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Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy,
Program Manager-Aerospace Group,
Mahindra Engineering Design
& Development Company Ltd. |
Aeroindianews.com,
the official online show daily of Aero India 2007 interviewed
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy, Program Manager-Aerospace Group, Mahindra Engineering Design & Development Company Ltd.
Aeroindianews.com: Please tell us about the products that Mahindra & Mahindra is showcasing at Aero India 2007.
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: Mahindra Defence Systems and Mahindra Plexion have brought a unique aircraft SEEKER SB7L-360A to the Aero India show 2007.
AeroIndianews.com: Please tell us the unique feature of Seeker.
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: It has helicopter-like visibility, infrared and colour managing systems, de-rated lycoming 0-360 engine and a comfortable cabin. It can take off and land on rough runways, consume normal petrol and fly extended missions as an aerial observation platform for both civil and security application. It is agile and has a stealthy profile that enables its aircrew to approach areas of interest with low risk of detection, and report immediately their observations using both line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight voice communications. It can be also used for asset tracking and management, mapping, forest fire detection, pest control, mineral prospecting and environmental survey etc.
AeroIndianews.com: How cost effective is it?
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: The acquisition and operating costs for the aircraft is one third of a comparable twin-seater helicopter. It is an affordable and a cost-effective solution to many low level, low speed, aerial observation tasks, which are generally carried out with more costly, and sometimes less effective equipment.
AeroIndianews.com: Which countries are using seekers today?
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: It is widely used by Australia, the Iraq Coalition Provisional Authority, Middle East and South Africa.
AeroIndianews.com: Are you planning to sell it to Indian government?
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: We have been discussing it with the Indian Coast Guard and the Border Security Force for potential interest in buying the aircraft.
AeroIndianews.com: Can you explain about your business expansion plan?
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: Right now we are investing on a five-acre aerospace manufacturing unit at Malur near Bangalore.
AeroIndianews.com: Please tell us something about your tie up with National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: We have tied up with NAL to develop a five-seater civilian aircraft. This multi-role aircraft can be used for air taxi service, courier service, cargo, tourism, low-end corporate travel and as a mini air ambulance. Both the company has 50% stake each. We have three years schedule to complete the project. We hold the global rights of producing and selling the aircraft.
AeroIndianews.com: What do you think about the Aero India show 2007?
Dr. Karthik Krishnamurthy: This is the first time we are participating in the Aero India show. A lot of companies are showing enormous amount of interest on our products and our capabilities.
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