Cobham Mission Systems Accepts the First 908E Air-to-Air Refuelling Pod Structures Assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in Hyderabad

Today, the first product from a new relationship between Cobham Mission Systems (CMS) and TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to build Air-to-Air Refuelling Structures, is ready for delivery from the TASL facility in Hyderabad.

TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) was selected by Cobham Mission Equipment in May of 2014, as a strategic partner for the manufacture and assembly of Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) pod and centreline structures. Today marks the official handover ceremony of the first two 908E pod structures assembled by TASL and destined for use on the Airbus A400M.

The ceremony, attended by Cobham Mission Systems and TASL leadership, included a contingent from the British High Commission in India, and represents a significant milestone in the relationship between CMS and TASL, reinforcing the further strategic intent for the partnership.

TASL are also currently working on 905E, 808E and 912E AAR products for the Airbus A330, Airbus A400M and Embraer KC-390 tanker programmes, due for delivery to Wimborne before the end of 2015.

About Cobham Mission Systems

The most capable critical control solutions for extreme environments.

As the world's leading supplier of critical control solutions, we help our customers to increase the safety and mission capabilities of their personnel and equipment in extreme environments.

Our proven and trusted solutions in air-to-air refuelling, life support, weapons carriage and unmanned systems, deliver assured performance and class-leading through-life costs that enable our customers to bring complex projects to market quickly, and with minimal risk.

About Cobham

The most important thing we build is trust.

We protect lives and livelihoods with our differentiated technology and know-how, operating with a deep insight into customer needs and agility. Our innovative range of technologies and services solve challenging problems in harsh environments across commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean, specialising in meeting the growing demand for data, connectivity and bandwidth.

We employ more than 12,000 people on five continents, and have customers and partners in over 100 countries, with market leading positions in: wireless, audio, video and data communications, including satellite communications; defence electronics; air-to-air refuelling; aviation services; life support and mission equipment.

About Tata Advanced Systems (TASL)

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons focused on providing integrated solutions for Aerospace, Defence and Homeland Security. In a short span of five years, Tata Advanced Systems has become a significant player in the Global Aerospace and Defense market. It is focussed on 7 key areas: Aerospace, Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Command and Control, Radars, Optronics and Homeland Security.

TASL has developed capabilities through the entire Aerospace value chain from Design to Full Aircraft Assembly. It has delivered over 108 Sikorsky S-92 cabins, successfully indigenised the production of the entire S-92 cabin and through its JV with Lockheed Martin, it has successfully delivered the 27 Empennage and 28 Centre Wing Box for the C-130 J Aircraft. It is executing several Missiles, Command and Control and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle programs and participating in several other programs of Indian Ministry of Defense. Tata Advanced Systems has been recognised for its outstanding product quality by the American Helicopter Society, the premier organisation for Vertical Flight, awarding it their prestigious International Fellowship Award. It has all the Aerospace certifications including AS9100, NADCAP, ISO 14000 and has been successfully audited by FAA. It has also implemented the most modern quality tools including Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing.

About the Tata group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising over 100 independent operating companies. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture. In 2014-15, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was $108.78 billion. These companies collectively employ over 600,000 people. Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors and shareholders. There are 30 publicly-listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of about $134 billion (as on 31st March 2015). Tata companies with significant scale include Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Power, Tata Chemicals, Tata Global Beverages, Tata Teleservices, Titan, Tata Communications and Indian Hotels.