The two institutions will work together to promote research and development in areas such as obsolescence management, self-reliance, upgrades, and digitisation through indigenisation in the field of aviation-grade textiles.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Delhi) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) Maintenance Command in Nagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research and development aimed at advancing innovative technologies for aviation textiles, particularly focusing on parachutes and other safety equipment.
The two institutions will work together to promote research and development in areas such as obsolescence management, self-reliance, upgrades, and digitisation through indigenisation in the field of aviation-grade textiles.
Group Captain Prashant Pathak, Commanding Officer of 16 BRD, AF, explained the details of the MoU, noting that some areas of interest for collaboration would include the selection of raw materials for various parachutes and safety equipment. He also mentioned that the development of modern technologies and equipment for testing technical textiles or fabrics, as well as the latest standards for product designs related to parachutes and safety equipment, would be key focus areas. Additionally, implementing AI, robotics, and imaging technologies for quality acceptance checks of textile, fabric raw materials, or finished products were highlighted as significant areas of collaboration.
Furthermore, Group Captain Pathak elaborated on how different types of parachutes, such as brake and cargo parachutes, along with their associated harness and crew restraint systems, would undergo innovative Machine Learning-based Imaging Technology for repairs, thereby extending the lifespan of these products.
Looking ahead, the collaboration will also encompass design and development, reliability studies, simulation studies, and life extension studies for parachutes and related accessories.
Rajendra Singh, Associate Dean at IIT Delhi, emphasised the importance of this partnership in addressing the growing demand for indigenisation in the Indian defense sector. He noted that there is potential to leverage IIT Delhi’s advanced research capabilities alongside the IAF’s practical expertise to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of aviation-grade textile products.
News Source: mathrubhumi.com