GTRE Prepares for Flight Trials of Upgraded Dry Kaveri with Afterburner in LCA-Tejas Mk1
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a division of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has received a new batch of Dry Kaveri engines, signaling a significant advancement in the indigenous development of fighter jet engines. These engines are set to undergo rigorous testing and certification processes, with the ultimate goal of integration into India's homegrown fighter aircraft.
This development marks a pivotal moment for the Dry Kaveri engine program, which has been under development for several years. After encountering delays in the past, the project now appears to be gaining momentum, with a renewed focus on achieving self-reliance in critical aerospace technology.
According to credible sources, the GTRE intends to integrate an afterburner section into the engine, enhancing its thrust capabilities. This modified engine will then be fitted onto an older Limited Series Production (LSP) LCA-Tejas Mk1 aircraft for crucial flight testing.
These flight trials, expected to commence within the next two years, will primarily focus on validating the engine's ability to generate 73 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust. The successful achievement of this thrust level is considered a critical milestone for the DRDO in its pursuit of developing a new class of engine.
The long-term vision for the Dry Kaveri engine program is to create a 90kN class engine that can potentially replace the F-404 engine currently powering the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The development of such an indigenous engine would be a major breakthrough for India, as it would significantly reduce the country's dependence on foreign suppliers for critical fighter jet components.
Should the flight trials prove successful and the Dry Kaveri engine meets the necessary performance and safety standards, the DRDO aims to position the 90kN engine as a viable alternative for the F-404 engines when the Tejas Mk1A fleet undergoes engine upgrades in the future.