A successful flight-test of power take off (PTO) shaft was conducted on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the defence ministry said.
The power take off shaft (PTO shaft) is a critical equipment that transmits power from aircraft engine to gearbox
The ministry said the maiden successful flight-test of PTO shaft was conducted on LCA Tejas Limited Series Production (LSP)-3 aircraft.
"With this successful test, the DRDO has achieved a greater technological feat by realisation of complex high-speed rotor technology which only few countries have achieved," it said.
What is a PTO shaft?
The PTO shaft is indigenously designed and developed by Chennai-based Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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"The PTO shaft, which is a critical component in the aircraft, will support the requirements of future fighter aircraft and their variants and offers competitive cost and reduced time of availability," the defence ministry said in a statement.
"The PTO shaft was designed with a unique innovative patented 'Frequency Spanning Technique' which enables it to negotiate different operating engine speeds," it said.
"The light weight, high speed, lubrication free PTO shaft transmits higher power between aircraft engine gear box and aircraft mounted accessory gearbox while accommodating misalignments that arise in the drive line," the ministry added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO, public sector undertakings concerned and the industry, saying that the successful realisation of PTO shaft is another major milestone towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
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DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat stated that the success showcased the country's research capability and will actively support the test aircraft programmes.
Two successful flight tests of VSHORADS missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
The defence ministry said flight tests were carried out from a ground-based man portable launcher against high speed unmanned aerial targets.
It said the targets were successfully intercepted, meeting all mission objectives.
Complimenting DRDO and industry partners, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the missile equipped with novel technologies will give further technological boost to the armed forces.
What is VSHORADS?
VSHORADS is a man portable air defence system (MANPAD) meant for neutralising low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
It has been designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
"The DRDO conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile at the integrated test range at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on March 14," the ministry said.
"The flight tests were carried out from a ground-based man portable launcher against high speed unmanned aerial targets, mimicking approaching and receding aircraft," it said in a statement.
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"The missile incorporates many novel technologies including Dual-band IIR Seeker, miniaturised reaction control system and integrated avionics. The propulsion is provided by a dual thrust solid motor," the ministry said.
DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the consecutive successful flight tests of the missile.
(With PTI Inputs)
