Hanwha showcases aviation engine prototype at U.K. airshow

[Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace Co.]

South Korea’s Hanwha Group is making waves at the Farnborough Airshow, one of the world’s top three aviation exhibitions, by unveiling a prototype of its independently developed advanced aviation engine.

Hanwha Aerospace announced on Monday that it would participate in the Farnborough Airshow, which runs until July 26th, 2024, near London, United Kingdom. Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems have set up an integrated exhibition booth spanning nearly 200 square meters.

The spotlight of Hanwha Aerospace’s display is the prototype of an advanced aviation engine developed in collaboration with the Korean government. This engine is designed to be integrated into KF-21 fighter jets and unmanned combat aircraft, targeting a thrust class exceeding 15,000 pounds-force (lbf). The domestically developed turbofan engine aims to undergo test development by 2029, with plans to complete production and certification by 2037.

Since launching its aircraft engine maintenance business in 1979, Hanwha Aerospace has produced around 9,800 engines over 40 years. Notable engines include those for the KF-16 and F-15K fighter jets, the T-50 advanced trainer, and the Surion Korean utility helicopter.

Hanwha Aerospace is also developing the KF-21, a 4.5-gen fighter jet, and plans to develop its advanced aviation engine. Although still in the early stages compared to the 22,000 lbf thrust F414-400K engine by GE, which powers the KF-21, Hanwha aims to refine its technology to compete with neighboring countries.

Aviation engine technology is a strategic asset tied directly to national security, with only a handful of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Ukraine, and China, possessing the know-how. Currently, only the United States, China, Russia, and France can equip their domestically developed fighter jets with indigenous engines. Korea has relied on imports and licensed production but is pushing for domestic production to enhance national security and performance.

Securing engine technology offers significant economic benefits. An industry expert noted, “The technology and data accumulated from developing fighter jet engines can be applied to drone engines, space rocket engines, and other areas like hydrogen liquefaction and maritime and helicopter technologies.”

The cost of developing advanced aviation engines is estimated to be between 5 to 6 trillion won ($4.32 billion), but the economic impact post-development could reach 37 trillion won annually. The global aviation engine market is expected to expand to around 150 trillion won by 2029.

Hanwha Systems also showcased its indigenously developed AESA radar, which secured an export contract with global defense company Leonardo in May 2024. The company plans to aggressively target the global market with various AESA radar systems suitable for light attack aircraft, drones, and small aircraft.

It will unveil advanced avionic equipment for aircraft survival, energy storage systems (ESS) for eco-friendly aircraft, hydrogen fuel cells, and electromechanical actuators (EMA), demonstrating its comprehensive capabilities accumulated over 40 years in the aviation sector.