Tata, Bell to develop civil, military choppers

In a major development in the aviation sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company, have signed an agreement to work together and develop civil and military helicopters.

Under this agreement TASL and Bell Helicopter will join forces to develop both commercial and government (including military) rotary-wing choppers in India in the light-utility and reconnaissance segments.

Industrial capabilities

The scope of this agreement is intended to include potential production and assembly capabilities, certain training and maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements, as well as research and development programmes and technology sharing that will grow industrial capabilities and result in innovative make in India  solutions, according to a press statement issued in Mumbai.

“TASL’s alliance with Bell Helicopter is significant because of our shared synergies; our defence manufacturing capabilities and focus on innovation are well aligned with Bell Helicopter’s core competence,” said S Ramadorai, chairman of TASL.

“This will build on the partnerships that TASL already has in the rotorcraft market allowing it to offer a full range of products to potential customers,” he added.

“TASL has been a leader in driving industrial growth in India, and its organisation ideally complements Bell Helicopter both in terms of innovative thinking, manufacturing capability and a commitment to business ethics, integrity and customer satisfaction,” said Mitch Snyder, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter.

TASL is focused on providing integrated solutions for aerospace, defence and homeland security.

It has become a significant player in the global aerospace market, becoming the premier manufacturing partner for global original equipment manufacturers.

It has capabilities throughout the aerospace value chain from design to full aircraft assembly, and is well positioned in other areas that include missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security, the statement added.