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Bangalore, Feb 4 (IANS) European aerospace major Cassidian designed and developed two avionic products at its Indian centre in this tech hub primarily for military aircraft, a company official said Monday. "The two avionic products - a 'high accuracy air pressure measurement system' and a 'structurally integrated antenna' have been designed and developed by Indian engineers at our engineering centre here," Cassidian India chief executive Peter Gutsmiedl told reporters here. "As an on-board sensor, the air pressure measurement system provides air force pilots with highly accurate altitude readings, while the antenna, which can be integrated into the fuselage of a military aircraft, reduces aerodynamic drag and enhances stealth," Gutsmiedl said at a preview of the products. The measurement system, which the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. (EADS) developed for the first time at its India centre, is mandatory for military aircraft to fly in reduced vertical separation minimum zones. "The system is unique as it is miniaturised and modular in design. It can be retrofitted in different aircraft platforms and is qualified for military standard specification. Its software, coded at the engineering centre here, conforms to the highest level of design assurance," centre's engineering head Andleeb Shadman pointed out. In view of the increasing use of civil airspace by military aircraft in Europe and other regions of the world, the innovative system has vast applications to ensure safety of the pilots and their aircraft. The antenna system, which can be fitted on top of any military aircraft for satellite and GPS (global positioning system) applications, is a radar cross section of any military aircraft with the advantage of reduced maintenance. "The antenna, embedded in a carbon composite material, can be integrated with other types of antennas ranging from communication applications to electronic warfare and radar applications," Gutsmiedl said. Though the company is marketing the twin products in Europe through EADS, its Indian subsidiary is scouting for a joint venture partner to manufacture them for global customers, including across the Asia-Pacific region. "The twin products made in India for worldwide use demonstrate the innovative defence engineering capabilities of our centre here and its 60 plus engineers," Gutsmiedl noted. The centre of excellence also gives a competitive advantage to the company by enabling it to customise global products to local requirements in areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), radar solutions and security systems. Gutsmiedl has recently been elevated as the company's chief executive for Asia-Pacific operations, keeping in view the growth potential in the region. "As India plays a strategic role for us and continues to be our main focus in Asia, we plan to increase our industrial footprint in the sub-continent and tap the growth potential in the region," Cassidian global chief executive Bernhard Gerwert said in a statement here. Besides combat aircraft opportunities, the euro 5.8-billion ($7.9 billion) Cassidian sees potential in the areas of professional mobile radio, avionics for fighter aircraft and helicopters, radar, electronic warfare systems and border control systems and infrastructure in the region. As a leader in security solutions and systems, Cassidian provides lead systems integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers worldwide.
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