SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s aerospace ambitions, Rolls-Royce officials have confirmed that the 110kN engine proposed for co-development with India under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program will be an entirely distinct design, separate from the one the company is crafting for its 6th-generation fighter jet program. Speaking exclusively to idrw.org, a Rolls-Royce representative clarified that this engine will be a ground-up creation tailored specifically for India’s needs, with full Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) retained by India. While it may incorporate some technological advancements being explored for 6th-generation platforms, the engine’s technical architecture and thrust parameters will diverge significantly from those intended for Rolls-Royce’s next-generation fighter jet initiatives.
The AMCA, India’s flagship 5.5-generation stealth fighter project led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), demands a propulsion system capable of delivering exceptional performance—supercruise, stealth optimization, and enhanced maneuverability. Rolls-Royce’s offer of a 110kN thrust engine aligns with these requirements, promising a powerplant designed from scratch to meet the AMCA’s unique specifications. Unlike derivative engines based on existing designs, this “clean-slate” approach ensures that the engine is purpose-built for India’s strategic and operational context.
The official emphasized that the engine’s thrust parameters—pegged at 110kN wet thrust with potential scalability to 120-130kN in future variants—differ markedly from those of the 6th-generation engine Rolls-Royce is developing for programs like the UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The GCAP engine, expected to leverage adaptive cycle technology for variable thrust and efficiency, targets a different performance envelope suited to the futuristic demands of 6th-generation fighters, such as directed-energy weapons and extreme stealth. In contrast, the AMCA engine prioritizes a balance of power, reliability, and adaptability for a 5.5-generation platform, while laying a foundation for India’s long-term aerospace goals.
A standout feature of Rolls-Royce’s proposal is the complete transfer of Intellectual Property Rights to India. This assurance, reiterated by the official to idrw.org, positions India to own the engine’s design, production processes, and future upgrades outright—a critical step toward achieving self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Unlike past collaborations where IPR remained with foreign partners, this deal empowers India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and domestic industry to modify, scale, or even export the engine without external constraints.
This ownership extends beyond mere manufacturing rights. Rolls-Royce has committed to sharing both the “know-how” and “know-why” of the engine’s technology, equipping Indian engineers with the knowledge to innovate independently. Such a transfer could catalyze the development of an indigenous aerospace ecosystem, potentially supporting future programs like the Tejas Mk2, Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), or even a bespoke 6th-generation jet.
While the AMCA engine will be distinct from Rolls-Royce’s 6th-generation offering, the official hinted at a selective infusion of cutting-edge technologies under development for the latter. These could include advanced materials for thermal management, improved fuel efficiency systems, or next-generation nozzle designs to reduce infrared signatures—features that enhance stealth and performance without requiring the full adaptive cycle architecture of a 6th-generation engine. However, the official was clear: “Technically and in thrust parameters, they are totally different beasts.”
The 110kN engine is designed with a dry thrust of approximately 75kN, enabling supercruise capability—sustained supersonic flight without afterburners—a hallmark of modern fighters. Its modular design, another potential carryover from Rolls-Royce’s advanced research, would facilitate maintenance and upgrades, ensuring the AMCA remains competitive throughout its service life. By contrast, the 6th-generation engine, likely exceeding 130kN and incorporating variable cycle capabilities, targets a broader operational spectrum, including powering unmanned systems and energy-intensive weapons.
Rolls-Royce’s offer comes amid intense competition from France’s Safran and the U.S.’s General Electric (GE), both vying to partner with India on the AMCA engine. Safran has pitched a 110-120kN engine with full technology transfer, leveraging its experience with the Rafale’s M88, while GE offers a derivative of the F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE). Rolls-Royce’s emphasis on a bespoke design and complete IPR sets it apart, appealing to India’s desire for autonomy and long-term strategic flexibility.
The AMCA, slated for its first flight by 2029-30 and induction by 2035, will initially fly with GE F414 engines (98kN thrust) for its Mk1 variant. The co-developed 110kN engine, expected to power the Mk2 variant, represents a leap forward, aligning with DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat’s vision of a propulsion system that could evolve into a 6th-generation-capable core. Rolls-Royce’s ground-up approach ensures this scalability, potentially bridging the gap between the AMCA and India’s future fighter ambitions without locking it into a foreign-dominated technology pipeline.
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