SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development, Indian Air Force (IAF) officials have raised concerns over the use of a single-engine LCA-Tejas aircraft as a Flying Test (FTB) for the upcoming Kaveri Afterburner variant, which is being developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The IAF has advised GTRE to avoid testing the engine on older Trainer aircraft of the Tejas aircraft, as the engine is not yet certified for manned platforms.
According to sources familiar with the program told idrw.org, the IAF’s objection stems from the fact that the Kaveri Afterburner variant is still in the early stages of its limited flight testing phase, and using a single-engine aircraft like the Tejas for this purpose poses significant risks. IAF officials have recommended that the engine be tested either on a twin-engine platform, where one engine is a Kaveri and the other a stable, certified engine, or on an unmanned platform to minimize risks during the initial phases of testing.
The Kaveri Afterburner variant is based on the Dry Kaveri engine, which has been developed for India’s future Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), the Ghatak. The Ghatak is an ambitious project aimed at producing a 13-ton stealth platform capable of conducting ground strikes beyond enemy lines. The Dry Kaveri engine has been designed to meet the requirements of the Ghatak UCAV, which does not need an afterburner since it operates without the constraints of supersonic speeds.
The Dry Kaveri engine for the Ghatak has reportedly achieved significant milestones, and the afterburner variant is seen as a logical next step to power future manned aircraft. However, given the complexities involved in testing a high-thrust, after-burning engine, the IAF’s cautious approach reflects the need for rigorous safety protocols and the careful selection of test platforms.
NOTE: Part-II of the Three-Part Series on Flying Test-Beds for the 110kN engine for AMCA and Kaveri Engine
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