In a significant stride towards bolstering India's self-reliance in defense technology, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) has announced the successful dispatch of the inaugural consignment of critical high-temperature alloys for the nation's indigenous 'Kaveri dry engine' program. This engine is slated to power India's Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), marking a crucial step in the country's advancements in unmanned aerial warfare capabilities.
The flag-off ceremony for this landmark delivery was graced by APVS Prasad, the chief engineer of the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Also present was Sanjay Kumar Jha, the chairman and managing director of MIDHANI, underscoring the collaborative effort between the public sector enterprise and the defense research body.
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The initial shipment comprised meticulously forged bars of nickel-based superalloy (Superni 263A) and titanium alloy (Titan 31A). These materials have undergone rigorous testing and have successfully met stringent airworthiness certification standards, paving the way for their integration into vital Class I and Class II components of the Kaveri engine.
Notably, the manufacturing of these advanced materials boasts an impressive 75% indigenous content, highlighting MIDHANI's commitment to promoting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The successful production and certification of this first consignment within a focused timeframe of just 2.5 months further demonstrate the efficiency and dedication of the teams involved.
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This development signifies a major leap forward for the Kaveri engine program, which is crucial for India's ambitions in developing advanced UCAVs. The utilization of domestically produced, high-performance alloys not only strengthens the supply chain but also enhances the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the program.
As India continues to invest in indigenous defense research and development, such milestones underscore the nation's growing capabilities in aerospace and military technology.