EOS is also showcasing its customer Intech DMLS in hall A, booth A 1.9 at Aero India 2015 between 18-22 February, 2015. Anand Prakasam, EOS Country Manager for India says the aerospace industry is an essential growth market for AM solutions used for cabin interior, engine and turbine parts applications.
EOS tech enables quick, and price efficient manufacturing of functional components with complex geometries and defined aerodynamic properties and permit material and weight savings, lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In India, EOS is working with HAL on developing the 25KN engine. Engine parts are produced on an EOS M280 system using EOS Nickel Alloy IN718, IN625 and EOS Titanium Ti64.
AM technology facilitates lightweight part design. Tool-less production requires less energy and raw material than conventional manufacturing, affording maximum flexibility. Modified parts, upgrades and spare parts can be produced as needed, doing away with need for storage. Intelligent AM-enabled, lightweight structures combine high strength with 40-60 pct weight reduction.
Two pilots of Red Bull aerobatic team, Flying Bulls did make contact mid air during a stunt show but managed to land their aircraft safely despite damaged wings. No injuries were reported.
More than 250 Indian companies and 300 foreign firms are participating in Aero India 2015. Defence ministers, senior officials and global business leaders are in attendance. 10th International Aero Show is the largest ever edition reflecting a new level of global interest and confidence in India, reputed to be the largest importer of defence equipment.
The billion strong nation, is keen to improve defence preparedness, and manage internal security requirements. Indian defence industry (government sector) employs nearly 200,000 workers and thousands of engineers and scientists. Alongwith an output of about $7 billion annually, it supports a large pool of small and medium enterprises. Indian defence industry in private sector is still small. 60 pct of Indian defence equipment is imported, with billions spent on acquiring from overseas.
20-25 pct reduction in defence equipment imports could create 100,000 to 120,000 highly skilled jobs in India. If domestic procurement is increased from 40 pct to 70 pct in the next five years, India could double its defence industry output. Permitted level of Foreign Direct Investment has been increased to 49 pct, and can be further increased if the project brings state-of-the art tech. Foreign Institutional Investments upto 24 pct are permitted. The need to have a single Indian investor with at least a 51 pct stake no longer stands.
Defence sector R&D is essential, ans should also be accompanied by a degree of assurance on purchase. Indian government now has a scheme to provide upto 80 pct funding for development of a prototype in India. A Technology Development Fund has been instituted. With clearer export policies, India looks to expand exports. Notable global firms are forming strategic partnerships in India.Some are using India as part of their global supply chains or engineering services.
In September 2014, Dynamatic Technologies and collaborator Boeing, inaugurated a plant in India to manufacture critical parts for a Boeing helicopter sold worldwide. The first set of parts is ready for shipment. It’s necessary that the tax system does not discriminate against domestic manufacture in comparison to imports. Indian defence industry will succeed if manufacturing sector in India is bettered. Such development will also support the ‘Make in India’ ideology.
Following a 20-minute disruption during 2013 Aero show, BBMP drew flak owing to birds flocking to the Mavallipura landfill around Air Force Station. This year only segregated waste headed to Mavallipura and is being processed on a daily basis. Birds or dogs will not be an issue this year, and that’s proven true thus far at Aero India 2015. Administration also came down on illegal catfish farming near the air show venue. Strict action will also be taken against those dumping garbage around Air Force Station, Yelahanka. Burning of waste and dry leaves is also prohibited in the are during Aero India 2015. A joint inspection patrol team headed continues to make rounds in identified problem areas. About 100 eateries and chicken shops in a 10km radius of Air Force Station, Yelahanka remain shut until 23rd February, so, Aero India 2015 isn’t affected adversely as improper waste disposal attracts birds.