Bangalore: The prestigious Kaveri gas turbine engine development programme, intended to develop a state-of-the-art fighter jet engine for the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme, may finally achieve its goals with one of the engines dispatched to Russia for high-altitude tests. Scientists at the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) have expressed confidence that this time round the Kaveri is likely to meet all expectations.

Earlier tests had failed.

Speaking to reporters at the 23rd convention of aerospace engineers here, GTRE director, T Mohana Rao, said the establishment had overcome all obstacles and one of the engines, had been taken to Russia for high altitude testing. Once it cleared the test, another engine would be shipped subsequently for the flying test, he said.

"Once that's in good shape and a good success, we will be using one more engine for flying test bed trials", Rao said.

On current expectations, the engine should be ready by March or April next year and be in a position for integration in one year's time.

''We are also looking to develop a marine version of the Kaveri engine and the Indian Navy would be our working partners. This includes financial participation,'' he said.

The naval version would be co-designed by the two organisations and it would have low-pressure compressor and turbine.

GTRE was also looking at developing small gas turbine engines for unmanned aircraft.

''We are ready to develop any type of gas turbine engines for the country. There are lots of other projects in the offing,'' Rao added.

He revealed that GTRE's bid to find a joint venture partner was yet to be finalised as final sanction from the government was yet to be received. ''We had shortlisted 'Snecma' of France for the JV, but we have not started the work yet as some government approvals are still pending. Indian Air Force and DRDO would have to approve the JV,'' he said.

Current status

An integral part of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft programme, the Kaveri engine development programme has come so near and yet remained so far from a successful conclusion.

Stuck for a long period of time at an efficiency rate of 90-93 per cent, a last minute surge by GTRE scientists has resulted in the engine once again landing on Russian shores for high altitude testing. Earlier tests had failed.

A team of around 50 GTRE scientists has been stationed in Russia since October to monitor the test, which is being carried out at the Gromov Flight Research Institute outside Moscow.

As far as the GTRE is concerned the Kaveri's development programme is complete, with the engine clearing all performance parameters laid down in 1998 in ground testing. The Moscow tests will confirm whether or not it performs during flight.

These tests have already begun and will continue over a period of 3-4 months.

The reason for the Kaveri's continued failure was two-fold. It turned out to be about 15 per cent heavier than originally planned. The problem was further compounded with the Tejas coming in 500 kilogramme heavier than envisaged. This resulted in a situation where the Tejas would be underpowered if loaded with the Kaveri engine.

Both ends of the problem have been sought to be resolved with foreign experts brought in as consultants for both the engine as well as the fighter.

While it was French Snecma for the engine, it was EADS for the fighter. The JV with Snecma has apparently been just cleared after initial rejection from the Indian Air Force.

The engine, however, appears to have made it to Moscow on the efforts of the GTRE scientists alone. Another month or so should reveal how successful their efforts have been.