Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a pact with Rolls-Royce to manufacture Adour Engine parts for Rolls-Royce’s international defense customer base. The agreement was exchanged between B Krishna Kumar, executive director (Engine & IMGT), HAL and Abhishek Singh, senior vice president – Defense, India and South East Asia, Rolls-Royce, on September 14. HAL is a unit of India’s Defense Ministry.
Adour is a twin-spool, counter-rotating turbofan engine whose defense segment is a market pioneer in aero engines for defense transport and patrol aircraft. This engine can deliver thrust in the range of 5,000 to 8,000 pounds, which enables the operator increased thrust, increased life leading to reduced life cycle costs, and greater performance. The evolution of Adour engines has resulted in the continuous introduction of new technology in each engine variant. For example, the Adour Mk 951 features a Full Authority Digital Engine Control.
Variants of the Adour engine power the Indian Air Force’s Jaguar fighters as well as its fleet of Hawk advanced jet trainers. India’s Air Force has the world’s largest serving fleets of both these aircraft.
HAL has manufactured and supported Adour engine variants, under license from Rolls-Royce, over several decades. However, Rolls-Royce now aims to strengthen the spares and maintenance ecosystem for Adour engines in India.
In collaboration with HAL, Rolls-Royce will:
- Equip Indian manufacturers with the know-how, experience, and processes to manufacture complex parts that require high-technology processes.
- Expand India’s export portfolio to enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Create a self-sufficient supply chain to support older engines.
