Aerospace

HAL Dhruv received restricted-type certification from EASA

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved restricted type certification for its indigenously developed helicopter platform, the HAL Dhruv, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Brussels, Belgium. This historic achievement validates HAL’s capacity to design and manufacture helicopters that meet the stringent certification requirements set by the European aviation regulatory authorities.

The EASA certification demonstrates HAL’s extraordinary engineering ability and perseverance in designing the Dhruv helicopter platform. It certifies that HAL has met and exceeded the European aviation industry’s strict safety, performance, and operational requirements.

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HAL has proven its dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality in its aircraft designs by complying to the stringent European certification requirements. The EASA certification system involves a thorough assessment of a number of aspects, including design, manufacture, maintenance, and operational procedures, to make sure that the certified aircraft meet or surpass the established criteria.

The HAL Dhruv, renowned for its strong performance and adaptability, has already demonstrated its endurance in a variety of difficult circumstances, including military operations, search and rescue missions, disaster relief operations, and the transportation of personnel and cargo. Dhruv now has formal confirmation that it complies with European aviation standards by the EASA certification, which increases its trustworthiness and appeal to consumers.

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The EASA certification will help HAL build closer relationships with European aviation stakeholders as it widens its presence there, boosting partnerships and joint ventures. Potential consumers in the area are more confident as a result of the EASA’s recognition of the HAL Dhruv’s high quality and dependability.

The Hindustan-228 STOL twin-turboprop commuter aircraft and the civilian derived of the single-engined Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which is currently being constructed in series at the greenfield HAL facility in Tumakuru, are now poised to receive similar airworthiness type-certification from HAL.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.