Article Posted on : - May 30, 2011

KANPUR (PTI): The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over 100th maritime surveillance aircraft 'Dornier 228' (DO-228) built by it to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Handing over the key and log book of the 19-seater multi-purpose light transport aircarft to ICG Director General Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak termed the aircraft as a landmark addition into the armoury of coast guards for effective and sharp surveillance of country's coastal boundaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of HAL Kanpur D Balasubramanian said that with DO-228, HAL holds the distinction of producing 100 such aircraft for the nation.

Underlining the features of the multi-speciality aircraft, Subramanian said the DO-228 is equipped with sophisticated techniques which include a 360 degree surveillance radar, Satellite Communication (SATCOM), Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) and Automatic Identification System (AIS).

Terming HAL as a premier aircraft manufacturer for the country, Subramanian said that the company is eyeing a business of Rs 550 crores in the financial year 2011-12.

On the future plans of the company, Subramanian said that HAL will continue to produce sophisticated aircraft for the defence forces in coming years which include Intermediate Jet Trainer, light-weight "Saras" aircraft and a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA).

Established in 1960, HAL has given some of the highly sophisticated and multi-speciality aircrafts to the nation which include SH-748, ITG-3 Glider, an agriculture aircraft called HA-31 Basant and a basic trainer aircraft called HPT-32, Subramanian said.