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.

 

[SURESH RAO]

From 2028 - 2033, GE 414 (98 kN) engine can be used for First Batches of Tejas MK2, TEDBF, AMCA

From 2033 - 2038, GE 414 (110 kN) engine can be used for Second Batches of Tejas MK2, TEDBF, AMCA

By 2040, India would have developed and tested an Indigeneous 110 kN engine. This engine will gradually replace GE Engines in Tejas MK2, TEDBF, AMCA (From 2040 till 2055)

Also note that from 2033 to 2035, we have to replace the Rafale M88 engines after 10 years of service. Currently, the Rafale M88 engines are delivering only 78 kN thrust. France may charge very very huge cost for this replacement. For 36 x 2 (=72) engines, France may charge $ 1.5 billion (in 2030's)

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

Should immediately give an order for at least 100 F414 engines if they are considering using them for Tejas MK2, AMCA, TEDBF, etc. Cannot wait for this drama of TOT, assembly lines, etc. Don't know when a new supply chain issue will come.

 

[Sandeep]

Any fighter jet that uses the F414 engine can easily be replaced with the indigenous 5th generation engine that we will start to develop soon once a deal is signed. It will still take at least 10 years to develop the engine but it will be very expensive but it will be worth it.

 

[Sanjay P]

Waste of time to use GE F414 twin engines. Kaveri is sufficient. No need to repeat mistakes from the past.

 

[Shankys]

In view of the F404 screw-up by the Americans, good luck with producing enough F414 pie in the sky. What an intelligent strategy, tie all frontline assets to an American sanction/kill switch.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Ah, so it's confirmed that TEDBF won't start before 2034; this sounds realistic now.

So effectively, by 2040, we will be building a 4.5+ gen/5-gen jet, which will take another 10 years to build with the F414, because before 2040, we would still be building the 4.5 gen Tejas Mk2.

And when will AMCA come? 2050 is a realistic time for production, with the 110kN engine hopefully or with 4th-gen F414 engines, when others would be buying 6th-gen or building 6th-gen jets.

 

[Mridul baruah]

Better get the licensed manufacturing sorted ASAP, else it will be the same old story. Keep running the Kaveri project on the side, but do not hope for anything to come out for a decade or two. This is how things get done in India.

 

[Preet]

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.

Exactly. My question is, if noobs like us can think about this, that when you are planning to build Tejas Mk2, TEDBF, AMCA with GE414 till the replacement of 110kn comes (that's 10 years from now), we can all see that if we go for 250 Tejas Mk2, 100 TEDBF, and even 100 AMCA Mk1, then we need 650+100 (some spare engines).

Now, this is what we need. Don't these top officials understand this? Can't they even do basic mathematics? I mean, I am stunned!! Order 200 engines upfront off the shelf today!! And a deal for 500 engines to be made in India. You will have better leverage on rates and ToT as well.