Tata Advanced Systems Limited and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines have inaugurated a LEAP engine parts unit in Adibatla, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines have taken a significant leap with the inauguration of their new facility at Adibatla, on the outskirts of Hyderabad.
- Located at the Tata Centre of Excellence for Aero Engines, the plant will manufacture complex rotating parts for CFM International’s LEAP engines, bringing advanced machining and special processes under one roof, a release said.
- The inauguration ceremony was attended by Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, senior officials from Tata Advanced Systems and Safran, and other government dignitaries.
Agreement between Tata Advanced Systems and France’s Safran
- This event marks a major milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in January 2024, when both companies signed a long-term agreement to produce rotating parts for the LEAP engine developed by CFM International—a 50:50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
- The LEAP engine, which powers most new-generation narrow-body aircraft, continues to deliver 15 percent better fuel efficiency, significantly lower noise levels, and higher utilization compared to previous-generation engines.
- Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, said, “Rotating aero-engine components represent the pinnacle of aerospace technology, and this world-class facility demonstrates our commitment to building advanced manufacturing capabilities in India and our proven ability to industrialize complex global aerospace programs.”
- The release stated that India is the third-largest operator of LEAP engines worldwide, with 75 percent of the country’s commercial aircraft equipped with CFM’s advanced turbofan technology.
- It further stated that so far, Indian airlines have ordered more than 2,000 LEAP engines, reflecting the growing need for strong manufacturing and support capabilities in the country.
LEAP Engine
- LEAP engines are a family of modern, high-bypass turbofan engines manufactured by CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
- They are designed for high fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower noise, powering aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919. Key technologies used to achieve these improvements include composite fan blades, 3D-printed parts, and an advanced combustor.
- Airbus A320neo: uses the LEAP-1A engine.
- Boeing 737 MAX: uses the LEAP-1B engine.
- COMAC C919: uses the LEAP-1C engine.
HAL signed an MoU with Russian firm for the production of SJ-100 civil aircraft in India
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian public joint-stock company United Aircraft Corporation for the production of SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India.
- Under the flight plan of SJ-100, it will be a major change for short-distance connectivity and symbolize a big step toward achieving ‘self-reliance’ in civil aviation. SJ-100 will be the first fully passenger aircraft manufactured in the country.
- Russia’s public joint-stock company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) — which is a company sanctioned by the United States.
- If this MoU materializes, the SJ-100 could become the first passenger jet to be fully manufactured in India, which aims to become an aerospace manufacturing hub.
- Given India’s position as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and the fastest-growing major aviation market globally, the country is pressuring global aircraft manufacturers to set up final assembly lines (FAL) for passenger jets within India.
- The SJ-100, formerly known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100), is a regional jet with a flight range of 3,530 kilometers and can carry 103 passengers. Other aircraft in this category include the Embraer E190 and Airbus A220.
