Thaindian News

Bangalore, July 9 (IANS) Joint venture Samtel HAL Display Systems has secured a Rs.2.2-billion ($50 million) order to develop display systems for fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the company said Wednesday. The joint venture between state-run behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and high-tech equipment maker Samtel Display Systems was formed in 2006 as India’s first public-private partnership in the defence sector.

In the first phase, the indigenous display systems will be fitted in the Sukhoi fleet to be produced by HAL over the next decade for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The liquid crystal display (LCD) systems have been tested by state-run Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) for flight worthiness after they were cleared by the regional centre for military airworthiness.

“Engine performance and situational data such as location, terrain, traffic and weather and airport information are digitally depicted for interpretation on the display,” Samtel chairman-cum-managing director Satish Kaura said.

“The tie-up with HAL is a milestone in public-private partnership in the strategic defence sector,” he added.

In the second phase, the display systems will be fitted in HAL’s light combat aircraft and inter jet trainer programmes.

HAL chairman Ashok K. Baweja said the aeronautics firm was cruising ahead to become a powerhouse for design, analysis, engineering and software solutions.

“We are committed to fostering India’s ambition to be a leading role player in the aviation world aviation next decade,” Baweja added.

Part of the Rs.12-billion Samtel group, Samtel Display manufactures high-tech equipment for avionics, military and professional applications in the international market.