Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., The Inter Governmental Agreement between the Government of Republic of India and the Government of Russian Federation on transfer of License and Technical Documentation for production of Aero-Engine AL-55 I and rendering technical assistance in setting up of its production in India was signed on 18th August 2005 in the Presidential Chalet in MAKS-05 being held near Moscow.
Mr. S Banerjee, Additional Secretary (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, Government of India and Mr. Denisov, Deputy Chairman of Federal Services for Military Technical Co-operation, signed the agreement for Indian & Russian Governments respectively. Mr. Ashok K Baweja, Chairman HAL, and other senior officials of MoD and HAL were present on the occasion.
The AL-55 I engine will be fitted on the Indian Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the premier aeronautical industry of India, for second stage of pilot training.
While the prototypes are flying with French engines, AL-55 I will power the series production aircraft.
A demand of at lease 200 aircraft is envisaged with potential for much higher numbers. The engine is being developed by NPO Saturn and produced by UMPO. HAL will produce the engine under licence at its engine plant at Koraput.
The Military Technical Co-operation between the two countries, which commenced in early 1960s with license manufacture of MiG-21 FL aircraft, flourished with follow on projects such as MiG-21 M, MiG-21 BIS and Mig-27M aircraft, its engine and accessories is progressing satisfactorily.
The present IGA will strengthen the relations between the two countries and is expected to pave the way for future co-development and co-production programmes.
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