TLMAL delivers
200th C-130J Super Hercules empennage
Tata
Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), on 9 August 2023, achieved a
significant milestone with the delivery of the 200th C-130J Super Hercules
empennage.
TLMAL, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, was established in 2010 in Adibatla, Hyderabad.
TLMAL exemplifies the Make in India initiative and has the distinction of being
the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies that are installed on
all new Super Hercules aircraft produced in Marietta, Georgia, in the United
States.
An empennage is the tail structure located at the rear of
an aircraft. Empennage assemblies produced by TLMAL include the aircraft's horizontal
and vertical stabilisers along with leading edges and tip assemblies. The TLMAL
team also previously manufactured center wing box components for legacy C-130
model aircraft, and introduced a new cutting-edge 4,700 square-meter metal-to-metal bonding facility in April 2018. TLMAL currently
employs 650 people.
In March of this year, Lockheed Martin and Tata Group
signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin the implementation of fighter
wing production after the team at TLMAL demonstrated the capability to produce one of the most technologically complex aerostructures: a
fuel-carrying 9G, 12,000 hour, interchangeable/replaceable fighter wing.
This effort not only strengthens Lockheed Martin's partnership with India but “also
demonstrates to India, and to the world, the degree
of confidence that exists in our F-21 offering for procurement of 114
new fighter aircraft, exclusively for India and the Indian Air Force, by proving additional indigenous production
capability”.
"The C-130J is known as the world's workhorse not
just for its large global presence, but also for its international supply chain
partners including TLMAL," stated Rod
McLean, vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility & Maritime
Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin. "Each TLMAL produced
empennage literally helps the mighty Super Hercules take flight to support
critical missions that impact lives and make history. While it takes many parts
and pieces to build an empennage, it also requires a group of highly dedicated
and skilled individuals, traits that are continually exemplified by our TLMAL
teammates."
TLMAL empennages are included in C-130Js operated by seven
nations, including India. These C-130Js support critical worldwide search and
rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, maritime patrol, special operations,
aerial refueling, commercial cargo transport, medevac and humanitarian response
missions.
"Today, we take immense pride in reaching the
momentous milestone of producing the 200th empennage for C-130J right here in
India. Over the course of more than a decade, this partnership has achieved
unrivalled manufacturing and operational excellence," stated Sukaran Singh, CEO and managing director,
Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
The C-130J Super Hercules is the proven standard in
tactical airlift, providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to
complete any mission, anytime, anywhere. It is the current variant of the C-130
Hercules and is the “airlifter of choice” for 21 nations around the
world.
Boeing
and TBAL begin production on IA Apaches
Boeing is starting production of the Indian Army's Apaches
in Mesa, Arizona. The company will deliver a total of six AH-64E Apaches
fulfilling the Indian Army's requirements. Earlier this year, Tata Boeing
Aerospace Limited (TBAL) delivered the Indian Army's first AH-64 Apache
fuselage from its advanced facility in Hyderabad, India.
"We
are pleased to reach yet another significant milestone, highlighting Boeing's
unwavering commitment to support India's defence capabilities,” stated Salil
Gupte, President, Boeing India. “The advanced technology and proven performance
of the AH-64 will enhance the Indian Army's operational readiness and
strengthen its defense capabilities."
In
2020, Boeing completed delivery of 22 Indian Air Force E-model Apaches and
signed a contract to produce six AH-64Es for the Indian Army. The delivery of
the Indian Army's Apaches is scheduled for 2024.
“The
AH-64E continues to be the world’s premier attack helicopter,” stated Christina
Upah, Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programmes and senior Boeing Mesa
site executive. “The AH-64 provides customers with unparalleled lethality and
survivability, and we are thrilled to provide those capabilities to the Indian
Army.”
