DRDO’s PTO Shaft: Important Facts

March 15, 2023

On March 14, 2023, the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in Chennai, which is a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted a successful flight-test of the Power Take off (PTO) Shaft on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Tejas) Limited Series Production (LSP) – 3 aircraft in Bengaluru. This critical component is indigenously designed and developed by the CVRDE and is expected to support the requirements of future fighter aircraft and their variants. The PTO shaft offers a competitive cost and reduced time of availability, and its innovative patented ‘Frequency Spanning Technique’ enables it to negotiate different operating engine speeds. The successful realization of the complex high-speed rotor technology in the PTO shaft is a major achievement for the DRDO, and it is a step forward towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India.

The PTO Shaft Technology

The PTO shaft is an important component in the aircraft as it connects the engine gearbox to the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Gear Box. The PTO shaft technology was designed with a unique innovative patented ‘Frequency Spanning Technique,’ which enables it to negotiate different operating engine speeds. The technology allows the lightweight high-speed PTO shaft to transmit higher power while accommodating misalignments that arise in the drive line. This design offers a competitive cost and reduced time of availability.

Successful Realisation of Complex High-Speed Rotor Technology

With the successful test of the PTO shaft, the DRDO has achieved a greater technological feat by realising complex high-speed rotor technology, which only a few countries have accomplished. The technology’s success showcases the country’s research capabilities. It will actively support the test aircraft programmes.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

The success of the PTO shaft test was a collaborative effort of the Aeronautical Development Agency, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The technology has already been transferred to Godrej & Boyce, Mumbai, and Lakshmi Technology and Engineering, Coimbatore.

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