India to develop the Ultra light material for the Light Combat Aircraft

From the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Aerospace Laboratory, this had developed the ultra light material for the Light Combat Aircraft. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of reinforced polymer composites in India, plans to pump in $300 400 million over the period of next four to five years for company’s new initiatives.

Kalpesh Patel, CMD, said “Carbon fiber is a unique material as it is stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum, and is corrosion resistant. Such qualities make it the best bet for manufacture of satellites, missiles, aircraft and rockets. Around Rs 300 to Rs 400 crore will be infused this year in its joint venture with German company Saertex”.He added “We plan to increase the capacity to 800 TPA in the second phase. The overall expenditure for 800 TPA capacity would be in the range of Rs 250 crore. We are also in talks with some of the foreign companies for entering into joint venture so that company can export finished composites; Kemrock is also open to make acquisitions for its inorganic growth. We hope to achieve a topline of Rs 800 crore by the end of current fiscal”.

It is now said that NAL will get upto 5 percent of the turnover of this facility as royalty for the next seven years. This was inaugurated by former President AP J Abdul Kalam inaugurated the carbon fiber plant set up by Kermock Industries at their sprawling premises on the outskirts of this building industrial township.