In a major development for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has opened the door for Russia to participate in negotiations regarding the engine for the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet.
This represents a change in strategy, as previous discussions had largely centered on Western engine manufacturers like General Electric (US), Safran (France), and Rolls-Royce (UK).
The inclusion of Russia reflects a growing acknowledgement of the country's advancements in fighter jet engine technology. These advancements could offer substantial benefits to the AMCA, which is intended to be a stealth, multi-role combat aircraft.
Sources familiar with the AMCA program have confirmed that Russia's Rostec, a state-owned defense conglomerate, has proposed its 177S engine. The 177s is presented as a hybrid of the AL-41F1 and AL-51 powerplants. The 177S is specifically designed for fifth-generation tactical aircraft and is claimed to offer increased thrust, better fuel efficiency, and a longer operational lifespan.
The 177S engine, a product of Rostec's United Engine Corporation (UEC), is a significant step forward in Russian engine technology. It leverages technology from the AL-41F1 (currently powering the Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon") and the more advanced AL-51. The engine is reported to deliver a maximum thrust of 14,500 kgf (approximately 142 kN).
Its service life is projected to be up to 6,000 hours, significantly outlasting older engines like the AL-31FP used in India's Su-30 MKI fleet. Furthermore, reports indicate that the 177S achieves at least a 7% reduction in fuel consumption, which is crucial for extending the range of a stealth aircraft like the AMCA.
Further research suggests that the AL-41F1, on which the 177S is partially based, features a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, enhancing engine management and responsiveness. This likely carries over to the 177S.
Russian officials have highlighted the 177S's adaptability, stating that it is designed to meet the rigorous demands of fifth-generation aircraft. They suggest that the engine's thrust can be even further increased by relaxing service life needs, offering potential performance gains.
This flexibility makes the 177S a potential candidate not only for the AMCA but also for other aircraft, including the Su-57E export variant, which Russia has previously proposed for co-production with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
A key consideration is the 177S engine's thrust rating. AMCA engineers have previously indicated a need for an engine in the 110-120 kN thrust range to achieve the desired balance of stealth, supercruise (the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners), and overall performance. The 177S, with its 142 kN thrust, surpasses this requirement.
A Russian official has suggested that the additional power could provide significant advantages in terms of speed and maneuverability. The official further proposed that India could optimize the engine's performance by incorporating a 2D flat nozzle design, reminiscent of the one used on the American F-22 Raptor.
Unlike the more common axisymmetric nozzles, a 2D nozzle can improve an aircraft's stealth characteristics by reducing its infrared signature and enhance maneuverability through thrust vectoring. These are essential capabilities for a fifth-generation fighter expected to operate in challenging environments.
The inclusion of Russia in the engine negotiations broadens India's options as it moves forward with the critical AMCA program. A final decision on the engine selection will likely involve a complex evaluation of technical specifications, cost, technology transfer, and strategic considerations.
