Session: 01-09 Modelling, Simulation and Validation I

Paper Number: 151828

A Ground-Based Test Facility for Turboprop/Turboshaft Engine Development in Hanwha Aerospace 

A Ground-Based Test Facility for Turboprop/Turboshaft Engine Development in Hanwha Aerospace

This paper describes Hanwha Aerospace's (HAS) recently renovated ground-based engine test facility and how it could serve in the development of our proprietary turboprop and turboshaft engines. Since its beginning in the aviation engine business in 1979, HAS has been at the forefront of Korea's advanced turbo-machinery industry, which includes engine license production, overhaul, engine parts/modules manufacture and export, and worldwide joint aircraft engine research. HAS also has a Risk and Revenue Sharing Program (RSP) agreement with global aircraft engine manufacturers for joint development.

HAS has manufactured and supplied most gas turbine engines for the South Korean military, including gas turbine engines for guided weapons, auxiliary power units (APU) for helicopters and armored vehicles, and power generation. In 2024, the company completed the production of 10,000 units of aviation gas turbine engines, including General Electric Aerospace's F404 engine. HAS plans to leverage this experience to develop a proprietary Korean turbofan engine in the 15,000 lbf class by the 2030s, similar to the F414 engine used in the Korean fighter jet KF-21. The company is committed to designing and manufacturing its range of gas turbine engines, including turboprop engines.

British European Airways introduced turboprop engines into commercial airline service in the 1950s with the Vickers Viscount, an airframe powered by four Rolls Royce Dart engines. Turboprop engines have rapidly increased market share because of their lower noise and vibration levels than piston-powered aircraft. However, the cruising speed limits of turboprop engines have resulted in a reduction in their utilization, with jet engines taking the lead in the long-haul aircraft market. Since then, turboprop engines have mostly been used in the short-haul aviation market, or in applications such as military transport aircraft that require low-speed, low-noise levels operation. However, in recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the importance of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This has led to a global research effort aimed at improving the energy efficiency and flight speed of turboprop engines used in UAS. There is also a growing demand for developing a new generation of modern turboprop engines. Additionally, turboprop engines have recently received increased attention in aviation as part of a global effort to minimize carbon dioxide emissions.

HAS has ground-based test facilities for the development of several kinds of gas turbine engines including a recently renovated turboprop/turboshaft engine test facility. The turboprop engine test facility contains several critical components, including the test cell, instrumentation and control console, engine preparation room, mechanical and electrical room, test facility ancillary system, water supply and closed-loop cooling system for water brake, fuel supply system, and air storage/supply system. The facility also has specialized test equipment such as a thrust stand, shaft engine test stand, dynamometer, engine adapters, data acquisition system (DAS), fuel measuring system, oil measuring system, engine start air, and shop air. Recent enhancements have improved its ability to develop and test turboprop/turboshaft engines, playing a key role in developing Korean turboprop engines.

Presenting Author: Sungmo Yang Hanwha Aerospace

Presenting Author Biography: In February 2024, I received my Ph.D. in Hypersonic Aerothermodynamic Test from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). After finishing the program, I joined Hanwha Aerospace in May 2024 and have been actively involved in engine testing and development projects.

Authors:

Sungmo Yang Hanwha Aerospace
Taehun Lee Hanwha Aerospace
Hyuncheol Koo Hanwha Aerospace
Doohwan Yu Hanwha Aerospace
Youngju Chun Hanwha Aerospace
Seongkook Kim Hanwha Aerospace