(i) All major engine sub-assemblies have been tested for aerodynamicperformance and structural integrity (life & safety) requirementsfrom qualification point of view.
(ii) Critical sub-systems have been developed.
(iii) Full authority Kaveri Digital engine Control System (KADECS) has been designed and developed.
(iv) Various critical technologies in the fields ofinstrumentation/measurement, health monitoring, data acquisition, etc.have been developed.
(v) Twelve materials (Titanium, Steel and super alloys) have been developed and type certified.
(vi) Directionally Solidified (DS) casting technology and hightemperature tip brazing technology for the High Pressure and LowPressure turbine blades & vanes have been developed.
(vii) Adequate manufacturing technology base has been established.
The reasons for the delay in developing the said engine are as follows:
(i) Non-availability of critical materials, viz., nickel and titanium based alloys in the country............The matter is now solved for the news says..................." Twelve materials (Titanium, Steel and super alloys) have been developed and type certified "
(ii) Low priority from foreign manufacturing agencies in view of theMinimum Order Quantity (MOQ) vis-à-vis the production order quantityfrom other engine houses.
(iii) Lack of manufacturing infrastructure for critical components.
(iv) Flying Test Bed (FTB) trials were not originally envisagedbut included subsequently, based on the recommendations ofCertification Agency and IAF.
(v) US sanctions imposed during 1998 affected the delivery of critical systems & components.
(vi) Lack of infrastructure of engine testing and component / systemlevel testing within the country leading to dependency on foreignagencies.
Kaveri engine testing under simulated altitude and forward speedconditions during February 2010 has been successfully completed.Another engine has been integrated with IL-76 aircraft at Gromov FlightResearch Institute (GFRI), Moscow for ground and flight test which isexpected to complete by October 2010 (sic). These two major milestoneswould make 'Kaveri' engine certified for flight operations. Productionsof LCAs are, meanwhile, as decided by user, being fitted with importedengines.
