[quote name='sai_k' date='03 January 2010 - 11:39 PM' timestamp='1262541683' post='103294']
It is a positive sign that we have a parliament okay for Kaveri help. But what is not sure is that what GTRE gains with this French help, as nothing is clear from the op-ed abstract disjoint reports.[/quote]
When Su-30MKI deal was expanded to IIRC 180 crafts, there was engine know-how that was also part of the deal. Something that HAL/GTRE never took a bit to eat, and left it on the table what was paid for. That engine would have given enough metallurgical and disign information/insight to fix Kaveri, but no one bothered to use it.
So IMHO the issue is also what is it that GTRE can absorb? and if French engine has design elements that are close to Kaveri core, in which case GTRE team can build on jet engine knowhow for LCA interim solution using a bastardized engine (seed of french core), and jump on the next generation required to power not just MCA but smaller compact engines required for drones and armed drones.
IMHO after the MCA and FGFA there will not be a need for manned fighter, and the heavy lifting will be done bu small/medium sized UCAV.
While EJ200 is a good engine bed, the key question is if GTRE/HAL will again be biting too much than what ti can chew. I do not know if Kavari core is more in line with the design concept of EJ200 versus French engine.
However amongst other consideration, tieing strategic choices for the two programs MRCA and LCA is eminently desirable. Also because engine is a big cost as well a key know how/spare/inventory issue for IAF user.
IMVHO MRCA should be split between Mig-31 & Rafael, (must definitely exclude F16/F18); the key question then is what is of value out there that will make India tip over and chose EJ-Typhoon versus Rafael?
If India chooses Rafael, then I think GTRE deal with French is correct, if India OTOH chooses Typhoon, then EJ200 will be right thing to power LCA-Mk2.
It is a positive sign that we have a parliament okay for Kaveri help. But what is not sure is that what GTRE gains with this French help, as nothing is clear from the op-ed abstract disjoint reports.[/quote]
When Su-30MKI deal was expanded to IIRC 180 crafts, there was engine know-how that was also part of the deal. Something that HAL/GTRE never took a bit to eat, and left it on the table what was paid for. That engine would have given enough metallurgical and disign information/insight to fix Kaveri, but no one bothered to use it.
So IMHO the issue is also what is it that GTRE can absorb? and if French engine has design elements that are close to Kaveri core, in which case GTRE team can build on jet engine knowhow for LCA interim solution using a bastardized engine (seed of french core), and jump on the next generation required to power not just MCA but smaller compact engines required for drones and armed drones.
IMHO after the MCA and FGFA there will not be a need for manned fighter, and the heavy lifting will be done bu small/medium sized UCAV.
Quote:Going from other news that relates to the specifications drawn specifically from GE-F414 and EJ200, and both these engines were highlighted in various reports about the possibilities of getting into Tejas for first two squadrons, and perhaps seeing a brighter future for MRCA as well.
There was also a report that IAF agreeing to F404-IN for the first squadron.
We need emphatic information as to:
1. What did IAF froze on the engine specifications ? or it is still dilly-dallying?
2. If Snecma, then there are no reports yet that this is a joint venture rather just a plan to keep the M88-ECO core for Kaveri as the interim solution. They are willing to sell ECO technology at high price is what I read.
3. Offers from EJ200 was very promising for both MRCA and LCA. Why IAF and MoD not considering EADS offer for engines is a surprise.. However I do see french has solutions, but nothing promising in the offer that enables india-genization in the near or distant future.
Homemade Kaveri, and without any help from any firang is the only answer seems correct now.
While EJ200 is a good engine bed, the key question is if GTRE/HAL will again be biting too much than what ti can chew. I do not know if Kavari core is more in line with the design concept of EJ200 versus French engine.
However amongst other consideration, tieing strategic choices for the two programs MRCA and LCA is eminently desirable. Also because engine is a big cost as well a key know how/spare/inventory issue for IAF user.
IMVHO MRCA should be split between Mig-31 & Rafael, (must definitely exclude F16/F18); the key question then is what is of value out there that will make India tip over and chose EJ-Typhoon versus Rafael?
If India chooses Rafael, then I think GTRE deal with French is correct, if India OTOH chooses Typhoon, then EJ200 will be right thing to power LCA-Mk2.