Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) on Thursday delivered the first fuselages for the six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters ordered by the Indian Army from its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad.
“This is a proud milestone and a testimony to our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and world-class manufacturing capabilities at Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, our joint venture in Hyderabad. Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India, said the Apache will provide the Indian Army with a significant increase in the capability of the Indian Air Force like the AH-64. Notably, the aircraft company had already completed the delivery of all 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020.
14,000 square meters of TBAL. In addition to being the global sole source supplier for Apache fuselages, the facility manufactures complex aero-structures for the Boeing 737 and 777 models. The joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) employs more than 900 engineers and technicians and uses state-of-the-art robotics, automation and advanced aerospace concepts in its manufacturing processes.
“The successful delivery of the first fuselage for the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Army is the result of hard work and seamless collaboration of the teams at TBAL, India. This delivery establishes TBAL and India as important manufacturing bases in overall Boeing operations. Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), said, “We are committed to progressing indigenous defense manufacturing with a strong focus on quality and on-time delivery.
Make in India has got a big boost from this project
TBAL has produced and supplied Boeing’s Apache Final Assembly Plant in Mesa, Arizona with more than 190 fuselages. More than 90 percent of the parts used in these aerostructure assemblies are manufactured within India through more than 100 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) suppliers, supporting the government’s vision for Make in India. The Tata group recently won the “Supplier of the Year” award 2022 from Boeing out of over 11,000 suppliers worldwide.
With more than 1,275 AH-64 Apaches in operation having accumulated over 4.9 million flight hours globally, of which 1.3 million are in combat, the attack helicopter holds the reputation of being the world’s most advanced and proven attack helicopter.
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