OREANDA-NEWS. Switzerland based Pilatus Aircraft Ltd and India's Tata Advanced Systems have signed an agreement for manufacture and supply of Pilatus PC-12 “Green Aircraft” Aerostructures at Tata Advanced Systems facility in Hyderabad, India. This will include assembly of complete airframe for the aircraft, including Integrated Fuselage, Wing, Cockpit, Ailerons, Fins, and Rudders. During a rigorous sourcing and selection process, Tata Advanced Systems were able to evidence world class capabilities and the capacity to support delivery against Pilatus' requirements.

The Pilatus PC-12 NG has gained a reputation for outstanding versatility, performance, reliability, and operational flexibility. It is one of the most popular turbine-powered business aircraft in the market today with over 1300 aircrafts already sold worldwide. In operation around the globe, the PC-12 NG has found popularity in a number of roles including executive transport, cargo, air-ambulance, airline, and government special mission applications.

Pilatus is currently supplying its PC-7 MkII Basic Trainer Aircraft to the Indian Air Force as part of its contract for 75 such Aircraft.

“We are delighted to enter into a relationship with Tata Advanced Systems, which is known for its high quality aero structure assembly capability, proven to many prestigious international aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Tata is without doubt a partner of choice for Pilatus in the continued expansion of its portfolio of international subcontractors. The partnership is also important in the context of Pilatus' offset obligation resulting from the sale of the PC-7 MkII Training Aircraft System to the Indian Air Force”, said Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

“We are pleased to enter into a partnership with Pilatus, known for its technology leadership and excellence in the business jet and trainer aircraft segment. It is a matter of pride for us that Pilatus has found Tata Advanced Systems to be the partner of choice in its global supply chain. This significant initiative is testament to the strong performance demonstrated by Tata Advanced Systems in recent years to become a supplier of choice for Aerostructures manufacturing. Our desire is to further strengthen this partnership with Pilatus to develop capabilities for complete aircraft manufacturing in India, which will meet the needs of the Indian Defence Forces.” said Mr. S. Ramadorai, Chairman, Tata Advanced Systems.

Tata Advanced Systems is a leader in the aerostructures business in India with partnerships and Joint Ventures with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, wherein it is manufacturing key aerostructures as a global single source. Tata Advanced Systems has recently won contracts from RUAG Aviation for of Dornier 228-212 NG Fuselage and Wing, and Cobham Mission Equipment for Air-to-Air Refuelling Pods. It also has development and manufacturing units in the areas of Missile Systems, Radar Systems, Unmanned Systems, Optronics, Command & Control Systems and Homeland Security.