New BEML Aerospace Complex To Assemble Helicopters And Small Jets

India’s government owned Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is setting up a new aerospace complex that will manufacture aircraft components and assemble helicopters and small jets. BEML’s executive director (Aerospace), Umesh Chandra, told defenseworld.net in an email interview that the complex is currently under construction near the Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), the fast-track project is expected to be up and running by September 2012. With a capital outlay of approximately $80 million (INR455 crore), the complex in Devanahalli, Bangalore will focus on manufacturing full components likes wings & fuselage of aircraft. The Aerospace Complex will have an assembly hangar that will be used for sub and major assembles, which can also be used as an MRO centre. The modern complex’s in-house admin and design centre can hold about 600 designers and will pave way for BEML to independently enter the aircraft manufacturing arena. The BEML facility will be the second of its kind after the unit in Mysore which manufactures Ground Support Equipment and Ground Handling Equipment. The company’s foray into aerospace may go on to challenge Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) which is India’s only aircraft manufacturer. BEML will also have the honour of being the first company to set up an aerospace complex in an SEZ area.