SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is poised to make significant strides in aerospace technology with its ambitious plan to incorporate domestically produced parts and metallurgy into the Russian-supplied AL-31F jet engine used on the Su-30MKI platforms.
A hybrid technology demonstrator featuring enhanced Indian-made components, initially developed for the Kaveri engine program, is set to emerge in 2025. These components will replace inferior Russian counterparts, marking a major step towards self-reliance in engine technology.
The initiative aims to substantially increase the indigenous content of the AL-31F engine, leveraging the expertise of private sector companies that have mastered critical technologies such as Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) and Blade Cooling techniques. These companies have been supplying components to major civilian aerospace giants, demonstrating their capabilities in the field.
Another significant development is the introduction of single crystal nickel-base superalloy, developed by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory. This advanced material will enhance the engine’s durability, prolong its lifespan, and increase its OEM mean time between overhauls (MTBO).
Once validated through rigorous ground testing, the upgraded AL-31F engines will be incorporated into the IAF’s fleet of Su-30MKIs, which are expected to remain in service until 2060. This strategic move not only strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities but also reduces its dependence on foreign suppliers, ensuring long-term operational readiness and technological independence.
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