Aerospace

HAL, France’s Safran ink deal to develop helicopter engines.

U.S. Army Grounds Entire Fleet of Chinook Helicopters

According to the source on Friday saw the signing of a new joint venture agreement between France’s Safran Helicopter Engines and state-run aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), according to a statement from HAL. In the presence of Safran Group CEO Olivier Andriès, it was signed by Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Franck Saudo and HAL Chairman R Madhavan.

In order to meet the needs of future helicopters being developed by HAL and the defence department, including the 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter), the new aero-engine company in India will be focused on the development, production, sales, and support of helicopter engines, according to HAL.

In both Indian and international markets, IMRH is anticipated to compete with Russian Mi-17 helicopters. According to HAL officials, the platform might have a sizable market given that approximately 40 air forces throughout the world have helicopters similar to the Mi-17.IMRH will be able to perform a wide range of tasks, including as transporting troops, leading assault operations, performing air maintenance, and anti-submarine warfare.

For several decades, Safran Helicopter Engines has been a valued partner. We now eagerly anticipate taking advantage of this chance to draw on HAL’s expertise in producing more than 15 different types of aircraft and helicopter engines to jointly co-develop and manufacture engines with a focus on IMRH and its naval variant, the deck-based MRH, as soon as possible, said Madhavan.

According to a HAL statement, HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines already work together on a number of projects, including the Shakti engine that powers several HAL-built helicopters, including the Dhruv, Rudra, and the light combat helicopter.

On July 5, a high-level delegation of Safran Group had met defence minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him on the firm’s upcoming projects in the country including the setting up of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad.

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.