Safran-GTRE's 110kN Engine for AMCA Will Be Entirely New Design, Not Based on Rafale's M88, GTRE to Retain IPR Ownership

In an exclusive revelation, a senior official from Safran, the French aerospace giant, has confirmed that the upcoming 110kN thrust engine, a collaborative effort with India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, will boast a completely new core design. This new engine will be distinct from the M-88 engines currently powering the Rafale jets.

The Safran official emphasized that the 110kN engine will not share any core components or technology from the M-88. It is being designed from the ground up to specifically meet the unique requirements of the AMCA, underscoring a significant commitment to innovation and ensuring the engine is perfectly tailored to India's 5th-generation fighter jet program.

Addressing the integration of cutting-edge technology, the official revealed that the engine would incorporate some of the advanced technologies that GTRE is keen on exploring, technologies that are also anticipated in 6th-generation aircraft programs. This includes advancements in materials science, propulsion efficiency, and potentially in engine control systems, all aimed at pushing the boundaries of current jet engine capabilities.

Crucially, the Safran representative confirmed that the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the new engine will remain with GTRE. This is a significant step towards India's push for self-reliance in defence technology. Additionally, there will be no export restrictions on the engine, providing India with strategic flexibility in defence exports and future development.

Looking ahead, the Safran official anticipates that GTRE's production partner will receive orders for over 1,000 engines over the coming decades. This substantial number not only reflects the projected needs of the AMCA program but also hints at the engine's potential integration into other Indian fighter jet programs, suggesting a versatile and scalable design.

This partnership between Safran and GTRE holds immense promise for the AMCA program and for India's defence industry as a whole. It showcases India's growing capabilities in developing sophisticated, indigenous aerospace solutions and positions the nation as a key player in the global defence market.

 

[Sudha]

So who is talking about free lunches. We are actually talking about paying through nose for the French tech. We haven’t forgotten Mirage upgrades and Safran offset commitments in Rafale deal.

I do not understand commentators going on about safran offset commitments. First of all the negotiations failed on aero engine. Alternative offset on rafale has been done by safran. Secondly US OEMs have failed to carry out agreed offset clauses on tech. So why are commentators always blabbering about rafale offsets by safran while remaining silent on offsets by US OEMs?

 

[Sudha]

HAL doesn’t make engines. So at least read some more.

Second, HAL has done much better than it’s counterpart Dassault. Dassault took 5 years and over $1.5b (about 7 years back and just the cost of modifications), to deliver 1st Rafale with all of India Specific Enhancements. Well HAL is ready next version of Tejas in 3 years and they are delivering more 36 fully built Tejas in less than $1.5B. So let’s not compare.

First, HAL does assemble aero engines. So at least read some more.Secondly, when India placed its orders, there was a backlog of orders for Rafale with Dassault Aviation (DA), so one can't blame DA for that. DA supplied all 36 Rafale within 2 years of the first delivery, but our "highly highly inefficient" HAL hasn't delivered 40 Tejas Mk1 even after 10 years of the first delivery in 2015. The last press release from HAL was that 8 trainers are ready (but not yet delivered). Even the air chief commented recently that the first order of 40 Tejas Mk1 has not yet been completed. So DA within 2 years vs. HAL not even delivered after 10 years of first induction. As far as the cost is concerned, if one wants a hi-tech plane, then you have to pay for it. FYI, the Indian-specific enhancement was India's requirement, so it is extra work, so one has to pay for it.

 

[Sudha]

It’s not fiction. French engines are generation behind and lot of money will be needed to perfect the engine needed for 5th gen fighters.

GE has the tech so it need not reinvent it with Indian money and won’t share it with India. So realistically French is the best option we got.

One generation behind or not, the IAF has approved the purchase of Rafale. Not even one Rafale has crashed. So the engine does the work it is assigned for. Why cry when the IAF is very happy about the Rafale? Bharat lacks the tech for the hot core, so it is looking at collaboration. Strategically speaking, it is better to collaborate with the French than the blackmailing US. Have you forgotten about the F404? Even with the F414, they are giving only 80%, not the critical hot core. There is no TOT & IP rights, and Bharat isn't allowed to export. Come war, then 20% is held up & Bharat is in deep trouble like how it is with the Tejas Mk1a.

 

[Sudha]

French are more reliable than the US. But they are at least a generation behind in tech. But still half to one generation ahead of Russian tech Let’s see.

If the engine works for what it is manufactured for, why you want to worry about which gen the aero engine is? Latest gen no nation gives it. Even US is handing out F404 & F414 which aren't the latest gen & that too putting various type of restrictions.

 

[Sudha]

BTW, we burnt our fingers with Safran in Rafale offsets. Hopefully we will be cautious.

Why are you going on & on about rafale offsets? DA has completed it unlike the US OEMs.

 

[SivaBalan Kumaravel]

Yes as they will research and conduct tests together

I understand buddy. Safran has vast experience in developing jet engines but what about GTRE...they tried developing a jet engine and thats still in development...so if Safran brings in a complex technology, in what capacity GTRE will cross examine it? Do they have that expertise?

 

[bonito]

No need. Bharat should enhance and use Kaberi engines. It's already testing in Russia with flying colors.

Testing with flying colours? Its testing (FTB) is already pending for 9 months in Russia. We are unable to do anything. Already there is rumors that Russia is trying to sabotage our indigenous fighter production. From where did you get it is tested already?