Efforts to indigenise engines on combat platforms are slowly delivering results
Atul Chandra
The Indian Army’s armoured fleet currently comprises of three major Russian platforms in the T-90, T-72 and BMP-II which are powered by the V92S2, V46-6 and UTD-20 engines respectively. The ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict has resulted in a severe spares shortage for these platforms and their engines, which has accelerated efforts to increase indigenisation levels on these platforms and their engines.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on the other hand is currently involved in the design and development of several new engines including two strategic engines—Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE) of 25 kilonewton thrust for powering jet trainers, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), twin engine small fighter aircraft or regional jets and Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE) of 1200 kilonewton thrust for powering light and medium weight helicopters (3.5 to 6.5 tonnes in single/twin engine configuration).
New Engine Development
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) is playing a key role in new engine development for heavy armoured vehicles along with homegrown firms like Ashok Leyland.
In March this year, the ministry of defence (MoD) announced the first engine run of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 horsepower engine for Main Battle Tanks at BEML Limited’s Engine division in their Mysuru complex. The 1500 horsepower 12V, 25,000 cubic capacity diesel engine offers a high power-to-weight ratio, operability in extreme conditions including high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures and desert environments.
Phase II of the project which is now underway will see BEML producing engines for various trials at CVRDE and their integration into actual vehicles for user testing. The effort to develop an indigenous 1500 horsepower engine started in August 2020 and is slated for completion in August 2025.
CVRDE is also designing a new ab-initio 600 horsepower engine for use on future Indian armoured vehicles for which Indian firm, Ashok Leyland, was identified as the development cum production partner. Testing of this new engine commenced in December 2021.
BEML, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) have also partnered together to develop advanced fuelling and control systems for engines for heavy duty applications. ‘By harnessing the latest advancements in engine technology and control systems, the companies aim to extend their domain expertise for development of engine systems which will ensure self-reliance in the field of Combat vehicles,’ the MoD said in a release. The three companies will partner together to leverage indigenous capabilities to design, test and manufacture an advanced fuelling and control system for heavy engines.
Upgraded Endeavour
The T-72’s V46-6 engines have now been largely indigenised with the first such engine handed over to the Indian Army in July 2018 along with a V92S2 engine for the T-90. The indigenisation of these engines has resulted in cost savings of INR 9.75 lakh for each T-72 engine and INR 33 lakh for each T-90 engine manufactured by Engine Factory Avadi. The UTD-20 engines used in the BMP-II are also now 100% indigenised by Engine Factory Avadi. Engine Factory Avadi has also undertaken the indigenous overhaul of the Arjun MBT’s German MTU 1400 horsepower engine.
An important near-term project underway is the upgrade to the mobility of the army’s large fleet of T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT). These tanks have seen their weight increase to 44 tonnes from 41 tonnes due to additions demanded by the army and has resulted in reduced mobility in combat conditions.
Current plans call for 1000 T-72 MBTs to be upgraded with 1000 horsepower engines. The CVRDE has upgraded the T-72s existing 780 horsepower V46-6 engines to 1000. The engines have been upgraded by retaining their core components and replacing only peripheral systems like intake system, exhaust system, cooling and lubrication system.
The uprated engines are being integrated within the existing T-72 vehicle compartment and requires minor modifications. The more powerful 1000 horsepower engine features a higher capacity, more efficient air filtration and compact cooling system. Importantly, several important engine components are now of indigenous origin, including the turbocharger, charge air cooler, water pump, exhaust manifold, oil filter, air filtration system and cooling system.
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