Hanwha-ADD, expanding lineup of drone engines with independent technology

Hanwha Aerospace is working with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to expand its drone engine lineup with its own technology. The plan is to preemptively secure core technologies for independent national defense and exports by domestically producing drone engine technology, which is restricted from introducing overseas technologies.

Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 1st that it has signed a contract for the development of the ‘Propeller Propulsion Aircraft Engine Prototype Development and Engine Certification Demonstration Technology’ project hosted by the ADD.

The goal of this project is to develop a 1,400-horsepower turboprop engine prototype with domestic technology to be installed on the next-generation medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (MUAV) by 2028. In preparation for the future airworthiness certification of drones, it also plans to develop engine quality certification and demonstration technology at the level of Initial Flight Permit (IFR).

Due to international regulations such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Export Controls (EL), trade and technology transfer between countries are restricted for drone engines. In addition to the 1,400-horsepower turboprop engine contracted this time, Hanwha Aerospace is participating in various domestically-developed unmanned aircraft engine development projects, including a 5,500-pound turbofan engine and a 10,000-pound turbofan engine, led by the Agency for Defense Development, according to a government plan.

If we secure independent technology for unmanned aircraft engines, we can use it to develop manned fighter jets and civil aircraft engines, and we can improve performance, maintain, and even export them without international sanctions.

In accordance with the government’s mid- to long-term plan, Hanwha Aerospace is also preparing to independently develop a 16,000-pound (24,000-pound afterburner) advanced aircraft engine for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet.

A Hanwha Aerospace official said, “We will independently develop various unmanned aircraft engines with our technology and experience, which is the only one in Korea to possess the full-cycle capabilities of aircraft engines from ‘design-production-certification-MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul)’, and contribute to self-reliant national defense and defense industry exports.”