Ukraine launches production of turbojet engines for drones, missiles and aerial bombs
A Ukrainian-Australian company has begun producing turbojet engines in Ukraine for unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles and guided aerial bombs.
Source: Oboronka, a defence industry project created by Mezha.Media, a technology and IT news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company
Details: The engines were developed by the Australian partners, while the Ukrainian firm invested its own funds in establishing production. The joint venture presented its products at the Brave1 Components exhibition in Kyiv.
For security reasons, Oboronka does not disclose the company's name.
The manufacturer presented two turbojet engines, which are already undergoing flight tests.
The first, smaller engine was designed for interceptor drones. It can carry 10-15 kg and consumes about 350 ml of fuel per minute.
The second, larger model was created for reusable interceptor drones, loitering munitions, small cruise missiles, and as boosters to extend the range of guided aerial bombs.
The joint venture plans to expand the line-up with two more engines – an intermediate model between the existing ones and a larger engine that will increase payload capacity or extend flight range.
The Ukrainian plant is already capable of mass-producing both engine models. The company has purchased equipment and mastered modern production technology.
The Ukrainian plant produces stainless-steel engine casings and combustion chambers. Initially, the combustion chamber consisted of 38 separate components, but with new technology the company can now produce a ready-made unit, significantly speeding up and reducing the cost of production.
All aluminium parts for the engines have also been localised in Ukraine.
Work is currently under way to localise the production of the turbine. For now, it is supplied by several foreign companies, which partly limits engine output.
Two other imported components remain – the control board and the small starter engine that operates for the first 10 seconds to generate airflow and ignite the main unit. The developers are seeking Ukrainian manufacturers willing to produce these parts.
Background: Ukrainian companies The Fourth Law and Odd Systems, founded by Yaroslav Azhniuk, presented a camera for interceptor drones at the Brave1 Components exhibition. The system automatically directs a drone towards an aerial target.
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