASL has become a significant player in the global aerospace market by delivering successfully over 70 Sikorsky S-92 cabins and manufacturing Empennage and Center Wing Box for the C-130 J aircraft through its separate JV with Lockheed Martin, Ramadorai said.

Martin Buhlmann, vice president, supply chain management, RUAG Aviation, was also present.

RUAG, an aerospace technology and defence company, has its headquarters in Bern, Switzerland. TASL aims to build a full-fledged aircraft in cooperation with RUAG.

The aerospace SEZ at Adibatla with all 100 per cent export units has made Hyderabad a premier manufacturing destination for global OEMs, he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said the government will soon announce new industrial policy and consultations with stakeholders are underway.