In a major update for the Indian Air Force (IAF), it has been approved purchase of 240 new AL-31FP engines for its Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The cost of this upgrade is Rs 26,000 crore.
The AL-31FP engine is an upgraded version of the AL-31F, specifically designed for the Indian Su-30MKI fighter jet. It has thrust vectoring capability, which allows the engine's exhaust nozzles to pivot, improving the aircraft's maneuverability. This means the Su-30MKI can perform advanced aerial maneuvers that are difficult for other fighter jets.
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The improved engine also features a Full Authority Digital Control (FADEC-type) System, replacing the previous analog hydro-mechanical system. This upgrade offers enhanced acceleration capability and efficiency. The FADEC-type digital control system is a modern technology that has replaced the older analog hydro-mechanical system in engines. This upgrade uses digital controls instead of mechanical components for better performance and reliability.
The Sukhoi Upgrade Program
During a meeting led by Prime Minister Modi, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave the green light for the purchase of these engines. The IAF currently has 259 Su-30 MKI jets, and these new engines will help power and maintain them.
The much-awaited upgrade of the fleet is now underway, with HAL set to initially upgrade 84 jets over a span of 15 years.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari mentioned that the 84 jets will undergo upgrades involving 51 systems, with 78% of the components being made in India. The Su-30s will continue to be a major part of the IAF's fighter fleet for a long time and are expected to remain in service until at least 2055.
Officials from the Ministry of Defence explained that the Sukhoi jets are crucial for the IAF and play a key role in its operations. By acquiring these new engines, the IAF will be able to continue its missions without any disruptions and enhance the country's defense capabilities.
Over the course of a fighter jet's lifespan, which typically lasts 30 to 40 years, its engines are usually replaced 2 to 3 times.
The new engines for the IAF's Su-30 MKI jets will be produced at a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Koraput.
These engines The AL-31FP engines are to be delivered over an eight-year period and will have 54% indigenous content, with the remaining components sourced from Russia.
More Upgrades On The Sukhoi-30MKI
Additionally, the IAF's Su-30 MKI jets are undergoing a Rs 63,000 crore upgrade program. According to previous reports, Russia, as the original equipment manufacturer, will assist in upgrading the fly-by-wire system and integrating various systems.
However, most of the upgrades, such as the radar and avionics, will be developed within India. The Uttam Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be incorporated into the jets as part of this upgrade.
Just six months ago in February, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of RD-33 jet engines worth Rs 5,300 crore for the Mig-29 aircraft in the IAF fleet.
These engines will also be produced at the Koraput facility in partnership with Russia.
Reportedly, the IAF has decided to change its previous approach of buying engines in small quantities, which led to higher costs and lower indigenous content.
By placing larger orders, the cost is significantly reduced compared to smaller orders, and it allows HAL to increase the amount of components made in India in the engines.
Published: 03 Sept 2024, 12:46 pm IST
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