Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was set up in 1964 with its corporate office at Bangalore. The company has 12 divisions located in six States. This is the largest public sector undertaking under the Department of Defence Production and Supplies. Originally incorporated as a private limited company it was converted into a public limited company on 10 July 1995. It is engaged in the design, manufacture, repair and over-haul of aircraft helicopters, aero-engines, avionics, instruments and accessories. All operating divisions of the company have maintained ISO 9001/9002 standard.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has built over 3000 aircraft, 95% of which have been for the IAF. These comprise of 20 different types out of which 11 were of indigenous design. From the most advanced combat aircraft, through trainers and transport aircrafts to helicopters, HAL with it's products and services has been fully engaged in providing the backbone around which the IAF is able to carry out the multifarious tasks assigned to it.
HAL has traditionally been an aircraft maintenance and assembly facility, assembly being done under licensed production. Tooling has usually been provided by foreign collaborators, especially the Soviet Union or Russia, for technology that was transferred, with aircraft kits also being supplied in many cases. HAL assembled the aircraft.
The beginning of HAL can be traced to the year 1940 when a far-sighted industrialist, the late Walchand Hirachand set up a company called Hindustan Aircraft Limited in association with the Government of Mysore. The company was registered on December 23, 1940 as a private limited company, with an authorised capital of Rs. 4 crore. The Production line was estab- lished in collaboration with the Inter Continental Aircraft Company of the USA for the manufacture of Harlow trainer, Curtiss Hawk fighter and Vultee attack bomber. In the year 1941 the first flight of a Harlow trainer took place followed by, the flight of India's first indigenous effort, a ten seater glider designed by Dr. V.M. Ghatage. To support the Second World War efforts the aircraft manufacturing programmes were abandoned in favour of repair and overhaul of aircraft and the company became the principal overhaul base for the South East Asia Command of the Allied forces. After World War II in December 1945 the Government of India took over the management of the Company, and activities were increased multifold after India attained its freedom.
