GTRE to Seek Funding for 90 kN Variant of Kaveri Engine, Aims to Replace F-404 Engines of Tejas Mk1A in Mid-Life Upgrade After 2035

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), the Indian defence research body responsible for developing indigenous jet engines, is aiming for a major breakthrough in India's defence capabilities.

According to a GTRE official once the Dry Kaveri engine with an afterburner section successfully completes testing on a flying testbed, GTRE will seek government funding to develop a more powerful 90 kN variant of the Kaveri engine. This enhanced engine is intended to replace the F-404 engines currently powering the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets within the next decade.

The primary goal of this development is to create a new generation of Kaveri engines capable of generating 20-25% more thrust than the existing Dry Kaveri engine. This increased power will be achieved by refining the core of the Kaveri engine, which is currently under development.

Once validated, this enhanced core will be integrated with a new afterburner section, enabling the engine to produce 90 kN of thrust, making it a suitable replacement for the F-404 engines in the Tejas Mk1A fleet.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to induct over 220 Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A jets over the next 7-8 years. The new Kaveri engine is intended to replace the F-404 engines as these jets undergo mid-life upgrades by 2035, well within the projected service life of the aircraft.

The Tejas Mk1A, slated to enter service in 2025, is expected to require new engines by 2035 to maintain operational efficiency. Fighter jets typically undergo approximately 3.5 engine changes over their 40-year service life, and the Tejas Mk1A will be no exception. GTRE aims to have its new Kaveri engine ready for this transition, ensuring long-term sustainability for India's indigenous fighter fleet.

The proposed Kaveri engine would not only provide increased power but also offer better performance in demanding conditions. Unlike the F-404 engines, which experience a 7-8% power degradation in hot conditions, the Kaveri engine is designed to be flat-rated, maintaining its thrust capabilities even in extreme heat and high-altitude environments typical of India's operational needs.

The proposed Kaveri 90 kN engine is expected to be a significant boost for the Tejas Mk1A program. By replacing the F-404 engines during the mid-life upgrade of these fighter jets, it will help keep them operational for several decades.

As the IAF plans to induct a large number of Tejas jets, having a domestically developed, reliable, and powerful engine will be crucial to the long-term success of the Tejas program and India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

First of all, have a plan and forecast and work towards that goal. Request adequate funds to support your project by convincing the GoI with your proposals and timeline. In defence sector projects, private sector participation with adequate funds will yield better products, provided the organisations have the right expertise. Otherwise, it will be another merry-go-round with repeated changes in the timeline.

 

[Capt Mahendra]

The goverment of India should stop funding GTRE and instead encourage the private sector to involve in developing a 110kN engine and should provide financial help and a strict timeline of 5 years to deliver. Infact GOI should say Safran for TOT to some private companies with a 2000 engine order in next 20 years.

I agree with this and sure government of India should seriously now change their approach on these lines with our TATA and Godrej already into aeronautical manufacturing. All they need is government nod and incentives not even the major funding as the company's are capable of managing it with their impeccable track record and capabilities.

 

[T54]

This is good news, the MoD need IAS officer level persons managing just the Kaveri engine project to take it to its logical next step.

the Indian aero engine has been a joke for last 40 years, this must end now.

testing in Russia is a good step in the right direction, we need data and analysis

but why can't we convert 1IL-76 to carry the testbed, won't Russia allow it, or are they demanding an amount too high for this change or do we not have the funds and knowledge /skills to do so ?

the EADS/Airbus also did the same for the A319/321 changes for the AWECS Netra 2 conversion.

we need an MTA project of our own soon , to mitigate such risks in the future

and we have several jets and engine projects to justify the cost of a test bed and must do this now, no matter what the cost with Russian help for the conversion.

we did not go with F404 local manufacturing, signalling to all stakeholders that Kaveri or an Indian engine will be used for midlife upgrade for Tejas mk1a and hopefully for the 97 additional jets too if possible

but will we be ready by then with Kaveri without external help to go to 90kn thrust, is to be seen

The General list IAS is neither qualified nor competent to oversee and head Engine programmes . They are the most useless tribe who delay deny and work for foreign interests

 

[sandy 007]

That's what I was saying from the start. Kaveri will be fine-tuned to produce 90 kN thrust with weight reduction. All my words are going to come true. I already said every jet requires 3.5 engines in its entire lifespan, and in midlife, Kaveri is going to be replaced with the GE-404. That's the plan: 8 to 10 years to fine-tune the Kaveri engine. Second, 90 kN means a 1.8 ratio, unlike some comedians who were saying a 1.6 ratio, which falls short. It will boost the agility of the Tejas MK1A in the sky as well as its combat radius. With flat-rated tech, the Tejas MK1A will be one of the best fighter jets in its category.

The problem with our system is that GTRE & DRDO normally make 5 to 7 engines for testing, but they don't make different engines from the same funding ("lakir ka fakir" in Hindi). Secondly, when they get money, they should build two types of engines: one with a 60 KN dry variant and a second with a 75 KN dry variant, totaling 8 (4 each). This will boost our engine program.

 

[Sreedhar Radhakrishna]

That's what I was saying from the start. Kaveri will be fine-tuned to produce 90 kN thrust with weight reduction. All my words are going to come true. I already said every jet requires 3.5 engines in its entire lifespan, and in midlife, Kaveri is going to be replaced with the GE-404. That's the plan: 8 to 10 years to fine-tune the Kaveri engine. Second, 90 kN means a 1.8 ratio, unlike some comedians who were saying a 1.6 ratio, which falls short. It will boost the agility of the Tejas MK1A in the sky as well as its combat radius. With flat-rated tech, the Tejas MK1A will be one of the best fighter jets in its category.

That is indirectly saying they will need another 10 years to complete the 80kN Kaveri. So, in total, it will be 45 years of development and already 2000 crore rupees spent. I don't know how much more money will be needed. Even if money is spent, is there any guarantee they will succeed? GTRE is a pathetic failure and put the entire project of the Tejas Mk1 in danger, as the USA might stop delivery of the F404 engine. Any answer from GTRE about how we will take the project forward if GE walks out of its commitment?

 

[Sreedhar Radhakrishna]

It appears that the 80Kn Kaveri will take another 10 years to mature as it is being aimed only as a midlife replacement engine for the Tejas. As of now, we are at mercy of GE. They are already deliberately delaying engine deliveries from last 1 year. If GE pulls out from it's commitment, as they usually do, the whole project of the Tejas Mk1 is in limbo.
GTRE has no commitment towards our country, no accountability. Delays and excuses are their way of life. After 35 years of research and 2000 crores spent, we are still another decade away to receive one working engine.
And now they are boasting of developing 90kn engines