Monday, October 21, 2013: In order to establish an electrical harness manufacturing capability at Bharat Electronics Ltd’s Bengaluru Complex, the company along with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Switzerland, have announced an offset project in the state.
As part of this project, BEL will be manufacturing electrical harnesses for the Pilatus global supply chain. Pilatus entered this contract with the Govt of India last year for the supply of 75 PC-7 MkII turboprop basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, Business Standard reported.
This contract has an integrated ground based training system, a comprehensive logistics support package and a 30 per cent offset obligation.
BEL and Pilatus had first come together in 2010 when they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on an offset-related basic trainer aircraft requirement, which was meant for Indian Air Force. This led to both the companies coming together for the production of certain aircraft electrical cable looms in 2013.
Under this project, the companies have to transfer technology in the form of tooling, jigs and training of BEL’s personnel at Pilatus in Switzerland and India. The first phase of this training was completed in Switzerland this year.
Reportedly, the training at Bengaluru’s BEL facilities has been scheduled to be completed by this year, while Pilatus will continue offering support as and when needed.