BENGALURU: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday witnessed the first run of the core of 25 kN (Kilo Newton) indigenous Aero Engine known as the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25), that can be used for military trainer — both intermediate and advanced — and business jets.
This marked the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
During the event, the Defence Minister also launched the design and development project of Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200).
HTSE-1200 can be used for helicopters of 3.5 tonne class in the single engine configuration for light utility helicopters (LUH) and for 5 to 8 tonne class in twin engine configuration for advanced light helicopters and light combat helicopters.
T Suvarna Raju, Chairman and MD, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, said, “The HTSE-1200 will weigh around 450 kg and will produce a thrust of 1,200 KW at sea level and can operate up to an altitude 7 km. The engine will have two-stage high pressure ratio radial compressor, a single crystal bladed turbine and other cutting- edge technology.”
“HAL has used its internal resource to design and develop aero engines in a time frame of six years beginning at 2013,” he added.
Parrikar asked HAL to stay competitive and play a key role in supplying 4,000 to 6,000 helicopter engines in the next 15-20 years. He hailed HAL for keeping up the HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft project on schedule.
What you need to know about HTFE-25
Vital Stats
● 25 kN low bypass twin spool mixed flow turbofan engine
● 1,730mm long, 590mm in diametre and weighs 350 kg
● Developed as a fully in-house effort funded internally
● Used the 3-D printing technology to built parts
● Could be ready for operational service by 2018
● The engine is controlled by full authority digital engine control