HAL, CSIR-NAL sign ToT agreement for manufacturing of BMI Engine Bay Door for LCA - Tejas Mk1A

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement on Wednesday for the manufacturing of BMI Engine Bay Door for the series production of LCA – Tejas Mk1A.

Tejas Mk1A:

Tejas Mk1A is an indigenous 4.5 generation, all weather and multi-role fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. HAL had requested for transfer of technology for the BMI Engine Bay Door, and the ToT agreement has been reached between it and HAL, CSIR-NAL said.

Significance of the ToT agreement:

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, it added.

CSIR-NAL's role in LCA-Tejas:

Continuing with the indigenous development, for the first time in the country, CSIR-NAL said, it 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.

Challenges in processing Carbon-BMI:

The processing of Carbon-BMI is very tricky, because the resin becomes very thin as viscosity reaches 8-10 centipoises at higher temperatures, it said. Hence, retaining the resin within laminate is a major challenge. During the process it emits volatiles and moisture while curing, it further said, adding therefore, proper venting is necessary during the curing of these resins; otherwise, it may cause process-related defects such as voids and delaminations.

CSIR-NAL's contributions to LCA-Tejas:

Noting that over the last three decades, CSIR-NAL has developed many critical technologies for the LCA – Tejas and continues to support this major national programme, NAL said, its Advanced Composites Division (ACD) has pioneered the design and 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, it said.

Benefits of CSIR-NAL's technologies:

The innovative technologies developed by CSIR-NAL not only reduces the cost but also improves the structural efficiency by minimising the number of mechanical joints, it said, adding that the innovations have resulted in more than 20 per cent cost savings and 25 per cent weight reduction in the parts of the LCA-Tejas.

Conclusion:

The signing of the ToT agreement between HAL and CSIR-NAL for the manufacturing of BMI Engine Bay Door for the LCA-Tejas Mk1A is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the Indian aerospace industry. With CSIR-NAL's expertise in composite structures and HAL's manufacturing capabilities, the indigenous production of these high temperature resistant composite parts will not only meet the requirements of the IAF but also pave the way for future advancements in the LCA-Tejas program.