First indegenously assembled Sukhoi 30 aircraft to fly in 2004

Nashik Oct 9: Though the deal for the licensed manufacture of the Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft of the Russian origin has been signed last wee...

Nashik Oct 9: Though the deal for the licensed manufacture of the Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft of the Russian origin has been signed last week during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the actual indigenous production would start only after about three years and the first aircraft would roll out in 2004.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. HAL which is to undertake the production of Sukhoi 30s would required the creation of additional infrastructure in its various divisions countrywide. For instance, the HAL would have acquire raw materials like Titanium, besies installing new equipment for the new job. It would be also required to create new hangers. The engines for the new aircraft would be made in the Koraput division of the HAL while mainframe and accessories would be made at the Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. The final integration of the aircraft and its test flight would be carried out in the Nashik division of the HAL.

Officials say that thoug the deal had been signed, the HAL would require about four years to roll out the first aircraft as some more bureaucratic and technical procedures would have to be completed. They pointed out that after the signing of the deal for the licensed manufacture of the aircraft, a detailed study and analysis would be done by Russian experts. They further said that the feasibility report had already been submitted to the government but the broad financial parametres would also be decided in due course. After the technical and bureaucratic procedures and after the financial transaction, the go ahead would be given to the HAL. They said that the HAL would be required to create additional facilities at its various divisions for the project. Additional manpower would also be recruited in some critical skill areas, they said. They pointed out that the Russians would deliver the Sukhoi 30 MK Standard version, which would be modified to Sukhoi 30 MKI version by the HAL.

The modified version would be fitted with avionics from the western countries. Facilities would also be created for overhauling of the new aircraft in Nashik. Before the actual manufacture of the new aircraft Indian technicians and pilots would be trained by their Russian counterparts. The HAL would also upgrade the existing MiG 21 Bis fleet. Two aircrafts sent for modifications to Russia are expected to return within a month or two to serve as a model for upgrading the MiG 21 Bis fleet. The HAL has in the past manufactured MiG 21s and MiG 27s under licence from Russians. It also overhauls the existing fleet of both types of aircraft which are with the Indian Air Force.