Aero India 2017: Kanpur-based MKU showcasing its armouring solution Polyshield V6 that can cut helicopter weight 40%.
Financialexpress 13 Feb. 2017 03:05
With the Make in India initiative on everyone's mind, Aero India 2017 will be showcasing both Indian and international new technologies, including ultra light armour protection for helicopters, 3D printing for parts, nano technology, smart materials, AESA radar, infrared seeker and sensor technology, engines, and rotors. Around 270 Indian companies and 279 foreign companies are expected to participate in the premium aerospace and aviation exhibition, which starts on February 14.
Kanpur-based MKU Pvt Ltd is one of the Indian companies showcasing its cutting edge technology for mission critical modular protection for helicopters.
Of all the factors that affect the performance of a helicopter, weight is the most important one, followed by lift, thrust and drag. MKU's 6th Generation Polyshield V6 armouring technology uses advanced composite materials and techniques that reduce the weight of armour for aircraft and helicopters by approximately 40% compared to standard armouring solutions.
"Keeping the multi role operations and survivability of utility and assault helicopters in consideration, the company designs helicopter armour kits using the proprietary 'Modular Schutz Technik', which uses precision engineered composite armour panels along with patented aero-grade attachment systems," said Neeraj Gupta, managing director, MKU. "These kits are installed in the existing structure of the helicopter, and do not require any structural changes or tampering with the aerodynamics of the helicopter. Hence, re-certification of the aircraft for airworthiness does not become an obligation."
Given that aircraft and helicopters are big machines, they are prone to terminal attacks through armed fire from militants or enemy forces. The belly of the helicopter or aircraft, cockpit and the engine are most susceptible to attacks. Therefore, aircraft armouring solutions have been crucially important to decrease the susceptibility of the fixed wing and rotary aircrafts and their crew. Without the necessary protection, they can become flying death-traps, making armour protection an absolute necessity. Armour shield can protect against large-caliber anti-aircraft fire or armour piercing ammunitions typically with a great weight penalty, which affects the performance and load carrying capacity of the aircraft, among other things.
"We can armour any helicopter for the Indian Armed Forces as well as paramilitary forces, as we have done almost 20 different types of helicopters worldwide including MI-8/17; Lockheed C-130; Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter; Boeing CH-47; Eurocopter BO-105; Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk, UH60,UH 60M," says Gupta. The Indian Air Force and BSF have evinced interest in this technology for their aircraft. Besides MKU, there are three major companies in the world that offer this technology including TenCate from Netherlands and Plasan Sasa from Israel.
At the Aero-India 2017, the UK based Rolls Royce is showing Advanced Military Fan Concept-a full scale model of military fan for a 5th generation fighter aircraft engine. This concept is designed to improve core efficiency while minimising installation effects. France's Thales will demonstrate its mastery of advanced technology and industrial prowess by displaying a wide range of its cutting-edge products. It will provide insights into rocket systems, underwater systems (sonars), surveillance and fire control radars, surface warfare systems (missiles), among others.
US firm Textron Systems will display a full-size Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System, as well as models of the Shadow v2 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS), Shadow M2, and models of Textron Systems' precision-guided munitions.
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