GE and TATA Advanced Systems Limited, a TATA group entity, have set up a Structural Center of Excellence for aero-engine components.

The manufacturing facility, located in Adibatla near here close to the Hyderabad international airport, will deliver complex high precision aero-engine components to the CFM LEAP engine.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held in the presence of KT Rama Rao, Telangana Minister for IT, Industries and Commerce.

This Centre is part of the strategic partnership signed in November 2017 between GE Aviation and TATA Advanced Systems Limited for manufacture, assemby, integration and testing of aircraft components.

“TATA group’s partnership with GE will boost the domestic manufacturing expertise, and enhance the capabilities of the group in the global aerospace industry. We look forward to this collaboration that will help both companies to strengthen manufacturing expertise in the country,” said Banmali Agrawala, President, Infrastructure and Defence & Aerospace, TATA Sons.

“Both GE and TATA have a long and distinguished history of delivering on commitments to help customers solve some of their toughest challenges. The collaboration will deliver results for India’s aerospace and defence industry which will be unmatched,” said Vishal Wanchoo, President and CEO for GE South Asia.

“Through our technology centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad, GE has developed high-tech research capabilities in India. Combining GE’s R&D capability with TATA’s new facility in Hyderabad is a significant step forward in building indigenous capability for the Indian aerospace industry.”

The agreement for manufacturing of LEAP components and establishment of TASL as a CoE provides the opportunity to expand into other product lines in both commercial and military engines.

GE military engines have a strong history in India and provides the jet engines and marine gas turbines for many Indian military applications including the Air Force Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas Mk 1, Indian Navy P-8I aircraft, and P-17 Shivalik class frigates.

Several military programmes 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.

TASL has emerged as a manufacturing partner for global OEMs, including Boeing, Airbus Group, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, as well as Defence Research & Development Organisation.