The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier lab of DRDO, has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting reputed Indian and global industry partners for the procurement of suitable power plant for HALE unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) currently under development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EoI seeks firms with proven expertise in the aerospace and defence sector, especially in aircraft power plants, propulsion systems, and integration of turboprop engines. The aim is to shortlist partners for a forthcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure and integrate suitable UAV powerplants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ADE has specified that UAV turboprop engines should deliver: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 900\u20131500 SHP @ ISA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Dry weight below 700 lbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Specific fuel consumption <0.555 lb\/hp-hr<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Service ceiling above 45,000 ft<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Time Between Overhaul (TBO) exceeding 3000 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, the partner must provide complete engine accessories, constant-speed pusher propellers, and fuel system components including filters, valves, sensors, and auxiliary equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scope of work is spread across four phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Design Phase<\/strong> \u2013 Support in airframe integration, selection of accessories, and design documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Development Phase<\/strong> \u2013 Technical support for nacelle design, exhaust manifolds, mounting frames, and delivery of engines and propellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Evaluation & Testing<\/strong> \u2013 Assistance in test-bed trials and propulsion system validation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Integration & Post Delivery Support<\/strong> \u2013 Installation on UAV platforms, long-term maintenance, training, and lifecycle support for up to 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested industry players will be evaluated on financial strength, technical expertise, manufacturing capability, and management compliance. Key requirements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Annual turnover of at least \u20b975 crore and net worth of the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Minimum 5 years\u2019 experience in manufacturing\/integration of aerospace systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Proven capability in CATIA-based design, OEM approvals, and certification from CEMILAC\/DGQA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Compliance with ILDC requirements for handling classified projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Commitment to provide lifecycle support including MRO, spares, and training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By seeking strong private and global partners, ADE aims to strengthen indigenous UAV development under the \u2018Atmanirbhar Bharat\u2019 initiative. The program is expected to not only boost self-reliance in defence propulsion technologies but also open avenues for exports in the UAV sector.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier lab of DRDO, has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting reputed Indian…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1603,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1602","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\nStringent Partner Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Strategic Significance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n