Hyderabad emerges as hub for advanced flight simulators
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad is emerging as a hub for advanced electronics and hardware, with T-Works, the government-run prototyping centre, driving innovation through the development of indigenous flight simulators.
A full flight simulator for fighter aircraft is being built at T-Works, reducing India’s dependence on costly imports from the US and Europe. Until now, the Air Force and Navy have relied on imported Level-D full flight simulators for pilot training, each costing around ₹50 crore.
Now, Hyderabad-based Axial Aero Pvt Ltd has secured all approvals and started commercial production. The company has signed major contracts with the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme to supply five simulators over the next three years. These will be delivered at a cost of ₹25–30 crore each.
More advanced than imports
According to engineers, the simulators being developed at T-Works will surpass imported versions. While foreign models allow only limited movement of about 30 degrees, Axial Aero’s simulators are built on a Stewart platform with 360-degree rotation.
This enables pilots to replicate all evasive manoeuvres used in combat situations. The production is also expected to create a supply chain of component manufacturers, benefitting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Hyderabad could soon become a key production hub for simulators, attracting foreign investment.
T-Works grows into hardware hub
T-Works was set up as India’s largest prototyping centre to promote innovation in electronics and hardware. Established in 2016 at Begumpet, it later shifted to its permanent facility at Rayadurg.
Built on 4.92 acres with an investment of ₹350 crore, the centre has a built-up area of 78,000 sq ft. It houses advanced machinery including electronics workstations, laser cutting, PCB fabrication, metal and wood shops, welding facilities and finish shops. Equipment worth ₹100 crore was installed in three phases.
The facility allows innovators to prototype products free of cost.
Sridhar Babu reviews progress
Recently, IT and industries minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu visited T-Works, spending nearly two hours reviewing progress with engineers. He praised the team for securing orders after complex research and suggested that Hyderabad’s reputation should “soar at jet speed” with the launch of advanced simulators.
What is a flight simulator?
Flight simulators create a virtual flying environment, offering pilots the real experience of controlling an aircraft. Trainees sit in a cockpit replica and operate systems under instructors’ guidance. They practise take-offs, landings and combat manoeuvres. Simulators replicate electronic and automatic controls found in fighter jets, while semi-circular screens display aerial visuals of the jet in motion.