GE Aviation, a leading aircraft engine supplier, and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), a governmental agency responsible for the development of industries in the state, announced plans to conduct Additive Manufacturing Research. Both organisations will collaborate specifically on aerospace research and development.
Additive Manufacturing Research
Earlier in 2021, GE signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government to establish a centre of excellence in aerospace which will conduct additive manufacturing research. It is seen as a rising sector in the state due to its proximity to engineering industries, in collaboration with state-owned TIDCO. The CoE, will be governed by TIDCO's special purpose entity (SPV), and it aims to create an ecosystem of advanced research and development using additive technologies.
According to a joint press release issued yesterday, “An investment of about Rs 141.26 crore ($18.3 million) over five years is proposed to be funded by TIDCO and GE in two phases.”
Centre of Excellence in Aerospace
The aerospace centre of excellence will focus on the technological development of aviation engine components such as compressor heat exchangers, combustor components, casing, frames, gears, and splines. It will also work on projects involving the development of predictive analytical solutions for additive manufacturing for Industry 4.0.
The CoE's additive manufacturing research will seek to develop Indian intellectual property for AM technologies such as materials, machines, and design software in order to provide specific technology solutions
“GE will bring its rich 100-year aerospace experience to this CoE. The CoE can leverage GE’s technology and research capabilities in an agile environment. GE’s team will be backed by its India technology centre team located in Bengaluru which has been working on aerospace technology design development for over 20 years.”
- Vikram Reddy, GM, Aviation Engineering, General Electric
The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology recently unveiled a national strategy for additive manufacturing to encourage collaboration among government, industry, and academia with the goal of making India a global hub for 3D printing design, development, and deployment.
B Krishnamoorthy, additional secretary and project director, TIDCO said, “The GE partnership with government of Tamil Nadu is a significant milestone in the growth of the aerospace and defence ecosystem in the state. With the establishment of this facility, Tamil Nadu will emerge as an aerospace and defence hub for research and development and advanced manufacturing of aerospace parts. The partnership with GE will help attract investments in the defence and aerospace sector in the state.”
Additional GE Projects in India
GE Aviation has a significant presence in India. It signed a five-year contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in February to develop and supply ring forgings for GE's commercial and military engine programmes.
Furthermore, its F404 engine powers the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, and its F414 engine will power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft in development.
