Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will provide MRO support for TPE 331-12B engines that power GA-ASI’s MQ-9B Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).
HAL has entered into an agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated (GA-ASI), the manufacturer of the GA-ASI’s MQ-9B.
C B Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, said HAL has been manufacturing and providing MRO support for TPE 331-5 engines for the last 40 years. 'We are also establishing facilities for manufacturing TPE 331-12B engines for the HTT-40 project. The engine used on the MQ-9B RPAS belongs to the same family of engines with upgraded configuration to adapt to the RPAS technology.'
Though the turboprop engine fitted onboard the MQ-9B HALE RPAS is unique in its configuration and operation and requires special training and equipment to maintain, repair and overhaul. HAL’s Engine Division located in Bengaluru will support the engines for the Indian market.
Also Read
IAF To Get New Basic Trainer Aircraft HAL HTT-40