HAL sets up new design and test facility for aero engines

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has set up a new design and test facility for aero engines at its Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) in Bengaluru. Defence secretary Giridhar Aramane inaugurated the new facility on Friday.

The AERDC is currently involved in the design and development of several new engines, which include two strategic engines named Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE) – one of 25 kN thrust for powering trainers, UAVs, twin engine small fighter aircraft or regional jets and the other of 1,200 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, spread over 10,000 sq meters, houses special machines, advanced test facilities leveraging on computational tools, in-house fabrication facility and two test beds for testing HTFE-25 and one test-bed each for testing HTSE-1,200 and the upcoming JV engine for IMRH to be co-developed by France’s Safran and HAL.

In addition, the new facility has test-beds for air producer of Jaguar, Gas Turbine Starter Units (GTSU) of 110 M2 and 127E for Light Combat Aircraft, Auxiliary Power Units of the Multi-Role Helicopter and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft besides Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG)-60 for An-32 aircraft. The new centre has also facilities for carrying out various critical tests for engine components and Line Replacement Units (LRUs).

Girdhar said HAL has developed the necessary capability for developing aircraft and aero engines, so as to make the country self-reliant. “Manufacturing sector is the future of the 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,” he said.

The defence secretary highlighted the role of unmanned aircraft in future warfare and called upon HAL to collaborate with private sector partners to develop new platforms. He inspected the manufacturing range of various engines and test-beds and also visited HAL’s aerospace division.

“The development of this facility marks a key milestone in HAL’s growth trajectory. It is testimony of our commitment towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in aero-engine design and development,” chairman and managing director (Addl sharge) of HAL, CB Ananthakrishnan, said.

Established in the 1960s, HAL’s aero engine test facility has 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 powering Lakshya (Unmanned Aircraft), Gas Turbine Electrical Generator GTEG-60 for starting An-32 aircraft, Air starter ATS 37 and 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.