SOURCE: AFI
BrahMos Aerospace has been entrusted with the development of a new afterburner section for the Dry Kaveri engine, a project aimed at showcasing its ability to generate an impressive 80kN of thrust. The advanced afterburner, designed entirely from scratch, is a pivotal step in optimizing the engine’s performance for potential applications in advanced fighter aircraft.
The new afterburner section is designed to deliver 29kN of additional thrust when engaged, enhancing the engine’s power significantly. This development aligns with ongoing efforts to refine the Dry Kaveri engine, which is a non-afterburning variant of the Kaveri engine family originally conceived by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO.
BrahMos Aerospace developed the afterburner section entirely from the ground up, incorporating advanced materials and engineering techniques to withstand high thermal and mechanical stresses based on the new design of the GTRE.
The additional 29kN thrust capacity ensures that the Dry Kaveri engine achieves its target of 80kN, making it competitive with its international counterparts. The afterburner will be integrated into the Dry Kaveri engine for rigorous testing to validate performance and reliability under operational conditions.
The development of this afterburner is part of India’s broader efforts to achieve self-reliance in critical aerospace technologies. Once proven, the enhanced Dry Kaveri engine could serve as a potential powerplant for indigenous platforms such as UAVs, future fighter aircraft, or even advanced cruise missiles.
Traditionally known for its supersonic cruise missiles, BrahMos Aerospace’s foray into engine technology underscores its expanding role in India’s defence ecosystem. The collaboration between BrahMos Aerospace, GTRE, and other stakeholders signals a robust approach to overcoming technical challenges and advancing indigenous capabilities.