SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key division under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is reportedly seeking clearance to work on an upgraded Kaveri engine capable of generating 90kN of thrust. This engine, intended for the Tejas Mk1A fighter program and potentially for the Tejas MkII, requires significant advancements, including the development of an entirely new core and substantial funding for the project.
The existing Kaveri engine core can produce a thrust of 46-49kN, which falls short of the requirements for next-generation fighter platforms. To achieve the targeted 90kN thrust, the new Kaveri engine will need to deliver nearly 60kN of thrust in dry power, with afterburners providing the additional boost. Achieving this capability demands the design of a new core that can sustain higher pressure and temperature ratios while maintaining reliability and efficiency.
People associated with the program acknowledge to idrw.org that the task is ambitious and will necessitate a significant infusion of funds and technological collaboration. The proposed engine is expected to leverage lessons learned from the original Kaveri program while incorporating modern advancements in material sciences, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics.
A key feature of the new Kaveri engine is its “flat-bed” design, which minimizes thrust loss across varying flight conditions. This attribute makes it highly adaptable, enabling its use on both the Tejas Mk1A and the larger Tejas MkII fighter, which demands higher thrust for optimal performance.
The timeline for developing this new engine could extend several years, considering the intricacies involved in designing and testing such complex machinery. However, with dedicated funding and strategic partnerships, this could be accelerated.
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