AMCA Mk2 Jet's Success Hinges on Stable 110 kN High-Thrust Engine; Lessons from Kaveri Engine Project Crucial, Says Former IAF Chief

The development of a powerful new engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2 is critical to the success of India's ambitious 5th generation fighter jet program, according to former Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria.

In a recent interview with News9 Plus, he emphasized the urgency of prioritizing the engine's development to avoid potential delays that could hinder the program's overall progress.

The AMCA program received a significant boost earlier this year with clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), paving the way for crucial funding and accelerated development. While the AMCA Mk1 is set to utilize an upgraded GE F414 engine, the AMCA Mk2 is planned to be powered by an indigenously developed 110kN thrust engine, created in collaboration with a leading foreign aerospace company.

Bhadauria stressed that the AMCA Mk2's ability to compete with other advanced fighter jets hinges on this new engine. The 110kN thrust is essential for achieving the speed, maneuverability, and stealth capabilities expected of a 5th generation fighter. Without a suitable engine, the AMCA's performance could be compromised.

Drawing from past experiences, Bhadauria highlighted the challenges faced during the development of the Kaveri engine for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The Kaveri project encountered significant delays and ultimately failed to meet the LCA's requirements. He urged that the lessons learned from the Kaveri project should guide the AMCA's engine development process.

To mitigate risks and leverage global expertise, India is reportedly in talks with several international aerospace companies for the joint development of the 110kN engine. This collaboration aims to combine India's growing experience in engine design with the proven capabilities of established engine manufacturers.

The new engine is expected to provide the AMCA Mk2 with supercruise capability, allowing it to sustain supersonic flight without afterburners, enhancing fuel efficiency and overall performance. This advancement will enable the AMCA to excel in a variety of combat scenarios, from air-to-air combat to ground attack missions.

Bhadauria concluded by emphasizing the importance of timely execution in engine development. Any delays, whether due to technical hurdles or bureaucratic processes, could have a ripple effect on the AMCA program's timeline. The AMCA is projected to enter service in the 2030s, with the Mk2 variant, featuring the new engine, following soon after.

This ambitious undertaking reflects India's commitment to strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities and securing a prominent position in the global aerospace arena. The successful development of the 110kN engine will be a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

 

[PKPRS]

Any engine other than from French will be good.

 

[Mithu Roy]

For once India should put money into two engines side by side .one with rolls Royce and another with Safran to produce two engines simultaneously.This will enable india to learn engine designing and close the gap with rest of the world at one go.

 

[Anant]

For once India should put money into two engines side by side .one with rolls Royce and another with Safran to produce two engines simultaneously.This will enable india to learn engine designing and close the gap with rest of the world at one go.

That is far easier said than done. I am fairly certain this won't work.

The reason behind that is that each engine manufacturer has certain specialised technologies, knowledge, skills, and expertise, and most of those would be shared to us in the co-development. However, if the manufacturer knows we are working with two companies, well, on one hand, you get the element of "Let me teach the Indians fewer things as the other guy will also transfer skills and knowledge", and on the other hand, both manufacturers will be reluctant to share the most niche technologies since there would be a risk of these being known to their competitor.

Much as your idea has merit, practically, it is very unfeasible, unfortunately.

 

[R. Singh]

We should develop suitable engine with France as well as join France in 6th gen fighter development program !

 

[Sunil Choan]

What did Bhadauria himself do to finish development of Kaveri? Leaders have done nothing for Kaveri and so Kaveri should be given to private companies with money and timeline

 

[Akshat]

Any engine other than from French will be good.

But we in India wants only French engines. Russian views don’t matter.

 

[Akshat]

That is far easier said than done. I am fairly certain this won't work.

The reason behind that is that each engine manufacturer has certain specialised technologies, knowledge, skills, and expertise, and most of those would be shared to us in the co-development. However, if the manufacturer knows we are working with two companies, well, on one hand, you get the element of "Let me teach the Indians fewer things as the other guy will also transfer skills and knowledge", and on the other hand, both manufacturers will be reluctant to share the most niche technologies since there would be a risk of these being known to their competitor.

Much as your idea has merit, practically, it is very unfeasible, unfortunately.

We can have 2 programs buddy. One with GTRE+HAL, one with a private company or a consortium of private companies. These can be helped by RR and Safran (one each). This will ensure there is no transfer or leakage of secrets and technology. Though money is gonna be tight. Combined investment might exceed 10 billion dollars with at least half of it being purely written off.

 

[Anant]

We can have 2 programs buddy. One with GTRE+HAL, one with a private company or a consortium of private companies. These can be helped by RR and Safran (one each). This will ensure there is no transfer or leakage of secrets and technology. Though money is gonna be tight. Combined investment might exceed 10 billion dollars with at least half of it being purely written off.

Keeping the sunk costs aside (and they will be massive), I still have a feeling that the OEMs will have concerns about transfer of secrets and technology, which may preclude the whole thing.

What you suggest makes this idea more feasible, but I'd say there is still a very long way to go and many safeguards to make something like that work. Of course, the financial feasibility is another story entirely.

 

[Inder]

Considering Safran has never produced or worked on a 100kn engine really leaves only Rolls Royce and GE as genuine contenders.

The Americans will have all sorts of string attached to any offer so if India can negotiate a similar deal to Safran with Rolls Royce then it’s a no brainer.