Maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks held at BEML in Mysuru

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane presided over the maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 Horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks at BEML’s Engine division in Mysuru complex on March 20, 2024. The achievement heralds a new era in the country’s defence capabilities, showcasing the technological prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defence technologies.

The 1500 HP engine represents a paradigm shift in military propulsion systems, possessing cutting-edge features such as high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions including high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and desert environments. Equipped with advanced technologies, the engine stands on par with the most advanced engines globally.

Inaugurating the Test Cell, the Defence Secretary described the achievement as a transformative moment which will enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces. CMD of BEML Shri Shantanu Roy stated that the accomplishment solidifies BEML’s position as a key contributor to defence production in the country, underscoring its commitment to serving the nation’s needs in this critical sector.

The first test-firing of the 1500 HP engine signifies the completion of Generation One, focusing on technology stabilisation. Generation Two will see BEML producing engines for various trials at Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, a DRDO laboratory, and their integration into actual vehicles for user testing. The project is slated for completion by mid-2025. The project, initiated in August 2020, has been meticulously structured into five major milestones, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

The Defence Secretary also inaugurated the ‘Wall of Fame’ to recognise the extraordinary efforts of the BEML team. It symbolises their contribution towards advancing the defence capabilities of the country and achieving milestones in indigenous technological innovation. Senior civil and military officers of the Ministry of Defence; industry partners and officials of BEML Ltd were present on the occasion.

 

[sanket]

Good News Now DRDO should Try to Develop 1000 HP For Jorawar & T-72 Tank.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

this can be refit into the arjun when they go for mid life refit or overhaul. Though I believe some changes would have to be made in the design since engine sizes would be different

 

[GMR]

Very very good development.. 👍 India needs own aero, vehicle & marine engines if it wants to be self reliant in true sense...

 

[INDIAN]

But where this will fit in ...India should have started development of new generation of tank , after Arjun tank ,DRDO has the experience . India army should not delay this by giving unrealistic target for FMBT tank program.
If our weapons are good enough for China and Pakistan , we should induct them .

 

[kumar]

If only IA had released fmbt requirements earlier.

 

[Tls Mani]

Certain technologies mature only on usage & field trials. Govt should start rigorous trials & quality checks & induct them in batches.

 

[Anant]

Way to go, BEML! Heartiest congratulations to everyone involved in the project. Now, one hopes the engine passes through the entire testing process without any major issues and we can soon see our T-90s and Arjuns get this new 1,500 hp engine, with some of the older 1,000 hp engines going into the newer T-72s.

 

[NSR]

A great accomplishment if all 20 engines passes full spectrum of tests.

Finally, India will get its MOKSHAM from foreign dependency of engines for Tanks, Light Tanks, IFVs, APCs, WhAPs, etc

I pray that it is successful.

 

[Santosh Kumar pal]

Good move in "Atmanirbhar Bharat" programme.👏👏

 

[Venkatakrishnan H]

A great accomplishment if all 20 engines passes full spectrum of tests.

Finally, India will get its MOKSHAM from foreign dependency of engines for Tanks, Light Tanks, IFVs, APCs, WhAPs, etc

I pray that it is successful.

I hope we see soon Indigenous Aircraft Engines and Marine Engines with higher power outputs.

 

[NSR]

I hope we see soon Indigenous Aircraft Engines and Marine Engines with higher power outputs.

A ray of hope is there as Indian company MIDHANI is fast developing and manufacturing high temperature alloys.
Some of those are used in helicopter and HTFE25 or so engine.

India must not expect that someone going to provide fighter engine HOT CORE technology.
India must invest massively in R&D at universities, public and private laboratories, public and private companies to advance these hot cores and single chrystal blade manufacturing.

Pray India does it.

 

[Rick Golder]

They are also making the indigenous engines for BMP2. It looks like india will be finally Fred from its engines for armoured vehicle delima, though it will take atleast 2-3 years to fully mature, but still it's a great leap montheles.

 

[Akshat]

But where this will fit in ...India should have started development of new generation of tank , after Arjun tank ,DRDO has the experience . India army should not delay this by giving unrealistic target for FMBT tank program.
If our weapons are good enough for China and Pakistan , we should induct them .

Let’s not talk about DRDO’s experience with failures in armored vehicles. We should start a program with an open tender and funding for R&Dz

 

[Akshat]

Certain technologies mature only on usage & field trials. Govt should start rigorous trials & quality checks & induct them in batches.

Even for that minimum basic requirements must be met which isn’t the case with most DRDO products.

 

[BALBIR SINGH BHATIA]

Delightful massage. BMP II, T72,T90 engine are already in production and overhauling at engine factory avadi.
BUT NONE HAVE MANUFACTURED THEIR FIP--FUEL INJECTION PUMP. WHICH IS IMPORTANT AND IMPORTED.
UNTIL FIP IS INDEGENISED WHOLE EXERCISE IS NOT FRUITFUL.

 

[Pramkumar]

This Engnine should be used in commercial heavy equipment also, so it can be widely used and produced.