Gas Turbine Research Estab lishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, successfully tested prototypeof Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) for High Altitude Cold Climate Starting trials in Leh during February 2018. The successful demonstration validated the design, selection of Materials and the control logics used for lighting and acceleration of engine to minimum sustained speed. The performance of pyro systems was as per expectations.
GTRE had designed and realised a mobile test bed and fuel supply system simulating unmanned vehicle confguration exclusively for adapting to High Altitude trials. Suitable Operator Console in a climate controlled cabin for safe operation of control desk,data acquisition systems and vibration monitoring panels were also positioned to ensure that tests are carried out without compromising safety and other design criteria.
Apart from the scientists of GTRE, scientists from the other participating DRDO labs, viz., High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad, and Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certifcation/Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (Engrs) Research Laboratory, Pune, Advanced Systems Laboratory, Hyderabad, and Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certifcation/Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (Engrs) were also there. The team was led by N Balamurali Krishnan, OS, Project Director (STFE), GTRE.