The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed single-crystal blades that are used in chopper engines and it has supplied 60 of them to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the company’s indigenous helicopter development program, an official statement said on Monday.
Single crystal blades having complex shapes and geometry are manufactured out of nickel-based superalloys that are capable of withstanding high temperatures. Helicopters used in strategic and defence applications need compact and powerful aero-engines for their operation in harsh conditions, the statement mentioned.
“The DRDO has developed single-crystal blades technology and supplied 60 these blades to HAL as part of their indigenous helicopter development program for helicopter engine application,” it stated.
The DRDO will develop total of five sets (300 blades) of single-crystal blades. While one set (60 blades) has been delivered to HAL, the remaining four will be completed in due course, the statement said.
Only a few countries such as the US, the UK, France, and Russia can design and manufactured single crystal components, the statement stated.
