Tata Projects and Canadian gas turbine testing specialist MDS Aero are to jointly develop advanced aero-engine test facilities in India, targeting the country’s fast-growing aerospace and propulsion sector.
The venture combines Tata Projects’ engineering and construction capabilities with MDS’s gas turbine engine testing capabilities.
Tata Projects will lead the civil and structural work, high-pressure air, heating and ventilation, high-temperature exhaust and cooling-water systems, and associated site infrastructure.
MDS will handle the design, engineering, supply, integration, commissioning and lifecycle support of the test facilities and systems.
Founded in 1985, the company has delivered gas turbine engine testing projects in more than 27 countries for engine makers worldwide.
This includes MDS’s role as prime contractor for Rolls-Royce’s Testbed 80 in Derby, UK, one of the largest indoor aerospace test facilities in the world when it opened in 2020. MDS supplied the test systems, including the thrust-measurement, aerodynamic, acoustic and engine-adapter systems.
MDS is already active in India, where it is the lead technology provider and systems integrator for an advanced twin-cell aero-engine development test facility supporting next-generation military propulsion.
Tata Projects, one of India’s largest engineering, procurement and construction companies, has delivered specialized test infrastructure for the country’s strategic aerospace programs, including cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engine test facilities and tri-sonic wind tunnels. The agreement with MDS adds to its expanding work across aerospace, space and other advanced-technology facilities.
The partnership comes as India expands its domestic engine-testing capacity to reduce reliance on overseas test beds for indigenous engine programs, including the Kaveri derivative engine and the powerplant for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
Rajiv Menon, president and chief growth and strategy officer at Tata Projects, said, “Our partnership with MDS brings together Tata Projects’ experience in delivering some of India’s most demanding engine-testing and strategic technology facilities, and MDS’s global expertise in gas turbine engine testing.”
Joe Hajjar, chief revenue officer at MDS, said, “Together, we bring a strong combination of local execution capability and global engine-testing expertise to support India’s growing aerospace sector, while also helping to strengthen aerospace and technology ties between Canada and India.”
