DRDO's Indigenous Development of High Strength Beta Titanium Alloy on Industrial Scale

Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a research laboratory by Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a High Strength Metastable Beta Titanium Alloy containing Vanadium, Iron and Aluminium, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al on industrial scale for applications in aerospace structural forgings. These alloys are already being used by many developed nations in recent times, as a beneficial substitute for the relatively heavier traditional Ni-Cr-Mo structural steels to achieve weight savings.

The excellent forgeability of high strength-to-weight ratio Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy facilitates manufacture of intricately configured components for aerospace applications with potential for significant weight savings. Some of the components which may be forged from this alloy include slat/flap tracks, landing gear, and drop link in landing gear – among several others. The high strength beta titanium alloys are unique due to their higher strength, ductility, fatigue, and fracture toughness – making them increasingly attractive for aircraft structural applications. Further their relatively lower lifetime cost, owing to superior corrosion resistance in comparison to steels, is an effective trade-off to justify the use of this expensive material in India too.

DMRL has carried out raw material selection, alloy melting, thermo-mechanical processing, ultrasonics-based Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE), heat treatment, mechanical characterization, and type certification in active collaboration with several agencies. Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has identified over 15 steel components which may be replaced by Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy forgings in the near future with a potential of 40% weight savings. The landing gear drop link is the first component forged successfully by ADA at HAL, Bengaluru with DMRL's involvement and duly certified for airworthiness.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO and the industry for indigenous development of High Strength Metastable Beta Titanium Alloy which will be useful for aerospace structural forgings.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO applauded the dedicated efforts by the teams involved in the indigenous development of this technology.