HAL Awaits IAF's Nod to Kickstart Feasibility Studies on Indigenous MTA Program

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making a bold move by advocating for the indigenous development of a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This proposal comes amidst stiff competition from international aerospace giants like Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and Airbus, who have also submitted bids for the project.

HAL, awaiting the IAF's decision on the desired cargo-carrying capacity for the MTA, is ready to conduct feasibility studies through its Kanpur division once this crucial information is received. The company's strategic approach involves potential licensing agreements with established players for discontinued or stalled transport aircraft designs, aiming to provide the IAF with viable options within a shorter timeframe.

HAL is confident in India's existing infrastructure to support the MTA program, asserting that avionics and engines can be readily sourced for a locally designed aircraft, pending approval from the IAF and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

While HAL's proposal presents a compelling indigenous solution, several key questions remain. The IAF's final decision on the required cargo capacity and its willingness to embrace a domestically developed aircraft are pivotal factors. Moreover, the success of HAL's plan depends on securing suitable licensing agreements and effectively integrating them with existing capabilities.

This development underscores HAL's determination to play a significant role in India's aerospace industry and its commitment to providing the IAF with a tailored solution to meet its medium transport needs. The coming months will be crucial in determining the path the IAF chooses for its MTA program, with HAL's proposal adding a compelling dimension to the decision-making process.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

I really don't think India can build an Indigenous MTA yet. We dont even have a small indigenous transport aircraft yet. We build dorniers but those are based on foreign design.

 

[sanket]

HAL should collabrate with Embraer for MTA project

 

[shivkumar sinha]

MTA must be indigenous. However , project should be handled by private consortium like TASL. HAL is a no go . Next good option is collaboration with Embraer. LM , Airbus should be discouraged as they will never allow indigenous development of capabilities. If we are capable enough to steal and reverse engineer technologies from LM, Airbus, then it may be ok .

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

MTA must be indigenous. However , project should be handled by private consortium like TASL. HAL is a no go . Next good option is collaboration with Embraer. LM , Airbus should be discouraged as they will never allow indigenous development of capabilities. If we are capable enough to steal and reverse engineer technologies from LM, Airbus, then it may be ok .

we have no expertise for building such a large aircraft in a class of C390 or A400 indigenously. It took us 20 years for the Tejas, and we already had experience of license building fighter aircraft from before.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

China is investing 4-5 billion a year to create aero engines and ecosystem around it. We should aim for atmanirbharta in this sector. Need a defence R&D minister like Vaishnav.

 

[NSR]

Believe me, there ara no stalled or discontinued MTA class programs at all.
All of the present contenders like C-130Js, A-400Ms, and C-390s have had their fill of problems and delays to get to this stage of productions.

So it is wishful of HAL to think that they can design anything worthwhile transport plane for India is extremely doubtful to get started at all. It will soon descend into a troubled program and no MTA at all.

A-400M is still problem plagued transport plane.
Besides if C295 is of any indication, then we will again manufacture the BODY (i.e. DABBA) and all of the avionics and landing gear comes from Spain or France only.
Let it be known that Airbus, Dassault, Safran, etc do not transfer any TOTs at all.

Work with Lockheed Martin or Embraer depending on what IAF picks up and move forward with some joint design and development with some TOTs.

 

[yogesh]

Reference the article, it seems like we become pessimistic about our own strengths and opportunities. It will be wonderful to have our own MTA even if the design and development curve is challenging. Handholding is a popular method and can be part of any joint venture agreements.Most importantly let's consider ways where different platforms can be developed for end users in different regions - like having a BRICS aerospace platforms. India can develop some platforms that are required for the country, Brazil can develop some platforms , Russia can develop some platforms and China also can build some. Hence, a consortium approach will allow different regions to create a co-branded line of platforms which can be bought from each other based on requirements in local currency

 

[Deepak Hegde]

If HAL is allowed to initiate MTA project, it will become another retirement projects for HAL managers and employees.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

HAL should make 30+ ton MTA jointly with Airbus !

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

HAL should directly gear-up to build Flying Sauccers for the IAF.

They should leave obsolete platforms like Combat Aircrafts, Helicopters, Transporters for the primitive humans living in technologically backward countries like China, US, UK, France etc.

 

[Vijigishu ( विजिग्शु )]

TASL should make a partnership with Airbus for development of MTA. HAL should be kept out as far as possible. They already have tons of projects at hand.

 

[Sandeep]

Reference the article, it seems like we become pessimistic about our own strengths and opportunities. It will be wonderful to have our own MTA even if the design and development curve is challenging. Handholding is a popular method and can be part of any joint venture agreements.Most importantly let's consider ways where different platforms can be developed for end users in different regions - like having a BRICS aerospace platforms. India can develop some platforms that are required for the country, Brazil can develop some platforms , Russia can develop some platforms and China also can build some. Hence, a consortium approach will allow different regions to create a co-branded line of platforms which can be bought from each other based on requirements in local currency

Your consortium approach is very naive. Each of those countries will always want to sell their own products that benefit them. Why share the profits when you can have them all? That’s the reality and mentality that they will think with rather than a consortium approach.

 

[wallisk]

TASL should make a partnership with Airbus for development of MTA. HAL should be kept out as far as possible. They already have tons of projects at hand.

Yes, TASL-Boeing or Airbus MTA is the best deal now.....

 

[wallisk]

China is investing 4-5 billion a year to create aero engines and ecosystem around it. We should aim for atmanirbharta in this sector. Need a defence R&D minister like Vaishnav.

Babaji Kalyani Chairman of Bharath Forge, have announced publicly to fund GTRE-Midhani jv Cauvery2.0 BRAND NEW 90KN max. thrusts engines developments already.. Check you tubes next!

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to develop its own indigenous plane but it will take at least 10-15 years to develop it even under the private sector. The current An 32 planes are old and if we were going to develop an indigenous plane to replace them then it’s a bit late if they have to start replacing them this decade.

The easiest and quickest option is to make a deal with Ukraine to buy their An 70 transport plane which meets the requirements that we want. We are more likely to get a higher amount of technology transfer, local production and indigenous content as Ukraine needs the money for their war and they are sitting on the blueprints where they can’t make it themselves as their defence and heavy industries are destroyed.

 

[Rajesh]

If a 25-30 ton cargo carrying capacity transport jet is made in india with ip rights then it not only fulfill the requirement as a transport jet but can also be used for 1.awacs.2. refueling jet.3.an indigenous p8i etc . Just give a try how long can we be dependent on others and hal is a govt organisation the govt is equally responsible for its laziness which the govt should rectify,just pointing fingers and letting screwdriving(importing)to continue behind all these can't be justified forever.

 

[yogesh]

Your consortium approach is very naive. Each of those countries will always want to sell their own products that benefit them. Why share the profits when you can have them all? That’s the reality and mentality that they will think with rather than a consortium approach.

Brand building & marketing of products is specialized. Countries may build platforms but large scale adoption requires good planning. A consortium approach is suitable for such high quality high value products because each country gets to roll out models jointly and independently if they so choose to do. A co-branded platform requires global markets and the SWOT analysis can decide which products or platforms are suitable for a region or global marketplace. A consortium can make better profit margins if it sells a complete line of platforms each built in a different country.
The idea is:
consortium > co-branded platforms > joint design and development > aim for global market share > sell platforms collectively > work on profit sharing model based on investments > share development costs > sell in volumes in all continents

Think about it !

 

[Akshat]

we have no expertise for building such a large aircraft in a class of C390 or A400 indigenously. It took us 20 years for the Tejas, and we already had experience of license building fighter aircraft from before.

That’s why he is saying no HAL (and DRDO).

 

[Akshat]

Reference the article, it seems like we become pessimistic about our own strengths and opportunities. It will be wonderful to have our own MTA even if the design and development curve is challenging. Handholding is a popular method and can be part of any joint venture agreements.Most importantly let's consider ways where different platforms can be developed for end users in different regions - like having a BRICS aerospace platforms. India can develop some platforms that are required for the country, Brazil can develop some platforms , Russia can develop some platforms and China also can build some. Hence, a consortium approach will allow different regions to create a co-branded line of platforms which can be bought from each other based on requirements in local currency

Will India be comfortable to buy any aerospace products from China? Or vice versa? Highly unlikely. The idea is fine, but we need different partners.

 

[Akshat]

If a 25-30 ton cargo carrying capacity transport jet is made in india with ip rights then it not only fulfill the requirement as a transport jet but can also be used for 1.awacs.2. refueling jet.3.an indigenous p8i etc . Just give a try how long can we be dependent on others and hal is a govt organisation the govt is equally responsible for its laziness which the govt should rectify,just pointing fingers and letting screwdriving(importing)to continue behind all these can't be justified forever.

Indeed. That’s why government has started selling HAL off. They are also creating competition like Tata (C295 deal) so that HAL can finally be shut down or sold off. Same for DRDO. 25% budget now allotted to private sector specifically.

 

[yogesh]

Will India be comfortable to buy any aerospace products from China? Or vice versa? Highly unlikely. The idea is fine, but we need different partners.

Normally, consortium is formed by different stakeholders coming together for a profitable business model.The government or stakeholders can obviously choose who they want to work with. BRICS is an existing platform with immense capabilities in aerospace engineering hence the mention but it is upto the government to choose their partners and business model. A consortium will help in expanding the business and the product portfolio, reduce costs while increasing the customer base

 

[kumar]

Let HAL handle projects like mk1a, luh, etc properly. Then let them plan for MTA. They are not able to deliver on time, but they want to do everything.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

That’s why he is saying no HAL (and DRDO).

when I say 'we', I mean India. No company whether public or private, large or small, has experience of building an aircraft in the same class as C390 or A400. Not even close. The largest transport aircraft 'we' have built is dornier, and that too is a license built version based on foreign design.

 

[Pink Panther]

I really don't think India can build an Indigenous MTA yet. We dont even have a small indigenous transport aircraft yet. We build dorniers but those are based on foreign design.

The biggest transport Aircraft HAL built is Hawker Siddeley HS 748, HAL could stretch that design to make a Turboprop Transport Aircraft in the MTA size, it is much bigger than Dornier, so they have experience, they just need to choose the right engine, they could use Avionics and components from other local jet programs, so they can if they wanted to.