GTRE's Next-Gen Kaveri Engine to Require Redesigned Core for 90kN Thrust, "Flat-bed" Design to Power Tejas Mk1A and Mk2

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a crucial part of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is reportedly seeking approval to develop an upgraded Kaveri engine with a significantly increased thrust of 90kN.

This ambitious project aims to power the Tejas Mk1A fighter program and potentially the Tejas MkII, but it requires substantial advancements, including a completely redesigned core and significant funding.

The current Kaveri engine core can only produce 46-49kN of thrust, falling short of the requirements for next-generation fighter aircraft. To achieve the targeted 90kN thrust, the new Kaveri engine will need to deliver nearly 60kN of thrust in dry power, with afterburners providing the additional boost. This necessitates a new core capable of handling higher pressure and temperature ratios while maintaining reliability and efficiency.

Individuals involved in the program acknowledge the ambitious nature of this undertaking and the need for substantial funding and technological collaboration. The proposed engine is expected to build upon the lessons learned from the original Kaveri program while incorporating the latest advancements in material sciences, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics.

A key feature of the new Kaveri engine is its "flat-bed" design, which minimizes thrust loss across different flight conditions. This adaptability makes it suitable for both the Tejas Mk1A and the larger Tejas Mk2, which requires higher thrust for optimal performance.

Developing this new engine is a complex endeavor that could take several years, considering the intricacies of designing and testing such advanced machinery. However, with dedicated funding and strategic partnerships, the timeline could be accelerated.

A successful next-generation Kaveri engine would be a major achievement for India's indigenous defence industry, reducing reliance on foreign engine suppliers and powering its domestically developed fighter jets.

 

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[M S ChatterjiVerified member]

Take it out of DRDO’s hand and place it with the private sector where efficiency, accountability and discipline exists.

 

[vinod nair]

Absolutely mundane, at least 110 kN should be desirable, so even if there is a shortfall, it is still usable in Tejas Mk2.

 

[S. Gupta]

Kaveri Engine will give 59.3KN dry thrust without new core after tuning it. Existing New Core on my technology is sufficient enough to give 59.3KN dry thrust.

 

[S. Gupta]

Why for private sector who are they?

 

[Sudha]

Why for private sector who are they?

Bharat's economic engine basically runs on performance of private sector output. Non government sector creates the most employment opportunities. Half knowledge & commenting as an expert is always dangerous not only to you but others also.

 

[Akshat SP]

The current Kaveri engine is already over weight by over 200 kilos with lesser output compared to f404 engine , dunno what benefit presumably a bigger core and higher weight with higher fuel usage will bring for such a small plane

 

[Sudha]

Absolutely mundane, at least 110 kN should be desirable, so even if there is a shortfall, it is still usable in Tejas Mk2.

It is basically a gradual upgradation. One has to get better advanced alloys to tolerate the heat generated in the hot core. So it canbe only a gradual process. If they have got the knowhow for advanced materials & alloys, they would have not only gone for 110 kn but even 150 kn. So further R&D is required.

Only grouse in all this is, the atmanirbhar government doesn't even think that talent is in private sector & is not going in for a JV. Think it will take one more generation to kick out the "leftist or socialist" thinking to promote private sector in defence.

 

[Dhiren Punjabi]

The current Kaveri engine is already over weight by over 200 kilos with lesser output compared to f404 engine , dunno what benefit presumably a bigger core and higher weight with higher fuel usage will bring for such a small plane

Not sure if a bigger core is mentioned anywhere but a new core is needed for higher dry thrust

 

[SK]

Indian-Govt should consider to put Kaveri-Engine development program under the direct supervision of PMO as it's a strategic technology that can allow India to become one of the select Nations capable of design & developing their own Jet Engines.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Take it out of DRDO’s hand and place it with the private sector where efficiency, accountability and discipline exists.

But they don't have tech to build fighter engines.

 

[Dhiren Punjabi]

Government should form a new team for the development of the new core of the engine comprising best experts in this field from all orgs/institutes in India (not just GTRE), and the team should directly report to the PMO. Just like ISRO

 

[Sandeep]

I was saying the exact same thing a few days ago. The Kaveri engine has reached it’s maximum limit and a dry Kaveri can only achieve a maximum of 50kn which is ideal for drones but not sufficient enough for modern day jets.

If we want to replace the F404 with an indigenous jet engine then they will need to design, develop and manufacture a completely brand new engine with a higher capable core.

Also India should use a engine and carry out tests so that they can learn more about the metal composition in use, materials used, wiring, pipes etc this will help us in developing our own indigenous engines so that we become self reliant.

 

[beencensured]

The current Kaveri engine is already over weight by over 200 kilos with lesser output compared to f404 engine , dunno what benefit presumably a bigger core and higher weight with higher fuel usage will bring for such a small plane

It has greater dry thrust than current GE F404 engines. They can fix AL-31FP engines; they can do many higher-level things.

 

[Taus Melek]

But they don't have tech to build fighter engines.

After 20 plus years of trying, it should be evident to any half wit that not only does DRDO not have the technology, but it also does not have the right calibre of people to undertake this task!

 

[sandy 007]

But they don't have tech to build fighter engines.

What about Godrej aero space which has build the Dry variant of Kaveri engine It is all about the tech transfer they can build it and slowly and gradually they can do the rest.

 

[Doctor Who]

New core is an obvious requirement, also everything new optimized for 90KN engine, nothing so enlightening or new in this.

 

[Lasenggo]

Just a reminder because so many people forget that Tejas is flying now because it ditched the Kaveri engine.

 

[OpenMindIndian]

Whether India has invested in material research in the scale of investments in fighter planes. Material research has huge benefits for tanks, ships, planes, uav and even missiles, with massive spinoffs for industrial patents. Never too late, india should target being a world leader here, everything will follow.