48 kN Thrust "Dry Kaveri" Engine for Ghatak UCAV Set for Flight Testing on IL-76 Platform in Russia Next Year

India's quest for self-reliance in aero-engine technology is gaining momentum with the upcoming flight tests of the "Dry Kaveri" engine. Developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), this new variant of the Kaveri engine is specifically designed to power unmanned platforms, and it's set to undergo crucial trials in Russia next year.

Godrej Aerospace, which has been tasked with manufacturing eight modules of the Dry Kaveri, is expected to deliver the engine to GTRE by February. This engine is designed to produce 48 kN of thrust without an afterburner, making it lighter and less complex than earlier versions of the Kaveri. This is a crucial factor for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) where weight and efficiency are paramount.

Following initial ground tests in India, the Dry Kaveri will be transported to Russia for integration into an IL-76 aircraft at the Gromov Flight Research Institute (GFRI) in Moscow.

The IL-76, a robust and versatile aircraft, will serve as a flying testbed for the engine, allowing for high-altitude and real-flight condition simulations. This is a critical step in the engine's development, as it provides valuable data on performance, endurance, and integration with existing aircraft systems.

The integration process involves replacing one of the IL-76's engines with the Dry Kaveri, enabling direct comparison and analysis of performance under various conditions. This approach not only tests the engine's capabilities but also provides valuable insights into its potential integration with the Ghatak UCAV, India's indigenous unmanned combat aerial vehicle program.

Successful flight tests of the Dry Kaveri would be a significant milestone for India's indigenous aero-engine development program. The data gathered will be crucial for refining the engine and ensuring it meets the demanding requirements of modern combat UAVs.

Furthermore, it could pave the way for increased production, potential export opportunities, and solidify India's position in the global aerospace industry.

 

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[मित्र]

Good, atleast now we are progressing on engine part.

 

[sanket]

Instead of sending it to Russia, Bharat should invest in a flying test bed facility. It is time-consuming to transport, and charges are more than having your own test facility. It will speed up development. Second, if it is designed to produce 48 kN thrust without an afterburner and is stable in producing the same thrust or exceeding up to 51/52 kN, then it will be a very good achievement. Next would be afterburner development, which would take time, maybe 8 to 10 years to be ready with refinement. If it achieves 53 kN then, after refining, it may achieve 85 to 90 kN afterburner thrust.

 

[Dare Devil]

This circus will go on until both US and Russia refuses to share engine tech, that is when real push to deliver will arrive. This is plain bureaucratic BS at this point.

 

[INDIAN]

Again we have to go to Russia for flight test, this shows what wrong with us.

 

[ramdas]

We are lagging behind in this facility in testing out our own aero engines. Delays the progress to a great extent. Why not convert one of the IAF Ilyushin aircraft to a test bed facility? We have to design our own testing instruments.

 

[beencensured]

We are lagging behind in this facility in testing out our own aero engines. Delays the progress to a great extent. Why not convert one of the IAF Ilyushin aircraft to a test bed facility? We have to design our own testing instruments.

If they have to go to Russia to flight test in order to certify on ucav then there can be nothing more ridiculous. It makes India look like some banana republic.

 

[ramdas]

If they have to go to Russia to flight test in order to certify on ucav then there can be nothing more ridiculous. It makes India look like some banana republic.

Agree with you. There is no dearth of engineering talent in India as we export them each year to the US. Total policy to hire talent needs to be created rather than an age-old reservation policy if India needs to progress rapidly.

 

[swatkats_razor]

Instead of sending it to Russia, Bharat should invest in a flying test bed facility. It is time-consuming to transport, and charges are more than having your own test facility. It will speed up development. Second, if it is designed to produce 48 kN thrust without an afterburner and is stable in producing the same thrust or exceeding up to 51/52 kN, then it will be a very good achievement. Next would be afterburner development, which would take time, maybe 8 to 10 years to be ready with refinement. If it achieves 53 kN then, after refining, it may achieve 85 to 90 kN afterburner thrust.

For flying test we would need a large aircraft to account for all the different sensors and monitors which would need to be carried onboard.

The aircraft would also need to be further reinforced to protect the crew as well as the aircraft itself from harm in case something goes wrong. Then, there would be the need for the airplane to be balanced for it to be able to support itself if one or two engines go kaput while testing.

Overall, for a very comprehensive we need an aircraft at least in the class of medium lift category like Airbus A-400M or Embaerer C-390.

 

[GMR]

If GOI, IAF & DRDO want advancement in Aero engine technology, for God's sake have a testbed aircraft... pls have some common sense.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

This is a never ending saga of the Indian jet engine, not only does it paint us as a country lacking technology, engineering and manufacturing ability but also undermines our defense, 30-40 years is too long.

this is really "Make a fool out of india" and not "Make in India"!

if we really wanted to do it we would not have taken so long to build a jet engine, yet huge lobbies make money out of defense deals and travel the world, settle there, study there when the indian middle class pays high taxes.

it shows the world that even if we give our country with an 1.5 billion population we are unable to build and engine which has been around for decades we are unable to replicate it.

Not sure this is how we work with allies like US and Russia, who call us their partner but when it comes to an old engine design from the 1980s like RD-33, F404, AL-31F, they would let go of basic engine core design and yet we can't build 1 Kaveri in 30-40 years !

they will not share technology with us, neither are we competent enough to build, beg/borrow/steal the jet engine technology which we have been flying for now over 50 years.

the entire countries talent pool wants to go to the west and settle there and our country cannot provide high paying, technology jobs in research, engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing.

Patriotism was never part of Indian culture after independence, and over the 200+ years under colonial rule has made us look up to western life style and the entire brain of India is in the west, never to return.

Dishonesty and corruption are deep rooted in our genes, with nothing working without bribes, kickbacks and scams, and for a few dollars/pounds any indian is ready to sell this country and its interest.

So unlike China which is undoubtedly the #1 country in terms of manufacturing, industry, metallurgy, engineering and innovations, and more so in the defense technology domain they have done whatever was need to get there.

no point blaming our governments, if the people themselves are not working towards a nation, only way for everything seems to be to buy from the west and pay tax payer money for their own through scandals, scams, bribes and corruption.

so this is not incompetence really lack of intent and even conflict of interest.

 

[Jon Arts]

Again we have to go to Russia for flight test, this shows what wrong with us.

It shows everything right about us! If you won't go check how they do it... how will you create your own? Learn from the bests before becoming best among them.

 

[Samrat]

This is a never ending saga of the Indian jet engine, not only does it paint us as a country lacking technology, engineering and manufacturing ability but also undermines our defense, 30-40 years is too long.

this is really "Make a fool out of india" and not "Make in India"!

if we really wanted to do it we would not have taken so long to build a jet engine, yet huge lobbies make money out of defense deals and travel the world, settle there, study there when the indian middle class pays high taxes.

it shows the world that even if we give our country with an 1.5 billion population we are unable to build and engine which has been around for decades we are unable to replicate it.

Not sure this is how we work with allies like US and Russia, who call us their partner but when it comes to an old engine design from the 1980s like RD-33, F404, AL-31F, they would let go of basic engine core design and yet we can't build 1 Kaveri in 30-40 years !

they will not share technology with us, neither are we competent enough to build, beg/borrow/steal the jet engine technology which we have been flying for now over 50 years.

the entire countries talent pool wants to go to the west and settle there and our country cannot provide high paying, technology jobs in research, engineering, metallurgy and manufacturing.

Patriotism was never part of Indian culture after independence, and over the 200+ years under colonial rule has made us look up to western life style and the entire brain of India is in the west, never to return.

Dishonesty and corruption are deep rooted in our genes, with nothing working without bribes, kickbacks and scams, and for a few dollars/pounds any indian is ready to sell this country and its interest.

So unlike China which is undoubtedly the #1 country in terms of manufacturing, industry, metallurgy, engineering and innovations, and more so in the defense technology domain they have done whatever was need to get there.

no point blaming our governments, if the people themselves are not working towards a nation, only way for everything seems to be to buy from the west and pay tax payer money for their own through scandals, scams, bribes and corruption.

so this is not incompetence really lack of intent and even conflict of interest.

I agree with some of your points but ranting won't give results we have to adapt and improvise 1st we have to set up manufacturing industry which we easily can but the babus of most department make it difficult our biggest competition in manufacturing is not china but Vietnam for a factory they need land acquisition it takes 6 months there but 5 to 6 years here so we need improve that and provide land acquisition within 6 months and give tax benefits to manufacturing companies and reduce the tax load from lower middle class then we need to use the students of iit nit and iisc to go and learn things from lockhead Martin and german car companies for engines and metallurgy in name of scholarship and increase the pay scale of such sectors so that they won't leave and improve the quality of education strict order to all engineering college to have decent labs and equipments and make the youth join these sectors instead of government jobs and simultaneously invest in 80 kn and 110 kn engines and reform drdo these reforms should show results soon

 

[neil]

If they have to go to Russia to flight test in order to certify on ucav then there can be nothing more ridiculous. It makes India look like some banana republic.

It requires testing assets to be allocated to the research establishment, as in a flying testbed. As in a multi-engined craft, whose technology and parameters of flight are well known and have enough leeway to play around with. So... a 2, 3, or 4-engined airplane, whose technology you're well aware of, inside and out. So let's say an Ilyushin. Then you should have permission from the OEM to be tampering with its systems if you expect them to honor the warranty and give cooperation in any repairs or maintenance afterward. We should take this risk, of course, but the government has not yet made up its mind to allocate an important and expensive resource like an Ilyushin by pulling it out from regular service and developing some confidence in our agency to be able to run and maintain it without OEM support... which confidence seems to be missing in government circles. Given the performance of our DPSUs, perhaps the government is not to be blamed for this hesitation.

 

[sanket]

For flying test we would need a large aircraft to account for all the different sensors and monitors which would need to be carried onboard.

The aircraft would also need to be further reinforced to protect the crew as well as the aircraft itself from harm in case something goes wrong. Then, there would be the need for the airplane to be balanced for it to be able to support itself if one or two engines go kaput while testing.

Overall, for a very comprehensive we need an aircraft at least in the class of medium lift category like Airbus A-400M or Embaerer C-390.

Basic things have to be provided. Transportation charges plus testing charges until now, compared to the buying cost of a flying test bed, will be more. It would be better to buy an Airbus A-400M or Embraer C-390, or even a Boeing 747 that is not transferred to the Tata group would be ideal.

 

[Paul]

Instead of sending it to Russia, Bharat should invest in a flying test bed facility. It is time-consuming to transport, and charges are more than having your own test facility. It will speed up development. Second, if it is designed to produce 48 kN thrust without an afterburner and is stable in producing the same thrust or exceeding up to 51/52 kN, then it will be a very good achievement. Next would be afterburner development, which would take time, maybe 8 to 10 years to be ready with refinement. If it achieves 53 kN then, after refining, it may achieve 85 to 90 kN afterburner thrust.

Yes, it is high time to invest in a high-altitude test bed facility. Weight reduction will be the next focus if the desired thrust range of 52 kN to 54 kN is achieved.

 

[vinod nair]

Import this plane or modify the IL-76 to do the job in India itself. We require simultaneous development of a host of engines for various applications.

 

[kumar]

This very incident showcases everything wrong with us. We are so stingy that we cannot establish our own engine test facility within country.

 

[Akshat]

Agree with you. There is no dearth of engineering talent in India as we export them each year to the US. Total policy to hire talent needs to be created rather than an age-old reservation policy if India needs to progress rapidly.

Well India has grown far more rapidly since we implemented the reservation policy. There is in fact research material that has proven that reservation has led to better operational efficiency in individual organisations as well as reduction in poverty in the country as a whole.

 

[Mango_Indian]

Why does the engine have to be sent to Russia for tests? Why can't we rig an IAF IL-76 for testing Kaveri? The IAF has so many new transport aircraft - C-17, C-130, C-295, etc. Why can't it spare an old IL-76 for testing? And most importantly, for the last 15 years, Kaveri has been testing in Russia on-and-off. Why? Where is the performance ownership? Why don't people get fired and publicly humiliated for not being able to deliver?

Reservation and caste mentality ruined India.

 

[AK S]

Import this plane or modify the IL-76 to do the job in India itself. We require simultaneous development of a host of engines for various applications.

Great suggestion, but IAF won't spare their ILs. Not even their MiG 29s. Know that a large part of them are grounded and can be spared.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

This very incident showcases everything wrong with us. We are so stingy that we cannot establish our own engine test facility within country.

Not only stingy but too complacent, laid-back attitude. When they can't find the horse which has been with them for donkey years, they start going helter-skelter. The Chinese fellas were struggling with their own Chinese engine technology too. They very quickly bought some Su-35s and copied the Russian engines in a very short span of time to have their own engine to power their fighters. The Russians said in one interview they are aware of the Chinese copied Russian engines.

 

[Smile please]

Really very tiresome. How long we will go like this. When dry version of kaveri is ready then now we require russian testing. Then we will integrate it into ghatak then other problem to take help from foreign companies. Then after burner engine problem. It seems that it will go on and on and on.

 

[Amit]

Why don't we have our own testing facility? We always crib and cry but why don't we spend some effort on our own engone testing facility...Engine technology is the most important technology we need to master so we should spend efforts and money on this prudently.

 

[Anant]

For flying test we would need a large aircraft to account for all the different sensors and monitors which would need to be carried onboard.

The aircraft would also need to be further reinforced to protect the crew as well as the aircraft itself from harm in case something goes wrong. Then, there would be the need for the airplane to be balanced for it to be able to support itself if one or two engines go kaput while testing.

Overall, for a very comprehensive we need an aircraft at least in the class of medium lift category like Airbus A-400M or Embaerer C-390.

In theory, this can be managed by something like a Boeing 737-800 or something if you replace one of the engines with the test engine.

Of course, in such a scenario, ideally speaking, you'd want to replace the other engine with a more powerful engine and then do a single engine take-off using a very long runway. This would also necessitate essentially stripping out the aircraft entirely to save weight.

However, if this is sub-optimal, then the only viable alternative is to either buy a second-hand A340 or Boeing 747 or something, or convince the IAF to retire one of the older Il-76s early and hand it over.

 

[Anant]

Not only stingy but too complacent, laid-back attitude. When they can't find the horse which has been with them for donkey years, they start going helter-skelter. The Chinese fellas were struggling with their own Chinese engine technology too. They very quickly bought some Su-35s and copied the Russian engines in a very short span of time to have their own engine to power their fighters. The Russians said in one interview they are aware of the Chinese copied Russian engines.

Indeed the Russians knew. Heck, after the Chinese copied the Su-27/30 into the J-11B, the Russian aerospace industry was very much against the proposed sale of Su-35s to China.

China had initially requested 16 Su-35s with 18 spare engines. After some pressure on and from the Kremlin, Russia agreed to sell 96 aircraft to China, if China agreed in writing to penalties on copying technology. Later on, some folks in the Kremlin were paid off, and China ended up buying 24 Su-35s and 32 spare engines. They quickly turned around and started reverse-engineering various aspects of the aircraft.

It is speculated today that while the PLAAF lists all 24 jets as active, none of them are actually active, and they are used as testbeds, reverse engineering template airframes, ground instructional airframes, etc.

 

[Anant]

We are lagging behind in this facility in testing out our own aero engines. Delays the progress to a great extent. Why not convert one of the IAF Ilyushin aircraft to a test bed facility? We have to design our own testing instruments.

Because the IAF does not like sparing aircraft from its own inventory. They have refused to spare even an older MiG-29 as a testbed, so an Il-76 is out of the question. I can understand where they are coming from, but it is frustrating.

 

[Bks98]

India is still relying on Russian in testing. HAL is a big let down. Indian govt should push pvt player to take lead.

 

[Sandeep]

India is still relying on Russian in testing. HAL is a big let down. Indian govt should push pvt player to take lead.

Nobody is stopping them from developing their own products

 

[Sandeep]

We have ground testing facilities but don’t have a flying testbed mainly because we never reached the stage where we developed a reliable, safe, durable and successful engine that passed high altitude simulated test facilities in Russia. You can’t just buy a test bed and install an engine without testing it properly on the ground first as the engine could blow up during a flight or some other issues may occur which is why you have simulated test facilities. It was only recently that the dry Kaveri engine passed the high altitude test facility in Russia which allows us to move to the next stage which is testing it in the air on a test bed.

Now if we were going to design and develop many jet engines and have many different engine programs regularly at an advanced stage then it’s worth spending hundreds of million on a test bed. Currently we only have 1 engine under development with no other engine program and we have just managed to pass its high altitude test. If we bought a test bed then until now its entire time would have been spent in an air hangar on the ground without flying at all.

Currently India is developing their own simulated high altitude test facility which was supposed to be built by the USA as part of their offset obligations but they never did and these long delays continued until finally we decided to develop it indigenously.