BEL, Boeing expand partnership

Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing are expanding their partnership through a follow-on contract, involving the manufacture of sub-assemblies for the Boeing Super Hornet (F/A-18E/F) fighter jets.

“This contract, for Super Hornet sub-assemblies, expands work Boeing awarded BEL in 2011,” a release said.

BEL delivers components for the Super Hornet and P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft; and is a partner with Boeing at the Analysis and Experimentation Centre in Bangalore that opened in 2009. Dennis Swanson, Vice-President of International Business Development for Boeing Defence, Space and Security in India, said that this relationship demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to work with the Indian industry.

BEL will now produce Super Hornet sub-assemblies including the Ground Power Panel, Helmet Vehicle Interface Stowage and Switch Assembly and Cockpit Console Panels. “This co-operation with Boeing is a great opportunity,” H N Ramakrishna, Director, BEL (Marketing) said.

For the F/A-18, BEL also produces a stowage panel for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System connector cable and an avionics cooling system fan test switch panel with a Night Vision Imaging System-compatible floodlight assembly.