DRDO eyes pvt power for high-tech aircraft

Mumbai: It has been reliably learnt that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is planning to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — Lakshya and Nishant — through joint ventures with private companies — Tata Power and Larsen and Toubro.
The state agency has initiated talks with both the companies for the design and development project, estimated to cost around Rs 1,000 crore, said company officials. DRDO is looking for private participation in the maintenance of the airborne early warning and control system projects.
The strategic electronics division of Tata Power and the heavy engineering division of L&T have shown interest in this project which is worth around Rs 1,200 crore. State-owned Bharat Electronics is also believed to be in the race for this project.
DRDO is also considering a tie-up with state-run Hindustan Aeronautics for developing the components for UAVs. The Centre for Airborne Systems in Bangalore (CABS) is developing the airborne early warning system which involves a flying platform and mounted sensors like radars to provide battle-management functions.
CABS is also planning to build a radar system on an imported Embraer executive jet. The government has already sent out a request for proposal to Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer.
11/09/07 Nevin John/Economic Times

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: General Aviation Sep 2007