• Investment World
• eWorld
• Catalyst
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Dec. 15

THE President, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, said the technological advancements in the aeronautics industry would pave the way for development of miniature unmanned air vehicle with miniature sensors and development and production of 150-200-seater passenger jet with two or three nation partnership.

Addressing the two-day seminar-cum-exhibition on `Aerospace technology challenges in the millennium' through video conference from New Delhi, the President also asked the industry to contribute to the proposed inter-linking of rivers in the country. "The huge project is aimed at providing drinking water and irrigation water to large areas. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has already joined the efforts," he said.

He said long range missile systems, Single Stage to Orbit Hypersonic Reusable Vehicle, solar-powered satellite for bringing electrical power through microwave communication, constellation of satellites for digital contour mapping and aerial imagery for the mission of interlinking of rivers were some of the areas that were in for development in the coming years.

"The system of space, missile and aircraft has many common technologies in materials, structure, control and guidance systems, instrumentation, simulation, manufacturing. The differences between the technologies are diminishing and enabling the integration seamlessly. Now it is the right time that space, defence research, aircraft, missile organisations should work together and synergise each other to go for big missions," he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, called for efforts to make aviation accessible for common man. "This makes sound economic sense and acts as a catalyst for growth," he said.

"Public opinion is that aviation is a privilege of a few. It is a means of travel in emergency or bombing. This image should go and it should permeate all spheres of life, including recreation and adventure," he said. "Over 90 per cent of aeronautic industry's output is being absorbed by the Indian Air Force. It's time we expand this products to the civil sector," he said.

Coming down heavily on the bureaucratic mindset, he said the bureaucratic and straightjacket approach must be done away with.

"We should encourage private and joint efforts, while bringing in professional financing and marketing strategies," he pointed out.

"Let the public and users drive the industry. And let the industry drive research and development," he said.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Blueprint to help youth find right employment

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line