Role & Functions

Role

The Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) is an organisation under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. This organisation is the regulatory authority for Quality Assurance and final acceptance of Military Aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Aero Engines, Airborne Systems, Avionics, Armaments, Consumables (FOL Stores), Allied Ground Systems and Missiles during Design & Development, Production, Repair, Modification and Overhaul/ Repair at various Defence PSUs, Ordnance Factories and Private Firms.It also ensures QA requirements during acquisition of defence aeronautical stores by Ministry of Defence as per the provision of DDP & DPM.

The primary role of DGAQA is to provide QA coverage during various phases of the production/services viz Design & Development, Production, Up-gradation etc and to assure that the same meet the customers’ expectations. DGAQA is also involved in standardisation activities. The other services rendered are Capacity Assessment & Registration of Firms, Defect Investigations and Technical Consultancy to the Users, Ministry of Defence, Production and Design & Development Agencies.

The establishments under this organisation are spread all over the country in Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Ordnance Factories, DRDO Labs and Private Firms.

DGAQA is also the nodal agency for Missile System Quality Assurance Agency (MSQAA) and Strategic Systems Quality Assurance Group (SSQAG).

Functions

  • Quality Assurance during development, Production, Overhaul and Repair of Military Aircraft and associated Air-Borne Systems Equipment, Air Armament Systems and allied Ground Support Systems.
  • Association with DRDO, P.S.U.s, and other developing agencies during evaluation, type approval, lifing and life extension exercises of military airborne items.
  • Association in Accident / Defect Investigation of Military Aircraft and Aeronautical Stores.
  • Participation in Standardization activities, formulation of JSS and National Specifications.
  • Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) functions in respect of Air Armament stores.
Title Downloads
Brief on Testing and Certification Procedures in Military Aviation Sector PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(116 KB)
Observation of Critical Snags During DGAQA Memo Stages and Timely QA Coverage PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(7,309 KB)

Approval of a Firm and its Quality Management System (AFQMS)

A firm seeking Approval for its Quality Management System (AFQMS) from DGAQA should formally apply and provide evidence that either it is in possession or likely to receive an order for development/ supply/ service of military airborne stores and associated Ground Handling/ Ground Support Equipments. On receipt of such application, DGAQA or their authorised representatives shall organize audit of the firm for assessment of their resources including effectiveness of their Quality Management System. On being satisfied with the infrastructure, resources and existence of an effective Quality Management System, a letter/ certificate of approval will be issued by DGAQA.

The procedure for obtaining DGAQA approval and requirements is given in DGAQA document: Approval of a Firm & its Quality Management System (AFQMS). The Issue I (Dec 2011) of this document has been released vide 1415/AFIO/DGAQA/Tech Coord dated 9th Feb 2012 for implementation w.e.f. 1st Apr 2012 onwards.

Title Downloads
Policy For QA Coverage By Fes Under Different ADG Jurisdiction PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(379 KB)
Release of AQA Directive 02/01/2015 on "Guidelines for QTP and ATP of Ground Equipments/Jigs for Airborne Items (Electrical & Electronics)" (ISSUE - II) PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(710 KB)
Release of "AQA Directive 01/14" on "Guidelines for QA during outsourcing by Main Contractors" (ISSUE - I) PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(2,013 KB)
For Downloading Suggestive Check List For Carrying Out System Audit Of Firm For Approval As Per AFQMS 2011 PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(5,628 KB)

For downloading the complete AFQMS document please click here : AFQMS Issue I PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site. (1,227 KB)

For viewing the Frequently Asked Questions on AFQMS please click here : FAQs

For downloading the List of Approved Firms/Organizations please click here: LIST PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site. (39 KB)

For downloading the complete TSO document please click here: TSO-2002 PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site. (1,094 KB)

Sample Unit Standing Order (USO)

A sample Unit Standing Orders has been prepared by RDAQA (Kanpur) and is made available under the below link for download purpose by concerned F.E.s. The document shall open with a given password already forwarded by HQ vide letter reference no. 1405/USO/DGAQA/TECH-COORD dated 12 Apr 2012.

For downloading the sample USO document, please click here: Unit Standing Orders Word file that opens in new window. To know how to open Word file refer Help section located at bottom of the site. (2,276 KB)

QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN (QAP)

Title Downloads
For downloading Standard Template for the UNIT STANDING ORDERS (for the year 2014) PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(4,025 KB)
For downloading Standard Template for Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) at Field Establishments PDF file that opens in new window. To know how to open PDF file refer Help section located at bottom of the site.(259 KB)

Current Major Projects under DGAQA’s QA Coverage

Aeronautics

  • HAWK(AJT)
  • ALH
  • UAV
  • HPT
  • AEW&C
  • ELECTRONIC WARFARE & COMMUNICATION
  • SU-30 MK-I
  • JAGUAR
  • KIRAN
  • PARACHUTES
  • AIRBORNE BATTERIES
  • COMPOSITE MATERIALS
  • LCA
  • LCH
  • IJT
  • MIG 21
  • ARRESTER BARRIERS
  • MIG27 UPGRADE
  • BISON
  • MIRAGE
  • DORNIER
  • KAVERI ENGINE
  • METALIC MATERIALS
  • SARAS AIRCRAFT (MILITARY VERSION)

MISSILES

  • PRITHVI
  • BRAHMOS
  • NAG (ATM)
  • LRSAM/MRSAM
  • AGNI
  • AKASH
  • TRISHUL
  • ASTRA

AIR ARMAMENT

  • ROCKETS
  • 68MM ROCKET- PODS
  • 100/120 KG BOMBS
  • CARTRIDGES SEAT EJECTION
  • 1000 LB HE BOMBS
  • 25O KG BOMBS
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