How Private Sector Expertise in Thermal Coating & Nickel-Base Superalloy will Help Indigenize AL-31F Engine Parts

India is gearing up for a significant leap in its aerospace capabilities by integrating domestically produced parts and advanced metallurgy into the Russian-supplied AL-31F jet engine, a crucial component of its Su-30MKI fighter jets.

A hybrid technology demonstrator, incorporating superior Indian-made components initially developed for the Kaveri engine program, is slated for unveiling in 2025. This development signifies a major milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in engine technology.

The initiative envisions a substantial increase in the indigenous content of the AL-31F engine, capitalizing on the expertise of private sector companies that have mastered critical technologies like Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) and Blade Cooling techniques. These companies have already demonstrated their prowess by supplying components to prominent civilian aerospace firms.

In another noteworthy advancement, the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory has introduced single crystal nickel-base superalloy, a superior material that will significantly enhance the engine’s durability, extend its lifespan, and increase its OEM mean time between overhauls (MTBO).

Following rigorous ground testing, the upgraded AL-31F engines will be integrated into the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, which is expected to remain operational until 2060.

The government has taken several steps to encourage private sector participation in defence manufacturing, and the AL-31F engine project is a testament to the success of this approach. With the private sector playing an increasingly active role, India is well on its way to achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

GTRE+HAL first take the home made tech into AL-31 engine upto 80% then seek tech to achieve 100% home made engine !

 

[beencensured]

Great, if they fix such engines then they brain to build such class of engines. It is a shame if they do not try to make their own. Government needs support such developments to make such class engines and higher 100% Indian.

 

[Ray]

A much needed thing.
Al-31f engine is very crucial for IAF and more indigenisation of it will help to maintain the big flanker fleet. Less dependency on Russia for spare parts is good.
Kaveri program was not completely a failure but a big lesson.

 

[Kira]

This was one or the other long overdue since Russia's difficulties in supplying spares for its MKI platform even long before the sanctions came.

 

[Sandeep]

This is very important because we can now increase the indigenous content, reduce expensive imports, reduce reliance on foreign OEM and improve our own aerospace industry and economy. We should improve the engine’s performance, safety, lifespan, thrust, fuel efficiency and reduce the level of maintenance and servicing that’s required as much as possible.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

This is very important because we can now increase the indigenous content, reduce expensive imports, reduce reliance on foreign OEM and improve our own aerospace industry and economy. We should improve the engine’s performance, safety, lifespan, thrust, fuel efficiency and reduce the level of maintenance and servicing that’s required as much as possible.

We should focus on first fielding the jets , and do a research in parallel. Not research on items needed for war. research maynor maynor be successful but the engine that works is the engine that flies

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

We could learn from an old engine like that of 1950s Saab draken or mig15 and then build up competency. If we cannot make a modern jet engine, start with an engine that we can surely make. Then make progress fast.

 

[Anant]

We could learn from an old engine like that of 1950s Saab draken or mig15 and then build up competency. If we cannot make a modern jet engine, start with an engine that we can surely make. Then make progress fast.

That requires money, time, and a non-aversion to failure. We have neither of those.

 

[Dredd]

We could learn from an old engine like that of 1950s Saab draken or mig15 and then build up competency. If we cannot make a modern jet engine, start with an engine that we can surely make. Then make progress fast.

that's what we were doing and still stuck with incomplete kaveri since 35 years.

 

[Sudha]

A much needed thing.
Al-31f engine is very crucial for IAF and more indigenisation of it will help to maintain the big flanker fleet. Less dependency on Russia for spare parts is good.
Kaveri program was not completely a failure but a big lesson.

Kaveri engine isn't a failure. It will be a very good engine when private sector players are involved in it.

 

[RG]

India must work on this engine to make a Kaveri 3.0 to be used for Tejas MK1B and Tejas Mk2B. Improve efficiency and MTBO, operating at lower power will also reduce fuel consumption, it will not be using wet power. Make it reliable and inhouse to produce it in large number, I think even For Marut 2.0, they should use this airport. All future fighter design should have adaptable engine bay for higher weight engine and little more dimension. Granted it is going to be heavy, but it also brings in power, keeping power to weight ration high. Work in increasing reliability, efficiency in what is in hand. I bet with this option available other better options will also be much easily available. Given that is extra work, not nation will be great without accepting additional challenge and ready to accept hard work.