The need for technology was imperative for the growth of the aviation industry and innovation in this sector was crucial for the country to ensure self reliance, Ashok Baweja, chairman of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said today.
Addressing a seminar on ‘Transport Aircraft: Perspective and Trends in Technologies,’ at the eighth edition of the Aeroshow here, he said “There is a need for technology, beyond doubt. Technology is a must whether you buy it or develop it”. According to Baweja, future trend lay in developing ‘green aircraft’ that focussed on reducing the carbon foot prints, reducing noise levels, carbon dioxide emissions, ensured low fuel consumption, lower drags and eliminated materials of concerns. Ideal transport aircraft would be ones that could ensure good operating economy, low noise and low emission levels, low acquisition cost and high utilisation, he said.
The opportunities for use of technology lay in multi-role transport aircraft, Indian Regional Transport aircraft, fifth generation fighter aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles among others, said Baweja.
Long Term goals for investing in technology included development of cockpit ergonomics, smart materials, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence,he said.