– Accelerating the Development of Core Propulsion Technologies to Lead the Era of More Electric Aircraft
– Laying the Foundation for Independent Dual-Use Engine Development and Strengthening the Domestic Aviation Propulsion Ecosystem
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA, Administrator Taeseog Oh) announced that it held a joint kick-off meeting for the “Next-Generation Dual-Use Aviation Engine and Propulsion System Development Project” on Tuesday, May 26. This milestone marks the official commencement of Korea's first development of a dual-use turbofan engine and hybrid propulsion system, aimed at securing next-generation core technologies in the domestic civil aviation sector.
The joint kick-off meeting was chaired by Changheon Han, Director General of the Aeronautics Innovation Directorate at KASA. It brought together experts from R&D institutions, participating companies, and related entities to conduct in-depth discussions on project implementation strategies and inter-agency cooperation frameworks.
With the overarching goal of securing national strategic technologies in the fields of advanced mobility and aviation, a total budget of approximately 90 billion won will be invested over a four-year period (2026-2029) into the two newly launched projects. The key details are as follows:
1. Development of Core Technologies for High-Bypass Turbofan Engines for Electrified Aircraft
Key Objective: To secure South Korea's first-ever 4,500 lbf-class dual-use aviation gas turbine engine model, adaptable to More Electric Aircraft (MEA) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that require high electrical power output.
Core Tasks: High-bypass ratio fan/booster and combustor testing technologies; design and manufacturing technologies for rotor-integrated Integrated Starter-Generators (ISGs).
2. Advanced Development of Core Technologies for Electric-Turbine Hybrid Propulsion Systems
Key Objective: To develop electric-turbine hybrid propulsion system technologies for next-generation future mobility, alongside their core components: a 500 kW-class turbo generator and a 300 kW-class redundant electric engine (motor/inverter).
Core Tasks: System integrated design, analysis, and ground test rig construction; Development of high-efficiency turbo generators; Development of redundant electric engines (motors and inverters).
Through the “Development of High-Bypass Turbofan Engines for Electrified Aircraft” project, KASA is embarking on a mission to secure the nation's first-ever dual-use aviation engine model (4,500 lbf-class), a milestone that will mark a major turning point in South Korea’s aerospace history. Moving beyond simple component manufacturing, this initiative is expected to serve as a decisive stepping stone for Korea to leap into a global aviation powerhouse by establishing independent engine system integration capabilities.
Alongside engine localization, the “Electric-Turbine Hybrid Propulsion System Development” project, designed to lead the eco-friendly aviation era, was highlighted as a strategic asset that will determine market leadership in future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). KASA plans to secure the core driving force of the future aviation industry by systematically supporting domestic companies—spanning from core technology development to ground performance validation—thereby enabling them to transform into vital partners within the Global Value Chain (GVC).
Experts attending the kick-off meeting agreed that the localization of aviation engines and propulsion technologies is a paramount task for shifting the domestic aviation industry toward high-value-added structures. They pledged to solidify a collaborative ecosystem to ensure that research outcomes translate into practical business models and strengthened global market competitiveness.
Changheon Han, Director General of the Aeronautics Innovation Directorate at KASA, stated, “High-bypass turbofan engines and hybrid propulsion systems are strategic technologies that will dictate core competitiveness in the next-generation aviation sector.” He added, “We will consolidate domestic capabilities to internalize these critical technologies and leave no stone unturned in project management to ensure we secure a leading edge on the global stage.”