Rolls-Royce Sweetens 120kN AMCA Engine Offer with Turbofan Variant for India's Future Transport and Civilian Aircraft Needs

In a strategic move to bolster its partnership with India, British engineering giant Rolls-Royce has expanded its proposal to co-develop a powerful jet engine for India's next-generation stealth fighter.

The company has now included an offer to create a derivative turbofan engine, which could power future Indian-made transport and civilian aircraft, providing a significant boost to the nation's aerospace ambitions.

The primary offer centres on the joint development of a 120-kilonewton (kN) thrust engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's flagship fifth-generation fighter program.

This advanced engine is designed to provide the stealth aircraft with critical capabilities such as supercruise—the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using fuel-guzzling afterburners. The partnership is a key component of the 'Make in India' initiative, aimed at establishing a robust domestic defence industrial base.

In a significant addition to its proposal, Rolls-Royce has suggested adapting the core of the new fighter engine to develop a family of high-thrust turbofan engines.

By integrating a larger front fan and making other technical modifications, this new variant could generate thrust ranging from 140kN to as high as 280kN. Such a development would address a critical gap in India's aerospace ecosystem, which currently lacks a domestically produced high-thrust engine.

This versatile turbofan engine could be utilized in a variety of future aircraft programs. Potential applications include medium and heavy-lift military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force and regional passenger jets envisioned by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

This dual-use potential makes the offer highly attractive, as it would create economies of scale, reduce overall development costs, and provide a common engine platform for both military and civilian needs.

The proposal comes as India deliberates on a crucial partner for the AMCA's engine, with French manufacturer Safran also in contention. A decision is anticipated by the end of the year.

The initial squadrons of the AMCA are planned to be powered by the American GE-F414 engine, while the more advanced Mk-2 version will incorporate the new, more powerful engine co-developed under this partnership.

If the collaboration with Rolls-Royce is finalized, it would involve a substantial transfer of technology and full intellectual property (IP) rights for India. This would empower the DRDO and Indian industry to manufacture, maintain, and even export the engine in the future.

As discussions proceed, officials are expected to focus on finalising the terms related to cost-sharing, production timelines, and the extent of technology transfer, which will be crucial for the future of India's self-reliance in aerospace technology.

 

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[sanket]

Nice. If that is true, the first RR is ready to share 100% ToT, IPR, and export-free restriction of the engine. Add to that, if this is true for military plus civilian use, it will be dual-use engine tech with the potential to generate from 140 kN to 280 kN or higher. That will boost indigenous aero-sector development, making us Atmanirbhar in both military and civilian as well as transport aircraft, which has good potential. The countdown has begun for announcing the winner of the AMCA Engine development partner. Another 50 to 60 days and the winner will be revealed. Hope it will be RR.

 

[king dorm]

It's high time we seal the deal regarding the AMCA engines. Both Safran and Rolls-Royce offered engines with ToT; we should choose one of them, and keep working on Kaveri as well.

 

[Pankaj]

After the ditch of GE, it's very difficult to believe in Western countries as all are dependent on the US. At the end of the day, we have to go with Russian engines despite the unmatched quality. Russians are trustworthy for us, and the track record proves it. Upgrading slowly is better than sticking to a point where the solution is not in our hands. India must proceed with Russian engines while concurrently upgrading them.

 

[ramdas]

India stands at a critical crossroads when it comes to deciding on its fighter engines development partner. With trust in the United States increasingly shaky, the stakes are higher than ever. Recently, the invitation extended to a Pakistani general with known ties to terrorism raises alarm bells. This move could be seen as a dangerous nod of approval, jeopardizing India's security interests.

Adding to the intrigue, there are rumors swirling that Trump might revive defense funding, but it may come with the strings of a deal involving General Munir. This complex web of geopolitical dynamics means India needs to act astutely and strategically. It’s essential that the nation carefully navigates these turbulent waters to safeguard its national security. Time is of the essence, and India must make swift, informed decisions to secure its future.

 

[Sparkle Studio]

RR is out of the race for AMCA engine as Safran has proposed M88 based engine along with CFM Leap engine for Boeing & Airbus civilian aero engine manufacture in India. RR proposal is a me too copycat deal but its too little too late. Safran has almost closed the deal.

 

[sur1972]

UK fighter plane doesn't have a 120KN engine in them. Why will they assist us ? Or why would they partner with india? Pls clarify my doubts

 

[Sandeep]

This just complicates the deal by trying to tie a civil and military engine from the same core. There’s also a lot of uncertainty in whether that engine will be suitable for a civil plane which has not even been made yet.

India should only concentrate on a military engine only. They should develop a completely brand new engine where we get 100% of the technology, IPR and can manufacture it entirely in India.

 

[FROST]

Better to ask RR to produce the engines in India itself if we have to pay advance. We get fooled by their sweet worthless talks. It is time for us to demand not ask

 

[Pankajrai]

It's a good deal for India. It's better to believe RR than GE . US is not a reliable partner at all . So it's the time to upgrade our knowledge through RR and utilise it in developing Kaveri engine derivatives.

 

[Sanjay Limbani]

RR is out of the race for AMCA engine as Safran has proposed M88 based engine along with CFM Leap engine for Boeing & Airbus civilian aero engine manufacture in India. RR proposal is a me too copycat deal but its too little too late. Safran has almost closed the deal.

Unlike RR, Safran isn't ready to give IPR for the proposed high thrust engine.

RR offer is best but i wonder why people can't see it.

 

[Senapati]

It is a very good offer and we must take it.
We require a 120to140kN thrust jet engine for combat aircraft and using the same core to make a 280kN civil turbofan variant for military transport and civil passenger aircraft for India to become atmanirvar.

 

[defence director]

Didn't we already shake hands with GE for the f414?