GTRE to Test Dry Kaveri with New Afterburner on Tejas, 80kN Success Could Trigger Upgrading Entire Mk1A Fleet with Domestic Engines

In a major push for India's self-reliance in military aviation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to test an upgraded indigenous jet engine on a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a premier DRDO laboratory, has received the green light to integrate its Dry Kaveri engine, fitted with a newly designed afterburner, into a Tejas prototype for crucial flight validation.

This development is a critical milestone for the long-running Kaveri engine program, which began in 1989 with the goal of producing a domestic powerplant for Indian fighter jets.

A successful trial could pave the way for the Kaveri engine to replace the currently used American-made General Electric engines in the entire fleet of Tejas Mk1A fighters, of which the Indian Air Force (IAF) has 83 on order with plans for 97 more.

The engine at the center of the upcoming tests is a non-afterburning variant known as the Dry Kaveri, which was primarily developed for the DRDO's stealthy Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).

In recent ground trials, this engine successfully produced 49-50 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, exceeding its initial goals. By integrating a new, domestically developed afterburner, GTRE scientists aim to increase the engine's maximum thrust to approximately 80 kN.

This enhanced power output would bring the Kaveri closer to the 78.7 kN of thrust generated by the GE F404-IN20 engine that currently powers the Tejas Mk1 aircraft.

The ultimate ambition for a future version, dubbed Kaveri 2.0, is to achieve a thrust of 83-85 kN, making it a competitive, home-grown option for India’s frontline fighters.

The integration and flight tests will utilize an older Limited Series Production (LSP) model of the Tejas.

While the IAF has raised safety concerns about testing an uncertified engine on a single-engine aircraft and suggested using a twin-engine plane or an unmanned platform, GTRE is confident in proceeding with the Tejas testbed.

This crucial phase follows extensive development and earlier tests. Before the in-flight validation on the Tejas, the Dry Kaveri engine is scheduled for final high-altitude trials in Russia, set to begin in September 2025. These tests will be conducted at Russia’s Gromov Flight Research Institute using a modified Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft as a Flying Test Bed, where the Kaveri will temporarily replace one of the aircraft's four standard engines.

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. At approximately 1,180 kg, the Kaveri engine is heavier than its foreign counterparts like the GE F404 (1,036 kg), which could affect the aircraft's agility.

GTRE is actively working on weight reduction by using advanced, lighter alloys and manufacturing techniques, with support from Indian public-sector undertakings like Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), which specializes in critical aerospace materials.

The success of the Kaveri project is central to India's strategic goal of achieving autonomy in critical defence technologies, as the nation currently relies heavily on imported engines from the United States, Russia, and France for its military aircraft.

The upcoming tests represent a pivotal moment in demonstrating the maturity and viability of India’s indigenous aero-engine capabilities. Final certification for the Dry Kaveri engine is targeted for 2032.

 

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[Python]

Sorry to say but India doesn't trust Russia now. That's why they have been specifically kept out of most of our indigenous projects over the last 10-15 years, except maybe using some of their test facilities.

Who will involve foreign countries in indigenous programs? Then it is not indigenous!

 

[Sambit Ranjan]

Achieving the thrust numbers shouldn't be stated as an achievement. A more important factor is the weight and life of the engine. Even if you achieve 120kn but the life of the engine is such that it needs overhaul after each flight, then it's useless. If the metallurgy used isn't enough to sustain that thrust for longer durations, it's useless even if we achieve 120kn.

 

[Python]

Wow! So, the afterburner is ready for the Kaveri engine. They should use light alloys and reduce its weight. Now it will definitely fly with GHATAK UCAV! They should focus on developing an engine for AMCA too. I think they are confident enough to test it on a single engine platform. Hope it will be a successful test. Some jokers and foreign agents were saying that Kaveri is a total failure and it can't be used for anything. Where will they keep their face? Kaveri will power GHATAK!

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great news if they have developed the appropriate engine with the required amount of thrust and an afterburner.

The issue was that Kaveri with its current core was unable to produce an even higher amount of thrust. There was also other concerns and issue with the engine's weight as it was more heavier than the latest version and standard, less fuel efficient and having a lower lifespan. At best they can use this for research purposes. If we want an indigenous engine that gives a similar performance level and capability as the F404 then we would need to develop an entirely brand new engine.

Now we are developing the dry Kaveri engine which produces the same amount of thrust and it gives a better performance which is better suited to the stealth UCAV Ghatak drone. It passed all of its high altitude simulated tests and now we just need to complete all of its actual tests on the Russian flying test bed. Once it completes it and it’s technology and capabilities passes then it can be certified and production can begin.

We are also developing the Kaveri Marine Engine which is showing very good performance for small to medium sized ships. Once it becomes certified then we should definitely use it for our naval ships.

 

[Pintu]

Seek 100% tech from Safran/Rolls Royce to make 85-90 KN engine for Tejas-1A and 110-130 Kn for AMCA !

BTW, nobody will part with their core technology, even Russia will do that, what they can do, can help to make stable core. But co-development is another choice, and except Russians, nobody may offer it. Need of the hour is to convert retiring IAF IL 76 Airframes into FTBs.

 

[Sun Beam]

80+KN & 90+KN engines are long awaited expectations of the Indians..... Still in our dreams.... Let it become a reality very soon immediately.....

 

[BongMania]

If we succeed in this, then the next 97 Tejas Mk1A order should be with the Kaveri 2.0 engine. One thing should be clear: no one will give us jet engine technology even if we pay them money. It's a strategic asset in the global power game. Hence, if India wants to go up in the power ladder, then it has to invest money in this program. Also, the engine program should be declared as of national importance and the PMO should monitor it. RR doesn't have autonomy; the US will restrain the UK from working on the engine for AMCA. So, even if we are going for a partnership with RR, we should keep our indigenous effort on for a 120KN+ engine.

 

[P.K Senapati]

Excellent.

Dry Kaveri that can generate 50kN dry thrust in non-afterburner version is right for UCAV.

It is being fitted in LCA PV5 and PV6 for flight trials by end of 2025.

Parallel flight tests will go in modified IL76 testbed in Russia. That will boost confidence to integrate with LCA.

Hope for the best.

 

[Anish Kumar]

Government should ask people of the india to donate whatever they for all these projects

 

[Roy Indrani]

Had russia taken up the India-Russia FGFA joint project urnestly and seriously, both the countries would have a reliable stealth fighter in their invetory by now. Instead we are now a mere spectator of american/ chinese progress in stealth tecnologies.

 

[Obstinate]

Achieving the thrust numbers shouldn't be stated as an achievement. A more important factor is the weight and life of the engine. Even if you achieve 120kn but the life of the engine is such that it needs overhaul after each flight, then it's useless. If the metallurgy used isn't enough to sustain that thrust for longer durations, it's useless even if we achieve 120kn.

Even if the life of the engine is only half of the GE one, it should be accepted imo, better to invest in and improve our own tech, rather than giving money to foreign companies. Give it time and let's work on the lifespan.