Aviation

General Electric Ready to Develop New Engine for India’s 5th Gen AMCA

India's AMCA parts to be printed on 3D machines

In a significant development for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, General Electric (GE) Aerospace CEO Amy Gowder has announced the company’s willingness to design and build a clean-slate engine specifically for the fighter jet’s AMCA MkII variant. This marks a crucial step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in high-thrust engine technology, elevating its aeronautical capabilities.

Gowder emphasized that the technology transfer to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would surpass previous partnerships, with options for exporting engines and components from India.

The collaboration between GE and HAL began with a memorandum of understanding signed in Washington, involving the production of 99 F414 engines for India’s light combat aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-2 program. With an estimated value of around $1 billion, the deal encompasses an impressive 80% transfer of technology (ToT). covering crucial aspects such as coating for the hot end of the engine, crystal blades, and laser drilling technology.

These engines are intended to power the Mk2 version of the Light Combat Aircraft and initial batches of the AMCA. GE’s involvement in the joint production aims to bridge a technology gap, lay the groundwork for larger jet engine development, and potentially open doors for exports.

As the process of manufacturing GE Aviation’s F414 INS6 engines in India is underway, Gowder outlined plans to formalize the agreement with HAL and the government, with co-production set to commence this year.

This announcement aligns with India’s decision to initially acquire two squadrons of AMCA MkI jets equipped with the F414 INS6, followed by the AMCA MkII variant featuring a high-thrust engine capable of generating 110-120kN of thrust. Successfully achieving this goal not only enhances India’s air dominance but also positions the nation as a major player in the global aerospace market.

The AMCA necessitates a significantly more robust engine, especially following the completion of final testing. Given the stealth features incorporated into the aircraft, its overall capacity is greatly dependent on both the engine and avionics technology.

The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) will feature a modern cockpit with a large touchscreen display for easy interaction, a vertical multi-function display, and a holographic head-up display for the pilot. The design includes a hands-on throttle-and-stick setup, with the right hand on the stick and the left hand on the throttle, to make it easier for the pilot to control.

As of February 2023, the DRDO has finished designing the AMCA and is now awaiting a “Critical Design Review,” which is a detailed technical evaluation to ensure that the aircraft system is ready for manufacturing, testing, and meets performance requirements.

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.