ADA Utilizing F-414 Engines for Speedy Rollout of TEDBF by Late 2028, Potential Transition to GTRE's 110kN Engine Possible Later

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has revealed its engine strategy for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program. To expedite development and adhere to the projected timeline, the TEDBF will initially be equipped with the General Electric F-414 engine.

This engine, already slated for use in the Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI aircraft, provides 98 kN of thrust and is a proven technology, ensuring the TEDBF can meet the Indian Navy's carrier-based fighter requirements and begin production by 2034.

This decision allows the ADA to avoid potential delays associated with developing a new engine specifically for the TEDBF. By leveraging the existing F-414, the ADA aims to roll out the TEDBF by late 2028 or mid-2029. This strategic choice prioritizes timely delivery of the aircraft to the Indian Navy.

However, the ADA has not ruled out the possibility of integrating a more powerful indigenous engine in the future. GTRE is currently developing a 110 kN thrust engine for the AMCA program. While this engine is not expected to be ready for initial production of either the AMCA or TEDBF, it could be incorporated into the TEDBF at a later stage.

Once the GTRE's 110kN engine successfully completes its developmental flight trials, the Indian Navy could choose to retrofit existing TEDBF aircraft or utilize the new engine in subsequent production batches. This decision will depend on several factors, including the engine's performance, reliability, and production capacity to support both the AMCA and TEDBF programs.

The ADA's approach demonstrates a commitment to both timely delivery and technological advancement. By initially utilizing the reliable F-414 engine, the TEDBF program can maintain its ambitious schedule. At the same time, the potential integration of the indigenous 110kN engine ensures the TEDBF can benefit from future advancements in engine technology and potentially enhance its operational capabilities.

 

[sanket]

Several times I have said a 110 kN engine will be integrated into Tejas MK2, TEDBF, AMCA MK2 & Rafale. That's why Safran is an important partner for engine development compared to RR & GE.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Just like AMCA Mk1 and Mk2, make a TEDBF Mk1 and Mk2. Make the Mk2 a 5th-gen jet with 5th-gen engines.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Get 500 to 600 of these GE F414 engines off the shelf from GE WITHOUT this ToT drama. Then the manufacturing will be faster for GE. and IAF will get quality engines. It might be cheaper too.

Only if we are purchasing in such large numbers will they take our order seriously.

Take away the entire HAL Tejas Mk 1, Mk 2 and TEDBF and AMCA processes outside of control of HAL to private players.

Let HAL act as an R&D centre for Kaveri engine and development centre for different parts of the Tejas and TEDBF. Also as a manufacturing training centre.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Several times I have said a 110 kN engine will be integrated into Tejas MK2, TEDBF, AMCA MK2 & Rafale. That's why Safran is an important partner for engine development compared to RR & GE.

This engine development will take another 5 years, another 5 years will go into aircraft design arounf that engine, another 5 years for testing then another 5 years to start full fledged manufacturing.

So we would need 20 years to get the Tejas MK 2, TEDBF, AMCA and all those alphabet soup.

By that time India's squadron strength will be down to 10 and Pakistan will have a squadron strength of 50 and China will have a squadron strength of 500.

Basically we will be like Afghanistan in terms of air power.