The first prototype of an unmanned aerial vehicle engine developed with domestic technology was unveiled on the 7th. While short-life engines for missiles have been developed with domestic technology, this is the first time that a long-life engine capable of operating for thousands of hours has been developed with homegrown technology. Observers say Korea has taken its first real step toward "self-reliance in aircraft engines."
Hanwha Aerospace on the day held a "launch ceremony for ground testing of the first prototype of a domestically produced long-life aircraft engine" at the Changwon 1 Plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, and showcased a 5,500 lbf (pound-force) class turbofan engine and a 1,400-horsepower turboprop engine. The two engine prototypes were displayed only as models at last year's aerospace and defense industry exhibition, "Seoul ADEX," but the actual engines were shown to the public for the first time on the day. The turbofan has a fan-shaped air intake, while the turboprop has a propeller-type intake.
The prototype engines are entering full-fledged verification procedures starting on the day. Through acceleration and deceleration operations through next year, they will increase engine fatigue and check durability. They must then pass environmental tests to verify normal operation under conditions such as high and low temperatures, vibration, and shock, as well as tests that measure maximum thrust at standstill under various scenarios, before they can be mounted on unmanned aircraft for test flights. The target for test flights is the early 2030s.
The industry is focusing on the 5,500 lbf class turbofan engine. That is because it is the first turbofan engine developed with Korea's own technology. Turbofan engines are considered the core power source for high-speed aircraft such as fighter jets, transport aircraft, and large unmanned aircraft. Until now, Korea had secured engine assembly and maintenance capabilities but relied on foreign companies for core design technology.
This prototype development goes beyond merely securing an engine for unmanned aircraft. It carries significance as a starting point for building an aircraft engine ecosystem in which design, development, production, and maintenance (MRO) are all possible domestically. Hanwha Aerospace began developing a core engine—comprising a high-pressure compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine—in the late 2010s, and after years of research produced a finished goods prototype.
The government and industry plan to pursue development of larger aircraft engines. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) are expected to push this year for a project to develop a 10,000 lbf class turbofan engine for unmanned aircraft. The 10,000 lbf class engine aims to improve fuel efficiency for long-endurance flight at high altitudes. In the long term, they are also targeting development of an advanced 16,000 lbf class (24,000 lbf with afterburner) fighter engine. This is expected to serve as the foundation for domestic production of next-generation fighter jets and various aviation platforms.
Hanwha Aerospace is expanding its aircraft engine business because of market potential. According to an advanced aircraft engine development roadmap released by the military early this year, about 5.5 trillion won will be invested in the development project from this year to 2040. The plan is to invest 3.3 trillion won in engine development, 800 billion won in materials development, and 1.3 trillion won in infrastructure. The project is currently awaiting a program initiation review.
In addition, there are many fighter jets in need of engine replacement domestically. The Air Force's T-50 trainer has been in service for about 30 years. The time is coming to develop a follow-on trainer, and the idea is to build an engine to be mounted on that follow-on trainer. Because fighter engines can also be used on Navy vessels or medium transport aircraft, the potential for derivatives is significant.
Kim Jong-ho, head of the advanced aircraft engine business team at Hanwha Aerospace, said, "We believe we can secure at least about 1,500 engines through the 2060s." Based on this, Hanwha Aerospace aims to stand shoulder to shoulder with the three major aircraft engine corporations—Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and GE.
Hanwha Aerospace is working to secure specialized engine talent. It is known that 30 to 40 students majoring in aircraft engines graduate domestically each year. Since the year before last, Hanwha Aerospace has worked with domestic aerospace research and development universities to expand its research staff from about 150 to 410.