Kaveri engine achieves 48.5 kN thrust in Russian flight trials

India’s indigenous Kaveri engine has achieved a significant milestone during high-altitude and in-flight trials conducted in Russia. Developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment in Bangalore, the dry, non-afterburning version of the engine reached a peak thrust of 48.5 kilonewtons (kN), surpassing the initial performance target of 46 kN.

The testing was carried out at Russia’s Central Institute of Aviation Motors and the Gromov Flight Research Institute using an Ilyushin Il-76 flying testbed. These trials were designed to evaluate engine behavior under demanding altitude, speed, and ambient pressure conditions to establish performance before airworthiness certification.

This specific derivative of the Kaveri engine is being developed to power the Ghatak, a proposed stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). By utilizing a non-afterburning design, the engine prioritizes fuel efficiency and endurance, which are critical for the tailless, flying-wing combat aircraft intended for deep-strike missions with reduced radar observability.