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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key arm of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has embarked on an innovative project to modify the Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) for air-launch applications. This initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing the versatility and strategic capabilities of India’s indigenous propulsion systems.

The STFE, also known as the Manik engine, has been developed primarily for powering subsonic cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With a thrust rating of around 4.5 kN, this engine has proven its reliability in various tests, including successful flight demonstrations. However, the new challenge at hand involves adapting this engine for air-launch scenarios, which require unique modifications in terms of fuel management, thrust control, and operational resilience under differing atmospheric conditions.

Central to this adaptation is the modification of the engine’s Fuel Control Unit (FCU). The FCU is critical for regulating fuel flow to match the engine’s demand, ensuring optimal performance under varying loads and conditions. For air-launch applications, where the engine might experience different environmental pressures and temperatures, the FCU must be recalibrated:

  • Enhanced Fuel Flow Dynamics: The FCU needs to manage fuel delivery with precision during the critical phase of air launch, where rapid changes in altitude and speed can occur. This involves ensuring the engine can quickly adjust to maintain stable combustion and thrust output.
  • Temperature and Pressure Compensation: Air launch from various altitudes demands that the FCU can compensate for changes in air density and temperature, maintaining efficiency and preventing engine stall or overheating.
  • Durability for Multiple Launches: The system must be robust enough to withstand repeated launches and recoveries, a scenario not typically encountered in-ground or ship-based launches.

This project is not just about adapting an engine for a new role; it’s about expanding India’s defence technology footprint. An STFE capable of air launch could be pivotal for deploying cruise missiles from aerial platforms, adding a strategic layer to India’s military operations, including potential use in stand-off capabilities and rapid response scenarios.

Furthermore, the successful modification of the STFE could pave the way for more indigenous projects, reducing reliance on foreign technology for critical military hardware. This would align with India’s vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign.

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