New Delhi: CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has unveiled three indigenously developed Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines, marking a step towards strengthening domestic aerospace propulsion capabilities for unmanned defence platforms.
The NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 engines, offering thrust levels of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg respectively, were unveiled at the CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi on August 25.
The propulsion systems have been developed for potential applications in tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone interceptors and compact missile systems.
Three Engines for Different Thrust Requirements
The indigenous engines unveiled by CSIR-NAL include:
- NJ-05: 5 kg thrust
- NJ-50: 50 kg thrust
- NJ-100: 100 kg thrust
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The development focuses on compact gas turbine propulsion systems for India’s emerging UAV and defence aerospace requirements.
Focus on Indigenous Aerospace Propulsion
The unveiling brought together senior representatives from the country’s defence and scientific establishments. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), attended the event as the chief guest.
Dr Abhay A. Pashilkar, Director, CSIR-NAL, highlighted the laboratory’s role in supporting India’s expanding drone ecosystem. He said Indian industry, including aerospace start-ups, has the potential to manufacture such engines at scale for the domestic defence sector.
The CSIR-NAL scientific team, led by Shri R. Prathapanayaka, presented details of the technology behind the engines, including developments in high-RPM turbomachinery and high-temperature combustion.
Technology to Support UAV and Drone Development
The newly developed propulsion systems are intended to contribute to the domestic ecosystem for smaller unmanned and defence platforms.
Their potential applications include:
- Tactical UAVs
- Drone interceptors
- Compact missile systems
- Other platforms requiring miniaturised gas turbine propulsion
The project is also aimed at building domestic capabilities across the design, development and manufacture of compact gas turbine engines.
Strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat in Aerospace
Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, commended the project team and highlighted the significance of developing specialised aerospace subsystems within the country.
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh stressed the strategic importance of developing advanced gas turbine engine technologies domestically, noting their relevance to national security and the technological self-reliance of the Armed Forces.
The development of the NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 adds to India’s efforts to establish an indigenous propulsion ecosystem for UAVs, drones and other defence aerospace applications, while creating opportunities for domestic manufacturing and technology development.
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