Indigenously made multifunction displays to replace imported MFDs on Su30 MKIs for the first time in India
Samtel HAL Display Systems – a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has announced that it has received the production clearance from RCMA (Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness), CEMILAC for induction of indigenously made multi-function displays on Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft. Subsequent to this approval, Samtel HAL will begin the deliveries of the 5”x5” and 6”x6” multifunction displays (MFDs) to HAL within the next week for inducting on Su30 MKIs. The potential of this order will be Rs 250 crores over the next few years for the entire Sukhoi fleet.
With this, the Samtel HAL JV has become the first Indian company to indigenously produce a hi-tech cockpit display for fighter aircraft. This is in line with the thrust accorded by the Indian MoD on development of indigenous products for Indian Defence industry. These MFDs were jointly developed by DRDO, Samtel and HAL, and have replaced the multifunction displays which were till now being imported by HAL for induction on Sukhoi 30 MKIs.
Prior to this, the MFDs had received flight clearance from RCMA for airworthiness in 2008. Subsequent to this clearance, flight trials were conducted by HAL for the MFDs on Sukhoi 30 MKIs. It is after the successful completion of flight trials that Samtel HAL has received a production clearance by RCMA for supply of MFDs to HAL.
The joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL was formed in 2006 with an aim to address the avionics requirements of HAL especially cockpit displays of all kinds. The JV plans to induct cockpit displays across all platforms of HAL with Samtel-HAL JV's products. This joint venture is the first public-private partnership in the defence avionics sector in India.
Mr. Puneet Kaura, Executive Director, Samtel Display Systems says, “The Indian aerospace industry is on an upswing and such landmark achievements by an Indian company accentuate the potential of the Indian manufacturing industry. We now look forward to playing an active role in inducting such displays on all upcoming projects and upgrades.”
For the editors:
The Multi-Functional display (MFD) is a device that puts all aircraft-systems monitoring and flight planning functions at the pilot's fingertips. The MFD displays a composite view of the aircraft’s environment, providing the pilot with all necessary information to make safe decisions during every phase of flight. Engine performance and situational data such as location, terrain, traffic, and weather and airport information are all digitally depicted and can be quickly interpreted at a glance on the large-format display.
About Samtel Display Systems
Samtel Display Systems (SDS) is a key Indian player in high-technology products for avionics and military applications in both domestic and international markets. SDS straddles the entire value chain from design, development, manufacture, testing, qualification, repair & maintenance and obsolescence management of avionics products and equipment for military as well as commercial aircraft. Its main products include various types of displays. SDS is a part of the Samtel Group, India’s largest integrated manufacturer of a wide range of displays for television, avionics, industrial, medical and professional applications, TV glass, components for displays, machinery and engineering services. Visit www.samteldisplays.com and www.samtel-hal.com for details.
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), formed in 1964, is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking. HAL is a major player in the global aviation arena and is currently ranked 34th among the world’s top 100 defence companies. The Company has proven capabilities in R&D, manufacturing and maintenance of fighters, trainers, transport aircraft, helicopters, their engines and associated systems. Visit www.hal-india.com for details.
