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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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), the Indian defence research body responsible for developing Indigenous jet engines, is actively pursuing a significant leap in India’s defence capabilities. Speaking to idrw.org on the condition of anonymity, a GTRE official revealed that once the Dry Kaveri+ Afterburner section is successfully tested on a flying testbed, GTRE will propose a government funding request for the development of a 90 kN engine. This new engine, an enhanced variant of the current Kaveri engine, is aimed at replacing the F-404 engines on the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets within the next decade.
The primary objective behind this development is to create a new generation of Kaveri engines capable of generating 20-25% more thrust than the existing Dry Kaveri engine. This increase in power will be achieved by refining the core of the Kaveri engine, which is currently under development. Once the enhanced core is validated, it will be coupled with a new afterburner section, enabling the engine to generate 90 kN of thrust, making it a capable replacement for the F-404 engines currently powering the Tejas Mk1A fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) are in advanced discussions to repurpose one of the IAF’s MiG-29UPG fighter jets as a Flying Test-Bed (FTB) for the Kaveri engine program. This move comes as the IAF aims to prolong the operational life of its MiG-29UPG fleet and support indigenous jet engine development.
Originally slated for retirement in 2027, the MiG-29UPG fleet will now remain in service for an additional eight years, extending its operational role within the IAF. However, one older MiG-29UPG will be dedicated to the Kaveri engine testing program, with plans to modify it for engine trials.
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