India-made 3D printed elbow in Su-30 MKI aircraft
The 3D printed fuel system elbow part was certified by CEMILAC.
Bengaluru: For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Su-30 MKI aircraft would be fitted with indigenously certified 3D printed fuel system elbow part using additive manufacturing technology.
The certification was handed over by Mr P Jayapal, CE (CEMILAC) to Mr Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engg. and R&D) at Aero India on Saturday. The 3D printed fuel system elbow part was certified by CEMILAC.
Dr TR Rajanna, CD (AERDC-HAL) handed over the certified elbow part to Mr Huliraj RV, CD (AURDC-HAL) in the presence of Mr R Madhavan, CMD, HAL.
As part of the Phase-IV Su-30 MKI manufacturing under Transfer of Technology from Russia, a shortage of some castings for manufacturing of components was encountered.
In order to overcome this shortage, HAL has chosen fuel system elbow as a pilot component for fabrication through additive manufacturing process.