A new design and test facility at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) was inaugurated in Bengaluru. The AERDC is actively engaged in designing and developing multiple new engines, notably focusing on two strategic engines.

The first is the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE) with a thrust of 25 kN, intended for propelling trainers, UAVs, twin-engine small fighter aircraft, or regional jets. The second is the Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE) with a thrust of 1200 kN, designed to power light and medium-weight helicopters ranging from 3.5 to 6.5 tonnes in either single or twin-engine configurations.

The recently inaugurated state-of-the-art facility encompasses specialized machines, advanced setups utilizing computational tools, an in-house fabrication facility, and includes two test beds dedicated to testing HTFE-25. Additionally, there is one test bed each allocated for HTSE-1200 and the upcoming joint venture engine for IMRH, a collaborative effort between Safran of France and HAL.

Furthermore, the new facility is equipped with testing setups for the air producer of Jaguar, Gas Turbine Starter Units (GTSU) - 110 M2 and 127E for LCA, Auxiliary Power Units for IMRH and AMCA, and Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG)-60 designed for AN 32 aircraft. It also features dedicated arrangements to conduct critical tests for various engine components, along with the establishment of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) within the premises.

Inaugurating the facility, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, remarked, "HAL has received applause at the highest levels, and the government trusts your capability to deliver and make the country self-reliant. The 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."

Emphasizing the pivotal role of unmanned aircraft in future warfare, he urged HAL to engage in collaborations with private companies for the development of innovative platforms. Established as part of a modernization plan, the new facility occupies an expansive area of over 10,000 square meters.

Established in the 1960s, the Centre stands out as the exclusive design house that has created test beds for engines from both Western and Russian origins. It has achieved significant milestones, including the successful development and certification of the PTAE-7 engine, which marks India's inaugural indigenous turbojet engine.

This engine plays a crucial role in powering the Lakshya unmanned aircraft. The Centre has also contributed to the creation of the Gas Turbine Electrical Generator GTEG-60, designed for starting AN-32 aircraft, as well as the air starter ATS 37 and air producer for initiating Adour-Mk 804E/811 on Jaguar aircraft.

Image source: The Hindu