Samtel to manufacture display systems for HAL

New Delhi

July 10, 2008

Samtel HAL Display Systems-a JV between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and
Samtel Display Systems, announced it has won a development order with a total
value of more than Rs 250 crore ($50 million) over the next few years, to
manufacture indigenous next-generation multi functional displays (MFDs) for
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The Samtel HAL JV was formed in 2006 as the
first public-private partnership in this sector for developing and manufacturing
avionics display systems. With this, the JV becomes the first Indian company to
produce these MFDs in India.

In the first phase, Samtel HAL Display Systems will provide indigenous MFDs
for HAL's star program-the SU-30 MKIs. The LCD-based MFDs have already
undergone extensive testing by Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE)
for their flight worthiness to be fitted on the fleet of SU-30 MKI to be
produced over the next decade. The indigenous MFD, jointly developed with DARE (DRDO
lab) and manufactured by Samtel has recently got clearance for flight-testing
from Regional Center for Military Airworthiness (RCMA). With this clearance,
Samtel becomes the first Indian company to indigenize multifunctional displays
for the Indian Defense forces.

The MFD is a device that puts all aircraft-systems monitoring and flight
planning functions at the pilot's fingertips. The MFD displays a composite view
of the aircraft's environment, providing the pilot with all necessary
information to make safe decisions during every phase of flight. Engine
performance and situational data such as location, terrain, traffic, and weather
and airport information are all digitally depicted and can be quickly
interpreted at a glance on the large-format display.

The next phase of this order will see Samtel Displays Systems fit MFDs for
HAL's LCA and IJT programs. Samtel Display Systems has a JV with HAL to
support production, design and integration of next-generation avionics display
equipment and systems.

Commenting on the order, Satish Kaura, CMD, Samtel Group said, “The long
term manufacturing agreement with HAL is clearly a milestone for public-private
partnership in this highly sensitive and strategic sector. In addition to the
production of MFDs, the agreement will also require sustained support for all of
HAL's applied systems. The defense industries demand high quality and high
performance avionics equipment and systems and Samtel is committed to
maintaining these standards.”