• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has established the near isothermal forging technology to produce all five stages of high-pressure compressor (HPC) discs out of difficult-to-deform titanium alloy using its unique 2000 MT isothermal forge press. 

• The technology has been developed by Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a premier metallurgical laboratory of DRDO in  Hyderabad. 

• It is a crucial technology for establishing self-reliance in aeroengine technology.

• With this development, India has joined the league of global engine developers to have the manufacturing capabilities of such critical aero engine components. 

What is the significance of this technology?

• In India, the Adour engine is overhauled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru under a licensed manufacturing agreement. 

• Like in any aero engine, the HPC drum assembly has to be replaced after a specified number of operations or in case of damage. 

• The annual requirements of these high value HPC discs are quite large, warranting indigenisation. 

• HPC drum is a highly stressed sub-assembly and is also subjected to low cycle fatigue and creep at elevated temperature. 

• The raw materials and forgings for HPC drum are required to be of the highest quality which can meet the specified combination of static and dynamic mechanical properties. 

• The methodology adopted by DMRL is generic in nature and can be tuned to develop other similar aero engine components.  

• The compressor discs produced using this methodology met all the requirements stipulated by the airworthiness agencies for the desired application. 

• The technology was type certified and a letter of technical approval (LoTA) was accorded. 

• Based on the exhaustive component level and performance evaluation test results, HAL and Indian Air Force cleared the components for engine fitment. 

• Apart from DMRL and HAL, various agencies such as Midhani in Hyderabad, Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) in Bengaluru and Directorate General Of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) worked in unison to establish this crucial technology.

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