On March 14, 2023, a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Tejas) Limited Series Production (LSP-3) aircraft was used to successfully complete the first PTO Shaft flying test. Defense Research and Development Organization’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Chennai, developed the PTO shaft on an indigenous basis (DRDO).
The PTO shaft, a crucial part of the aircraft, will support the needs of upcoming fighter aircraft and their variants, and it offers a competitive price and quick turnaround. The DRDO has accomplished a larger technological feat with this successful test by realising the complicated high-speed rotor technology that only a select few nations have accomplished.
The PTO shaft was created with a special, patented “Frequency Spanning Method” that gives it the ability to navigate various working engine speeds.
The lightweight, high-speed, lubrication-free PTO shaft accommodates drive line misalignments while transmitting more power between the aircraft engine gear box and aircraft mounted accessory gear box.
To accomplish this, CVRDE collaborated with the Aeronautical Development Agency, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The PTO shaft technology has already been distributed to Lakshmi Technology and Engineering in Coimbatore and Godrej & Boyce in Mumbai.
DRDO, PSUs, and the industry have received praise from Shri Rajnath Singh, who noted that the successful completion of PTO shaft is yet another significant step towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat stated that the success showcased the country’s research capability and will actively support the test aircraft programmes.
