IIT Delhi and Indian Air Force Sign MoU to enhance R&D in various critical areas

Headquarters Maintenance (HQ) Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Nagpur and IIT Delhi have formalised a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance innovative technologies in aviation textiles.

The MoU was signed by Prof Naresh Bhatnagar, Dean (R&D) at IIT Delhi and Group Captain Prashant Pathak, Commanding Officer of 16 BRD, AF. The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Prof R Alagirusamy, HoD of the Textile and Fibre Engineering Department and other key IAF officials.

The collaboration aims to enhance research and development in various critical areas, particularly focusing on obsolescence management, self-reliance, and digitization through indigenization in aviation-grade textiles. Group Captain Prashant Pathak outlined specific areas of interest, including:

1. Raw Material Selection: Identifying appropriate textiles and fabrics for parachutes and safety equipment.

2. Testing Technologies: Developing advanced equipment and standards for the technical testing of textiles and fabrics.

3. Quality Assurance: Implementing AI, robotics, and imaging technologies for quality checks of raw materials and finished products.

4. Machine Learning: Innovating imaging technology for assessing parachute systems and associated gear.

5. Reliability Studies: Conduct studies on the design, reliability, and life extension of parachutes and their accessories.

Prof Rajendra Singh, Associate Dean (R&D) at IIT Delhi, highlighted the importance of this partnership in meeting the growing demands for indigenization in the Indian defense sector. He noted the potential for leveraging IIT Delhi's research capabilities alongside the practical expertise of the IAF to develop innovative aviation-grade textile solutions. Prof Bipin Kumar, Project Coordinator at IIT Delhi, stated that this collaboration will significantly contribute to India's self-reliance in defense technology.