HAL'S JOURNEY TO GLOBAL PROMINENCE

With nearly eight decades of experience, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has now its plate full with orders. But there is still a mismatch between its ambition and ability, writes

- GIRISH LINGANNA

India's biggest aviation company is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which designs, manufactures and supplies fighters, trainers, helicopters, transport aircraft, engines, avionics, and system equipment that have played a significant part in India's military aviation. HAL is presently ranked 34th on the world's largest defence enterprises list.

HAL's twenty industrial divisions and ten research and development centres are dispersed over seven states and nine geographical places in India.

The company is skilled in developing, manufacturing, repairing, overhauling, and upgrading aircraft, helicopters, aero engines, accessories, avionics, and systems. The Government of India has divested 10,03 percent of HAL's stock, and the company was listed on the BSE and NSE on March 28, 2018.

HAL has produced over 4,250 aircraft, 5,400 engines, and over 11,900 aircraft and 35,500 engines for the Indian defence services.

Hallmark defence aviation of India

 The manufacture of fighter aircraft, trainers, transport aircraft, and helicopters by HAL's industrial divisions is supported by modern infrastructure. Over fifty percent of the existing staff of over 25,000 has more than ten years of aviation industry experience. Additionally, the company has extended into the production, repair, and overhaul of industrial and marine gas turbine engines and the production of satellite launch vehicle structures.

HAL has created and produced 17 aircraft and helicopter types, the most recent being the Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT)-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).