Maiden Flight of India’s First Airbus C295 a Success
The maiden test flight of the initial Airbus C 295 tactical lift aircraft designated for the Indian Air Force took place in Spain on Monday, marking a significant milestone as it moves closer to its scheduled delivery later this year. During a three-hour flight in Seville, Spain, the aircraft successfully underwent a thorough examination of various onboard systems.
Spain is currently producing the initial batch of 16 aircraft, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus will manufacture the subsequent 40 in Gujarat through a collaboration. The anticipated delivery of the first aircraft is expected to take place by September, and Indian Air Force personnel are already undergoing training in Spain to familiarize themselves with the new equipment.
Airbus
Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This inaugural flight is a momentous achievement for the first Make in India aerospace program. As the Indian Air Force prepares to become the largest operator of the C295 worldwide, this program serves as a testament to our dedication to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the military transport aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara last October. During the event, the Prime Minister expressed his vision for India to become a prominent producer of transport and commercial aircraft. He emphasized that India’s future endeavors would not only meet domestic demands but also serve the international market. This strategic move aims to position India as a significant player in the global aviation industry.
Tata is taking steps to establish its primary manufacturing facility in Vadodara, along with the development of an aerospace and defense complex in Dholera. In collaboration with Airbus, the company secured a contract worth Rs 21,935 crore to deliver 56 transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force in 2021.
This upcoming complex will mark a significant milestone for India as it will be the first-ever privately owned aircraft manufacturing facility in the country. Public sector enterprises, predominantly Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, primarily carried out the production of smaller aircraft in India in the past.
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