Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, who had formed a JV to manufacture aerospace components for Sikorsky in India, have commenced work to manufacture cabins for the S-92 brand helicopters in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

The first cabin from the manufacturing line in Hyderabad will be exported to the Sikorsky's assembly unit in the US in November 2010 while two more will be delivered by end-December 2010. The facility is likely to play a key role in executing the UK Government's Search and Rescue order for 28 S-92 helicopters.

Both the partners are planning to augment the cabin manufacturing facility to deliver 36-48 cabins per annum in the next few years. The company is planning to bring in capabilities to manufacture engines and other types of helicopters at the Hyderabad facility at a later stage.

While the first agreement between the two companies is for technology and IP transfer from the US helicopter major, the other is about setting up a JV to manufacture precision components for helicopters. While the agreement was signed in November 2009, the two firms were in the process of formalising the JV.

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