Samtel's avionics systems for Sukhoi, Tejas

Samtel Display Systems' joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Samtel HAL Display Systems, has bagged an order valued at Rs2.2 billion ($50 million) for the development of display systems for fighter aircraft such as the Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), according to the company.

Samtel HAL Display Systems was formed as India's first defence sector public-private partnership in 2006. In the first phase, the indigenous display systems will be fitted into the Sukhoi fleet that is to be produced by HAL over the next 10 year period, for supply to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The liquid crystal display (LCD) systems have undergone tests for flight worthiness at the government-owned Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), after being cleared by the regional centre for military airworthiness.

The second phase will see the display systems fitted in HAL's light combat aircraft (LCA) and inter-jet trainer programmes. HAL chairman Ashok Baweja said HAL was on track to become a powerhouse in design, analysis, engineering and software solutions, and is committed to fostering India's ambition of being a leading player in the aviation world in the next decade.

According to Samtel chairman and managing director Satish Kaura, engine performance and situational data such as location, terrain, traffic and weather and airport information would be digitally depicted for interpretation on the display. Samtel Display makes high-tech equipment for avionics, military and professional applications, mostly for the international market.