GTRE Nears Completion of 130kN Engine Test Facility to Advance Dry Kaveri and AMCA Engine Development

India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is rapidly advancing its capabilities in aerospace innovation, nearing the completion of its cutting-edge 130kN Twin Engine Test Bed Facility in Rajankunte, Bengaluru. This milestone facility promises to be a game-changer for the country’s indigenous jet engine development programs, including the Dry Kaveri engine and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine.

A State-of-the-Art Test Bed for Advanced Engines

The Rajankunte facility, designed to support engines with thrust levels up to 130kN, is a pivotal investment in India’s defence technology. Its primary objective is to provide a robust platform for rigorous testing and validation of high-performance jet engines. This includes endurance tests, performance evaluations, and iterative modifications, ensuring engines meet stringent operational and reliability standards.

Construction of the facility commenced in September 2023, following consultancy planning in July of the same year. Set to be fully operational by October 2025, this test bed forms part of a broader Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiative to solidify India’s technological self-reliance in aerospace engineering.

Focus on the Dry Kaveri Engine

The Dry Kaveri engine is a non-afterburning variant of the original Kaveri engine, aimed at delivering approximately 46kN of thrust. This engine is primarily designed for applications in unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and potentially other platforms requiring compact, efficient propulsion.

Despite earlier hurdles in meeting performance benchmarks, the new test bed provides a platform for overcoming these challenges. With advanced capabilities for controlled, repeatable testing, GTRE can optimize the engine's thermodynamic efficiency, material durability, and reliability under various operational scenarios.

Boosting AMCA Engine Development

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project, demands a robust engine capable of delivering around 110kN of thrust with afterburning. The Rajankunte facility will serve as the backbone for testing this advanced propulsion system, focusing on its high-altitude, supersonic, and combat endurance capabilities.

Not only will this facility support the AMCA engine's development, but it will also expedite its path to production readiness. Iterative testing cycles facilitated by the test bed are expected to significantly reduce time-to-market and overall development costs.

Strengthening Indigenous Aerospace Capabilities

The 130kN test bed exemplifies India’s strategic vision for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. By creating a dedicated infrastructure for high-thrust jet engine testing, the country can reduce its dependency on foreign technologies while paving the way for future advancements.

Moreover, the facility is likely to foster collaboration with private-sector players and international partners, potentially unlocking new avenues for innovation and production. It also positions India to cater to export opportunities in the global defence market.

A Milestone for Long-Term Innovation

The completion of the Rajankunte test facility is more than just a short-term achievement; it is a foundational step for long-term advancements in aerospace engineering. Beyond supporting the Dry Kaveri and AMCA engines, it offers a versatile platform for next-generation propulsion technologies, including hybrid and advanced turbine systems.

As India strives to position itself as a global leader in defence manufacturing, investments like this test bed are crucial. With its operational timeline set for late 2025, the facility is poised to solidify India’s capabilities in jet engine innovation and set the stage for future technological breakthroughs.