Indian Air Force: News & Discussions

[Spitfire IX]

GE F414 Length: 391cm
GE F414 Width 89 cm

Eurojet EJ200 Length: 398 cm
Eurojet EJ200 Width: 74 cm

The Eurofighter project needed an engine. Eurojet was set up, tasked with designing an engine whose thrust could be increased (a) by 20% - EJ220 (b) by 30% - EJ230. It is a shame that 10-15 years ago India did not make a contract with Eurojet to develop the EJ220 or EJ230. Nominally those would have produced 108kN or 117 kN thrust and would have suited the power requirements of Tejas Mk2 through to AMCA.

Nothing concrete has appeared from 10 years talking to GE, SAFRAN and RR about creating an engine suitable for AMCA. Might it be time to talk to Eurojet? Since the EJ200 was designed with an increase in thrust in mind, a more powerful engine might be designed, built and tested in years less time and at lesser cost than an engine from the OEM's mentioned.

PS I spotted a report claiming that SAAB is interested in offering Gripen E with EJ230, presumably to avoid the US blocking Gripen E exports


View: https://youtu.be/kInuoc_hO1M

 

[midnight]

GE F414 Length: 391cm
GE F414 Width 89 cm

Eurojet EJ200 Length: 398 cm
Eurojet EJ200 Width: 74 cm

The Eurofighter project needed an engine. Eurojet was set up, tasked with designing an engine whose thrust could be increased (a) by 20% - EJ220 (b) by 30% - EJ230. It is a shame that 10-15 years ago India did not make a contract with Eurojet to develop the EJ220 or EJ230. Nominally those would have produced 108kN or 117 kN thrust and would have suited the power requirements of Tejas Mk2 through to AMCA.

Nothing concrete has appeared from 10 years talking to GE, SAFRAN and RR about creating an engine suitable for AMCA. Might it be time to talk to Eurojet? Since the EJ200 was designed with an increase in thrust in mind, a more powerful engine might be designed, built and tested in years less time and at lesser cost than an engine from the OEM's mentioned.

PS I spotted a report claiming that SAAB is interested in offering Gripen E with EJ230, presumably to avoid the US blocking Gripen E exports


View: https://youtu.be/kInuoc_hO1M

I personally want the 114 aircraft to be the Boeing eagle 2 since their 6th gen is a Boeing aircraft and will share equipment with the eagle 2 for India. I am sure the pilots from India have flow the eagle during exercises and are not completely out of touch.

We already have ge engines for Tejas, we also have the Boeing ah64, c17, ch47, p8i, lockheed c130 and american engines for the navy to name a few.

So about American strings attached to the equipment is already put to rest. So I think India can trust the US with operating the imported equipment as per their choice from them.

 

[Spitfire IX]

I personally want the 114 aircraft to be the Boeing eagle 2 since their 6th gen is a Boeing aircraft and will share equipment with the eagle 2 for India. I am sure the pilots from India have flow the eagle during exercises and are not completely out of touch.

We already have ge engines for Tejas, we also have the Boeing ah64, c17, ch47, p8i, lockheed c130 and american engines for the navy to name a few.

So about American strings attached to the equipment is already put to rest. So I think India can trust the US with operating the imported equipment as per their choice from them.

I was talking principally about finally arranging a 110 kN engine for AMCA.

 

[midnight]

I was talking principally about finally arranging a 110 kN engine for AMCA.

It's too late for that since the IAFs operate old and new, French and American equipment. Having Eurojet 230 for example will be a nightmare since GE and Safran already have engines lined-up. AMCA is already designed around GE 414s. As for mk 2 and beyond, we are working with Safran and maybe GE for the 110 KN.

 

[Spitfire IX]

It's too late for that since the IAFs operate old and new, French and American equipment. Having Eurojet 230 for example will be a nightmare since GE and Safran already have engines lined-up. AMCA is already designed around GE 414s. As for mk 2 and beyond, we are working with Safran and maybe GE for the 110 KN.

EJ200 is 4 cm longer than F414 but narrower, so EJ230 should fit AMCA without much redesign.

idrw.org, indiandefenceupdates today report that RR has been selected in preference to SAFRAN or GE to create a new engine for AMCA. If India and RR can agree the details, a contract can be signed (UK government has authorised the proposed deal)