Setting New Standards for Performance and Dependability

SP's ShowNews (SP's): Could you tell us more about RTX's presence on Indian Air Force's platforms?

Martin Williamson (Williamson): At Collins, we have a long history of supporting Indian Air Force (IAF) through products on platforms like the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1, and on current platforms like C17, C295, C130J, P-8I, AH-64E, CH-47F and MH-60R. We also work closely with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on sustaining key legacy platforms like Jaguars and Hawks through provisioning of spares and repairs of systems to ensure their sustainment over the next several decades.

On the Pratt & Whitney side we are the propulsion partner for Indian Air Force's modern transport platforms. From the F117-powered Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs to IAF's latest transport acquisition, the Airbus C-295, which is powered by PW127G engines – Pratt & Whitney's advanced and reliable engines have been augmenting the IAF's mission readiness.

In total, over 7,000 Pratt & Whitney military engines are in service with 34 armed forces worldwide, setting new standards for performance and dependability. Collins Aerospace designs, develops and manufactures aircraft systems for majority of military & commercial aircraft worldwide.

SP's: India is looking at an accelerated development path for its fighter and helicopter platforms. Are you partnering with India on any of its future platforms?

Williamson: A major focus of India's indigenization efforts in aerospace and defense has been its nextgen fighters and transport platforms. RTX is geared to deliver the advanced suite of systems the platforms need. Collins already has products on the LCA MK 1, including our highly reliable Electric Power Generation System (EPGS). So naturally, we are keen on working with HAL and the ADA on the LCA Mk2.

The Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are the next key platforms where Collins' expertise can help India and the IAF achieve its future warfighter objectives. Our ACES® family of ejection seats, for example, have a decades-long track record of saving lives, and our landing and braking systems have best-in-class carbon technology that delivers long lifespans. While we are already significantly manufacturing in India, we also remain open to discussing co-development and Make-in-India on programmes like AMCA and TEDBF.

India is also looking at a Medium Transport Aircraft and some of the proposed contenders like the C390 and the C130J have Collins content. The C390 for example has significant RTX products, including Pratt & Whitney/IAE V2500 Engines and APS3000 series APUs; and Collins products ranging from avionics and actuations to nacelles, seating and cargo handling and the fusion system.

SP's: Could you elaborate on what Pratt & Whitney and Collins have done in India so far to build an ecosystem of industry, aftermarket and talent to support India's aerospace ambitions?

Williamson: Collins Aerospace is concentrating on bringing the manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, interiors, and avionics to India. As one of the largest exporters of aerospace products in India, Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has helped the country become a major aerospace manufacturing hub with a thriving ecosystem.

Collins Aerospace is also working with nearly 600 suppliers in India and is looking to expand this further. On the Pratt & Whitney side, we have plans to increase our sourcing to nearly $150 million annually by 2030.

Pratt & Whitney has invested over $40 million our Centers of Excellence focused on engineering, digital transformation, supply chain operations and customer service. Collins has invested an additional $200 million in expanding its R&D and production facilities in India. In fact, for Collins, Bengaluru is the only site that works with all the six portfolios of our company including avionics, interiors, advanced structures and connected aviation solutions.