Bengaluru : Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) for the manufacturing of BMI Engine Bay Door for the series production of LCA – Tejas Mk1A, an indigenous 4.5 generation, all weather and multi-role fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, press statement from HAL said.
Over last 3 decades, CSIR-NAL has developed many critical technologies for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Tejas and continues to support this major national programme. Advanced Composites Division (ACD) of CSIR-NAL has pioneered the design & development of composite structures using innovative and cost-effective manufacturing technologies including co-curing/co-bonding constructions.
The laboratory has played a pivotal role in the development of the composite parts for LCA-Tejas which include; Fin & Rudder, Wing Spars, Wing Fuselage Fairings, Fairings blocks, Centre Fuselage parts & Under carriage doors. The innovative technology developed by CSIR-NAL not only reduces the cost but also improves the structural efficiency by minimizing the number of mechanical joints. The innovations have resulted in more than 20% cost savings and 25% weight reduction in the parts of the LCA-Tejas.
In continuation to the above indigenous development, for the first time in the country CSIR-NAL has developed manufacturing process technology of High Temperature Resistant Co-cured Composite Structures using Carbon-BMI Prepreg for the engine bay door where it can withstand the service temperature of about 200 degree C. The processing of Carbon-BMI is very tricky, because the resin become very thin as viscosity reaches 8-10 centipoises at higher temperatures. Hence retaining the resin within laminate is a major challenge. During the process it emit volatiles and moisture while curing. Therefore, proper venting is necessary during the curing of these resins; otherwise, it may cause process-related defects such as voids and delaminations.Furthermore, HAL has requested for transfer of technology for the BMI Engine Bay Door and the ToT Agreement has been entered between HAL & CSIR-NAL in the presence of Anbuvelan S, CEO (HC), HAL and Dr. Abhay A Pashilkar, Director, CSIR-NAL. With the signing of the technology transfer for BMI Engine Bay Door, HAL can directly produce these high temperature resistant composite parts for the series production of LCA Mk1A aircraft meeting the initial requirement of IAF squadrons
