by Sharada Prahladrao
GE and Tata Group inaugurated a world class Structural Center of Excellence (COE) focused on aero engine components in Adibatla on the outskirts of Hyderabad, India. The COE will incorporate latest technologies from GE and best manufacturing practices to deliver complex, high precision aero engine components to the world’s fastest-selling jet engine, the CFM LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engine, catering to aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. This is part of the strategic partnership signed in November 2017 between GE Aviation and TATA Advanced Systems (TASL) to join forces for manufacturing, assembling, integration and testing of aircraft components. The facility is expected to be ready for manufacturing by the year end, catering to GE's global demands as well as India's defense market. The joint venture will also support a skilling center to train youth in engine manufacturing.
Tata Group’s partnership with GE on best manufacturing practices will boost the domestic manufacturing expertise, and enhance the capabilities of the Group in the global aerospace industry. According to the company, this collaboration will create highly skilled jobs and develop a high-end supply chain that will offer a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem in India.
The agreement also provides the opportunity for TASL to expand into other GE product lines in both commercial and military engines in the future. GE military engines have a strong history in India. GE currently provides the jet engines and marine gas turbines for many Indian military applications including the Air Force Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas Mk1, Indian Navy P-8I aircraft, and P-17 Shivalik class frigates. Several military programs under development that include the Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas Mk 2, P-17A & P-71 ships, and the AH-64 attack helicopters will be powered by GE engines.
Combining GE’s R&D capability with state-of-the-art manufacturing within TATA’s new facility in Hyderabad is a significant step forward in building indigenous capability for India’s aerospace industry.