From Hyderabad To Washington: Tata Boeing JV Exports Its First ‘Made In India’ Vertical Fin Structure

In a significant step for the ‘Make In India’ process, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has shipped the first vertical fin structure for the Boeing 737 aircraft from its state-of-the-art facility in Telangana state’s capital Hyderabad.

The vertical fin will be delivered to the Boeing manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, USA for integration into the final Boeing 737 aircraft.

A vertical fin is a vertical stabilizing surface mounted on the tail of an aircraft, providing stability and control in yaw, or the movement of the aircraft from side to side, preventing side-slip, and maintaining a straight and level flight.

In February 2021, TBAL added a new production line to manufacture complex vertical fin structures for the 737 family of airplanes. The expansion marked a significant milestone for the joint venture.

The new production line utilizes cutting-edge robotics, automation, and advanced aerospace concepts like full scale determinant assembly in its manufacturing processes.

Spread over 14,000 square meters, the joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced systems Limited (TASL) employs over 900 engineers and technicians.

It has been producing aero-structures for Boeing’s AH-64 Apache helicopter, including fuselages, secondary structures, and vertical spar boxes for customers worldwide. Earlier this year, TBAL also delivered the first fuselage for the first of the six Indian Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters on order.