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 (kilonewtons) 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/twin engine configuration).
The new state-of-the-art facility houses special machines, advanced setups leveraging on computational tools, in-house fabrication facility and two test beds for testing HTFE-25 and one testbed each for testing HTSE-1200 and upcoming JV engine for Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) to be co-developed by Safran, France and HAL, the company said in a release.
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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 Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH), Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG)-60 for An-32 aircraft, HAL further said.
Setups to carry out various critical tests for engine components and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) have also been established within the new facility, it added.
“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 and 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,” Aramane said. Emphasising the role of unmanned aircraft in future warfare, he encouraged HAL to collaborate with other private companies to develop new platforms. “HAL is the largest DPSU in India and I want it to become one of the top ten companies in the world,” he added.
HAL CMD (Addl Charge) C B Ananthakrishnan said, “The development of this facility marks a key milestone in HAL’s growth trajectory. It is a testimony of HAL’s commitment towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta; in aero-engine design and development.”
The new facility spanning over 10,000 sq metres has been established under a modernisation plan, he said.
The centre, established in the 1960s, holds the unique distinction of being the only design house that has developed test beds for engines of both Western and Russian origin.
The centre has successfully developed and certified PTAE-7 engine, the first indigenous turbojet engine of India powering Lakshya (unmanned aircraft), Gas Turbine Electrical Generator GTEG-60 for starting An-32 aircraft, Air Starter ATS 37 & Air Producer for starting Adour-Mk 804E/811 on Jaguar Aircraft and Shakti engine for powering ALH to support Ad804/811 engine of Jaguar aircraft, the release added.
