Tata Cosnultancy Services (TCS) and Unigraphics Solutions are to supply over 100  seats of Unigraphics CAD/CAM/CAE and its PDM (product data management) software called iMAN, to the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore.

ARDC has recently taken up a new project to design and develop an intermediate jet trainer known as HJT-36, which will ultimately replace the Kiran trainer aircraft. ARDC would use the Unigraphics software for single component design, larger assemblies and complete electronic mockup of the aircraft. ARDC has embarked on an extensive programme to upgrade its CAD/CAM facilities which has over 100 workstations over a LAN. TCS will deploy the latest version of the software V16, running on both Unix and Windows NT platform.

Dr. Murli Saletore, general manager, HAL (ARDC) said, " It is expected that this additional infrastructure and the support of TCS will enable ARDC to carry out the design and development of the IJT to match world class standards, in an efficient manner".

This investment of USD one million is one of the most significant investment in this technology by HAL in recent times. TCS would be the implementation partner and also provide training and support over the implementation period of three years.

The CEO of TCS, S Ramadurai, said, " we are very excited that TCS has been chosen by HAL ARDC for their new trainer aircraft project. This is one of the largest CAD/CAM deals in the country and proves our superiority in aerospace industry. I am sure with our vast experience in UG and iMAN combined with Unigraphics'' product strengths, TCS will be able to deliver value to HAL.". He said that TCS'' strength in this area comes out of being a local sales partner for Unigraphics, of having a special software development centre for Unigraphics solutions and of working on projects overseas involving Unigraphics software, all of which is now being put to use. TCS has implemented Unigraphics solutions at major companies like Bajaj Auto, RCF, Escorts and Bharat Forge besides other divisions of HAL at Lucknow, Kanpur and Nashik.

Tim Norman, managing director of Unigraphics Solutions said, " Unigraphics Solutions are delighted to hear of ARDC''s decision to select Unigraphics software for their new jet trainer program after an extensive and thorough evaluation process of two years involving leading CAD vendors".

Unigraphics (used to be called EDS) is a major vendor of CAD/CAM/CAE solutions and has a major presence in the aerospace industry with over 10,000 seats of its software deployed in North American aerospace industry. It is a $500 million Missouri (USA)based company with over $1 billion in market capitalisation.

TCS and Unigraphics also announced the launch of Unigraphics version 16 (UG V16) in India. ITs major features includes predictive engineering which takes CAD/CAM/ CAE to a higher level by incorporating new product design, knowhow, rules of product design and product life cycle into the product development environment. It has complete Windows compatibility with Windows based software while also providing functionalities for the UNIX environment.

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