MemCast
MemCast / episode / insight
Kaveri engine was abandoned prematurely despite showing promise
  • Launched in 1986 as part of LCA program
  • Produced thrust but not at desired levels (51 kN vs required 114 kN)
  • Could have been improved incrementally like ISRO's approach
  • Alternative solutions like twin-engine configuration weren't explored
  • Contrasts with China's $40B investment in engine development
SundepanIndia Today00:15:15

Supporting quotes

If you say that the Kaveri wasn't producing adequate thrust, you design an aircraft around that. You design a fighter jet around that, treat it as an R&D program. Sundepan
China has spent something like $40 billion... we haven't spent even half a billion dollars. Sundepan

From this concept

Kaveri Engine Saga

India's 40-year struggle with the Kaveri jet engine program highlights systemic issues in defense R&D management and the consequences of premature program cancellation.

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