HAL to assemble flaperons for Boeings 777

Boeing and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India today signed an agreement at a ceremony here for the production of flaperons for use on Boeing's 777 series commercial jetliner. The work will be performed in Bangalore, India.

The 777 flaperons are a highly complex composite assembly that is instrumental in controlling the airplane's manoeuvrability in flight.
Referred to as a ''control surface,'' flaperons work both as an aileron to control roll and as a flap to control lift.

''Today's agreement represents yet another work package Boeing has placed in India and HAL since we first began our relationship with HAL in 1991, and after having received the first production part from HAL in 1995,'' said Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar. ''The composite 777 flaperon that HAL will produce represents a significant leap forward in technological capability, and supports Boeing's strategy to work in partnership with India's aerospace industry for the long-term.''

Today's ceremony was held at HAL Corporate office and attended by senior Management of Boeing and HAL. HAL is expected to deliver its first flaperon assembly to Boeing within the next few years.

''HAL and Boeing share a very special relationship and we are delighted that our strengths in composites are getting more international recognition,'' Mr Soundara Rajan, Director, Corporate Planning & Marketing, HAL said. ''Showcasing HAL's composite manufacturing capability on one of the world's premier long-haul commercial jets positions us for even greater opportunities at the forefront of technology,'' he added.

Indian carriers have ordered a total of 36 Boeing 777s, including 23 ordered by Air India and 13 orders by Jet Airways.