DRDO Explores 10kN Variant of Manik Engine to Power India's Next-Gen Military Drones, Most Likely MALE UAV or CATS Warrior

India's pursuit of self-reliance in critical defence technology is set to take another major step forward, as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is exploring the development of a more powerful jet engine for its next generation of unmanned aircraft.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a premier DRDO laboratory based in Bengaluru, has proposed creating a new 10-kilonewton (10kN) class turbofan engine to power advanced military drones.

This proposed engine is planned as a scaled-up version of the existing Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), also known as the Manik. The current Manik engine produces 4.5kN of thrust (approximately 450 kgf) and has already proven its capabilities.

In a landmark test in October 2022, the STFE successfully powered the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), demonstrating its reliability for long-duration subsonic flight. This existing engine is designed for platforms like the Nirbhay class of cruise missiles and various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The push for a new engine with more than double the thrust addresses the evolving needs of the Indian Armed Forces. A 10kN engine would enable the development of larger and more capable unmanned systems.

Such an engine could support drones that can carry heavier payloads of weapons and sensors, fly for longer periods, and operate at higher altitudes, significantly enhancing India's surveillance and strike capabilities.

Sources indicate this powerful new engine is likely intended for one of two key futuristic programmes.

The first is a jet-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, designed for strategic reconnaissance over vast areas. The second, and perhaps more prominent candidate, is the CATS Warrior, an autonomous "loyal wingman" drone.

The CATS (Combat Air Teaming System) Warrior is being developed to fly alongside manned fighter jets like the HAL Tejas and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), acting as a force multiplier in combat.

The CATS Warrior is envisioned to perform a range of critical missions, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and launching strikes on enemy targets, all while protecting the more valuable manned aircraft.

A 10kN engine would provide the necessary power for the Warrior to keep pace with fighter jets, operate effectively at altitudes between 30,000 and 40,000 feet, and carry a meaningful weapons load.

The development of the 10kN engine will be built upon the solid foundation of the existing Manik engine's technology. The STFE features a modern, modular design that includes a multi-stage compressor and turbine, which provides a reliable blueprint for scaling up.

Furthermore, the project will benefit from parallel advancements within the DRDO, such as the creation of single-crystal turbine blades by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL). These advanced materials are essential for withstanding the extreme temperatures and stresses inside a high-performance jet engine.

This proposal is part of India's wider national effort to master aero-engine technology. It complements other major projects, such as the ongoing flight tests of the larger Kaveri Derivative Engine. This 48.5kN thrust Kaveri engine is slated to power the Ghatak, India's first stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).

By developing engines across different thrust classes, India aims to create a comprehensive domestic ecosystem for military propulsion systems.

However, the project is not without challenges. Scaling an engine to double its thrust requires significant engineering work to maintain fuel efficiency and reliability while keeping the weight low.

Furthermore, past experiences with engine development programmes have shown that consistent funding and a clear commitment from the end-users, such as the Indian Air Force or Navy, are crucial to prevent delays and ensure the project's success.

 

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[P2S2]

Keep going. Success comes to those who persevere.

 

[Mc Addy]

Exploring , finding, using is very good but putting to use is what matters.

 

[P2S2]

Exploring , finding, using is very good but putting to use is what matters.

At least building engines is becoming our tradition.

 

[sanket]

Nice, experience gained from the 4.5 kN STFE/Manik engine will be useful in developing a 10 kN Turbofan Engine.

With the Manik Engine already having shown its reliability and versatility, that confidence will give trust in developing the 10 kN engine for MALE/CCA/CATS applications. The only thing is funds.

Also, a non-afterburner engine for Ghatak will boost confidence in the development of the 10 kN Engine. While developing, GTRE will have the success of two engines, one 48 kN plus and the 4.5 kN, with advancements in critical components and metallurgy.

Soon, they might develop it. Of course, delays are part of R&D, but having an indigenous engine will end dependency on foreign supply.

 

[bonito]

Hire private consultants to fast-track the process.

Kaveri is already tested and found to clock 49.2 kn. It is ready for Ghatak, provided there is weight reduction in UCAV.

 

[Sunny]

We should be developing at least a 20kN engine and not a 10kN if we are looking for a MALE or HALE class UAV with weapons. The MQ-20 used by the USAF has around an 18kN engine, and I think we are looking for a similar class UAV.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Yes, way to go, develop small kN engines: 10, 20, 30, 35, etc. They can be used for missiles, drones, and trainer aircraft, etc. It will expand the manufacturing base and help bring in more investment and talent in the industry. HAL's 25 kN engine should be expedited. Also, incentivize private companies to use these engines to build light aircraft/trainers and drones.

 

[Mango_Indian]

Very good. But what is the status of ITCM with the Manik engine? Has it cleared development trials? Don't see test announcements as well compared to Brahmos, which has done ~80 tests in the last decade.

When wartime comes, it is mostly a parade of BRAHMOS, MR-SAM, S400 etc. foreign-made/imported missiles. Only Akash as an indigenous missile was used to some extent. When will this change?

 

[Sandeep]

The Manik engine is a very good and successful project which has also been a good learning experience. We managed to develop good skills and advance our education and knowledge which has successfully worked with the ITCM development.

I don’t think we need a foreign partner to develop a 10kn engine even if we wanted an engine that gives them that power. The Manik engine is a modular engine and if we wanted to develop a more powerful engine then all we have to do is scale the Manik engine up.

 

[Rajesh]

Good. We need all these engines for various platforms. A 10 kN might be good for other UAVs. Along with that, we should also go for a 20 kN engine for our HJT-36, which we now import from Russia. Speed up HTFE-25, which is also in the same status as Kaveri. Involve private companies like DG Propulsion so they too can learn from the collaboration.

 

[Senapati]

With success in 4.5KN Manika engine GTRE will succed in developing new 10kN turbofan engine for CATS UAV.
Go ahead .Good luck
Also think of small diametre turbofan or turbojet engine for airlaunched cruise missiles like Storm shadow of UK or Scalp of France.

 

[Akshat]

Very good. But what is the status of ITCM with the Manik engine? Has it cleared development trials? Don't see test announcements as well compared to Brahmos, which has done ~80 tests in the last decade.

When wartime comes, it is mostly a parade of BRAHMOS, MR-SAM, S400 etc. foreign-made/imported missiles. Only Akash as an indigenous missile was used to some extent. When will this change?

It was a tech demonstrator. The actual/original cruise missile program was Nirbhay. It was meant for induction. But it failed and the program has been closed officially.

Then there was ITCM, which had Manik engine on Nirbhay. It was a tech demonstrator. And that program was reportedly successful, as certain orders have been placed for Manik for other missiles. But it most likely has a lot of components/important components from Russia, as order has been given to Brahmos Corp which means half the profits go to Russia. That wouldn't have been done if there wasn't some important tech that only Brahmos Corp had (in India).

Now there are multiple missiles in the work as DRDO closed down Nirbhay program after the massive failure and fresh new programs have been initiated.

And indeed. People call DRDO a missile powerhouse but the fact is that it lacks even in that department. No cruise missiles, no ATGMs, no Manpads, no AShM, no ALBM etc. Our longest range SAM is 40 km and BVRAAM is 110 km (not counting JV missiles or missiles which haven't been inducted). Ballistic missiles succeeded to an extent because ISRO gave them the technology from it's rockets.