New Delhi- To advance innovative technologies for aviation textiles, Headquarters Maintenance Command, Indian Air Force Nagpur, and IIT Delhi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today, paving the way for collaborative research and development in aviation textiles.

The agreement aims to leverage IIT Delhi's expertise in research and innovation to enhance the quality and safety of aviation textiles used by the IAF. The collaboration will focus on various areas, including obsolescence management, self-reliance, upgradation, and digitization of aviation-grade textiles.

"This partnership signifies a major step towards indigenization in the field of aviation textiles," said Group Captain Prashant Pathak, Commanding Officer of 16 BRD, IAF.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include:

• Raw material selection for parachutes and safety equipment.

• Development of modern testing technologies and incorporating the latest standards into product designs.

• Implementing AI, robotics, and imaging technologies for quality control of textile raw materials and finished products.

• Utilizing machine learning-based imaging technology for the inspection and repair of parachutes and other safety equipment.

• Parachute and accessory design and development, including reliability and longevity studies.

Professor Rajendra Singh, Associate Dean of R&D at IIT Delhi, emphasized the significance of this partnership in meeting the Indian defense sector's growing need for self-reliance. He highlighted the potential of combining IIT Delhi's research capabilities with the IAF's practical experience to create innovative solutions for aviation-grade textile products.

Professor Bipin Kumar, Project Coordinator from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering at IIT Delhi, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership is expected to contribute significantly to India's self-reliance in defense technology.