Aeroengine Fundamentals and Landscape in India: A Way Forward

Air Vice Marshal Suresh Singh AVSM VSM (Retd)

An aeroengine being the heart of an aeroplane becomes the most important powering mechanism, irrespective whether the flying machine operates in military or the civil aviation role. Due to hitherto experienced inadequacy of the indigenous manufacturing capability, India has been constrained to bank upon the imported aeroengines. A level of consciousness and urgency is now evolving in India for achieving self-reliance in production of aeroengines. However, it will still need more clarity concerning the various aspects of the science and art of aeroengine manufacturing. The book makes an endeavor to explain the major assemblies and sub-assemblies of an aeroengine in simple terms for easy assimilation by the readers. The book covers the basics of the aeroengines, the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), futuristic sensors and material requirements, testing protocols and incorporation of the advanced technologies. It begins with the efforts made and expertise generated by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) during few decades of its developmental efforts for “Kaveri” engine.

The book also advocates the technological nuances involved in the development of a dual use Turbofan aeroengine which forms an important part of the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for a self-reliant India under the PPP model. In the end, it explains the roadmap that India must adopt for its engine development.

The author has travelled extensively and interacted with domain experts in course of his research on the topic. The book is considered a must read and an important source of reference for the Aeronautical Engineers and the working professionals involved in the military and civil aviation in the government and private sectors. It constitutes an important guide for policy makers to accelerate the aeroengine design and production in India.

Air Vice Marshal Suresh Singh AVSM VSM (Retd)

Air Vice Marshal Suresh Singh AVSM VSM (Retd), is a graduate engineer from NIT, Durgapur, MSc. from Madras University and an MBA from IGNOU, New Delhi. He is a fellow of the Aeronautical Society of India. Air Vice Marshal Suresh Singh received Air Officer Commanding in Chief, WAC and The Chief of Air Staff Commendation in 2002 and 2005, respectively. He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2008 and 2013, respectively, by the President of India.

Contents

Preface
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations

1. Prolegomenon
2. Fundamentals of the Aeroengine
3. Historical Perspective
4. MRO of Aeroengines in India
5. Current Status
6. Aeroengine Development at GTRE
7. Incorporation of Advanced Technologies
8. Ground Testing and Air Flight Testing
9. Potential of Aeroengine Business in India
10. Proposed Way Forward
References