SOURCE: AFI
The Technology Development Fund (TDF), an initiative of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is actively seeking industry partners to develop an indigenized pressure gauge for fixed-wing aircraft. This effort is part of India’s ongoing push for self-reliance in critical defense technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Pressure gauges are essential for maintaining optimal operational performance in fixed-wing aircraft. These devices monitor and regulate critical parameters, ensuring safety and functionality during flight. Developing indigenous alternatives will reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, cut costs, and ensure quicker availability of spare parts.
Key requirements include Each pressure gauge must come with a suitable washer, dust cap, and a valid calibration certificate. Proper packaging is required to maintain integrity during transit and storage. The gauge must demonstrate resistance to fungal growth. Testing involves wetting the entire surface of the unit with fungal spores from a mixture of common fungi, including:
Aspergillus Niger
Aspergillus Terreus
Aureobasidium Pullulans
Paecilomyces Varioti
Penicillium Funiculosum
Penicillium Ochrochloron
Scopulariopsis Brevicaulis
Trichoderma Viride
The unit will undergo rigorous testing at a controlled temperature of 30°C ± 1°C and humidity levels of 95% RH (or as specified in JSS55555 standards). After a 28-day incubation period, the gauge must show no evidence of mold growth on any part.