HAL bags Rs 1090-cr contract for supplying aircraft to IAF

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has bagged a Rs 1090-crore defence contract for supplying 14 Do-228 aircraft produced by HAL to the Indian Air Force (IAF). “Apart from these aircraft, the contract valued at around Rs 1090 crores includes six reserve engines, one flight simulator and associated equipment. This also reflects the trust of the defence customers on HAL and we remain committed to supporting Indian defence services for all their needs,” said T Suvarna Raju, chairman, Hindustan Aeronautics.
 
HAL Do-228 aircraft will be manufactured by the transport aircraft division at Kanpur. The division has expertise in manufacturing of transport and trainer category of aircraft and has till date manufactured 125 HAL Do-228 aircraft for various defence and other customers. This aircraft has been exported to Seychelles and Mauritius. Last year, one Dornier was also supplied to Bangalore based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) to be used as flying test bed (FTB) for evaluation of performance of various radars being developed by them.
 
“HAL Do-228 is a highly reliable, multi-purpose, fuel efficient, rugged, light weight twin turboprop aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear. The cockpit is designed to accommodate two crew members and is fitted with duplicate controls. The cabin can accommodate 19 passengers in commuter configuration,” said HAL in a press release.