Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Aid HALE UAV Program
Bharat Forge Ltd and Pratt & Whitney Canada, a unit of RTX, have revealed a partnership to assess the incorporation of state-of-the-art turboprop engines into a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) initiative that the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is designing and developing.
The partnership will explore the application of turboprop engines for India's upcoming indigenous HALE UAV project and bolsters the nation's endeavors to enhance local expertise in unmanned aerial systems as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Also Read: TCS Joins Hands With Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange
“Bharat Forge Aerospace business is proud to collaborate with Pratt & Whitney Canada to advance India’s indigenous aerospace and defense manufacturing capabilities,” says Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd.
“By combining Pratt & Whitney’s globally proven propulsion technologies with Bharat Forge’s engineering and systems integration expertise, we aim to support development of a world-class HALE platform that strengthens India’s strategic self-reliance and defense preparedness.”
Through the partnership, Pratt & Whitney Canada will assess engine compatibility, performance, and installation needs for the UAV platform. Bharat Forge will oversee the integration of the engine and airframe, focusing on installation design and systems interfaces, leveraging its engineering, manufacturing, and aerospace systems expertise.
Also Read: BharatPe Appoints Yugal Tiwari as CPMO
The assessment will concentrate on the technical specifications necessary for merging the propulsion system with the UAV airframe. Engine compatibility and performance will be evaluated together with installation and interface needs to assess the appropriateness of the propulsion system for the platform.
“This collaboration with Bharat Forge reflects our continued commitment to supporting India’s aerospace and defense ambitions,” says Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Head, Pratt & Whitney.
“Pratt & Whitney Canada’s turboprop engines have a proven legacy of reliability in demanding operational environments, which is exactly what’s needed for India’s HALE program.”
HALE UAVs are built to function at elevated altitudes for long durations and can assist in surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance operations in both land and maritime areas. The extended endurance and operational range render propulsion performance and reliability crucial aspects of platform development.
This partnership combines Pratt & Whitney Canada's expertise in turboprop propulsion with Bharat Forge's strengths in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and systems integration. The companies will collaborate to evaluate the needs for integrating the propulsion system into the native HALE platform.
The initiative is part of Bharat Forge Aerospace's efforts to enhance capabilities in aerospace and defense systems and foster collaborations with international aerospace firms. It also corresponds with India's wider emphasis on enhancing local aerospace and defense production skills.
Also Read: Horlicks Enters Protein Market With Fermented Yeast-Based Powder
Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), based in Pune, is a technology-focused producer of parts and solutions for the automotive, aerospace, defense, rail, marine, energy, and industrial industries. The company possesses a worldwide manufacturing presence and engineering skills that cater to various safety-critical applications.
Bharat Forge Aerospace creates, engineers, and produces systems, structures, and components for aerospace, defense, and marine applications. The company employs cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and partnerships with international aerospace firms to enhance aerospace engineering and production skills in India.