Kaveri 2.0 is a next-generation turbofan engine being developed for use in future fighter aircraft.
New Delhi: India’s ambitious project Light Combat Aircraft Mark-2 (LCAMK2) is now going to write a new chapter. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with American engine manufacturer GE Aerospace. Under this, the GEF414 engine that is fitted in fighter planes will be made in India itself. Along with these engines, the American company will also provide adequate Transfer of Technology (ToT) to India. This announcement has been made when the need for advanced fighter jets is being felt in the Indian Air Force after the retirement of MiG-21. At the same time, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has also taken a step forward for the test of jet engines.
What kind of engines will be available for LCAMK1A?
According to a report by Business Standard, this agreement has been reached between HAL and America’s GE Aerospace. Under an earlier agreement with the American company, India got the second GE-404 engine from America in July this year. HAL will install this engine in Tejas LCAMK1A fighter jets. HAL is to get 12 such GE-404 engines by March 2026. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already placed orders for 83 LCA Mark 1A. Apart from this, there is also a proposal to purchase 97 more such fighter jets.
What caused the delay in engine delivery?
India was in need of powerful engines for a long time, but neither America nor capable European countries gave this technology to India. Russia gave engines, but did not give technology. In such a situation, it became very important for India to make its indigenous engine. Now with Kaveri 2.0, India will become self-reliant in terms of engines.
What is DRDO’s plan for making ‘super engine’?
Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), an associate organization of DRDO, has built a facility for the final test of jet engines. The work of building a powerful engine facility at this facility in Bengaluru started in 2023 itself.
GTRE will make a powerful engine of 130 kilonewtons in this facility. It is believed that this engine will be ready in this facility, which will be ready by October 2025.
What kind of engines will be made here?
At present, GTRE has two important projects. One is the dry Kaveri engine. These engines will be prepared for unmanned combat drones. Secondly, another super engine will be made, which will be prepared for the future fifth-generation indigenous fighter aircraft, i.e. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
India is working on dual-engine technology, which will make fighter aircraft more powerful. It is believed that the first trial of the engine will be done by mid-2026. In this, the Kaveri derivative engine, also known as dry Kaveri, will be developed. This engine will be the non-afterburning variant of the original GTX-35VS Kaveri. It has been designed for India’s stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle drone, Ghaatak. Its test was successful in Russia.
Will fifth-generation fighter jets be able to fly using Kaveri 2.0?
Kaveri 2.0 is a next-generation turbofan engine. It is being developed for use in future fighter aircraft, such as fifth and sixth-generation fighter aircraft. The Kaveri 2.0 engine core is designed to generate thrust between 55 and 58 kN. With afterburner (wet thrust), it is expected to achieve more than 90 kN. Kaveri 2.0 will prove to be better than the US-made F-404 (84 kN) and F-414 (98 kN) engines.
