Su-30MKI planned production rate increased

HAL to complete Sukhoi project in 10 years

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE NOV. 12. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will complete making Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft in 10 years, the HAL chairman, N.R. Mohanty, said here on Tuesday.

At the Indian Air Force headquarters training command, Mr. Mohanty said the original plan was to deliver the fighters by 2017. But at last month’s commanders’ conference, the Air Chief Marshal, Krishnaswamy, asked the HAL to complete the project in 10 years.

The first aircraft would be ready in 2004. Although the project would be completed in 2013, the HAL would never be idle. The Air chief had said he has many projects in mind for the HAL.

Later, Mr. Mohanty told presspersons that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was being reviewed. “I have informed the Ministry of Defence about the new date,” he said.In all, 140 aircraft would be delivered. The original cost of Rs. 20,000 crores remained, though Mr. Mohanty agreed that advancing the date might make the project more expensive. “Yes, we will need more capital and manpower. But we will go for outsourcing in low and medium type jobs. The critical items will be our own.

The HAL would depend on internal resources and not the Union Government for finances. Its credit rating was high and financial institutions were ready to give loans.

Earlier, Air Marshal T.J. Master, Air Officer, Training Command, and Commander-in-Chief, handed over Air Chief Marshal Krishnaswamy’s commendation to the HAL chairman. The commendation was for the HAL overhaul division’s support to the IAF’s Suryakiran fleet.

“A few years ago, the IAF had no confidence in the HAL and wanted to import aircraft and engines. Now it exists for the IAF,” he said. The HAL-made Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) would make its first flight around March 2003. The IJTs would replace the 200-plus Suryakiran fleet.

Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/11/13/stories/2002111303201200…