Bengaluru, NFAPost: Over the last 3 decades, CSIR-NAL has developed many critical technologies for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Tejas and continues to support this major national programme.
Composites offer a very attractive option in modern aircraft development as they are lighter, have better mechanical properties, are fatigue insensitive and corrosion resistant as compared to aluminum alloys. Composite structures in LCA contribute to 45% by weight making it one of the world’s smallest light weight fighter aircraft.
Dr. K N Raju, former Director, CSIR-NAL successfully led the National Team for the composite wing development.
Advanced Composites Division (ACD) has pioneered the design & development of composite structures using innovative and cost-effective manufacturing technologies including cocuring / co-bonding constructions.
ACD- NAL has played a pivotal role in the development of the Fin & Rudder, Wing Spars, Wing Fuselage Fairings, Fairings blocks, Centre Fuselage
parts & Under carriage doors.
The innovative technologies developed by CSIR-NAL not only reduces the cost but also improves the structural efficiency by minimizing the number of
mechanical joints. The innovations have resulted in more than 20% savings in cost and 25% reduction in weight.
