India's LCA Program Abandons Kaveri Engine

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) initiated a project for design and development of an aero-engine in 1989 for requirements of combat aircraft. Since then, a considerable progress has been made in development of aero-engine.

However, full objectives have not been achieved, like desired thrust. Hence, GE-F404 engine has been selected as power plant for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-I.

LCA Mk-II requires a higher thrust class engine, therefore, GE-F414 Engine has been chosen as power plant for LCA Mk-II. Both engines are imported from M/s General Electric, USA.