Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) launched a development program for a 4,500-pound-class turbofan engine. The project targets unmanned combat aircraft and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) platforms. This initiative belongs to a $500 million government-backed portfolio to establish domestic UAV propulsion capabilities. Development is scheduled for completion by 2029.
The engine features South Korea's first shaft-integrated starter-generator. This system provides 100 kilowatts of onboard electrical power for advanced sensors and electronic warfare. A high-bypass design optimizes fuel efficiency at subsonic speeds. The configuration extends the operational range and station time for autonomous systems.