Boeing, IISc, Wipro and HCL to develop network technology for aerospace use

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has entered into an agreement with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and two leading Indian information technology companies to develop wireless and other network technologies for aerospace-related applications.

The agreement, signed by representatives from Boeing, IISc's Society for Innovation and Development, Wipro Technologies and HCL Technologies, forms the Aerospace Network Research Consortium (ANRC).

Led by Boeing, the ANRC is India's first public-private aerospace research consortium.

"We have a great need for advanced affordable aerospace network R&D," said Naveed Hussain, Engineering and Technology vice president for Boeing in India. "It is part of Boeing's strategy to leverage top research capabilities anywhere in the world and we look forward to working with our Indian partners to benefit from their tremendous capabilities and talents in this area."

"We are pleased to be part of this consortium," said Professor Veni Madhavan, chief executive of IISc's Society for Innovation and Development. "This collaborative approach will help permit research at IISc to be utilized for appropriate and interesting applications in the aerospace industry."

Initially established as a four-year collaborative effort, the agreement can be extended based on mutual interests. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Researchers from Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced R&D unit, and Commercial Airplanes will represent Boeing.

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined, providing products and tailored services to airlines and U.S. and allied armed forces around the world. Phantom Works conducts its own R&D and also works with top government, private and university research centers throughout the world to quickly find the most innovative and affordable technology solutions for aerospace applications. For more information, please visit www.boeing.com.

The Indian Institute of Science was started in 1909 through the pioneering vision of J.N. Tata. Since then, it has grown into a premier institution of research and advanced instruction, with more than 2,000 active researchers working in almost all frontier areas of science and technology. For more information, please visit www.iisc.ernet.in/.

Wipro Technologies, a division of Wipro Limited [NYSE:WIT], is one of the largest product engineering and support service providers worldwide. Wipro provides comprehensive research and development services, IT solutions and services, including systems integration, package implementation, software application development and maintenance services to corporations globally. For more information, please visit www.wipro.com and www.wiprocorporate.com.

HCL Technologies Ltd. is one of India's leading global IT Services companies, providing software-led IT solutions and remote infrastructure management services. HCL has the largest dedicated aerospace practice in India and is a service provider to more than 35 aerospace companies including airframe manufacturers, system integrators, and Tier 1 suppliers. For more information, please visit http://www.hcltech.com/.