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Kaveri engine may propel naval ships

NEW DELHI: The Kaveri engine, yet to fit the bill for the Light Combat Aircraft, has now been modified to propel naval ships, sources in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said on Thursday.

A modified naval version of the engine had worked on a test bed and was yet to be proven in a marine environment.

“There is some distance to go but this is a welcome development,” said the sources, adding that the engine could propel destroyers of the Kashin class.

If the engine proves it mettle on the seas, India will become self-reliant in the technology of gas turbines for ship propulsion.

“This will put India in the elite club of marine gas turbine designers such as the U.S., Russia, the U.K. and Ukraine,” said DRDO officials.

Scientists of the DRDO’s Bangalore-based Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) used the core of the Kaveri engine and added low pressure compressor and turbine as a gas generator. They also designed a power turbine to generate shaft power for maritime application.

The Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine (KMGT) was transported to the Naval Dock Yard, Vishakapatnam, and installed on a marine gas turbine test bed.

The Navy has been involved in the development of the engine and is supporting the testing phase. The engine has been tested to its potential of 12 MW at 35 degrees, which is the requirement of the Navy for propelling the Rajput class ships.

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