Kaveri Dry Engine Program

The Kaveri dry engine, an indigenous aircraft engine developed by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization). GTRE is entrusted with the design and development of Kaveri Engine which is low bypass twin spool turbo fan engine of 80 kN thrust class. The engine incorporates flat rated characteristics to mitigate the thrust drop due to high ambient intake temperature and / or high forward speed.

Development and Achievement :

The Kaveri engine, designed and developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), has demonstrated impressive performance metrics. The engine achieved a wet thrust of 70.4 kN and a dry thrust of 46 kN. The core of the Kaveri engine, now stable and free of past issues, has met its dry thrust requirement of 46 kN, although certification is still pending. GTRE has scheduled comprehensive performance and operability tests across the flight envelope at an altitude test facility in 2022, with the initial flight release (IFR) certification expected by 2024. Upon certification of the Dry Kaveri Engine, GTRE plans to develop an upgraded jet engine with a new afterburner. 

Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects :

Godrej has been instrumental in the development of the Kaveri dry engine. On April 17, 2023, Dr. Tessy Thomas, Director General of Aeronautical Systems at DRDO, inaugurated the GTRE Engine Parts Manufacturing facility at Godrej & Boyce. Godrej is tasked with manufacturing all eight modules of six Dry Kaveri engines. The first engine is expected to be delivered by late 2024, with all six engines slated for delivery by August 2025. These engines will undergo further certification processes to establish their airworthiness.

The collaboration between GTRE and Godrej highlights the synergy between different sectors of India's aerospace industry. As the Kaveri dry engine nears certification, it signifies a leap forward in India's quest for self-reliance in advanced aerospace technologies, paving the way for future innovations and capabilities.