#India #Bangalore #Aitech #HAL #LCH

Aitech Signs $63 Million Contract for Avionics Solutions

Aitech, a renowned provider of rugged embedded computing solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors, recently announced a significant production contract valued at $63 million with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. This contract aims to supply critical avionics computing solutions for India's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) program, marking an important milestone in their ongoing partnership.

The new contract allows Aitech to provide avionics systems for 156 helicopters, ensuring the long-term production and maintenance of the mission display computer (DMC) and related flight systems. This partnership continues from a cooperative relationship that dates back to 2011 when HAL initiated the development of a next-generation avionics architecture capable of supporting demanding real-time applications, including advanced graphics and deterministic communications.

To meet the rigorous demands of the LCH program, Aitech has designed and customized a single-board computer based on CompactPCI, along with a tailored graphical solution specifically designed for mission display and processing in rotary-wing aircraft. Instead of delivering a commercial off-the-shelf product, Aitech has worked closely with HAL engineers to adapt and qualify an architecture based on Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) modules, integrating dedicated PMC modules and specific avionics interfaces to meet the helicopter's complex requirements.

As HAL embarked on the development of its mission and flight software, Aitech provided hands-on technical support and collaborated onsite, aiding in manufacturing, flight testing, and certification activities. The renewed strength of this contract resides not only in Aitech's reliable technology but also in the solid partnership that has evolved over time.

The avionics suite for the LCH, including the mission display computer and the automatic flight control computer, represents one of India's most advanced helicopter electronic programs to date. These systems rely on dual-redundant single board architectures, real-time processing capabilities, and robust data handling to support mission visualization, flight control, and situational awareness in demanding operational environments.

Several key factors led HAL to choose to work with Aitech:

• - Proven Expertise in Avionics Computing: The DMC architecture features high-reliability computation, advanced graphical processing, and deterministic connectivity, which are strengths in Aitech's avionics portfolio.
• - Long-term Sustainability Commitment: Unlike many competitors, Aitech has demonstrated the ability to maintain the same validated board designs long beyond typical lifecycle stages, thereby avoiding disruptive technology migrations mid-program.
• - Deep Knowledge and Investment in Design: Avionics computing cards are deeply integrated into the helicopter structure. Their replacement would necessitate a complete redesign and requalification process that could span several years.
• - Ongoing Technical Support: From initial characterization to certification and authorization, Aitech engineers have worked directly with HAL on integration, performance, and qualification.

With over four decades of experience, Aitech has crafted solutions and systems that address complex challenges for military applications across maritime, land, air, and space domains. This latest contract reinforces Aitech's ongoing commitment to support HAL's need for a long-term avionics computing partner, offering not only high performance but also continuity—a crucial requirement for complex aerospace platforms.

Gil Botton, Aitech's Vice President and Head of Business Development for the SEA and EMEA regions, states, "HAL chose Aitech because we provided innovative solutions from the project's onset and remained engaged at every stage. Our expertise and manufacturing discipline have supported HAL's avionics systems for decades."

About Aitech

Aitech is a leading independent innovator in COTS/MOTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf / Modified Off-The-Shelf) open systems. The company designs rugged boards and subsystems that serve as foundational elements for integrated computing and networking solutions. With over 40 years of experience in aerospace, defense, and space, Aitech delivers customizable and proven solutions across maritime, land, air, and space applications. Its esteemed clients include Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, HAL, Israel Aerospace Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Rafael, and Virgin Galactic.

Aitech is dedicated to building a better future through reliable and cost-effective embedded systems designed for the most demanding missions. For more information, visit www.aitechsystems.com.