Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane marked a milestone for India’s aerospace ambitions on December 29, 2023, by inaugurating a design and testing facility at the Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. This new facility promises to accelerate the development of advanced engines, propelling India towards self-reliance in this domain.
The AERDC is spearheading the design and development of two engines:
- Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25): With a thrust of 25 kN, this engine will power trainer aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light combat jets, and even regional jets.
- Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200): Generating 1200 kN thrust, this engine will equip light and medium-weight helicopters, enhancing their versatility and payload capacity.
The new facility, spanning over 10,000 sq. meters, houses special machines, advanced setups leveraging on computational tools, an 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 the IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) and its naval version DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter)to be co-developed by Safran, France, and HAL.
In addition, the facility can also test existing engines and components, including the air producer for Jaguar fighter aircraft; Gas Turbine Starter Units (GTSU) for LCA Tejas; Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for helicopters and fighter jets; and the Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG) for An-32 transport aircraft. Set-ups to carry out various critical tests for engine components and Line Replacement Units (LRUs) have also been established within the new facility.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
