HAL revs up aero engine programme again

The nation’s aero engine development programme, stuck for over two decades, has got a fresh kick-start. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., primarily making the bodies of military aircraft until now, is now in the thick of developing an Indian engine for indigenously planned trainer or regional aircraft. Its board has cleared investing Rs. 400 crore over two phases. If the plan goes as scheduled, HAL should have a design of its own engine by September this year and test the prototypes after three years – in 2016, according to its top management. “We’re making conscious plans [in engine development]. We have created a specific engine cell and earmarked a fund to develop a 20-kilonewton (kN) engine,” HAL Chairman Mr R.K. Tyagi told presspersons. “If you are looking for development of indigenous capabilities, engines will be important.”

Source: Hindu


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