India's Indigenous Kaveri Engine Program with New Focus on Thrust and Performance

Defense News ,India :-  India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has been making remarkable progress in the development of the indigenous Kaveri engine. As the testing phase of the DRY Kaveri engine approaches, along with the targeted Initial Flight Release Certification later this year, the project stands at a crucial juncture, signaling a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology.

Innovative Developments Propel Forward​

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has commenced receiving newly manufactured modules, marking a significant milestone in the production of the first entirely new DRY Kaveri engine. This shift marks a departure from past practices, which primarily involved modifications of older Kaveri engines for technological demonstration purposes.

A pivotal aspect of the project's progress is the development of a novel afterburner, set to undergo testing on the LCA-Tejas Prototype aircraft. This step is instrumental in securing limited flight clearance, paving the way for further advancements in the program.

GTRE's strategic roadmap includes outlining plans to propose additional funding to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a formal and sustained reinvigoration of the Kaveri program.

Exceptional Performance in Adverse Conditions​

The DRY Kaveri engine, coupled with the new afterburner, is anticipated to yield an impressive thrust output exceeding 80kN. This positions it as a formidable candidate to replace the current F-404 engine utilized in the LCA-Tejas MkIA fighter.

Of particular significance is the Kaveri engine's capability to perform optimally in India's distinct environmental conditions, characterized by hot and humid climates.

In contrast to the F-404 engine, which experiences a potential loss of approximately 10% in thrust output under hot and humid conditions, the Kaveri engine is engineered to maintain consistent thrust levels, ensuring reliable performance even during maximum takeoff weight operations.

Robustness and Adaptability​

The integration of flat-rated characteristics into the Kaveri engine design further enhances its resilience against variations in ambient temperature and high-speed flight conditions.

Demonstrating a dependable dry thrust exceeding 49kN, the engine underscores its suitability for real-world operational scenarios.

Beyond its application in conventional fighter aircraft, the DRY Kaveri engine holds promise as a powerplant for the forthcoming Remotely Piloted Strike Vehicle (RPSV).

With an expected afterburner-equipped thrust output ranging from 80-82kN, the Kaveri engine is poised to drive India's next generation of advanced combat aircraft, showcasing its versatility and potential for multifaceted defense applications.