FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1957
1957 - 1195.PDF
23 August 1957 283 India HINDUSTAN AIRCRAFT (PRIVATE) LTD., Bangalore, India. TTURBOJETS, fighters and trainer aircraft are now included inA the production programme of Hindustan Aircraft. Support in the expansion of the company's activities has come from theIndian Defence Ministry, in an endeavour not only to provide employment but also to make the country self-sufficient in certainimportant spheres. In September last year the Government of India concluded anagreement with the Bristol Aeroplane Company under which India obtained a licence to manufacture the full range of Bristol Orpheusturbojets. Licence negotiations have also been concluded with the Folland Company for the manufacture by Hindustan Aircraft ofthe Gnat light fighter. Several of the company's engineers are now in the U.K. familiarizing themselves with production aspects ofboth the Gnat and the Orpheus, and specialists from the British companies will assist in training the Indian personnel in all aspectsof production and planning. Construction of Hindustan Aircraft's engine factory is progressing rapidly and the first Indian-builtOrpheus is expected to be available for the Gnat during India's second five-year plan period.The design and development organization of H.A.L. has been expanded and a design team led by the eminent German aircraftdesigner, Dr. Kurt Tank, has been engaged. The factory has now been reorganized into three divisions, devoted to aircraft manu-facture and overhaul, engine manufacture and railway coach pro- duction. One of the largest aircraft repair, manufacturing andoverhaul organizations in the East, Hindustan Aircraft is a member of the S.B.A.C. and its plant has been approved by the AmericanC.A.A. for the repair and overhaul of U.S. aircraft and engines. Since the company began the repair and erection of Indian AirForce Tempest fighters in 1947, the factory has undertaken most of the subsequent Air Force requirements. Hindustan-builtVampire fighters and trainers form an important part of today's I.A.F. fleet. On the maintenance side, there has been a steadyexpansion, particularly since the attainment of India's indepen- dence ten years ago and the expansion of the I.A.F. During the last few years a modern foundry has been developedand has produced commercial and high-stress light-alloy castings for aircraft. Both aluminium and magnesium alloys are producedentirely at the company's works. This foundry is also producing Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Indian High Commissioner in the United Kingdom and Sir Reginald Verdon Smith, chairman of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, signing in London the agreement under which India obtained the licence to manufacture the Bristol Orpheus. high-grade cast-iron castings to meet the production requirementsof Hindustan Machine Tools, a sister concern owned by the Government. A new development is the introduction of light-alloyforgings, for which machinery is now being installed. The Indian Navy is now operating three HT-2 trainers, and theIndian Government has donated a further HT-2 to Singapore, under the Colombo Aid Plan, for the training of pilots andengineers. For the future, a demonstration tour of Australia and New Zealand by the HT-2 is planned.The first aircraft to be designed and produced in quantity in India, the HT-2 is an efficient basic trainer powered by a 155 h.p.Cirrus Major III engine. It is of all-metal construction and has a cruising speed of 115 m.p.h. Stalling speed with 30 deg flapis 47 m.p.h., and the initial rate of climb is 80 ft/min. Other data include: span, 35ft 2in; length 25ft 3in; gross weight 2240 lb;maximum speed 130 m.p.h. Among the board of management of the company are J. M.Shrinagesh, general manager; A. Zampolino, factory manager; P. M. Reddy, deputy general manager (engines); S. L. Sazena,deputy general manager (railcoach); Dr. Kurt Tank, director of engineering and Dr. V. M. Ghatage, chief designer. Hindustan Aircraft's Sea I and hangar, where overhaul work for the Indian Navy is carried out. Other work has included production for both Navy and Air Force. Among the year's visitors who have in- spected the HT-2 trainer (general- arrangement drawing, lower left) were the Shah and Empress of Iran. rl —' ti
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
