India’s plan to build civilian plane set for take-off

[thestringshredder]

After spending years in the pipeline, India’s plan to build its own civilian aircraft is set to take off by September, with the government expected to give its final nod to creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for this project in the next couple of weeks.

This, according to sources, is among the showcase projects in the package planned to boost the manufacturing sector. Just like the Rs 1.15 lakh crore-push announced for the infrastructure sector, the government is keen to send a strong signal to the manufacturing sector through a similar set of measures, they said.

It is learnt that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to chair a meeting of key ministries to finalise the entire package over the next few weeks. In fact, a meeting was set for July 3 but may have to be pushed ahead to ensure the presence of most ministers.

As for the aircraft project, sources said, the proposal is for the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to create a SPV along with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). This SPV will work out arrangements with DRDO labs as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

While this is planned to be largely an indigenous effort, sources said the proposal makes it clear that the engine would have to be purchased globally, for which a tie-up with a global player would be necessary. However, the airframe and related systems would be built in India.

Significantly, the SPV will have to engage the private sector, which is said to be willing to invest in the project as first- and second-tier suppliers. Going by this and the recommendations of the B K Chaturvedi-led expert group on HAL, sources said the government is now confident that the SPV can be launched by September 30.

The project, which will require a large amount of funds, will be financed from the proposed National Investment Fund being created using the vast surplus of public sector units. The development costs will also be met from CSIR’s plan outlays.

The idea to develop and manufacture a small civilian aircraft on the lines of what Brazil achieved with the Embraer jet has been discussed on paper for quite some time. In fact, NAL completed the initial research work in 2008, but the costs were always prohibitive as a project of this nature would have to be largely financed by the government.

But the pieces seem to have fallen together this time with sources highlighting the Chaturvedi panel’s strong recommendation to get HAL to diversify and build civilian aircraft in a bid to become more competitive commercially.

Link - India’s plan to build civilian plane set for take-off | idrw.org

 

[kurup]

We have been thinking about developing a civil plane for many years and final nod is expected in few weeks .

The words in bold hold the key .....

 

[Manindra]

This news should come out after final nod .

 

[livingdead]

bs news..................

 

[Dash]

I am not able to understand this Special Purpose Vehicle? That's an airliner, a turbo prop....or what?

 

[Abingdonboy]

I am not able to understand this Special Purpose Vehicle? That's an airliner, a turbo prop....or what?

AFAIK this "Special Purpose Vehicle" is a body that will oversee the project just like the DMRC with the Delhi Metro.

Setting up these independent bodies seem to be a very smart move and are going to speed up projects like HSR, DFC etc

 

[arihant]

I am not able to understand this Special Purpose Vehicle? That's an airliner, a turbo prop....or what?

Special Purpose Vehicle is usually referred to separate independent organization or company.

 

[Dash]

AFAIK this "Special Purpose Vehicle" is a body that will oversee the project just like the DMRC with the Delhi Metro.

Setting up these independent bodies seem to be a very smart move and are going to speed up projects like HSR, DFC etc

Thanks for the clarity. I was wondering this naming sounded similar to Advanced Technology Vehile , I kind of thought its some secret project then...

But anyway, Thanks for clarifying that.

 

[Brahmos_2]

Again HAL Give this project to ISRO(atleast the top management).I'm sure they can compete it on time with some support from HAL & NAL. never trust these HAL guys.