AVNL Working on New Indigenous 'Arjun' Engine to Power Arjun Mk1 Main Battle Tanks

Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), a subsidiary of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has revealed its ambitious endeavor to develop an indigenous engine, codenamed "Arjun," for India's Arjun Mk1 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

This announcement has sparked speculation and questions, particularly due to its apparent similarity to the existing German-made MTU 838 Ka-501 engine currently powering these tanks.

Prior reports indicated that EFA was focused on localizing the MTU 838 engine in collaboration with Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in response to the German manufacturer's discontinuation of production.

However, EFA has yet to confirm whether this new project aims for complete domestic production or simply involves rebranding or licensing the existing technology.

The timing of the "Arjun" engine development is notable, coinciding with the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) ongoing efforts to create the DATRAN-1500 engine, specifically intended for future MBT programs, including upgrades to the Arjun Mk1A. While the "Arjun" engine may initially appear to be a rebranded MTU 838, its exact relationship to the German engine remains unclear.

Further clarification from EFA or AVNL is essential to understand the true nature and objectives of the "Arjun" engine project. This information will be crucial in shedding light on India's future strategies for powering its tank fleet, especially concerning the continued development and deployment of the Arjun MBT.

 

[sanket]

may b specifically develping Engine for Arjun Tank

 

[VKP]

Trusting DPSU is something we can avoid, they promise heavens and then when caught sleeping , use unions to arm twist governments

 

[NSR]

Perhaps India should pay German MTU some fee to get complete TOTs for their DISCONTINUED MTU 838 ka-501 so that India can keep building its Arjun tanks until DATRAN 1500 tank engine clears trials and goes into serial productions.

I am sure Germany and its MTU company will be willing as they get some profit to show up in their annual reports.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We need various capacities of engines from 500 to 1500 HP. They can be modified for Naval applications as well.

 

[R. Singh]

DRDO should develop Arjun Tank seeking German Leopard tank tech and new FRCV should be based on Abram-X tech !

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

JUST SCRAP current Arjun tanks building program and concentrate 100% on NGMBT-FMBT unmanned turret 140mm main smoothbore gun cannon designs [copied from French-German latest tank], and using ONLY HNS steel manufactured by Jindal Steel and Kanchan3 DMRL designs of composites sandwich armour with APS and properly designed cope cages also! Use existing DATRAN engines for this design too....

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Very good project . The German MTU -838 is based on old technology with Cast iron and steel used for the sump and base of the engine , making it heavy . In case the Indian companies modernize This 1400 BHP engine using Aluminum casting Blocks , ceramics , carbon , Graphene parts making it lighter and providing new generation Turbocharger , The engine will be upgraded become powerful produce 1500 bhp or even more power , reduce fuel consumption and give better sustained speeds .

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Very good project . The German MTU -838 is based on old technology with Cast iron and steel used for the sump and base of the engine , making it heavy . In case the Indian companies modernize This 1400 BHP engine using Aluminum casting Blocks , ceramics , carbon , Graphene parts making it lighter and providing new generation Turbocharger , The engine will be upgraded become powerful produce 1500 bhp or even more power , reduce fuel consumption and give better sustained speeds .

Both Arjun and DATRAN 1500 engines are important developments

DATRAN 1500 development should not be stopped and must be utilised in FRCV programme and Arjun Mk 2(if that exists)

Arjun engine (Indigenised variant of MTU-838 Ka-501) is important for Arjun Mk1A deal. Just cancel the deal with Germany and go for this option. It will save the time otherwise required to redesign the engine section of the MBT. (We all know the delays DPSUs make in such cases)

 

[shekhar]

Doesn't matter if it's indigenous or license made, it should be made in India. DRDO Datran 1500 is another Indian made option

 

[Dredd]

may b specifically develping Engine for Arjun Tank

This news means Arjun Mk1a induction is delayed further by many months or even a year.

 

[Rajesh]

Why impose a platform (arjun tank) which the force has no interest that to in a limited nos . Instead develop an uprated 50-55 ton tank with 3man 125mm gun configuration with all that is required in modern day like drone,atgm etc. Export can be done to armenia & like wise countries which uses 125mm chamber gun/ammo. will give us time for future combat vehicle and can replace t72/t90.

 

[Sandeep]

Currently we are developing a 1500hp tank engine called Datran and it’s an entirely brand new engine. This engine and its technology is not an upgraded MTU or Russian engine with its power increased at all. Currently they are testing the new engine in its performance, capability, range, fuel efficiency, reliability, field evaluations, safety, maintenance or spare parts requirements and its lifespan. We will be using this engine for our FMBT that’s currently under development and will be ready in a few years time.

For our T90 fleet we will either upgrade the Russian engine and increase the amount of power on the same engines we use so it gives us 1000hp instead of 840hp. There is also the option to install our indigenous Datran engine when the Russian engine finishes its lifespan. This will increase its speed and performance along with the rest of the new equipment and upgrades that it will go through like using loiter and surveillance drones, EW, ERA/NERA, computer and software upgrades etc.

 

[M S ChatterjiVerified member]

This news means Arjun Mk1a induction is delayed further by many months or even a year.

First the Army has to place a large order for Arjun tanks and then talk about production schedules, delays etc.

 

[Dredd]

First the Army has to place a large order for Arjun tanks and then talk about production schedules, delays etc.

you mean a 1980s relic with 70tonnes weight which can't be carried by trains and over many bridges

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The Arjun must continuously evolve and be refined modernized and reequipped with the latest inventions like the Merkava MK-1,2,3,4and now 5 with requirements and lessons learnt from the deployments and Present Gaza war .

 

[M S ChatterjiVerified member]

you mean a 1980s relic with 70tonnes weight which can't be carried by trains and over many bridges

Weight is less of a problem but Indian Army dislike is the problem. The soldiers inside need protection and Arjun provides the protection as opposed to T-90.