The CSIR, National Aerospace Laboratories in Bengaluru has handed over the last set of LCA Mark 1A spares under the Transfer of Technology agreement to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru today.
The technology developed by NAL will be useful to manufacture BMI engine bay doors for the series production of the LCA Mark 1A variant of the indigenous fighter aircraft.
BMI is Bismaleimide resin composite material, produced by a vinyl type polymerization of a pre polymer.
It is for the first time in the country that high temperature resistant co-cured Composite structures using Carbon BMI prepreg are developed for the engine bay door, capable of withstanding the temperature of about 200 degree Celsius.
The Advanced Composites Division of NAL in Bengaluru has pioneered the design and development of the composite structures using innovative and cost effective technologies.
The fin and rudder, wing spars, wing fuselage fairings, fairings blocks, center fuselage parts and under carriage doors are made of this composite material which is light but sturdy and temperature resistant.
The innovative design and material have resulted in 20 percent cost cutting and 25 percent weight reduction in the parts of LCA Tejas aircraft.
The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A, installed with the first set of Carbon-BMI Engine Bay Door assembly, had successfully completed the first flight from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facility in Bengaluru on 28th March 2024.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
