Challenges in Aero-Engine Joint Venture Design Development Certification and Technology Transfer Process in India

Abstract

The development in the field of gas turbine engine from first generation to fifth generation is evident from the history. The ever changing requirement has driven continuous development in the area and has led the designers to struggle for best propelling machine to fly. In the global scenario it is evident that for keeping up with the pace of advancements in the gas turbine engine field, expertise is required for each subsystem/module. Major design houses of the world are now adopting an approach of developing expertise in a specialized area of aero engine development. Having developed the expertise in a specialized area, the complex aero engine can be developed through the joint venture route. In a country like India this new development philosophy through joint venture has been adopted in the recent past for many of the aero engine components. The critical issue for such a product to enter into the armed forces is certification and its associated manufacturing quality standards. This paper highlights the basic issues and challenges associated in a typical Indian Joint Venture for design development and Certification of aero engines and system. The paper also highlights the possible approach which can be adopted based on the real experience of certification process for a turbo shaft engine joint venture program recently undertaken in India between HAL and an OEM abroad.