SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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Despite growing concerns over potential delays in the supply of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace for the Tejas Mk1A program, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has categorically ruled out any plans to replace the engine.
HAL officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that a change of engine would necessitate extensive modifications to the aircraft’s rear fuselage and internal fuel system. This, they warned, could potentially delay the program by over four years. Moreover, any new engine would require rigorous re-validation before production could resume.
Instead, HAL is focusing its efforts on supporting the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in integrating and testing an afterburner section with an older LCA-Tejas trainer aircraft. This initiative aims to certify the Kaveri engine for flight operations within the next three years.
GTRE claims that the current Kaveri engine, generating 73kN with an afterburner, can be further boosted to 80kN without major modifications.
While the decision to stick with the F-404 engine for the Tejas Mk1A might raise eyebrows given the supply chain challenges, HAL’s stance underscores the complexities involved in such a major engine swap. The company is clearly prioritizing the timely delivery of the Tejas Mk1A while simultaneously exploring options for future engine upgrades through the Kaveri program.
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