HAL's HTFE-25 Engine Progress Lags, Future Applications Uncertain

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has offered a recent update on the development of its 25 kN Hindustan Turbofan Engine (HTFE-25).

While they indicate that two core engines have been produced and are undergoing trials, this update echoes reports from the last 3-4 years, sparking worries about the program's lack of substantial progress.

HAL's initial goal of completing the engine development by 2025 appears increasingly doubtful considering the slow rate of advancement.

This situation is further complicated by the HTFE-25 program operating as an internally funded HAL initiative. This places it outside the oversight of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) review process.

Moreover, without a designated aircraft program to power, the engine lacks the driving force of external pressure from agencies like the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Defence experts theorize about the HTFE-25's potential integration with the UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) program, but HAL has yet to officially confirm this potential application.

Exploring the Implications​

• Delayed Timelines: The HTFE-25's slow development could significantly push back timelines for crucial Indian defence projects, potentially including the UCAV program.
• Self-Reliance Concerns: India's ambition to achieve greater self-reliance in defence technology could be hampered if the HTFE-25 development continues to stall.
• Lack of Accountability: The program's internal funding structure and absence of specific aircraft-program integration might create an environment with reduced external accountability.

Questions for Consideration​

• Funding and Resource Allocation: Are sufficient funds and resources directed towards HTFE-25 development? If not, what are the barriers?
• Collaboration Potential: Could international collaborations or partnerships with other engine manufacturers accelerate HTFE-25 progress?
• Alternative Applications: If the UCAV integration proves unfeasible, are there other existing or potential aircraft programs within the Indian defence sector that could utilize the HTFE-25 engine?

Conclusion​

The prolonged delays in the HTFE-25 project raise valid concerns about India's progress towards its goals of indigenous defence technologies.

Whether through increased internal resources, strategic partnerships, or finding an immediate and clear application, HAL needs to address these concerns to ensure the HTFE-25 achieves its full potential and drives India's aerospace industry forward.

 

[Sudha]

Maybe their tea break is continuing for 3 years? 🤔 But I will be reaping profits on HAL shares. 🤣

 

[sanket]

it is being developed by Internal Funds and Not targeted for any specific program.

 

[Fresh Water]

How many agents of foreign (OEM) engine manufacturers would be willing to bribe them or offer them favors in return for stalling the project? How many of these agents might already have?
This should be investigated.

 

[NSR]

"Stagnant Progress" - a harebrained wording for failure or non-performance.

It would have been better if HAL used Jaguar engines to improve their performance and serviceability.
Crazy HAL.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

First time I am hearing about this project. Headless projects like these whose use case has not been finalised will keep meandering forever.
If this is important project, put it on war footing just like other important projects like dry kaveri, tejas mk2 etc.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

They should use it for UCAV, it may further be used for trainers and for exports. It may be useful for a twin engine trainer for deck based operations.

 

[GMR]

Non adherence to time is a habit, which becomes an attitude..tru for every body, be an organisation or a human being..

 

[venkat]

What is the meaning of "stagnant progress"? This is some terminology that can only apply to HAL and ADA and GTRE because they will give same status year after year

 

[Akshat]

First time I am hearing about this project. Headless projects like these whose use case has not been finalised will keep meandering forever.
If this is important project, put it on war footing just like other important projects like dry kaveri, tejas mk2 etc.

Yeah, like Mk2. I hear HAL has missed the deadline by over a year and has openly said it will delay it by at least 3+ years. Some war footing.

 

[Akshat]

They should use it for UCAV, it may further be used for trainers and for exports. It may be useful for a twin engine trainer for deck based operations.

It can be used for a 1000 applications. But only if it is developed which won’t happen under HAL.

 

[Akshat]

How many agents of foreign (OEM) engine manufacturers would be willing to bribe them or offer them favors in return for stalling the project? How many of these agents might already have?
This should be investigated.

Not needed when you are dealing with HAL and DRDO.

 

[Sentoki]

The lethargy on this project is infuriating as the Afterburner version of this engine can be used on the Jaguars especially at a time when we know that the Adour engines are degrading in performance.

Why can't HAL's internal R&D team partner with GTRE to fast track testing and development on this engine if they are running into issues? This engine is not really cutting edge even when compared to Kaveri.

At best this is a slight improvement on the third gen engines for stability in performance and reliability.

 

[Anant]

it is being developed by Internal Funds and Not targeted for any specific program.

In theory, this engine can be used HJT-36. Slightly better performance on a slight smaller engine.

 

[Anant]

What is the meaning of "stagnant progress"? This is some terminology that can only apply to HAL and ADA and GTRE because they will give same status year after year

"Stagnant progress" means people got their appraisals for a few years sorted on the basis of work done before, the engine was placed in a warehouse and forgotten about, and now they want to start work again.

 

[Amit]

Sarkari babus after all...they will never deliver...they sleep...easy money and no work just unions destroyed HAL.

 

[Puneet]

India is not very proficient in making engines. Recently we made a tank engine which is being tested after so many years. We need to pull up our socks on this front. The same agencies can't be depended repeatedly without changing their top brass ( restructuring). Involve the best brains in the country. Bring in the private sector. Its a national priority

 

[Baka007]

Is it in metallurgy that we r lacking?

 

[Pad UwU]

What would you expect 😹😹😹 it's HAL project 🙃

 

[Pad UwU]

How many agents of foreign (OEM) engine manufacturers would be willing to bribe them or offer them favors in return for stalling the project? How many of these agents might already have?
This should be investigated.

Dont be so salty😹😹😹
You didn't even have to blame them if your accusation is true.... Money is above all else when it comes to survival 😼🙃
Especially if HAL staff's getting bribed