India’s HAL, France’s Safran ink MoU to Manufacture Commercial Engine Parts

Current Context: India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines of France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bengaluru to develop industrial cooperation in ‘ring forging’ for commercial engines in aerospace.

• Ring forging is a manufacturing process for shaping metal by hammering, pressing, or rolling, while the metal is in a molten state.
• Forged rings are stronger and more durable and are used in a wide range of industries including aerospace and in applications where strength and durability are critical.
• HAL will produce LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) — powering Airbus A320 Neo family and Boeing 737 Max engine — forgings at its facility in Bengaluru.
• The engines known as Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) power both the Airbus A320 Neo and the Boeing 737 Max.
• Safran is a long-standing partner, especially on HAL’s helicopter programmes, as evidenced by the joint development of the Shakti helicopter engine.
• They are also going to co-design and co-produce the next generation IMRH engine with Safran.

Question:

Q.1 What is the manufacturing process that HAL and Safran are planning to develop?
a. Ring forging
b. Metal casting
c. Metal extrusion
d. Metal spinning