HAL to play critical role in fifth gen aircraft

The Economic Times ^ | 10/15/2010 | Biswaroop Guptu

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) will be playing a critical role in the design and development of the much-vaunted Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme , contrary to expectations , the state-owned defence undertaking’s chairman and managing director told ET.

With the $30-billion agreement scheduled to be signed during Russian president Dimitry Medvedev’s visit to India in December , questions had been raised about the company’s exact role, considering it will be India’s primary development agency for the programme.

“We will be part of the team designing the aircraft’s fuselage and airframe, and will be manufacturing the same in India as well. While we have had a certain amount of experience designing aircraft, playing a role in the design and development of next generation combat features such as stealth and super cruise will add to our knowledge,” HAL chairman and managing director Ashok Nayak said.

The concern arises from the fact that the Russians have been developing a single seater prototype, the PAKFA T-50 since 1999, and carried out a test flight earlier this month, its 22nd since its maiden flight in January 2010, with a large degree of success.

[Spok]

Good morning Dave.

[don'tbedenied]

I wouldn’t trust HAL.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Open the Pod bay doors. HAL

[Oztrich Boy]

operating the pod bay doors?

[Uncle Miltie]

"Would you like the Chicken Vindaloo?"

[null and void]

DISPENSER: Good morning. How can I help you?
LISTER: Bonjourno. Um, give me breakfast.
DISPENSER: What would you like?
LISTER: Uh ... chicken vindaloo ... and a milkshake.
DISPENSER: What flavour milkshake?
LISTER: Um ... beer.

[Darksheare]

I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t make that turn.

[stefanbatory]

the toaster was hilarious...