New design and test facility at Aero Engine Research and Development Centre of HAL inaugurated in Bengaluru
The Hindu
The new state-of-the-art facility houses special machines, advanced setups leveraging computational tools, in-house fabrication facility, and two test beds for testing HTFE-25, and one test bed each for HTSE-1200 and upcoming JV engine for IMRH to be co-developed by Safran of France and HAL.
A new design and test facility at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) was inaugurated in Bengaluru on December 29.
The AERDC is currently involved in the design and development of several new engines, including two strategic engines — Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE) of 25 kN thrust for powering trainers, UAVs, twin-engine small fighter aircraft or regional jets, and Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE) of 1200 kN thrust for powering light and medium weight helicopters (3.5 to 6.5 tonnes in single or twin engine configuration).
The new state-of-the-art facility houses special machines, advanced setups leveraging computational tools, in-house fabrication facility, and two test beds for testing HTFE-25, and one test bed each for HTSE-1200 and upcoming JV engine for IMRH to be co-developed by Safran of France and HAL.
In addition, the newly developed facility has setups for testing air producer of Jaguar, Gas Turbine Starter Unit (GTSU) - 110 M2 and 127E of LCA, Auxiliary Power Units of IMRH and AMCA, Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG) - 60 for AN 32 aircraft. Setups to carry out various critical tests for engine components. Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) have also been established within the new facility.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane who inaugurated the facility, said, “HAL has received applause at the highest levels and the government trusts your capability to deliver and make the country self-reliant. Manufacturing sector is the future of our country. In the coming decades, HAL should focus on mastering technologies for all types of aircraft. Think ahead as the entire paradigm of warfare is changing,”
Highlighting the role of unmanned aircraft in future warfare, he encouraged HAL to collaborate with other private companies to develop new platforms.
The new facility, spanning over 10,000 sq. metres, has been established under a modernisation plan.