On April 11, India’s Parliamentary consultative committee on defence visited HAL’s Engine Division hangars in Bangalore as part of an introduction to the company’s facilities, current work and future plans. On display for the visiting group, which includes members of India’s Parliament, was a mock-up Honeywell F125 IN turbofan, under the section “Future Engine Programmes”. The F125 IN, as you know, is on offer as a replacement engine for the IAF’s Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft fleet.
Last year, the Indian government scrapped the Jaguar re-engine effort after Rolls-Royce pulled out, leaving a single-vendor situation — an unviable position in competitive contracting. While HAL has been known to jump the gun before, it is possible that the government is negotiating a foreign military sales (FMS) contract for the new Honeywell engines, and sidestepping another competition. Last year, the IAF had ruled out the proposition of an engine upgrade (which is what Rolls-Royce’s offer effectively was), leaving only Honeywell in the reckoning. I’ll get more details on this.
finally better late than never,
and i think it is a better choice according to there video in your blog
:))))))))))))))
its a night mare to maintain the existing engine control amplifier.its vintage 70-80s technology. its time to move on with new Engine from Honeywell!!! so no anonymous letters to MOD and from anons from pakistan and chicoms and vested interest agents in new delhi….
One dealer in race no options no other choice depleting fleet need more teeth any better suggestions
Since Honeywell engine is the only option now, so notwithstanding the single vendor tender situation, the purchaser shall proceed firmly.
I feel this would be a smart decision. The same engine can be tried on IJT without afterburner and that would make IJT a great trainer.I still believe the mirage upgrade at 41 million a piece is a sheer waste of money and time would tell that at same price a better performing LCA MK2 with a total life span of 20-25 years would be achieved. MiG 29 upgrade is worthwhile and cost effective . I feel lets talk to Israel if they can achieve Mirage upgrade in 10 million then it is worth it or just concentrate of developing the LCA and start a well organized assembly line so that well managed computerized assembly line can be started as quickly as possible and mass production of LCA can begin. I cannot justify the price of LCA paid just for a very old plane with questionable life span.
TIMBAKTOO
It's about time !
Anything is better than nothing. But as someone pointed out, if the cost is the same as buying a new plane there is no sense in upgrading a 40-year old design like the Jaguar no matter how good the utility.
Then again, what are the alternatives? Dedicated strike aircraft are rare on the market these days, its Multi-Role all the way. Perhaps just multiply the MMRCA to replace ALL of our existing Gen 3 and Gen 4 jets and standardize to a LCA, MMRCA, FGFA fleet by 2025. Hmm that might work…
Dump Jaguar re-engine. just buy 40 F-16I with conformal tanks. and some Bunker buster missiles and PGMS from US. It would be far more powerful offensive platform for India.
Either They should get Rolls royce Engine as they are OEM even its thrust is less. or they should buy US made F-16I with avionics for ground attack. which by the way already exists.
Rolls royce Adour MK-821 has better throttle response and less engine wear and tear than F-125
just my opinion