It is anticipated that the Farnborough Airshow 2024, which runs from July 22 to July 26, will mark a significant milestone for the aerospace industry. One of the eagerly anticipated events is the first public display of Hanwha Aerospace’s revolutionary 15,000lb.-thrust-class turbofan engine. This engine represents a significant leap in South Korea’s technology and aviation capabilities, as it was developed for the country’s KF-21 Boramae fighter fighters
The Significance of the Farnborough Airshow
The Farnborough Airshow is a premier event in the aerospace calendar, attracting industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the world. It serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge aerospace technologies and fostering international collaboration. For Hanwha Aerospace, this event provides an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate their latest advancements and solidify their position in the global aerospace market.
Hanwha Aerospace: A Brief Overview
Hanwha Aerospace is a leading South Korean company specializing in advanced aerospace solutions. With a diverse portfolio that includes fighter jet engines, avionics, satellites, and space launch vehicles, Hanwha Aerospace has been at the forefront of technological innovation. Their participation in the Farnborough Airshow underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology.
Introducing the KF-21 Boramae Fighter Jet
The KF-21 Boramae is a state-of-the-art multirole fighter jet developed by South Korea. Equipped with advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and powerful engines, it is designed to enhance the country’s defense capabilities. The KF-21 can achieve a maximum speed of 2,200 km/h (1,400 mph) and has a combat range of 1,000 km (620 mi), making it a formidable addition to South Korea’s military arsenal.
The 15,000lb.-Thrust-Class Turbofan Engine
One of the most anticipated unveilings at the Farnborough Airshow is Hanwha Aerospace’s new 15,000lb.-thrust-class turbofan engine. This engine is a product of years of technical collaboration with leading global engine manufacturers and is comparable to General Electric’s F414 engine. It is designed to power the KF-21 Boramae and uncrewed combat aircraft, marking a significant achievement in South Korea’s aerospace capabilities.
Development and Collaboration
The development of this advanced engine is part of South Korea’s national defense strategy. Announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in December 2023, the project reflects a broader effort to enhance domestic jet engine technology. Hanwha Aerospace has been at the forefront of this initiative, leveraging its expertise and resources to develop a world-class engine.
New Production Facility in Changwon
To support the production of the 15,000lb.-thrust-class turbofan engine, Hanwha Aerospace is constructing a new 16,530 square meter facility in Changwon. Scheduled to be operational by 2025, this facility will also handle the licensed production of General Electric F414 engines for the KF-21. This investment is part of a broader $3.8 billion initiative by South Korea to bolster its aerospace industry over the next decade.
Recent Contract with DAPA
In June 2024, Hanwha Aerospace secured a significant contract with DAPA to supply engines for the KF-21 Boramae. The $401 million contract includes the delivery of over 40 F414 engines, spare modules, maintenance manuals, and onsite technical support. The engines will be produced under license at Hanwha’s Changwon Plant 1, further strengthening South Korea’s defense capabilities.
Strategic Importance of Local Production
The collaboration between Hanwha Aerospace and General Electric aims to stabilize local production systems, reduce operating costs, and improve combat readiness for the Republic of Korea Air Force. By establishing a robust infrastructure for engine testing and maintenance, Hanwha Aerospace is ensuring that South Korea remains at the cutting edge of aerospace technology.
Milestones in Aero Gas Turbine Engine Production
In April 2024, Hanwha Aerospace celebrated a significant milestone by producing over 10,000 aero gas turbine engines. This achievement underscores the company’s expertise and dedication to advancing aerospace technology. Executive Vice President Kim Won-wook highlighted the company’s efforts in developing an aero turbofan engine using proprietary technology, drawing on their extensive experience and the expanding defense industry in Korea.
Advanced Avionics Systems by Hanwha Systems
In addition to engines, Hanwha Aerospace will showcase advanced avionics systems at the Farnborough Airshow. Hanwha Systems, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, is set to exhibit cutting-edge technologies, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for various combat aircraft. These radars are essential for modern fighter jets, providing enhanced detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities.
AESA Radars for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
In June 2024, Hanwha Systems was selected by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to develop AESA radars for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These radars are designed to enhance UAV capabilities by enabling the detection and tracking of targets across air, land, and sea. The use of air-cooled technology and tile-type transmit-receive blocks (TRBs) reduces the radar’s volume by 50% while maintaining performance.
Expanding Radar Portfolio
Hanwha Systems plans to produce AESA radars specifically for the KF-21 fighter jets, with production set to begin this year. These radars are expected to provide advanced capabilities, including the simultaneous engagement of multiple targets in various environments. Hanwha Systems aims to expand its radar portfolio to include various aircraft models and seeks to export AESA radars to regions such as Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
