India has announced the opening of a Flight Control System (FCS) integration facility to support research and development for a new range of military aircraft.
The new facility, constructed at the Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, will help centralize the integration of avionics and hardware, which has been scattered across multiple manufacturers and research centers across the country.
The unified facility will also develop and certify the FCS for the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and Light Combat Aircraft.
“Keeping ourselves ready is our top priority and we are constantly working to enhance our strategic capabilities,” defense minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement. “Be it technology or products, services or facilities, their advanced and faster development is the need for the hour.”
While inaugurating the facility on March 17, Singh said the complex would also provide simulator training for combat aircraft pilots.
Flight Control System Integration Facility
The FCS integration facility has an area of 12,077 square feet (129,167 square meters). The construction of the seven-story building, which started on February 1, was completed in a record 45 days.
It was built by the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation using hybrid construction technology with pre-engineered and pre-cast materials.