India’s Pursuit of Indigenous Jet Engines: Challenges and Strategic Imperatives

Context

This editorial is based on the news “India’s jets with India’s jet Engines? Tough ask” which was published in Times of India. Jet engine technology is crucial for air power superiority and strategic defence.

Background: India inked a deal with the US to jointly produce fighter jet engines for IAF. It includes transfer of tech, per the agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and America’s GE, with plans to manufacture GE’s F414 INS6 engine.

• However, it is uncertain when India will develop an indigenous jet engine. 

Mastering the Art of Jet Engine Manufacturing: Challenges, Innovations, and Global Initiatives

• It demands multiple engineering disciplines, from metallurgy to ‘finite element’ mechanical simulations. The more powerful an engine, the greater should be its ability to endure stress and heat.
• Tons of mechanical simulations are needed:  for different parts of the engine, such as turbine, castings, pipes and intakes. Add to that, simulations for fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
• Supply chain requirements: Components need relevant supply chains and foundries to be set up. 

• • Since components must withstand extreme heat and pressure, materials science specialists will be involved in casting blades and other parts.
  • Modern engine fan blades are made from a single piece of titanium alloy. 
  • Nickel-based alloys are used for compressor blades.
  • The combustion chamber and turbine blades (the engine’s hot part) need advanced ceramic thermal coatings. This, reportedly, is part of the transfer of tech for GE’s F414 engine.
• Requirements of Time & funds:  needed to build a jet engine are enormous given the complexities of Jet Engine manufacturing. Therefore, only a handful – US, UK, Russia and France – can independently produce their own jet engines.

India’s Jet Engine Endeavors: Lessons from the Kaveri Project and Future Prospects with GE Tech Transfer

• Kaveri Engine development project: India did have its own Kaveri engine development project. 
  • But it failed to meet the technical requirements for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. 
• Tech transfer from GE: India hopes to leverage technology transfer from the US for the GE F414 engine and aims to develop an aviation ecosystem for future engine development.
  • This will help set up particular lines of production, but core engine tech and source codes may not be as forthcoming. 

Conclusion

The way forward is to create an aviation ecosystem that organically leads to engine development. However, Treating jet engines as key strategic defence tech is only the first step.

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