HAL may mkt/mfg Russian power generators

Hindustan Aeronautics is mulling marketing and subsequent production of gas turbine power generators in co-operation with Russian-based jet engine manufacturer Saturn Jet Engine Corporation.

HAL could start the import of up to 5 MWT gas turbine power units from January 2007, and about 15 Indian companies have already evinced interest in the captive power units worth $30 million manufactured by Rybinsk plant of the NPO Saturn Jet Engine Corporation, local RBC daily reported.

According to Oleg Bryndin of NPO Saturn, HAL, in the initial period, would act as the sales representative for the captive power plants, and later make some parts which would be "localised" although the main production facilities would remain in Russia.

Bryndin said talks with HAL have been on for about two years and the two sides are close to inking the deal under which HAL would procure orders from Indian companies for gas turbine captive power units from to 2.5 MWT to 5 MWT capacity.

NPO Saturn - the designer and manufacturer of engines for jet fighters - is already working with HAL on the Al-55i jet engines for the indigenous HJT-36 trainer jets.