"The development of the engine is not completely finished. We are currently working on material development simultaneously. However, our goal is to fully localize key materials by the time we begin mass production, aiming for an 85% localization rate," said Kim Jong-ho, head of the Advanced Engine Business Team at Hanwha Aerospace, during a visit to the Changwon Plant on July 6. This statement reflects Hanwha's commitment to localizing the materials for two types of unmanned aerial vehicle engines developed with the Defense Science Research Institute using domestic technology.
Upon entering the Changwon Plant, the first thing that catches the eye is the orange engine manufacturing facility contrasting with the green mountains. The phrase on the exterior, "Pioneering the future with new technology and creating sustainable value for tomorrow," evokes the newly unveiled long-life aircraft engine, highlighting the company's growth in independent development capabilities beyond just assembling and producing engines.
The aircraft engines introduced for the first time include a 5,500-pound turbofan engine for low-observable unmanned aerial vehicles and a 1,400-horsepower turboprop engine for medium-altitude drones. While short-life engines have been developed and mass-produced using domestic technology, this marks the first time long-life engines capable of thousands of hours of use have been completed with local technology. These engines have been undergoing ground testing since last month after assembly.
The Changwon Plant is recognized as a hub for domestic aircraft engine development. Hanwha Aerospace is the only specialized aircraft engine company in South Korea and has established the Changwon Plant as a key production base for aircraft engines. Over the past 47 years, Hanwha Aerospace has produced more than 10,000 engines, with 12 types developed or currently under development using proprietary technology.
Looking ahead, Hanwha Aerospace plans to develop larger aircraft engines. Kim Jong-ho emphasized, "We plan to scale up the 5,500-pound engine to develop a 10,000-pound turbofan engine capable of long-duration flight at high altitudes. The advanced 24,000-pound aircraft engine is set to undergo project review from August this year to early next year."
Additionally, in the testing room where the final performance and safety of the engines are evaluated, the 'F404' engine was prominently displayed, ready for testing. The engine features an air intake at the front and an exhaust at the back. It has a maximum output of 18,000 pounds and consumes 300 liters of fuel per minute at peak output. Development engines undergo testing for up to eight hours a day for about two weeks to a month.
Kim Seung-soo, head of the production technology team at Hanwha Aerospace's Changwon Plant, explained, "During testing, the air drawn in is compressed in the engine, and the gases that expand and combust are expelled from the back. The temperature can rise to 1,500°C, so additional air is drawn in at the exhaust side to cool it down."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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