IAF's Tejas.
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Wednesday signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) for manufacturing of the BMI Engine Bay Door for the series production of LCA — Tejas Mk1A.
The LCA — Tejas Mk1A is an indigenous 4.5 generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
CSIR-NAL has developed technologies for composite parts for the Light Combat Aircraft — Tejas, including fin and rudder, wing spars, and wing fuselage fairings.
It has developed the manufacturing process technology of high temperature-resistant co-cured composite structures using carbon-BMI prepreg (composite materials impregnated with resins) for the engine bay door, to withstand the temperature of about 200 degrees Celsius.
The ToT agreement was signed in the presence of Anbuvelan S, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL; and Abhay A Pashilkar, Director, CSIR-NAL.
As part of the agreement, HAL can directly produce these high temperature-resistant composite parts for the LCA Mk1A, meeting the initial requirement of the IAF squadrons.