Honeywell ‘F-125IN Turbofan’ to power 125 IAF Jaguars

Honeywell ‘F-125IN Turbofan’ engine components

What will happen, if you are adding more components to an existing airframe without correspondingly increasing the engine power? Obviously, this will result in low thrust and other problems.

Jaguars first came to India (18) as a loan from British Royal Air Force (RAF), then 40 came from Warton, another 45 assembled at HAL plants in India so on and so forth. Jaguars participated in IPKF operations in SriLanka (1987-90), 1999 Kargil war etc. As the aircraft become older, India carried out many modernizations, especially in the 90s and in early 2000s. Now it’s the time for engine.

It is believed that with current modifications, Juguars life can be extended up to 2030. Honeywell F-125IN will provide higher thrust and reduce the life cycle maintenance costs. According to Honeywell, engine replacement doesn't need any structural modifications. After Rolls-Royce withdraw from the race, only Honeywell remained in competition for completely re-engine 125 Jaguars. On Monday, Indian Air Force issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for engines to Honeywell.

According to Honeywell, the benefits of using F-125IN Turbofan engines will be,

I. Enhanced mission capabilities:
a. 23% shorter high – hot takeoffs
b. 17-40% higher thrust
c. Greater mission range
d. Faster climbs to 20,000 feet without afterburner
e. 36% extended fuel range
  f. Increased combat survivability – auto re-start after flame out

II. Technical superiority with increased performance:
a. Drop-fit replacement
b. 555 pounds lighter than current aircraft configuration
c. 4,400 pounds greater high – hot takeoff payload
d. Decreased pilot workload, increased safety
e. Increased pilot safety – F124 – F125 has 500,000 hours without a loss of a single aircraft due to engine failure
f. Decreased pilot workload – Engine FADEC, EMS

III Improved reliability and reduced life-cycle costs:
a. Greater time between maintenance
b. 2,000 hours minimum time between overhaul
c. Lower cost maintenance
d. Reduced fuel consumption
e. Rupees 7,000 Crores (US$1.5 billion) in reduced life-cycle costs

Hope that without much time loss, Jaguars will be back on Indian skies.

Sajeev

Reference

1. Honeywell Inc.
2. Wikipedia.

Photo Courtesy: Honeywell Inc.