Hanwha Aerospace announced on November 13 that it has been selected as the preferred bidder for the "10,000-Pound High Bypass Turbofan Engine Development" project led by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The total project budget is 177.3 billion won, with a development timeline extending until October 2031.
This initiative aims to develop a turbofan engine with a thrust of over 10,000 pounds, intended for use in low-observable reconnaissance drones, utilizing domestic technology. The engine is designed for longevity, capable of operating for thousands of hours, and aims to achieve the highest turbine inlet temperature (TIT) in the country. A higher TIT enhances the engine's thermal efficiency and overall performance.
The project also requires advanced bypass ratio technology. The bypass ratio refers to the ratio of the amount of air drawn into the engine to the amount of air that bypasses the engine. A higher bypass ratio improves propulsion efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, making it suitable for commercial airliners and military reconnaissance aircraft.
Hanwha Aerospace will handle the entire development cycle, from detailed engine design to the production of key components, assembly, and testing of four complete engines. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen its capabilities in aviation engine development.
A representative from Hanwha Aerospace stated, "This project is a significant milestone in enhancing the thrust and performance of domestic aviation engines while securing essential technologies for the phased development of advanced aviation engines. We aim to contribute to the self-reliance of South Korea's aviation engine technology and enhance the competitiveness of the future aviation industry based on our accumulated development capabilities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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