February 15, 2023
1 min read

HAL to provide support for MQ-9B remotely piloted aircrafts

HAL is the foremost Indian public sector aerospace and defence agency, and its vast experience in the domain of aero-engine technology makes it our natural partner in India…reports Asian Lite News

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated (GA-ASI) have jointly announced that turbo-propeller engines which power the state-of-art MQ-9B Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will be supported by the HAL Engine Division at Bengaluru for the Indian market.

“HAL has been manufacturing and providing MRO support for TPE 331-5 engines for the last 40 years. We are also establishing facilities for manufacturing TPE 331-12B engines for the HTT-40 project.

“The engine used on the MQ-9B RPAS belongs to the same family of engines with upgraded configuration to adapt to the RPAS technology. I am glad that HAL Engine Division, Bengaluru would be providing MRO support to the engine for MQ-9B RPAS, one of the most sophisticated equipment in the world,” HAL Chairman and Managing Director, C.B. Ananthakrishnan said.

“GA-ASI is proud to collaborate with HAL on this prestigious project,” General Atomics Global Corporation’s Chief Executive Dr. Vivek Lall said. “HAL is the foremost Indian public sector aerospace and defence agency, and its vast experience in the domain of aero-engine technology makes it our natural partner in India.”

Though the turboprop engine fitted onboard the MQ-9B HALE RPAS looks similar to other commercial engines in its category, it is unique in its configuration and operation, requiring special training and equipment to maintain, repair and overhaul.

The Expression of Interest was exchanged between Lall, and HAL’s Executive Director, Engines and IMGT, B.Krishna Kumar in the presence of Bengaluru Complex CEO Mihir Kanti Mishra.

GA-ASI and HAL eagerly look forward to formulating a comprehensive engine MRO program for upcoming HALE RPAS projects. This joint collaboration echoes India’s clarion call for ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), while underscoring the deep industrial connection between US and Indian aerospace companies.

ALSO READ-‘US expanding cooperation with India to address global challenges’

Previous Story

India-Russia defence partnership touches new heights at Aero India  

Next Story

Lankan envoy meets Nirmala ahead of G20 FMs Meeting

Latest from -Top News

Vance Defends US Sanctions, Tariffs on India

Vance said the Trump administration is making it harder for Moscow to profit from its oil economy through measures that include tariffs on India….reports Asian Lite News US Vice President JD Vance

Bangladesh Rejects Dar’s 1971 Claim

During his two-day Dhaka visit, the first in 13 years, Dar made the claims after meeting interim Foreign Affairs Advisor Hossain…reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh has rejected Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India, Italy to deepen ties in railways, textile

The progress on the outcomes of the India-EU leaders Summit

India’s pride reaches home

The 26-year-old had tweeted ahead of her departure from Tokyo