HAL Chairman seeks more investment in R and D
Bangalore, Feb 5 (UNI) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Chairman Ashok K Baweja today sought greater investment in Research and Development to take up major defence aviation projects such as the fifth generation fighter aircraft, the multirole transport aircraft and the medium combat aircraft.
Delivering the keynote address at an international seminar on 'Aerospace Technologies - Challenges and Opportunities' here, he said there should be a synergy between the industry and research groups and there was a need for the country to innovate to be independent.
Stating that the need for technology was beyond doubt, he highlighted various concepts for an ideal future fighter aircraft which would have multirole capability, mission effectiveness and be produced in a cost-effective manner. The future aircraft should have diverse and contra requirements on airframe and systems and carry smart weapons.
Explaining the multirole capability, Mr Baweja said these aircraft, besides defensive roles, should prove their air superiority in reconnaisance and escort sorties.
On combat effectiveness of such aircraft, the enablers should be long range and high resolution radars, smart beyond visual range weapons with self guidance, short range missiles with radar and infrared guidance, super cruise and super maneouvrability. These enablers should provide a high success rate in aerial engagement, he added.
Mr Baweja dwelt on various emerging concepts and technologies that would make the development not only more challenging, but also ensure low rate of attrition. They should have the ability to launch sorties at any time and under any condition, he added.
On low cost of acquisition and operation, he said new technologies need to be evolved to reduce design cycle time. He also did not rule out the possibility of countries taking up collaborative effort to share cost and risk.
UNI