KKCI delivers P-8 consoles to BAE Systems

Kineco Kaman Composites India (KKCI) has dispatched its first composite mission consoles for the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to BAE Systems, it announced on 26 June. KKCI is a joint venture between Kaman Aerospace Group and Kineco Group of Goa.

KKCI began serial production of the composite console after successfully completing the first article inspection phase. BAE Systems initiated the sourcing activity to meet its commitment to the development of India’s defence and aerospace industrial capabilities. 

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is an anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, long-range aircraft with maritime reconnaissance capabilities. Boeing delivered six of eight ordered P-8I aircraft to the Indian Navy through 2014.

BAE Systems is the supplier of the aircraft’s mission computing and display system. The P-8 has five consoles to interface with weapon, communication and sensor systems. The consoles are made of glass and carbon composite panels along with metallic inserts.

Shekhar Sardessai, chairman and managing director, KKCI, said: ‘Kineco Kaman is proud to mark this significant milestone and make the maiden dispatch of a ‘Made in India’ product for a prestigious programme such as the Boeing P-8 Poseidon. This now paves the way for us to commence production and delivery of the consoles, which are the platforms through which missions are operated on the Boeing P-8 Poseidon.

‘Equally, we look forward to strengthening our engagement with BAE Systems on this programme and look forward to expanding our engagement on other platforms and programmes in support of the ‘Make in India’ global initiative of the prime minister. BAE Systems has shown immense commitment to making our partnership a successful one.’

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

P-8 Poseidon