Airbus and Tata Group Forge Strategic Partnership to Propel Helicopter Manufacturing in India

By IndraStra Global News Team

Cover Image Attribute: A file photo of an H125 (AS350BA Squirrel) of the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, powered by an Arriel 1B engine and fitted with wider chord AS355 main rotor blades and tail rotor servo. / Source: Wikimedia Commons

As per the latest development that aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative, Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, have announced a strategic partnership to co-manufacture the renowned H125 single-engine helicopters. This strategic collaboration marks the first instance of the private sector taking the lead in setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, aligning seamlessly with the Government of India's 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) program.
The H125 helicopters, a cornerstone of Airbus' civilian product range, are intended for both the Indian market and export to neighboring countries. Beyond helicopters, the partnership extends to the collaborative production of a minimum of 40 C-295 transport aircraft in India. TASL will oversee the assembly of these aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The demand for single-engine helicopters in India has been steadily increasing, catering to various sectors such as high-net-worth individuals, goods transportation, and emergency medical services. Reports suggest an immediate demand for 600-800 helicopters from interested buyers, making this collaboration timely and significant. The H130, another offering from Airbus, has already established itself in roles spanning tourist destinations, VIP duties, medical airlifts, and surveillance missions.
The announcement was made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, which coincided with the 25th anniversary celebrations of the India-France Strategic Partnership and Republic Day festivities. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra highlighted agreements on a defense-industrial roadmap and a defense space partnership, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Collaborative Approach
The Tata-Airbus H125 collaboration aims to address the burgeoning demand for helicopters in India, with applications ranging from high-net-worth individuals to the transportation of goods and responding to medical emergencies. The market potential for this type of aircraft in India is evident, with an immediate demand for up to 800 helicopters, according to information available in the public domain.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Tata-Airbus facility in 2023, marking India's entry into a select group of nations capable of producing C-295 transport aircraft. Airbus and TASL have already forged multiple agreements, with TASL recently announcing its agreement to manufacture and supply components to Airbus for commercial jets, including the A320 and A350.

The Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India will play a pivotal role in integrating major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems. Tasks such as the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and the engine will also be carried out at this facility.
Additionally, the FAL will be responsible for testing, qualifying, and delivering the H125 to customers in India and the broader region. The establishment of the FAL is expected to take 24 months, with the first 'Made in India' H125s slated for delivery in 2026. The location of the FAL will be jointly decided by Airbus and the Tata Group.
Statements
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, emphasized the significance of helicopters in nation-building. "A 'Made-in-India' civil helicopter will not only be a symbol of the confident New India but will also unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country," he stated. Faury underscored that the helicopter's final assembly line is a reaffirmation of Airbus' commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India.
This facility follows the 'Make in India' C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, representing the second final assembly line built by Airbus in India. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed delight in setting up India's first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. He noted that the facility would host the final assembly line in partnership with Airbus for the world's bestselling Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter, catering to both Indian and export markets.
About the Helicopter

Undisputed in its class, the H125 produced in India is poised to catalyze the use of helicopters in the country. As a multi-mission workhorse, it is set to revolutionize passenger and goods transportation, emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions. The H125's contribution to the Government of India's regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) – will enhance last-mile connectivity to remote areas, further promoting the tourism sector.
The H125 is the world's best-selling single-engine helicopter, surpassing its counterparts in the category. Part of Airbus' Ecureuil family, it has accumulated an impressive 38 million flight hours worldwide. Its capabilities include operation in high-and-hot and extreme environments, with easy reconfiguration for various missions such as aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport.

Schematics' Attribute: H125's engineering drawings - front view, side view, and top view. 
Technical Specifications
General - Crew: 1- Passenger Capacity: 5 (Options for 4, 5, & 6 passengers, with the 6-passenger configuration replacing the single forward seat with a two-person bench seat)- Length: 10.93 m (35 ft 10 in) (fuselage)- Height: 3.145 m (10 ft 4 in)- Empty Weight: 1,174 kg (2,588 lb)- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)- Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft engine, 632 kW (848 hp)- Main Rotor Diameter: 10.7 m (35 ft 1 in)- Main Rotor Area: 89.75 m2 (966.1 sq ft)
Performance- Cruise Speed: 245 km/h (152 mph, 132 kn)- Never Exceed Speed: 287 km/h (178 mph, 155 kn)- Range: 662 km (411 mi, 357 nmi)- Endurance: 4 hours 6 minutes- Service Ceiling: 4,600 m (15,100 ft)- Rate of Climb: 8.5 m/s (1,670 ft/min)
Avionics- Vehicle and Engine Monitoring Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI) fitted as standard. 

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