General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a leading US manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), has entered into a strategic partnership with Bharat Forge to manufacture aerostructures.
An aerostructure is a component of an aircraft’s airframe, and may include all or part of the fuselage, wings, or flight control surfaces. Bharat Forge will manufacture the main landing gear components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies for RPAs manufactured by GA-ASI.
The partnership is a big win for Bharat Forge, which is part of the Kalyani Group, as India has been planning to acquire additional MQ-9A RPAs from GA-ASI. Two MQ-9A RPAs on lease from GA-ASI to the India Navy completed 10,000 flight hours in India in November 2022.
“GA-ASI is eagerly looking forward to working with Bharat Forge in the critical field of aerostructure manufacturing,” said Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation. Bharat Forge’s expertise in the field of forging is known globally, he said, and “their outstanding contributions in the aerospace sector has inspired us to work together for building the next generation of the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.”
Aerospace is a high ‘technology intensive’ domain, which relies on product integrity, reliability, and zero defect, said Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge. “This is a culture by itself and demands a strong focus on people and processes. As part of our Aerospace Growth Strategy, our collaboration with GA-ASI is a strong testimony of our culture in Bharat Forge Aerospace to assimilate and demonstrate the same, as partners to General Atomics, in making India Atmanirbhar,” Kalyani said.
Bharat Forge has state-of-the-art, digitally integrated manufacturing, assembly, and testing facility for aerospace components and systems. The company manufactures structural & engine parts and sub-systems for aircraft and engines encompassing both civil and military applications. It also includes aircraft turbine and compressor manufacturing, high-end aero engine components like blades, discs, and shafts; and airframe components, including aircraft landing gear.
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