New Delhi: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has unveiled three indigenously developed micro and small gas turbine engines, with potential applications in tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, drone interceptors and compact missile systems.
The three propulsion systems are the NJ-05 with 5 kg thrust, NJ-50 with 50 kg thrust and NJ-100 with 100 kg thrust. They were unveiled at the SSB Auditorium at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi on August 25.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the engines have been developed to address critical requirements in indigenous defence technologies. Their envisaged applications include tactical UAVs, drone interceptors and compact missile systems.
The CSIR-NAL scientific team, led by R. Prathapanayaka, presented details of the engine development programme. The ministry said advances in high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion technologies enabled the development of the propulsion systems.
CSIR-NAL Director Abhay A. Pashilkar said the laboratory is strengthening its role in India’s growing drone ecosystem. He also highlighted the potential for Indian industry, including aerospace start-ups, to manufacture the engines at scale to meet requirements of the domestic defence sector.
CSIR Director General and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Secretary N. Kalaiselvi said the indigenous development of specialised and critical subsystems marked an important milestone towards self-reliance in aerospace engineering.
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, said indigenous development of advanced gas turbine engine technologies was strategically important for strengthening national security and the technological self-reliance of the Armed Forces.
The development of the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 marks a step towards building domestic capability in the design, development and manufacture of miniaturised gas turbine propulsion systems. The PIB release, however, does not state that the engines have been inducted, ordered for operational deployment or entered mass production.
Read also: Cochin Shipyard delivers third ASW shallow water craft ‘Mangrol’ to Indian Navy
