HAL's Computer Numerical Control Modernization: Can It Outpace Fighter Jet Production Needs?

India's aerospace giant, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is taking decisive steps towards technological advancement with a strategic investment in cutting-edge CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines from leading manufacturers DMG and Hermle.

This modernization drive holds the key to transforming the nation's fighter jet production capabilities, but challenges remain in fully realizing its potential.

The Need for Speed and Precision​

HAL's ambitious endeavors in indigenous fighter aircraft programs, such as the Tejas Mk1A and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), necessitate both precision and speed.

The newly acquired CNC machines excel in these areas, promising higher-quality components with shorter lead times. This upgrade is essential for streamlined production cycles, crucial as HAL faces a growing backlog of aircraft orders.

Game-Changing Capabilities​

The 5-axis capabilities of the DMG machines introduce a new dimension to manufacturing flexibility, allowing HAL to produce complex, aerodynamically optimized parts with greater ease.

Furthermore, the integration of a mill-turn machine and a pallet changer empowers HAL to streamline processes. These machines can complete a wider range of machining tasks within a single setup, leading to significant efficiency gains.

Bolstering India's Self-Reliance​

This push for modernization has a direct impact on India's aspiration for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Advanced CNC technology becomes indispensable when producing sophisticated components needed for indigenous fighter jets.

HAL's investment underscores the nation's resolve to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and achieve greater control over its defense production timelines.

Challenges and Opportunities​

While the new CNC machines signify progress, the reality is that HAL requires a greater quantity of this machinery to truly transform its production capacity. The current lead times of 8-10 months for machine acquisitions pose a bottleneck.

To accelerate the pace of modernization, HAL may need to explore alternative suppliers with shorter delivery windows, ensuring consistent expansion.

Conclusion​

HAL's modernization drive represents a bold step towards transforming India's fighter jet production landscape. This investment signifies a recognition of the critical role advanced manufacturing plays in securing the future of India's aerospace industry.

Addressing the need for larger quantities of CNC machinery and optimizing procurement processes will be integral to fully realizing the benefits of this technological leap and solidify India's position as a major aerospace power.

 

[vinod nair]

I want gov of india to move lca mk1a production once settled to private players of high integrity (atleast two) so that Hal scare resources are conserved for mk2, amca, tedbf, orca and heli research. So that these jets are available in time and numbers

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

A very good investment, we need to be abreast with the latest technologies so that our platforms become world class.

 

[sanket]

I want gov of india to move lca mk1a production once settled to private players of high integrity (atleast two) so that Hal scare resources are conserved for mk2, amca, tedbf, orca and heli research. So that these jets are available in time and numbers

pvt players havent shown interest in AMCA Production yet and u think they will grab this opportunity.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Until HAL invest in upgrading their staff and recruitment practices, nothing is going to change.

 

[Leo Gupta]

Why not use 3D machines instead

 

[Arz786]

pvt players havent shown interest in AMCA Production yet and u think they will grab this opportunity.

Private players are not interested in risk sharing partnership of AMCA project. Why ? Private players evaluate projects based on (1) Return, (2) Risk. Any risk must be quantified and mitigation plan must be in place. In case of AMCA, development risk is the biggest dampener for private sector. It will be developed by ADA and HAL. So, a private sector player will not have any control of that process, and therefore, cannot have any mitigation plan. Development risk has three elements : timeline, cost and quality. If development timeline gets stretched, ROI for private sector declines, if cost overruns, ROI goes down, and, at the end, if AMCA is not that cutting edge product as it is expected to be, then its demand will be less than projected demand. Hence private players are interested only in becoming part of supply chain - nothing more.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Until HAL invest in upgrading their staff and recruitment practices, nothing is going to change.

Bro, change is happening. Just look at railways, vande bharat trains are state of the art. They give extremely comfortable ride at great speed. They are best semi high speed trains in the world.

Who could have imagined that indian railways would build this kind of product. A new factory called ICF was established in chennai which build these things.

Same goes for HAL. If railways can improve while being completely govt owned, then HAL can and will definitely improve. Investment is being made. A new

 

[Squarecut Atul]

Who could have imagined that indian railways would build this kind of product. A new factory called ICF was established in chennai which build these things.

ICF is not a new factory. It was set up in 1950s. Even the machines used to manufacture Vande Bharat are same machines that have been used to manufacture earlier products viz coaches.

 

[Sandeep]

Why not use 3D machines instead

They use that as well

 

[Sandeep]

It's great that HAL is upgrading its facilities, machinery and capabilities in manufacturing so they have to use any advantage to manufacture the jets that we need to develop at a faster rate.

 

[Pad UwU]

I want gov of india to move lca mk1a production once settled to private players of high integrity (atleast two) so that Hal scare resources are conserved for mk2, amca, tedbf, orca and heli research. So that these jets are available in time and numbers

They are not interested bruh because it's risky bet with government

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

They are best semi high speed trains in the world.

Bhai, yeh thodaa jyaada nahin ho gaya?
Let alone semi-high speed trains from China, Japan and Korea,
have you travelled or even seen trains made by Indonesian manufacturer PT INKA?
Their body paneling are flat and flush throughout a coach's bodyline and don't have the metal-body panel warping which you can see on any trains in India, yes even on Vande Bharat, which is a result of poor workmanship.

A more appropriate example would have been the "Namo Bharat" trains. But then you can not use this example to praise ICF, because for the Namo Baharat trains, whole of the train sets are manufactured by Bombardier, a private phoren company.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Bhai, yeh thodaa jyaada nahin ho gaya?
Let alone semi-high speed trains from China, Japan and Korea,
have you travelled or even seen trains made by Indonesian manufacturer PT INKA?
Their body paneling are flat and flush throughout a coach's bodyline and don't have the metal-body panel warping which you can see on any trains in India, yes even on Vande Bharat, which is a result of poor workmanship.

A more appropriate example would have been the "Namo Bharat" trains. But then you can not use this example to praise ICF, because for the Namo Baharat trains, whole of the train sets are manufactured by Bombardier, a private phoren company.

I have listened to many interviews of ashwini vaishnav, and My father has been a railway officer for most of his career, working in delhi metro, railway board, ircon, rdso etc. I have very deep knowledge of railways. I can assure you that railways of today is a very different beast than it was previously. Previous babu and officer culture has been massively cut down. In fact, previously, one could become a railway officer straight out of class 12th by giving and exam. That was eliminated.

My Father became an officer after BTech, through IES. That was alao eliminated. Now hiring after MBA takes place. We used to get multiple servants and stuff lol, that was cut down as well.

Coming to vande bharat trains, i will stick to my assessment that they are the best trains in their class. The deficiencies you speak of can be corrected over time.

I infact did my internship at a railway workshop in mumbai. I have seen first hand how workers waste time. It is digusting. Most of the work happens in first 3-4 hours. After lunch, they just relax. It is very difficult to change this culture because railway unions are very strong.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

ICF is not a new factory. It was set up in 1950s. Even the machines used to manufacture Vande Bharat are same machines that have been used to manufacture earlier products viz coaches.

Yeah, it is pretty old, but it underwent a modernisation. It is almost a new worshop. I have seen other railway worshops, they are cowsheds compared to ICF now.