SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates one of the last active fleets of the SEPECAT Jaguar, a versatile ground-attack and reconnaissance aircraft that has been integral to India’s defense strategy since its induction in the late 1970s. Central to the Jaguar’s performance are its Adour Mk 102 turbofan engines, each rated at 22.75kN of dry thrust. With the global production of spares long ceased, the responsibility to maintain these engines falls on specialized Indian institutions like the Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
MIDHANI has been instrumental in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the Adour engines. Posts on X have highlighted MIDHANI’s role in creating core parts for these engines, specifically mentioning their success in producing and supplying 200 High Pressure Compressor (HPC) disc forgings to HAL. These components are vital for the engine’s performance, as they are part of the compressor stages where air is pressurized before combustion. The partnership between MIDHANI and the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) has utilized advanced isothermal forging technology to enhance the durability and reliability of these parts, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of military-grade operations.
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has also played a significant role in supporting the maintenance and development of the Adour engines. GTRE’s expertise in gas turbine technology has been crucial for reverse-engineering, redesigning, and testing components that are no longer available commercially. While GTRE’s primary focus has been on developing indigenous engines for newer aircraft, their research and development capabilities have indirectly benefited the maintenance of older platforms like the Jaguar through technology transfer and know-how in materials science and engine design.
GTRE’s involvement in testing and providing technical support for engine maintenance ensures that the IAF’s Jaguars can continue to perform at peak efficiency. Their ongoing projects, such as the development of advanced materials and testing methodologies, benefit the maintenance of the Adour engines by ensuring that replacement parts are not only available but also improved in terms of performance and lifespan.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), as the primary manufacturer and maintainer of the Jaguars in India, integrates the efforts of MIDHANI and GTRE. HAL has been tasked with the overhaul, repair, and upgrade of the Adour engines. They have adapted to the challenge of discontinued parts by leveraging the capabilities of MIDHANI for material supply and GTRE for technical expertise. HAL’s overhaul facilities are equipped to handle the complex mechanics of the Adour engines, ensuring they meet operational standards even after decades of service.
The discontinuation of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support for the Jaguar’s engines poses a significant challenge. However, through innovative approaches like reverse engineering, local manufacturing of parts, and adapting new technologies to old systems, MIDHANI, GTRE, and HAL have managed to keep the fleet operational. This effort is not just about maintaining aircraft; it’s about preserving a piece of military aviation history while ensuring national security.
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